In the era of streaming services dominating the entertainment industry, choosing the right platform can be a daunting task. With Netflix recently announcing another price hike, many subscribers are exploring alternative services to find their next favorite show or movie. Since its inception as a DVD rental service, Netflix has evolved into a powerhouse of original content, boasting thousands of hours of exclusive programming that can't be found anywhere else. This trend has been followed by other streaming platforms, each offering their own unique libraries that require a subscription to access, making the decision between sticking with Netflix or switching to another service more challenging than ever.

Fortunately, many of Netflix's competitors offer free trials, allowing you to sample their content before committing to a subscription. While these services may not yet match Netflix's extensive original content library, they still provide a wealth of quality programming. Here's a look at some popular alternatives and their free trial offers:

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free#### Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

Hulu is a strong contender for those seeking a Netflix alternative, offering a robust selection of original content that rivals Netflix's quality. It's the exclusive home to acclaimed series like Shōgun, new episodes of Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Hulu's library is packed with award-winning shows and well-known films, making its original content a topic of conversation. With a generous 30-day free trial, you can explore Hulu's vast offerings before choosing from a range of subscription plans starting at $7.99 per month, up to over $100 per month for packages that include live TV and premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that the free trial is reduced to three days if you opt for live TV.

For those looking to bypass the free trial, Hulu offers some of the best streaming bundles available. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle is available for just $16.99 a month, providing access to a vast array of content. Alternatively, you can bundle Hulu with Disney+ 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 is a well-known contender in the streaming wars, offering a 30-day free trial to explore its offerings. Known for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, Amazon Prime's original content catalog is a strong competitor to Netflix's. After the trial, a subscription costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, with a student discount available at $7.49 per month or $69 per year. Prime Video is the exclusive platform for 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 deal with a 14-day free trial. With three membership tiers ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 per month, Crunchyroll also provides a significant amount of free content. While Netflix has some excellent anime, Crunchyroll boasts the world's best anime collection, including access to new episodes shortly after their release in Japan. For instance, while Netflix has only four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll offers all six seasons and is the exclusive platform for new episodes of season 7 and Demon Slayer season 4.

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 wars, offering exclusive, highly acclaimed original shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air, Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, and Napoleon. After a 7-day free trial, the subscription costs $9.99 per month, with pricing varying based on the number of users added to the account. Note that a verified Apple ID is required to access the premium content, 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 solid selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to the Mission Impossible series, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With new content regularly added, Paramount+ is quickly catching up to its competitors. After a 7-day free trial, subscription plans start at $4.99 per month (or $59.99 per year) with limited ads, or $11.99 per month (or $119.99 per year) for an ad-free experience with SHOWTIME's full library. Paramount+ is also the home of all things Sonic, including future streaming of Sonic 3 after its theatrical run.

Read our review of Paramount+ or learn more about the Paramount+ free trial.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

While DirecTV is often associated with satellite TV, its streaming service, DirecTV Stream, offers a 5-day free trial. This service provides a wide range of movies, series, and live TV streaming. Subscribers can choose from three packages priced between $79.99 and $119.99 per month, with premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included for the first three months. DirecTV Stream is a solid 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 not available without a paid subscription. Unlike some competitors, Netflix does not offer a free trial, but it does provide multiple subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month. For more information, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.