In a world brimming with streaming services, selecting where to watch next can feel overwhelming. That’s where free trials come in—they’re like test drives for your next favorite show. Below, we’ve curated 10 top streaming platforms that offer free trials (or equivalent offers) globally or in many regions, along with tips on how to maximise each trial, how to cancel safely, and things to watch out for (such as region restrictions). Plus, if you prefer skipping the trial route and just subscribing straight away, there’s a handy section at the end with purchase options.
🎬 Why Free Trials Matter
Free trials allow you to:
- Explore a service’s library risk-free.
- Test video quality, app stability, platform usability, device compatibility.
- Cancel before being charged if it’s not for you.
- Stack one trial after another, if you time them well, and binge-watch smarter.
But be aware: many free trials apply only to new subscribers in each region, and some services have reduced or removed trials over time. Amazon UK+4A Good Movie To Watch+4The Spool+4 Always check terms and set a reminder to cancel if you don’t want to continue.
Top 10 Free-Trial Streaming Platforms
1. Amazon Prime Video
What you get: A 30-day free trial for new members in many regions. TechRadar+2Business Insider+2
Why it’s good:
- Huge catalogue of movies, TV series, originals (e.g., “The Boys”, “The Wheel of Time”).
- Available in (according to one source) “over 200 countries” (with some local differences). TechRadar+1
- Works on many devices (smart TVs, mobile, web, console).
What to watch out for: The trial is usually for a full Prime membership (not just video), which may include shipping/other perks depending on region. You’ll need a valid payment method and set a reminder to cancel if you don’t want to continue.
Tip: Use the free month to watch flagship originals + explore local content in your region.
2. Hulu
What you get: Offers a free trial (30-day) for certain plans (UK/US) according to recent checklists. A Good Movie To Watch+1
Why it’s good:
- Strong for current TV episodes, originals (e.g., “The Bear”).
- Add-ons for live-TV, but those trials may be shorter.
What to watch out for: Hulu is more US-centric; international availability may be limited and terms vary. Also, some trial lengths may differ depending on plan or promotion.
3. MUBI
What you get: 7-day free trial globally (in many markets) for film lovers. MUBI
Why it’s good:
- Curated selection of international cinema, classics, independent films.
- Good for film fans looking for something “different”.
What to watch out for: Library rotates rapidly; 7 days is short so you’ll want to dive in quickly.
4. BritBox
What you get: Free trial (often 7 days) in many of its international markets (US, Canada, Australia, Nordic countries) for new subscribers. Wikipedia
Why it’s good:
- Strong catalogue of British TV series (BBC, ITV, Channel 4) and originals.
- Available in multiple countries.
What to watch out for: The available shows differ by region; you may see different content depending on your country.
5. Rakuten TV
What you get: A VOD/streaming service widely available across Europe and parts of Asia, with trial/promotional offers. Wikipedia
Why it’s good:
- Offers a wide regional reach and a mix of films/series.
What to watch out for: The “trial” may be tied to specific promotions or regions; catalogue varies by country.
6. Apple TV+
What you get: Although free lay-trial offers used to be more common, they are now sporadic/promotional. According to “what streaming services offer free trials” lists, Apple TV+ appears with 7-day trials in some markets. Decider
Why it’s good:
- High-quality Apple originals (e.g., “Ted Lasso”, “Severance”).
- Typically usable worldwide where Apple TV+ is supported.
What to watch out for: Not always a standard ongoing free trial—may be promotional only.
7. Paramount+
What you get: Some free trials (7-day or 30-day) depending on region/promotions. Listed among services still offering trials today. A Good Movie To Watch
Why it’s good:
- Combines CBS/Paramount+ originals, Nickelodeon, MTV, live sports in some regions.
What to watch out for: The library and trial offer vary widely by region (US vs UK vs other). Check local terms.
