The Best Netflix Alternatives With Free Trials in 2025

Navigating the world of streaming services can be a challenge, especially with Netflix's ever-increasing prices. The rise of exclusive content makes choosing a replacement difficult. Netflix, once a simple mail-order service, now produces thousands of hours of original programming available only on its platform, a trend mirrored by competitors. This makes choosing between Netflix and alternatives more complex than ever.

Fortunately, many popular Netflix alternatives offer free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings without financial commitment. While their original content libraries may not match Netflix's vastness, they provide excellent choices. These trials let you test the waters before committing to a switch.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

A strong Netflix contender, Hulu consistently produces high-quality original content. It's the exclusive home for shows like Shōgun, new Futurama episodes, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Hulu boasts award-winning originals and a wide selection of films. The 30-day trial offers ample time to explore its extensive library. Subscription options range from $7.99 to over $100 a month, depending on add-ons like live TV and premium channels (ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, etc.). Note that live TV options reduce the free trial to three days.

Alternatively, Hulu offers excellent bundles. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle costs $16.99/month (or $29.99 ad-free), providing access to extensive content. A Disney+ and Hulu bundle is also available for $10.99/month.

Read our review of Hulu or check out all of the Hulu bundles available.

Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial)

Amazon Prime, a well-known streaming service, provides a generous 30-day trial. It produces high-quality, arthouse films and series, with an original catalog rivaling Netflix's. After the trial, the monthly cost is $14.99 ($139 annually), including Amazon shopping benefits. A student discount of $7.49/month ($69 annually) is also available. Prime Video exclusively streams shows like the Fallout series and Rings of Power.

Read our review of Prime Video.

Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial)

For anime fans, Crunchyroll offers a compelling option. While it has three paid tiers ($7.99/month to $14.99/month), it also streams some anime for free. Crunchyroll provides premium access to new episodes shortly after their Japanese release, surpassing Netflix's anime offerings. For example, while Netflix has four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll has all six and offers season seven and Demon Slayer season four.

Read our review of Crunchyroll.

Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Apple TV+ is a rising star in streaming, known for its exclusive, critically acclaimed original shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies (Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, Napoleon). After a 7-day trial, the monthly subscription is $9.99 (pricing may vary with additional users). Note that an Apple ID is required.

Read our review of Apple TV+.

Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Paramount+ offers a selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to the Mission: Impossible films, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. New content is regularly added. After the 7-day trial, the monthly cost is $4.99 (with ads) or $11.99 (ad-free with SHOWTIME). Paramount+ will also be the streaming home for Sonic 3.

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

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

DirecTV Stream offers a streaming service with a short 5-day trial, including live TV. Three packages, priced from $79.99 to $119.99 per month, offer add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax) for the first three months. A good option if you need 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?

While some Netflix content might be available elsewhere, original Netflix shows and movies require a subscription. Netflix does not offer a free trial but provides various subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.

You can check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices for more info.