Want a streaming service while you’re at home, but want to try it out first? Or maybe money is tight right now and you just need something to keep you or the kids entertained without the strain on your wallet. Many of the most popular streaming services offer free trials. Some are 30 days, some are only a week. You can also try each one listed here one at a time and keep the entertainment going for a few months without spending a penny.
The most important part of taking advantage of free trials is to make sure that you remember to cancel before the free trial is up, so you’re not billed again. A good way to do that is to set a reminder on your phone or write a note on a calendar a few days before the trial is up. All streaming services require that you sign up with a credit card. If you don’t cancel before the free trial is up, they will automatically convert you to a paid monthly membership. None listed here require anything more than a month-to-month commitment.
You should be warned that if you’re looking for a free trial of Netflix, Starz or Disney+, you’re out of luck. Currently, these popular streaming services don’t have free trials available. Don’t worry; you still have plenty of other options.
Here are the free trial details for the most popular streaming services. Information was current at the time of publication, but offers can change.
Hulu: If all of your friends have been talking about “Only Murders in the Building,” “Godfather of Harlem,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Dollface,” “Little Fires Everywhere” or “Big Time Adolescence,” you’ll find them here on Hulu. They have their own original programming as well as years upon years of “Grey’s Anatomy” for your binge-watching pleasure. Sit back because Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for two of their three levels of services — their basic ad-supported model ($6.99 per month) and the premium ad-free version ($12.99 per month).
Amazon Prime Video: Oh, Mrs. Maisel, how we love you. If you want to see what all the hype is about, try a free Amazon Prime Video trial. Amazon Prime offers 30 days of free trial before you can buy any package. Amazon Prime offers box office hits as well as more Amazon originals, such as “Fleabag,” “Troop Zero,” “Honey Boy,” “The Grand Tour “and more, for all ages.
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
Showtime: Watch Oscar-winning films, or catch up on “The L Word,” “Dexter,” “Shameless,” “Homeland” or “Billions.” The choice is yours and you’ll have plenty to watch during your 30-day free trial. After it’s up, Showtime is an affordable $8.99 per month. So what are you going to binge first?
Peacock: Unlike most other streaming services, you can access most of Peacock’s content library without paying anything. Run by NBCUniversal, the platform features hundreds of fan favorite shows and movies like The Office, Yellowstone and Parks & Recreation. Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus are subscription services; at the moment, there are no free trials available.
Apple TV+: You don’t need an Apple TV to enjoy this streaming service whose biggest hit has been “Ted Lasso.” You can also watch Apple original movies and shows, like” Greyhound” or “Dickinson,” or enjoy family favorites like the Charlie Brown holiday specials and Helpsters. It offers a seven-day free trial, and after that the service is $4.99/month. (You can get three months free with the purchase of an eligible Apple device.)
Paramount+, formerly CBS All Access: Paramount+ comes from Viacom, owner of CBS, Paramount, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Smithsonian Channel, so you can find programming from all those sources. You also get originals like “Star Trek Picard”. You can get a seven-day free trial; after that, plans start at $4.99/month.
Fubo TV: Get free TV! If you don’t have access to the game shows on television, such as The Price Is Right, Family Feud and Let’s Make a Deal, or you want to re-watch episodes of Saturday Night Life, Fubo TV has a three-day free trial. Be careful to cancel after your free trial if you don’t want to continue the service, because Fubo TV is one of the pricier options starting at $64.99 per month.
Sling TV: Sling TV offers a three-day free trial of their service, which they bill as “the best of cable.” It includes news and thousands of movies and shows suitable for kids and families. It’s available through Roku, Amazon or an Android device, or by visiting sling.com on a Chrome, Safari or Edge browser and following the instructions on the welcome screen.
More Living on the Cheap articles:
- The Ultimate Guide to Ditching Cable TV
- Free movies and TV shows you can stream
- Simplify your life in three easy steps
- 5 free or cheap indoor activities for your kids
- How to throw a Netflix party
- Free apps to improve your fitness
1. if you are a member of your local PBS station at the $60/yr level or above, you can get into their Passport program and stream lots of old (and even recent) PBS shows for free. Good quality programming on lots of topics including local programs from many PBS stations. Some BBC stuff too.
2. NHK World offers lots of free programs streaming in English (and other languages) about Japan, Asia, and the world. Lots of topics.