Netflix Alternatives: Free Trials Unveiled in 2025

Choosing a streaming service in today's saturated market can be challenging, especially with Netflix's recent price hike. Netflix, once a simple mail-order service, now produces a vast library of exclusive original content. This trend of exclusivity has made choosing between services increasingly difficult.

Fortunately, many Netflix alternatives offer free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings before committing. While their original content libraries may not match Netflix's scale, they offer compelling options. These free trials provide a risk-free way to test the waters before potentially cancelling your Netflix subscription.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial):

Hulu consistently delivers high-quality original programming rivaling Netflix. Exclusive shows like Shōgun, Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale are compelling reasons to consider it. Hulu offers various subscription tiers, ranging from $7.99 to over $100 per month, depending on add-ons like live TV and premium channels (ESPN+, Cinemax, etc.). Note that the free trial is reduced to three days if you include live TV. Hulu also offers attractive bundles with Disney+ and Max.

Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial):

Amazon Prime Video, included with an Amazon Prime membership, boasts a 30-day trial. Known for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, its original content rivals Netflix's. After the trial, the monthly cost is $14.99 ($139 annually), with student discounts available. Exclusives like the Fallout series and Rings of Power are significant draws.

Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial):

Crunchyroll is a must-have for anime fans. Offering various membership tiers ($7.99-$14.99/month), it also streams some 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, known for its exclusive, critically acclaimed 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 varies based on users). Note that an Apple ID is required.

Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial):

Paramount+ offers a solid 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 rapidly expanding. After a 7-day trial, subscriptions start at $4.99/month (with ads) or $11.99/month (ad-free with SHOWTIME). It will also be the streaming home for Sonic 3.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial):

DirecTV Stream offers a streaming service with a short 5-day trial. It includes live TV, movies, and series. Subscription packages range from $79.99 to $119.99/month, with add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, etc.) included for the first three months.

Netflix Without a Subscription:

Unfortunately, Netflix's original content is only accessible with a paid subscription. Netflix offers various subscription tiers, ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.