The Best Netflix Alternatives With Free Trials in 2025

Explore Netflix Alternatives: Free Trials & Streaming Options

The entertainment landscape is dominated by streaming services, and choosing just one can be challenging, especially with Netflix's recent price hike. Netflix, once a mail-order service, now boasts a massive library of exclusive original content. However, competitors have followed suit, creating a complex choice between Netflix and other platforms.

Fortunately, many popular alternatives offer free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings without financial commitment. While their original content libraries might not match Netflix's scale, they provide compelling alternatives. These trials let you test the waters before potentially canceling Netflix.

Option Comparison:

Below is a comparison of several popular Netflix alternatives, highlighting their free trial durations and key features:

1. Hulu (30-Day Free Trial):

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. After the 30-day trial (reduced to 3 days with live TV), various subscription tiers range from $7.99 to over $100 per month, depending on add-ons like live TV and premium channels (ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, etc.). Hulu also offers attractive bundles with Disney+ and Max.

2. Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial):

Amazon Prime, a well-established service, provides a generous 30-day trial. It's known for high-quality, arthouse films and series. After the trial, the monthly cost is $14.99 ($139 annually), including Amazon shopping benefits. Student discounts are available. Exclusive shows like The Fallout series and Rings of Power are significant draws.

3. Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial):

Crunchyroll caters to anime fans, offering various membership tiers ($7.99/mo to $14.99/mo). It provides access to new anime episodes shortly after their Japanese release. Its extensive library surpasses Netflix's anime selection, offering complete seasons of shows like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer.

4. 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). After the 7-day trial, the monthly subscription is $9.99 (base price, varying with users). An Apple ID is required.

5. Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial):

Paramount+ offers original shows and movies, including exclusive access to Mission Impossible films, the Halo series, and the Star Trek universe. Subscription costs range from $4.99/month (limited ads) to $11.99/month (ad-free with SHOWTIME).

6. DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial):

DirecTV Stream provides a streaming service with a short 5-day trial, offering live TV and various movies and series. Subscription packages range from $79.99 to $119.99 per month, with add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax) included for the first 3 months.

Netflix Without a Subscription:

Netflix's original content is unavailable without a paid subscription, which ranges from $6.99 to $22.99 per month. No free trial is offered.

This overview provides a starting point for exploring Netflix alternatives. Each service offers unique strengths, and the free trials allow you to determine the best fit for your viewing preferences.