Buzz
Streaming platforms have evolved significantly, with stricter password policies and repeated price increases leading many users to cancel at least one subscription in the past half-year, as reported by Deloitte. With the cumulative cost of premium subscriptions now surpassing traditional cable bills, why not reduce expenses by exploring free trials before committing to a new service?
Discover 10 leading streaming platforms offering free trials in 2023.
Prime Video
A 30-day free trial of Prime Video is available when you sign up for a Amazon Prime free trial. (If you haven’t used Amazon Prime for over a year, you’re eligible for the trial once more.) Prime Video alone costs $9 monthly, while an Amazon Prime membership, priced at $15 monthly or $139 annually, offers additional perks such as free two-day shipping, Amazon Music streaming, and more.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial for users to explore the platform. Purchasing an Apple device like an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple TV grants an extended 3-month trial. Without cancellation, the service costs $7 monthly or $69 annually.
Crunchyroll
Anime enthusiasts can enjoy a
Discovery+
Despite the planned merger of HBO Max and Discovery+ into Max, Discovery+ remains a separate platform, offering new users a 7-day free trial. The service provides two subscription options: a $5 monthly plan with ads and a $7 ad-free plan that includes the ability to download content for offline viewing.
Hulu
Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for its standard service and a 7-day trial for its Live TV package. Plans include a basic $8 monthly option with ads and a $15 premium ad-free version. Bundles combining Hulu, Live TV, ESPN+, and Disney+ are available for $70 (with ads) or $83 (ad-free).
Paramount+ With Showtime
New subscribers to Paramount+ With Showtime can enjoy a 7-day free trial. To access it, you’ll need to select and register for one of their plans, but cancellation is straightforward if you decide it’s not for you. Otherwise, plans start at $5.99 monthly for the basic Paramount+ Essential or $11.99 for Paramount+ with Showtime, which includes exclusive content previously available on the standalone Showtime app.
YouTube TV
First-time subscribers can take advantage of a YouTube TV 30-day free trial. Be sure to cancel before the trial ends if the service doesn’t meet your expectations—otherwise, you’ll be charged $64.99 for the first three months, followed by $72.99 monthly. The service provides access to over 100 channels and live sports.
The Criterion Channel
Focused on classic and contemporary art films, The Criterion Channel—a spin-off of the renowned Criterion Collection—caters to a more specialized audience, which might explain its continued offering of a 7-day free trial. If you’re impressed (and movie enthusiasts likely will be), subscriptions are available for $11 monthly or $100 annually, effectively granting three months free.
MUBI
Similar to The Criterion Channel, MUBI caters to film enthusiasts, focusing on independent, foreign-language, and cult cinema. Recently, the platform has expanded into theatrical distribution, making it the exclusive streaming home for acclaimed films like Park Chan-Wook’s award-winning Decision to Leave. A 7-day free trial is available, followed by a subscription fee of $13 monthly or $108 annually (a 31% discount).
Shudder
For horror fans, skipping Shudder might be a terrifying thought. The platform not only debuts new horror films but also revives overlooked cult classics like 1981's Possession (previously unavailable in its original cut in the U.S.) and the Mexican supernatural gem Poison for the Fairies. A 7-day free trial is offered, with subscriptions priced at $6 monthly or $57 annually.
Don’t overlook free streaming options
If you’ve used up all your free trials and prefer not to pay for entertainment, there’s a vast selection of free TV and movie streaming services available. Additionally, if your monthly streaming expenses are becoming overwhelming, here are ten effective ways to reduce them.
