In a streaming world dominated by Netflix, you might feel like you’re stuck with the same few platforms and the same old content. But good news: there are smarter, cheaper, and often overlooked alternatives with free trials you can use to test-drive before you commit. Whether you’re craving indie cinema, British TV, niche genres or big-budget originals, this guide lists the top services, what they offer, how to get the free trial and what to watch out for. Then, if you’re ready to subscribe instead of trial, there’s a “If You Prefer to Buy” section with paid-subscription options for you.
Why Explore Netflix Alternatives?
There are several compelling reasons to try alternatives to Netflix:
- Content diversity: Some services specialise in indie films, foreign series, classics, or niche genres that Netflix may skip.
- Better value or user fit: If you don’t watch mainstream content, you could save money.
- Free trial leverage: Use trials to binge a series or film catalogue and then cancel if it’s not for you.
- Avoid “all-in” fatigue: If you’re already paying for one big service, adding another may not make sense unless you’re sure you’ll use it.
- Library rotation & region differences: The streaming libraries vary by region and change over time. Having alternatives gives you flexibility.
What To Know Before You Start A Free Trial
Before hitting “Start free trial”, keep these tips in mind:
- Region availability: Many services’ libraries and even trial offers differ by country. Always check your region.
- New-customer only: Most trials apply only to accounts that haven’t subscribed before.
- Calendar reminder: Set a reminder the day before your trial ends so you don’t forget and get charged.
- Payment method required: Many will require a valid credit/debit card—even if you intend to cancel.
- Explore quickly: Especially for short trials (7–14 days), plan what to watch in advance.
- Plan your device usage: Check if you can stream on your devices, download offline, etc.
- Cancel if not converting: If not going to subscribe, cancel before the trial ends.
- Stacking strategy: You can sign up, cancel, move to another service’s trial, and avoid overlap.
Top Netflix Alternatives with Free Trials
Here are some standout streaming services that offer free trials (or very short/no-commitment offers) and function as valid alternatives to Netflix.
1. Hulu
Free trial length: Typically 30 days for new/eligible subscribers (in supported regions). A Good Movie To Watch+2Hulu+2
Why it’s a solid Netflix alternative:
- Strong catalogue of current-TV episodes, hit originals, and classic series.
- Good add-ons for live TV in some markets.
- If you’re in one of the regions where Hulu is available, it offers fresh content and is more “TV-series” focused.
Watch-outs: Region limited (primarily US); some content may still require add-ons; trial may be restricted to certain plans.
Tip: If you sign up, queue up 2-3 “must see” shows right away so you maximize the trial window.
2. MUBI
Free trial length: 7 days globally (in many markets). MUBI+1
Why it stands out:
- Curated film streaming service specialising in art-house, independent, foreign cinema.
- If you love “cinema” rather than mainstream TV, this is a great pick.
Watch-outs: Shorter trial than some; content rotates (what’s available changes); might not fit big “blockbuster binge” style.
Tip: Use during your free trial to explore something wildly different from mainstream streaming.
3. Acorn TV
Free trial length: 7 to 14 days (depending on region/promo) for new subscribers. Capital Matters+1
Why give it a go:
- Focused on British TV dramas, mysteries, comedies and shows from the UK and beyond.
- Great for fans of crime, mystery, UK series.
Watch-outs: Library smaller and narrower in genre focus than Netflix; region-availability matters.
Tip: If you crave cosy British mysteries or shows like “Midsomer Murders”, do a binge-week during trial.
4. BritBox
Free trial length: Often 7 days in many markets. Wikipedia+1
Why it’s worth it:
- Joint service from major UK broadcasters (BBC/ITV) offering extensive British TV, box sets, and originals.
- If you want something UK-centric outside of Netflix’s typical library, this is a strong option.
Watch-outs: Again, region disparities and limited if you’re outside UK/US/Canada/Australia.
Tip: Browse the catalog first, pick 1-2 series you haven’t seen, then commit your trial time to them.
5. Apple TV+
Free trial length: In some markets 7 days; promotional offers (e.g., device purchase) may extend longer. decider.com
Why try it:
- High quality originals (e.g., “Ted Lasso,” “Severance”) with strong production values.
