Netflix drops free 30-day offer – 15 free trials to try instead
Netflix was one of the first streaming services to go mainstream — and since then, the landscape for online movies and TV has changed drastically. Now, there are so many streaming networks that we can barely list them all.
It’s not just the amount of services that’s changed, either. The oldest services like Netflix and Hulu have jumped up in price compared to the rates of yesteryear. Tap or click here to compare the subscription costs of each streaming service.
And now, Netflix is finally getting rid of something it’s had since it first offered online streaming: free trials. This means new Netflix users won’t have a chance to try out the service before paying a subscription fee. If you’re the kind of streamer that likes to try before you buy, don’t worry — there are still plenty of free trials to pick from. Here are our favorites.
Free trials are no more at Netflix. Here are the services offering free trials right now
Netflix has updated its website with new language stating that it will no longer offer free trials to new subscribers. Instead, the company emphasizes that users can cancel anytime after signing up — with no obligations or cancellation fees.
In other words, they got rid of a free gift and replaced it with nothing. It’s a shame that it happened, but no free offers last forever.
That’s why it’s critical to take advantage of streaming services that do offer free trials before theirs go away forever. The services listed below all offer free trials right now, so don’t wait — test them out before you can’t anymore!
Hulu – 30 days free
Catch your favorite shows, as well as new Hulu content for 30 days free of charge. If you’re sampling its most popular ad-supported plan it will run you $5.99 a month. Hulu also offers an ad-free plan for $11.99 per month, as well as live TV services and optional premium add-ons.
Amazon Prime Video – 30 days free
Bundled in with Amazon Prime is Amazon Prime Video. But what you might not know is Amazon, for years, has been building up its library with impressive, critically-acclaimed content, like “The Boys” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Get Prime for $12.99 a month with all its bundled benefits or just the Prime Video service for $8.99 a month after your trial ends.
CBS All Access – 7 days free
For everything CBS, from “Twin Peaks” to “Stark Trek” and everything in-between, there’s CBS All Access. You can sample either the limited-commercials or no-commercials for a month, and then the service will run you $5.99 and $9.99 respectively.
HBO Max – 7 days free
HBO Max is HBO’s new streaming service designed to take on the likes of Netflix and Hulu. And now, you can sign up for a 7-day trial to test it out. After that, the service costs $14.99 monthly. It includes all of HBO’s original content like “Sopranos” “Game of Thrones” and more. Tap or click here for details on HBO Max.
Quibi – 14 days free
The idea of Quibi is simple: movie-quality shows made for your phone. With familiar celebrities and a high-production value, Quibi is making good on a promise to consumers. Plus, with 14 days free before plans start at $5.99, you’ll have more than enough time to decide if Quibi is the service for you.
Showtime Now – 30 days free
Perpetually in the shadow of big brother HBO, Showtime still manages to boast a robust catalog of watchable series, from the elegant “Masters of Sex” to the adventurous “Outlander” and more. Once your 30 days are up, Showtime Now will run you $10.99 a month for continued access, with no commercials.
Shudder – 7 days free
The aptly named Shudder offers a catalog of horror, thriller, and suspense movies, but the twist is that they have a mix of classic movies and new, premium content produced exclusively for the service. After your 7-day free trial ends, plans start at $4.75 a month and you can cancel anytime.
AppleTV+ – 7 days free
While Apple’s library right now may be small, it already has big shows on offer like “The Morning Show” as well as big-names like Spike Jonze producing content for the service. After your free trial expires, AppleTV+ will run you $4.99 a month.
Always free streaming services you can try right now
Premium streaming services aren’t the only way to access content online. There are many free services out there you can explore once you’ve you tired of your more well-worn sites.
When thinking about which streaming service is right for you, though, it’s best to remember a few things. Tap or click here to learn about the biggest mistake people make when signing up for streaming services.
Crackle
Formerly owned by Sony, this ad-supported streaming service has a library of popular movies and older TV shows, including the Star Trek films, “Lethal Weapon,” “Seinfeld” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.” Try it here.
IMDB TV
The Internet Movie Database is one of the largest collections of film and TV information on the web. And now, the website offers an ad-supported streaming service features classic shows and movies from Warner Brothers, Sony, MGM and Disney. The lineup rotates frequently, so there’s always something new to watch. Try it here.
Formerly owned by Sony, this ad-supported streaming service has a library of popular movies and older TV shows, including the Star Trek films, “Lethal Weapon,” “Seinfeld” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.” Try it here.
Kanopy
Supported by libraries and universities, Kanopy offers thousands of classic films for free. Titles include “Moonlight,” “Bicycle Thieves” and more, all for free as long as you have an applicable public library card or university ID. Try it here.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV advertises 250+ channels and 1,000s of movies to watch for free. Whether it’s the latest hit movie or your long-time favorite, chances are you can find it on Pluto TV. Try it here.
Tubi TV
Tubi partners with a variety of studios to offer popular films as well as newer releases, from “Snitch” to “Mission Impossible” and more. Plus, Tubi TV is available on almost every platform imaginable, from phones to smart TVs to your cable box. Try it here.
Vudu
Vudu is the one-stop-shop you might not have heard of. On Vudu, users can rent or own various new releases, as well as browse through a collection of ad-supported free content. Free content on Vudu runs the gamut from popular movies and TV shows to cartoons, documentaries, and more. Try it here.
Xumo
Xumo is a digital cable provider in a sense: Users can browse over 180 premium channels as well as pause, rewind and instantly hop to other videos. Check what’s streaming on your device of choice right now and start watching. Try it here.
Well, there you have it. A complete list of 15 streaming services offering free trials right now to help you get through these difficult times just a little bit easier. Enjoy!
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Tags: Amazon Prime Video, Apple, Crackle, HBO Max, Hulu, Kanopy, Netflix, Pluto TV, Showtime, streaming services, Tubi, Vudu