The digital age has seen an explosion of online streaming platforms that compete with Netflix. With a variety of content and pricing models, these platforms offer compelling alternatives. Here are 25 Netflix alternatives that offer free trials:
1. Hulu
Hulu is a US-based streaming service owned by Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International. It offers a library of shows and movies, including those from major networks.
Key Features:
- Stream popular TV shows and films.
- Watch Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale.
- Enjoy add-on content including HBO, Showtime, and more.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a service offered by Amazon. It features a broad variety of content, from Amazon Originals to popular movies and TV shows.
Key Features:
- Includes Prime delivery benefits.
- Offers popular movies and TV shows.
- Access to Prime Music.
3. Disney+
Disney+ is a streaming service from The Walt Disney Company. It features Disney movies and TV shows, along with Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
Key Features:
- Stream classic and new Disney content.
- Enjoy blockbuster series and films from Marvel and Star Wars.
- Watch National Geographic documentaries.
4. HBO Max
HBO Max, a product of WarnerMedia Direct, delivers a variety of programming, from HBO originals to content from networks like DC and Warner Bros.
Key Features:
- Access an extensive catalog of HBO series and films.
- Includes content from Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, and more.
- Stream selected films on the same day they’re available in theaters.
5. Apple TV+
Apple’s streaming service, Apple TV+, provides an ad-free experience with many original shows and movies.
Key Features:
- Stream Apple Originals.
- Enjoy ad-free streaming in 4K HDR.
- Share with up to six family members.
6. Prime Video
Amazon’s Prime Video offers a blend of popular movies, TV series, and compelling Amazon Originals.
Key Features:
- Wide array of Amazon Originals.
- Also offers popular movies and TV shows.
- Included with Amazon Prime membership.
7. Crackle
Crackle, by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, is a free video entertainment network featuring full-length movies, TV shows, and original programming.
Key Features:
- Entirely free, with full-length movies and shows.
- Available on various platforms.
- Offers original programming.
8. Sling TV
Sling TV, owned by Dish Network, is an over-the-top internet television service that offers a selection of major cable channels.
Key Features:
- Offers major cable channels.
- Customizable plans available (Sling Orange, Sling Blue, etc.)
- Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, and more for news.
9. Tubi TV
Fox-owned Tubi TV offers a huge library of movies and TV shows that are entirely free, even though ad-supported.
Key Features:
- A vast library of free movies and TV Shows.
- Offers popular genres like action, drama, comedy, and more.
- Simple to use and navigate.
Continuation of the list is necessary due to the text limit. Therefore, see the next in the series for more amazing Netflix alternatives to try during your next binge-watching session.
10. Peacock TV
Owned by NBCUniversal, Peacock TV offers free, ad-supported streaming of current series, classic hits, and a variety of movies.
Key Features:
- Offers a wide array of NBC shows.
- Access to Universal Pictures’ and DreamWorks Animation’s films.
- Live news and sports available.
11. Showtime
Showtime is a premium streaming service owned by ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks, featuring acclaimed original series, hit movies, live sports, and more.
Key Features:
- Get early, commercial-free access to new episodes.
- Back catalog of acclaimed Showtime Original Series.
- Uncut and commercial-free movies.
12. YouTube TV
YouTube TV, owned by Google, offers live TV from over 85+ broadcast, cable, and regional sports networks.
Key Features:
- Offers over 85+ networks for streaming.
- Cloud DVR with no storage limit.
- Six accounts per household.
13. CBS All Access
CBS All Access, now known as Paramount+, offers live TV and thousands of hours of on-demand programming from CBS and Paramount.
Key Features:
- Thousands of CBS and Paramount episodes on-demand.
- Live CBS sports coverage.
- Exclusive originals.
14. Starz
Starz, owned by Lionsgate, delivers popular movies, original series, and select other programming.
Key Features:
- Library of popular movies.
- Award-winning original series.
- Stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously.
To get the most of these platforms, use the free trials to explore their offerings and see which aligns best with your media preferences. From fascinating originals to comprehensive sports coverage, these platforms offer an ideal entertainment solution for everyone.