- If you’re looking for premium content rather than broad catalogue, this fits well.
Watch-outs: Smaller catalogue compared to Netflix; trial may be limited or tied to promos; worth only if you dig the premium originals.
Tip: If you’re already in Apple ecosystem (Apple TV, iPhone), setup is seamless.
6. Paramount+
Free trial length: 7 to 30 days depending on region/promotions. A Good Movie To Watch+1
Why it’s an alternative:
- Mix of TV shows, movies, originals, plus live TV/sports in some regions.
- Good if you like a variety of content—from classic shows to new originals.
Watch-outs: Variation by region; the library may overlap with networks you already have; trial still needs checking.
Tip: Use the free period to sample its “key” content and download offline if your plan allows.
7. Rakuten TV
Free trial / service type: Offers video-on-demand and some free ad-supported streaming; available across many European countries. Wikipedia
Why consider it:
- Especially good for viewers in Europe looking for broader options beyond US-centric services.
- Mix of purchase/rental, subscription, and free-ad supported channels gives flexibility.
Watch-outs: Availability depends heavily on country; free “trial” might not be standard in all markets.
Tip: If you’re in Europe, check the local version of Rakuten TV for any free trial or introductory offers.
💡 If You Prefer to Buy
If you’d rather skip the free trial shuffling and go straight into a paid subscription (or upgrade your current subscription), here are strong options to consider. Each offers full access (versus limited trial) and are great paid-streaming platforms.
- Hulu – Paid plans including ad-supported or ad-free.
- MUBI – Monthly or yearly subscription after trial; curated cinema.
- Acorn TV – Monthly subscription, good value for British TV fans.
- BritBox – Monthly or annual subscriptions in its supported regions.
- Apple TV+ – Subscription model, high-quality originals.
- Paramount+ – Subscription with various tiers (sometimes live TV included).
- Rakuten TV – Subscription/rental/purchase hybrid; depends on region.
- Disney+ – Paid plans (though not always a free trial in all regions).
- Amazon Prime Video – Subscribing gives you access plus other perks in certain regions.
- Add-ons & bundles – Some platforms allow upgrades (e.g., ad-free tier, higher resolution, multi-device streams); you can “buy up” rather than just free-trial.
- Annual subscriptions – Many services offer a discount if you buy a year in advance (great if you’ll use it long-term).
When buying a subscription: choose the plan that fits your budget and usage (streaming quality, device limits, downloads); check refund/cancellation terms; look for bundle deals (mobile carriers, device makers often include streaming offers); monitor your usage—if you’re not using it, you may want to cancel.
🎯 How To Make the Most of Your Free Trials
Here’s a step-by-step plan to maximise each trial:
- List your “must see” titles before trial starts: pick 2-3 shows/movies you want to watch.
- Plan your schedule: carve out time during the trial period to watch (especially if it’s only 7 or 14 days).
- Test device compatibility: try streaming on your TV, tablet, phone, check download options, check HDMI/Chromecast/AirPlay if needed.
- Explore lesser-known content: use the trial to discover something you wouldn’t ordinarily pick—especially on platforms like MUBI.
- Set reminder to cancel if you don’t want the paid plan: use calendar, phone alert, etc.
- Evaluate the service: ask yourself after the trial—Was the catalogue strong? Was the user interface smooth? Did I use devices I have? Will it be worth paying for?
- Rotate trials: If you cancel one, move to the next—this strategy keeps you watching fresh content and minimises cost.
- Check promo codes/offers: Some services offer longer than standard trials if you sign up via certain links or bundles.
- Access region-specific gems: Sometimes a series is only available on a particular service in your region—use the trial strategically.
- Watch for auto-renew or hidden fees: Even after trial, check if price changes or extra add-ons apply.
🚀 Final Thoughts
In short: You don’t have to stay locked into Netflix if you’re not fully satisfied or you want something different. Using free trials smartly lets you explore the best alternatives, test what works for you, and then decide whether to subscribe or skip. Among the services above, you’ll find film-lover gems (MUBI), focused genre or region options (Acorn TV, BritBox), and broad catalogue alternatives (Paramount+, Hulu).