Streaming websites commonly offer free trials to new users, providing weekly or monthly access to experience their content firsthand. These promotional offers allow consumers to explore platforms before committing to paid subscriptions. Following the trial period, monthly fees typically begin, at which point users may opt out or continue based on their preferences. The 2020 pandemic significantly increased reliance on streaming services, or "Video-On-Demand" (VOD), as entertainment options when outdoor activities were restricted. This shift contributed to massive growth for platforms like Netflix, which became a leading choice for premium movie and series streaming.
A current issue among streaming platforms involves password sharing, with many companies urging users to establish individual accounts. However, not all streaming websites offer free trials, and those that do have varying policies and durations. Some trials last only a week, while others extend to a month. Notably, major streaming giants such as Netflix and Disney+ no longer offer free trials in the U.S. Additionally, Apple TV+’s promotional offer of a one-year free subscription expired in May 2021. Despite these changes, several services still provide free access for new users.
Available Streaming Free Trials
Several streaming platforms currently provide free trials for new users. The availability and duration of these trials can vary, and some require specific membership statuses or third-party partnerships.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video remains one of the top streaming services offering a free trial. New users can typically access a 30-day free trial with no upfront cost. The service automatically switches to a paid subscription if the user does not cancel before the 30-day period ends.
Hulu
Hulu, a VOD service owned by the Walt Disney Company, offers a free trial for new users. Despite its ownership by a major streaming conglomerate, Hulu continues to provide a 30-day trial period. This allows users to access its library of on-demand content and live TV options.
HBO Max
HBO Max (often referred to simply as Max) is a video streaming platform known for original programming and library content. It has historically offered a 30-day free trial for new users, allowing access to its premium content.
Amazon Music
For users interested in music streaming rather than video, Amazon Music offers a premium, ad-free service trial. The trial period extends for four months (120 days) from the date of sign-up.
Peacock
Peacock is NBC Universal’s streaming platform. It offers a free tier that provides access to a limited selection of content without a subscription, though specific trial details for premium tiers were not detailed in the source material.
FuboTV
FuboTV is a live TV streaming service that offers a free trial, though the length has recently changed. The standard trial is currently five days, reduced from the previous seven-day option. However, there are occasional ways to secure a longer trial. For example, My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members who are new to Fubo can currently obtain a 30-day free trial. It is noted that these Best Buy memberships cost between $49.99 and $179.99 per year, so they are not recommended solely for the purpose of obtaining the Fubo trial.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is a live TV streaming service with a massive channel lineup that offers a regular free trial. The trial period is five days and is activated by creating an account and entering payment information.
Frndly TV
Frndly TV offers a 7-day free trial for new users. This service provides access to over 50 channels.
Philo
Philo is another live TV streaming service that offers a 7-day free trial. It provides access to over 70 channels.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a free trial, but the length varies. It provides access to over 100 channels.
Sling Freestream TV
Sling Freestream TV offers a free tier that is available for life without a subscription cost. Users can activate the promotion by creating an account with an email and password.
SiriusXM
SiriusXM offers a free trial for its streaming service, which allows access to stations, podcasts, and sports content. The trial period is currently 3 months. To activate, users must create an account, set up payment information, and complete account details.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial. The service is accessible on various Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Macs, as well as select smart TVs and streaming devices. To sign up, users need to sign in with an Apple ID or create a new one, which may involve a verification code sent to their phone.
Netflix Access and Freebie Options
Netflix has discontinued all free trials in the U.S. as of 2020 and does not currently offer promotional trial periods. However, consumers can sample Netflix content through specific channels: * YouTube Sampling: Netflix maintains a curated collection of full episodes of selected shows on YouTube. Series available for sampling include "Blue Eye Samurai," "Explained," and "Our Planet." This content is free to view without payment. * T-Mobile 'Streaming on Us': T-Mobile offers a "Netflix on Us" benefit. However, this program has undergone changes. As of January 2024, all eligible customers are downgraded to Netflix’s ad-supported tier (Netflix Standard). This tier includes unskippable ads and has licensing restrictions that limit the availability of much of Netflix's film library.
General Information on Free Trials
Free trials are available for various services, including music and video streaming, VPNs, and design or editing tools. Trials often require users to provide payment details and an email address to prevent abuse and duplicate sign-ups.
There are different types of trials: * No-Payment Required: The preferred type, where users do not pay anything until the trial ends. * Reduced Fee Trials: Some services offer a trial period for a very low fee (e.g., 7 days for £7). * Money-Back Guarantees: These require paying upfront for the service. If the user is not satisfied, they can cancel and request a refund, effectively making the trial free after the refund process.
To avoid unwanted charges, users should set reminders a few days or a week before a trial ends to cancel the subscription.
Conclusion
The landscape of streaming free trials has shifted, with major players like Netflix and Disney+ moving away from standard trial offers. However, U.S. consumers still have numerous options to access content without immediate cost. Services such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and various live TV providers like FuboTV, DIRECTV, and Philo offer trial periods ranging from 5 to 30 days. Additionally, music streaming services like Amazon Music provide extended trials of up to 120 days. For those seeking permanent free access, options like Sling Freestream TV and sampling content via YouTube offer viable alternatives. Consumers are advised to review specific eligibility requirements and cancellation policies to maximize these promotional offers.