Are you ready to move beyond Netflix and explore new streaming horizons—without committing to a long-term subscription right off the bat? Good news: plenty of streaming services offer free trials or ad-supported tiers that let you try before you buy. In this guide, I’ll walk you through why exploring alternatives is worthwhile, how to use free trials strategically, and which services are the best Netflix alternatives (with free trials) right now. By the end you’ll have a smart plan to sample, pick, cancel and keep the services that truly match your tastes and habits.
Why consider alternatives to Netflix?
1. Netflix’s free-trial window is gone
Unlike many competitors, Netflix no longer offers a free trial in most regions. According to PCWorld:
“There’s no free trial for Netflix, but plenty of other big streaming services let you try before you buy.” PCWorld+2Decider+2
That means if you subscribe to Netflix, you’re committing from day one—no test run. Alternatives give you that buffer.
2. Content and value vary more now
Streaming is more crowded and fragmented than ever. Some services may specialise in TV series, others in movies, others in documentaries or kids content. And pricing is rising. As a recent article putting it:
“Forget the Netflix price hike: 7 cheaper alternatives with can’t miss content.” Nasdaq
So you might find a better fit (and better value) than Netflix.
3. Free trials = low-risk experimentation
One of the most powerful moves is rotate and trial the services rather than commit to one. If you only pay after you know you’ll use it, you reduce wasted subscriptions. According to PCWorld:
“Most free streaming trials are only for new customers… you’ll want to grab them while they’re still available.” PCWorld
This gives you an opportunity to test features like user interface, streaming quality, device compatibility and catalogue.
4. Some excellent free/ad-supported services exist too
If you’re willing to accept ads or slightly older content, you can get excellent value without paying at all (or minimal cost). For example: free streaming services like Tubi, Pluto TV and others get featured as top “free streaming services that are still worth it” in 2025. TVGuide.com+1
In short: you don’t have to do Netflix to watch good content.
How to use free trials strategically
Here’s a step-by-step plan you can follow to get the most from free trials, minimise cost, and make smarter choices:
- Make a list of services you want to try. We’ll cover some below.
- Check eligibility: Many free trials are only for “new customers” or accounts that haven’t used the service before. PCWorld+1
- Use one payment method you’ll recognise. Set a calendar reminder for the day before the trial ends (so you can cancel if you don’t want to continue).
- Sign up, binge (or at least sample) hard. Use the free trial window fully: explore the catalogue, test user experience, check streaming quality on your devices.
- Mark the cancellation deadline. If you decide you’re not keeping the service, cancel before billing kicks in.
- If you cancel, download/record content (where allowed) so you get value from the trial period.
- Track preferences: after trying a few services, note which one(s) you liked best—content, interface, value, etc.
- Rotate smartly: Once a trial ends, move on to another service. You can effectively chain trials so you’re only paying for the ones you love.
Tip: If you’re based outside the U.S. (for example in the UK or Europe) check whether the free-trial offer is available in your region (terms may differ).
Top Netflix Alternatives With Free Trials (or Free Tiers)
Here are some of the standout options right now. I’ll highlight what they bring, trial details, ideal viewer types and caveats.
1. Hulu (U.S only)
What it brings: Comprehensive library of TV shows (both originals and network-licenced), movies, live TV options (with higher tier).
Free trial details: Up to 30 days free for many plans. PCWorld+2Decider+2
Best for: Viewers who care about current TV series, network shows, newer content and a mix of originals + licensed content.
Considerations: Not available in all regions; external countries may require VPN or alternative arrangement.
2. Amazon Prime Video
What it brings: Large movie/TV library, strong originals, plus extra perks if you also pay for Amazon Prime (depending on region).
Free trial details: 30 days free in many regions. PCWorld+1
Best for: General broad-taste viewers, those already shopping on Amazon, multi-use benefit (shipping, music, etc).
Considerations: The sheer size can make discovery harder; some content might still require extra “premium” channels.
3. Apple TV+
What it brings: Smaller but high-quality catalogue of originals (critically acclaimed shows).
Free trial details: Standard 7 days; up to 30 days through Apple One bundle; sometimes 3 months if you’ve just bought a new Apple device. PCWorld+1
Best for: Viewers who prioritise quality over quantity, or are invested in Apple ecosystem.
Considerations: Smaller catalogues mean fewer options; may be less ideal if you want hundreds of shows.
4. Paramount+
What it brings: Library of Paramount/CBS content, kids shows (Nickelodeon), live sports in some regions.
Free trial details: Typically 7 days for new subscribers; sometimes longer with promo codes. PCWorld+1
Best for: Families (kids’ content), fans of older network shows and certain live sports.
Considerations: Premium plan needed for live channels/sports; library size may not match Netflix’s.