15. Zee5
Zee5, owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, offers an array of content in 12 different languages. It ranges from TV shows, movies, original web series, international shows, acclaimed plays, and more.
Key Features:
- Over 100,000+ hours of TV Shows and Movies.
- Content accessible across devices and platforms.
- Multi-language content.
16. Hotstar
Owned by the Star India, Hotstar features a mix of TV shows, movies, and sports including Cricket. Ideal for Indian content lovers.
Key Features:
- License for several cricket tournaments.
- Wide array of Indian TV shows and Movies.
- High-quality streaming.
17. BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer, a service by British Broadcasting Corporation, allows viewers to watch a variety of content from the network, from news to movies and series.
Key Features:
- Stream BBC TV shows.
- Live news and sports.
- Radio programs also available.
Note: BBC iPlayer only works in the UK.
18. ITV Hub
ITV Hub is an online video-on-demand service by the ITV network where you can stream ITV, ITV2, ITVBe, ITV3, ITV4, and CITV shows.
Key Features:
- Home to popular shows like Love Island and Downton Abbey.
- Stream content from all six ITV channels.
- Live TV available.
19. Stan
Stan, owned by Nine Entertainment Co, is an Australian-based streaming service offering local and international TV shows and movies.
Key Features:
- Offers both Australian and international programs.
- Stream well-known US series.
- Features films in a variety of genres.
20. Kanopy
Kanopy offers educational and art-house films and is accessible with a library card, making it an excellent resource for academic and independent cinema enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Access Through Libraries and Universities: Kanopy can be accessed through participating libraries and universities.
- Wide Selection of Critically Acclaimed Movies: It provides a wide selection of critically acclaimed and award-winning films.
- Free with a Library Card: Kanopy is free to use with a valid library card.
21. IMDb TV
IMDb TV is a free streaming platform that features IMDb content, making it a great choice for movie and TV enthusiasts on a budget.
Key Features:
- Access to IMDb’s Library: IMDb TV offers access to IMDb’s extensive library of movies and TV shows.
- No Subscription Needed: There’s no need for a subscription; you can watch for free.
- Ad-Supported: IMDb TV is ad-supported, which helps keep it free for viewers.
22. Tidal
Tidal is a high-fidelity music streaming platform with exclusive content, catering to audiophiles and music aficionados.
Key Features:
- Lossless Audio Quality: Tidal provides lossless audio quality for a premium listening experience.
- Exclusive Artist Content: You can access exclusive content and early releases from your favorite artists.
- Music and Video Streaming: Tidal offers both music and video streaming, enriching the music discovery experience.
- Plans Starting at $9.99/month: Tidal offers a variety of subscription plans, starting at $9.99 per month.
23. Shudder
Shudder is a streaming service focused on horror and thriller movies, catering to fans of the genre.
Key Features:
- Extensive Collection of Horror Films: Shudder offers a vast library of horror movies, including classics and contemporary releases.
- Original Horror Series and Documentaries: It provides exclusive original horror series and documentaries for fans of the genre.
- Plans Starting at $4.75/month: Subscriptions to Shudder begin at $4.75 per month.
24. BritBox
BritBox is a platform for fans of British TV shows and classic series, offering a diverse selection of content.
Key Features:
- British Television Classics: BritBox features classic and contemporary British TV shows, providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
- New and Exclusive Series: It offers new and exclusive series to keep viewers entertained.
- Plans Starting at $6.99/month: BritBox offers subscription plans starting at $6.99 per month.
25. Hoopla
Hoopla offers free streaming of content with a library card, including movies, music, and ebooks, making it a fantastic resource for library patrons.
Core Features:
- Access to Movies, Music, and Ebooks: Hoopla provides access to a wide range of content, from movies and music to ebooks and audiobooks.
- Free with a Library Card: It’s entirely free to use with a valid library card.
- Thousands of Titles to Choose From: Hoopla offers thousands of titles across various genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Streaming has changed how we consume media, breaking us free from TV guide schedules. The above platforms provide a range of content catering to different tastes. To enjoy the most of them, leverage their free trial periods and get a feel for which service suits you best.
