Exploring Netflix Alternatives: Free Trials and Streaming Options
With Netflix price hikes, many are seeking alternatives. While Netflix boasts extensive original content, the rise of exclusive content across various platforms makes choosing a replacement challenging. Fortunately, many strong competitors offer free trials, allowing you to explore their libraries before committing. While their original content catalogs may not match Netflix's breadth, they offer compelling options.
Do you currently have a Netflix subscription?
AnswerSee ResultsHere are some popular Netflix alternatives with free trials:
Hulu (30-Day Free Trial):
Hulu consistently delivers high-quality original content, including exclusives like Shōgun, Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Its 30-day trial (reduced to 3 days with live TV) offers a comprehensive look at its extensive library. Subscription options range from $7.99 to over $100 per month, depending on add-ons like live TV and premium channels (ESPN+, Cinemax, 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, provides a 30-day trial. It's known for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, rivaling Netflix's original content. After the trial, it costs $14.99/month ($139/year) or a discounted student rate of $7.49/month ($69/year). Exclusives include The Fallout series and Rings of Power.
Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial):
A haven for anime fans, Crunchyroll offers a 14-day trial. While offering various membership tiers ($7.99-$14.99/month), it also streams some anime for free. Its key advantage is access to new episodes shortly after their Japanese release. It boasts complete series like My Hero Academia (all 6 seasons) and Demon Slayer (season 4), exceeding Netflix's offerings.
Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial):
Apple TV+ features exclusive, critically acclaimed shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies (Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, Napoleon). Its 7-day trial provides a taste of its growing library. The monthly subscription is $9.99 (base price, varies with users). Requires an Apple ID.
Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial):
Paramount+ offers a diverse selection of original shows and movies, including exclusives like Mission: Impossible films, Halo, and the Star Trek universe. Its 7-day trial provides a sampling of its expanding content. Monthly subscriptions start at $4.99 (limited ads) or $11.99 (ad-free with SHOWTIME). It will eventually stream Sonic 3.
DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial):
DirecTV Stream offers a 5-day trial for its streaming service, including live TV, movies, and series. Three packages range from $79.99 to $119.99/month, with add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, etc.) included for the first 3 months. A viable option for live TV alternatives to Netflix.
Netflix Without a Subscription:
Original Netflix content is unavailable without a paid subscription. Netflix offers various plans ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.