5. Discovery+
What it brings: Focus on unscripted TV: reality, lifestyle, documentaries, home renovation, food, nature.
Free trial details: Around 7 days free. PCWorld+1
Best for: Viewers who watch reality TV, documentaries, non-fiction content.
Considerations: Fewer dramas/movies; more niche audience.
6. Free / Ad-Supported Services
Even if you don’t want to pay at all (or want a supplement to paid services) there are excellent free streaming platforms:
- Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, etc. TVGuide.com+1
What you get: No or minimal cost, supported by ads, large catalogues of older or mid-tier titles, some live channels.
Best for: Casual watchers, those who accept ads and maybe older content, budget-conscious viewers.
Considerations: You’ll likely miss the latest “big” releases; ad breaks; some content quality or UI may differ.
Choosing the Right Service for You
Here are key factors to think through, so you can match your viewing habits to the right service (or combination of services):
A. What do you watch most?
- Lots of new dramas & binge-series → Hulu, Amazon Prime
- Family / kids + big-franchise content → Paramount+, maybe Disney+ (though free-trial terms differ)
- Documentary / unscripted / lifestyle → Discovery+
- Premium originals, smaller catalogues → Apple TV+
- Budget / free / ad-supported → Tubi, Pluto TV, etc
B. How many devices or simultaneous streams?
Check each service’s limit on simultaneous screens, whether they allow downloads for offline viewing, whether multiple profiles are allowed.
C. How global is your usage?
If you travel or live in countries outside the U.S., check availability and whether trials apply in your region (offers vary). Always check the local version.
D. What’s your budget after the trial?
Free trials are great—but you’ll eventually need to decide which one(s) to keep and pay for. Calculate cost vs usage. If you watch only a little, a cheaper ad-supported or free option may suffice.
E. Do you want to stack services or focus on one?
- Single service: keeps things simple, one subscription, one interface
- Stack & rotate: you trial several, pick the best, cancel the rest → this can be an efficient way to access “premium” content for less cost (as long as you manage the cancellations)
Sample 6-Month Trial Strategy
Here’s a suggested timeline that you can adapt, which lets you sample multiple services, then decide which to keep:
- Month 1: Sign up for Amazon Prime Video free trial (30 days). Watch the shows/movies you’ve missed, test UI.
- Month 2: Cancel (if you don’t want to continue). Then sign up for Apple TV+ free trial (7 days or more if eligible). Explore the premium originals.
- Month 2–3: Use a free ad-supported service (Tubi/Pluto™/Plex) for your casual watching. No cost.
- Month 4: Sign up for Discovery+ 7-day trial. Check out the unscripted content.
- Month 4–5: Sign up for Paramount+ 7-day trial. Explore kids/family or network show catalogues.
- Month 5–6: If available in your region, sign up for Hulu 30-day trial. Check out full library.
- After Month 6: Look back: which services did you use most? Which you enjoyed most? Keep one or two you actually watch; cancel the rest.
By rotating this way you minimise “dead” subscriptions and maximise learning. Essentially you get six months of high-quality streaming with minimal cost. Then you pay only for what you’ll use.
Bonus Tips & Hacks
- Set a calendar reminder for each trial’s end date (day before billing starts).
- Use a payment method you’ll recognise, or even a prepaid card to manage risk.
- Download content offline (if the service allows) during the free period so you get full value.
- Share with family/friends (if plan allows multiple streams) to spread value.
- Watch for promo codes: Some services offer extended free trials via codes or special offers. PCWorld
- Check regional differences: Free-trial lengths, availability, catalogue may differ by country.
- Don’t assume you’ll remember to cancel: Put it in your calendar as soon as you subscribe.
- Keep track: note which shows you actually watched, which service you used most. Use that data to decide whether to pay.
- Use ad-supported free services as “background” viewing: For times when you just want something on but aren’t committed to a long series.
- Consider device compatibility: Is the app available on your smart TV, streaming stick, mobile? Is the interface good?
- Check streaming quality / simultaneous streams: Does it buffer? Can you watch on multiple devices at once (important if sharing).
- Mind hidden cancellation rules: Some services may require you to cancel by a certain time, or the cancellation might apply at next billing period rather than immediately.
Final Thoughts
Switching away from Netflix—or at least adding alternatives—isn’t about “giving up” Netflix; it’s about smarting up your streaming strategy. The market now offers you more options, more control, and more ways to experiment. Free trials are your key tool.
Here’s what to remember:
- You no longer need to commit blindly to Netflix just because it’s the default.
- Use free trials (or ad-supported free services) to evaluate before you buy.
- Prioritise services based on your viewing habits, not on hype.
- Keep one or two you truly use—and cancel the rest.
- If you manage the timing and cancellations, you can get months of value with minimal cost.