In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services, choosing the right platform can be a daunting task. With Netflix recently announcing yet another price hike, many subscribers are exploring alternatives to find the best movies and shows without breaking the bank. Since its inception as a DVD rental service, Netflix has transformed into a powerhouse, producing thousands of hours of exclusive content that you can only access with a subscription. This trend of exclusivity is not unique to Netflix; other streaming giants have followed suit, making the decision between sticking with Netflix or switching to another service more challenging than ever.

Fortunately, many popular alternatives to Netflix offer free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings without committing financially. While these services may not yet match Netflix's extensive original content library, they still provide a wealth of quality shows and movies. Here's a look at some of the best alternatives and their free trial periods:

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free

Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

Hulu is an excellent starting point for those seeking a Netflix alternative, offering a robust lineup of original content that rivals Netflix's quality. It's the exclusive home to series like Shōgun, new episodes of Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Hulu boasts a vast library of award-winning originals and well-known films, making it a compelling choice. Their 30-day free trial allows you to explore this extensive collection before deciding on a subscription plan, which ranges from $7.99 to over $100 a month, depending on whether you want live TV and premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that if you opt for live TV, your free trial is reduced to just three days.

For those looking to skip the trial, Hulu also offers attractive streaming bundles. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle for $16.99 a month provides 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 Hulu

Read 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 service arena, offering a generous 30-day trial period. It's renowned for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, with an original content catalog that can easily compete with Netflix's. After the trial, you can continue enjoying Prime Video for $14.99 a month (or $139 a year), which also includes free shipping on Amazon orders. Students can benefit from a discounted rate of $7.49 a month (or $69 a year). Prime Video is the exclusive streaming platform for shows like the Fallout series 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 looking to broaden their horizons, Crunchyroll is a top choice. With three membership tiers ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 per month, Crunchyroll also offers a substantial amount of free anime content. While Netflix has some excellent anime series, Crunchyroll provides access to a more comprehensive collection, including all the latest releases from Japan shortly after they air. 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 contender in the streaming wars, offering exclusive, highly acclaimed original content like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Masters of the Air, as well as movies such as Killers of the Flower Moon and Spirited. After a 7-day free trial, the subscription costs $9.99 per month, depending on the number of users added to the account. Note that you'll need a verified Apple ID to access this service, 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+ is another strong alternative, offering a diverse selection of original shows and movies. It's the exclusive home to content like the Mission Impossible series, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. New releases are continually added, positioning Paramount+ as a growing competitor to Netflix. After the 7-day free trial, subscription costs range from $4.99 a month (or $59.99 a year) with limited ads to $11.99 a month (or $119.99 a year) for an ad-free experience with SHOWTIME's full library. Paramount+ is also the go-to service for all things Sonic, including future releases like Sonic 3.

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

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

Although primarily known for satellite TV, DirecTV also offers a streaming service with a 5-day free trial. DirecTV Stream provides various movies, series, and live TV streaming options. Subscription packages range from $79.99 to $119.99 a month, with premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included for the first three months. It's a solid choice 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, while some content available on Netflix might be found elsewhere, its original shows and movies are exclusively accessible with a paid subscription. 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 details, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.