In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services, choosing just one can be a daunting task, especially with Netflix's recent price hike prompting many to explore alternatives. Starting as a DVD rental service, Netflix has transformed into a powerhouse of original content, exclusive to its platform. This trend has been emulated by other streaming services, each boasting their own unique libraries that are only accessible through their subscriptions, making the choice between Netflix and its competitors increasingly complex.

Fortunately, many popular alternatives to Netflix provide free trial periods, allowing you to sample their offerings without any financial commitment. While these services may not yet match Netflix’s extensive original content library, they offer compelling content and the trials are a great way to test the waters before deciding to cancel Netflix for good.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

If you're looking for a Netflix alternative, Hulu is a stellar starting point. It boasts a robust collection of original content that rivals Netflix’s, including exclusive series like Shōgun, new Futurama episodes, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Hulu’s library is brimming with award-winning originals and renowned cinema, making its content well worth exploring. With a generous 30-day trial, you can dive into Hulu’s vast offerings before choosing from a range of subscription options starting at $7.99 a month, up to just over $100 a month for packages that include live TV and premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that the free trial is reduced to just three days if you opt for live TV.

For those who want to bypass the trial, Hulu offers some of the best streaming bundles on the market. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle is available for just $16.99 a month, providing a massive content library. Alternatively, you can bundle Hulu with Disney+ for $10.99 a month.

### Get the Disney+, Hulu, Max Streaming Bundle

27$16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free.See it at HuluRead our review of Hulu or check out all of the Hulu bundles available.

Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial)

### 30 Days Free Amazon Prime Free Trial

45Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime subscription.See it at Amazon

Amazon Prime stands out as a comprehensive streaming service, offering a 30-day free trial to explore its extensive catalog. Known for its high-quality arthouse films and series, Amazon Prime’s Originals are on par with Netflix's offerings. After the trial, you can continue with a subscription for $14.99 a month (or $139.00 a year), which also includes free shipping on Amazon purchases. Students can enjoy a discounted rate of $7.49 a month (or $69 a year). Prime Video is the exclusive home to series like Fallout and Rings of Power.

Read our review of Prime Video.

Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial)

### 14 Days Free Crunchyroll Free Trial

80See it at Crunchyroll

For anime enthusiasts, Crunchyroll is an unmatched resource with a 14-day free trial. With three membership tiers ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 a month, Crunchyroll also offers a significant selection of free content. While Netflix does stream some anime, Crunchyroll provides access to the best anime worldwide, including new episodes shortly after their release in Japan. For instance, while Netflix has only four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll has all six seasons and is the only place to watch new episodes of season 7 or Demon Slayer season 4.

Read our review of Crunchyroll.

Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial)

### 7 Days Free Apple TV+ Free Trial

20See it at Apple

Apple TV+ has quickly become a formidable contender in the streaming wars, offering a 7-day free trial. It features critically acclaimed original shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Masters of the Air, along with standout movies like Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, and Napoleon. Post-trial, the subscription costs $9.99 per month, though non-Apple product users will need to create a verified Apple ID to access its content.

Read our review of Apple TV+.

Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial)

### 7 Days Free Paramount+ Free Trial

109Includes a 7-day free trial.See it at Paramount+

Paramount+ offers a compelling selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to the Mission Impossible series, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With a 7-day free trial, you can explore its growing library, which is steadily catching up to competitors like Netflix. After the trial, you can subscribe for as low as $4.99 a month (or $59.99 a year) with limited ads, or $11.99 a month (or $119.99 a year) for an ad-free experience with SHOWTIME’s full library. Paramount+ is also the exclusive home for all things Sonic, including future releases like Sonic 3.

Read our review of Paramount+ or learn more about the Paramount+ free trial.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

While DirecTV is often associated with satellite TV, its streaming service, DirecTV Stream, offers a 5-day free trial. It provides a diverse selection of movies, series, and live TV streaming. With three packages priced from $79.99 to $119.99 a month, subscribers can enjoy premium add-on services like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax for the first three months. This makes DirecTV Stream a robust option for those seeking a live TV alternative to Netflix.

See our guide on how to get the DirecTV Stream free trial.

Can You Watch Netflix Without a Paid Subscription?

Unfortunately, Netflix’s original content is only available with a paid subscription. Netflix does not offer a free trial, but it provides various subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 a month. For more details, you can explore our guide to Netflix plans and prices.