The Best Netflix Alternatives With Free Trials in 2025

Navigating the Streaming Wars: Top Netflix Alternatives with Free Trials

The entertainment landscape is dominated by streaming services, and choosing just one can be challenging, especially with Netflix's recent price hikes. Many are seeking alternatives offering comparable content without the escalating costs. While Netflix boasts a massive library of original content exclusive to its platform, competitors are catching up, offering compelling alternatives with the added benefit of free trials. This allows you to explore their offerings before committing.

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Here are some popular Netflix alternatives offering free trials:

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial, 3-day trial with Live TV)

Hulu consistently delivers high-quality original content rivaling Netflix. Exclusive shows like Shōgun, Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale are compelling reasons to consider it. The 30-day trial (reduced to 3 days with Live TV) provides ample time to explore its extensive library. Subscription options range from $7.99/month to over $100/month depending on add-ons like live TV and premium channels (ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, etc.). Bundling options with Disney+ and Max are also available.

Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial)

Amazon Prime Video, included with an Amazon Prime subscription, offers a generous 30-day trial. Known for its high-quality arthouse films and series, its original content library is a strong competitor to Netflix's. After the trial, the monthly cost is $14.99 ($139 annually), with student discounts available. Exclusive shows like the Fallout series and Rings of Power are significant draws.

Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial)

For anime enthusiasts, Crunchyroll is a top contender. While offering three paid tiers ($7.99/mo to $14.99/mo), it also streams a significant amount of anime for free. Its access to the latest Japanese anime, often shortly after their initial release, surpasses Netflix's anime offerings. It's the place to watch complete seasons of shows like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer.

Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Apple TV+ is a rising star, emphasizing exclusive, critically acclaimed original shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies (Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, Napoleon). The 7-day trial allows you to sample its high-quality content. After the trial, the monthly subscription is $9.99 (pricing may vary based on users). Note: an Apple ID is required.

Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Paramount+ offers a diverse selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to franchises like Mission Impossible, Halo, and the Star Trek universe. Its original content library is expanding rapidly. The 7-day trial leads to monthly subscriptions starting at $4.99 (with ads) or $11.99 (ad-free with SHOWTIME). It will also be the streaming home for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

DirecTV Stream offers a streaming service with a short 5-day free trial, including live TV and various movies and series. Three packages are available, ranging from $79.99 to $119.99 per month, with add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax) included for the first three months.

Netflix Without a Subscription?

Unfortunately, Netflix's original content is only accessible with a paid subscription. They do not offer a free trial, but multiple subscription tiers are available, ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.

This overview provides a starting point for exploring Netflix alternatives. Remember to cancel any free trials before they automatically convert to paid subscriptions.