8. Disney +
What you get: Unfortunately, no standard free trial in many markets. For example, one source states “there isn’t a 7-day free trial anymore” in the US/UK. The Spool+1
Why it’s still worth noting:
- Huge catalogue (Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic) and available in many countries.
What to watch out for: If you see a free trial “through bundle or mobile carrier offer”, you may still qualify—but as a standalone, trial may not exist. Always check region.
Tip: If no trial is available in your region, wait for bundle or carrier deal (often 1-3 months free).
9. DAZN
What you get: A sports-streaming service offering free ad-supported tier in many regions (though the traditional full free trial was discontinued). TechRadar
Why it’s good:
- For sports fans: live/archived boxing, NFL, soccer, etc depending on region.
What to watch out for: Full paid trial may no longer apply; free “lite” tier may be ad-supported and limited. Also heavily region-locked.
Tip: If you’re trying out for a specific sport or event, use the free tier or check if they offer a trial timed with an event.
10. YouTube TV
What you get: In US only (so not truly “worldwide”), a free trial for its live-TV package. YouTube TV
Why mention it:
- If you are in a supported country and accessing via VPN or travel, you might benefit.
What to watch out for: Region-locked, and the trial lengths vary.
Note: Since you asked “worldwide”, some services above are more global than YouTube TV, but it’s included for completeness.
📝 Tips to Make Every Free Trial Work for You
- Check your region first: Free trial length and availability differ by country/region.
- Use a new email/payment method: Many trials are only for “new subscribers” or those who haven’t used a trial in the past 12 months.
- Set a reminder to cancel: Mark your calendar or phone reminder for the day before the trial ends so you’re not charged unexpectedly.
- Explore the content quickly: For shorter trials (7 days) you’ll need to dive in fast. For longer trials (30 days) plan what you’ll watch.
- Prioritise your must-watch list: Make a list of shows/movies you want to binge during the trial so you get maximum value.
- Check for device compatibility and streaming quality: Some services offer ultra-HD only on premium plans, others have regional restrictions on downloads.
- Watch out for auto-renew & price changes: Some services increase price or change plan tiers—cancelling before renewal is the only safe way to avoid surprise charges. The Guardian
- Consider stack-hopping: One tactic: sign up for service A’s trial, cancel, then service B’s trial, etc. Just ensure compliance with terms of service for each.
- Use your trial to evaluate: Ask yourself: Is the catalogue strong for you? Are you discovering new shows you care about? Is the interface stable? If yes, maybe convert to paid.
- Privacy and payment method safety: Use secure payment methods and check cancellation terms.
🛒 If You Prefer to Buy
If you’re ready to subscribe or upgrade rather than try a free trial, here are options you can consider. These don’t rely on a free trial and are available for purchase/subscription—useful if you find a service you really like and want to commit.
- Amazon Prime Video – Standard paid after 30-day trial (or directly subscribe). TechRadar+1
- Hulu – Paid plans, including ad-supported or ad-free.
- MUBI – Paid plans after trial.
- BritBox – Monthly subscription in supported markets.
- Rakuten TV – Paid subscription/rental model.
- Apple TV+ – Paid subscription.
- Paramount+ – Paid subscription.
- Disney+ – Paid plans (ad-supported tier, ad-free tier, bundle options) Business Insider+1
- DAZN – Paid sports streaming plans in markets offering full access.
- YouTube TV – Paid live-TV streaming subscription.
When buying/subscribing:
- Choose the plan that fits your budget (ad-supported vs ad-free).
- Consider annual subscriptions if available (often cheaper per month).
- Look out for bundle deals (e.g., Disney+ with Hulu/ESPN, mobile-carrier offers).
- Check if family/member sharing is included (multiple devices/streams).
- Reassess periodically: if you’re not using it, cancel.
✅ Final Thoughts
Free trials are powerful tools in your streaming toolkit. They give you free access, let you test quality, content and experience—and allow you to decide whether a service is worth the monthly fee.
Remember: always check your region’s terms, set cancellation reminders, and use the time wisely.