In today's ever-evolving world of streaming services, choosing the right platform can feel like a daunting task, especially with Netflix announcing yet another price hike. From its origins as a DVD rental service, Netflix has grown into a powerhouse of entertainment, producing thousands of hours of exclusive original content. This trend has been mirrored by other platforms, each boasting their own exclusive libraries, making the decision to stick with Netflix or explore alternatives more challenging than ever.

Fortunately, many popular alternatives to Netflix offer free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings without financial commitment. Although these services may not yet match Netflix's extensive original content library, they provide compelling content and a chance to test the waters before making a switch.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

Hulu is an excellent starting point for those seeking an alternative to Netflix. Known for its high-quality, original programming, Hulu is the exclusive home to shows like Shōgun, new Futurama episodes, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Its library boasts a mix of award-winning series and well-known films, making it a treasure trove of entertainment. The 30-day free trial provides ample time to explore, after which various subscription options are available, ranging from $7.99 to over $100 monthly, depending on whether you include live TV or premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that the trial shortens to three days if live TV is included.

For those looking to bypass the trial, Hulu offers compelling streaming bundles, such as the Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle for $16.99 a month, providing access to an extensive content catalog. Alternatively, the Hulu and Disney+ bundle is available 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 with its 30-day free trial, offering ample time to delve into its robust catalog of high-quality, arthouse films and series. The Amazon Prime Originals rival Netflix's offerings, making it a strong contender in the streaming wars. Post-trial, the subscription costs $14.99 monthly (or $139 yearly), with a student discount at $7.49 monthly (or $69 yearly). Notably, Prime Video is the only platform to watch exclusive 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 offers an unbeatable proposition with its 14-day free trial. With three membership tiers ($7.99 to $14.99 monthly), Crunchyroll provides access to a vast selection of anime, including free streaming options. While Netflix has a solid anime lineup, Crunchyroll offers all the latest and greatest from Japan, including full access to series like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer, which are not fully available on Netflix.

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 emerged as a formidable player in the streaming industry with its exclusive, critically acclaimed original series and films such as Ted Lasso, Severance, and Killers of the Flower Moon. The 7-day free trial gives you a taste of what Apple TV+ offers, with a subscription cost of $9.99 monthly post-trial. Note that an Apple ID is required to access the service, even if you don't own Apple products.

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 diverse range of original content, including the Mission Impossible series, Halo, and the entire Star Trek universe. With new releases regularly added, Paramount+ is steadily catching up to its competitors. The 7-day free trial allows you to explore its offerings, after which you can subscribe for as low as $4.99 monthly (or $59.99 yearly) with limited ads, or $11.99 monthly (or $119.99 yearly) for an ad-free experience with SHOWTIME. Paramount+ is also the exclusive home for Sonic-related content, 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)

DirecTV Stream, traditionally known for satellite TV, also offers a streaming service with a 5-day free trial. This service provides access to movies, series, and live TV, with premium content included in the first three months of subscription. Subscription packages range from $79.99 to $119.99 monthly, making it a viable 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 exclusively available to subscribers. Unlike other services, Netflix does not offer a free trial, but provides multiple subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 monthly. For more details, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.