Netflix is one of the best streaming services available. However, plenty of other options have launched since Netflix made streaming cool. And some of them still offer free trials.

Netflix no longer offers a free trial upon sign up. So, in this article, we list the best Netflix alternatives you can try for free to decide if they're worth paying for.

1. Peacock

three people sitting

Peacock is a streaming service that is owned and operated by NBCUniversal. It offers over 20,000 hours of movies, television shows, news, sports, and original programming.

If you sign up for a membership, two-thirds of Peacock's content is free indefinitely. There are two paid packages available as well:

  • Peacock Premium: This package offers access to all of Peacock's entertainment, with advertisements.
  • Peacock Premium Plus: This is Peacock's ad-free package.

Peacock also offers the option to stream television channels like NBC, Bravo, USA Network, Oxygen, and E!. Peacock is currently only available to customers in the United States.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Peacock TV

2. Hulu

Hulu is a streaming service owned by Disney. It offers popular television shows, like Grey's Anatomy, Family Guy, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, as well as blockbuster movies like Good Will Hunting.

Since Hulu is now a Disney service, it offers bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+ if you live in the United States. Although this bundle doesn't allow a 30-day trial, Hulu alone offers one so you can try it for free.

Hulu offers three different plans for you to choose from:

  • Hulu (No ads): 1 month free, then US$11.99/month plus applicable taxes.
  • Hulu (With ads): 1 month free, then US$5.99/month plus applicable taxes.
  • Hulu (+ Live TV): 1 week free, then US$54.99/month plus applicable taxes.

The Hulu + Live TV bundle plan offers the option to stream over 65 TV channels live and on-demand and record television shows to watch later.  This would be a great service for someone who doesn't have cable.

3. BritBox

British flag

BritBox is the perfect streaming service for anyone who enjoys entertainment from the United Kingdom. BritBox offers compelling mysteries, dramas, comedies, documentaries, and lifestyle television shows, as well as classic movies.

Related: BritBox vs. Acorn TV: Which Is Best?

Like the other streaming services on this list, BritBox can be used on multiple devices. It also possesses the largest amount of British boxsets of any streaming service. It even has all of the episodes of the popular television show Doctor Who.

You can try BritBox for free for 7 days, after which it will cost you US$6.99/month or US$69.99/year plus applicable taxes.

4. Shudder

Shudder is the most popular streaming platform available for horror movies. The platform offers access to ad-free horror, sci-fi, and thriller content for a low monthly price.

After the week-long trial, this service is available for US$5.99/month or US$56.99/year plus applicable taxes.

This is a great streaming platform for anyone who enjoys the darker side of entertainment. Screambox is another streaming platform for horror movies, so be sure to read about both in order to pick wisely.

Related: Shudder vs. Screambox: Which Is Best?

5. Sundance Now

person holding clapperboard

Sundance Now is another streaming platform owned by AMC. According to the Sundance Now website, its mission is to celebrate movies, television shows, and documentaries with authentic storytelling told from global perspectives.

This platform features true crime series, exclusive thrillers, and original dramas. As with the other streaming platforms listed here, you can switch devices mid-show and not lose your place.

Sundance Now offers a 7-day free trial, after which there are two choices for packages:

  • Monthly: A month-to-month membership costs US$6.99/month plus applicable taxes.
  • Annually: A commitment to a year-long membership lowers the monthly price to US$4.99/month plus applicable taxes.

You can stream Sundance Now on Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and the web.

6. Amazon Prime Video

person holding remote

Amazon Prime Video is one of the best streaming services available. It offers quality television shows and blockbuster movies. It also has a great selection of indie horror movies and content from channels like Funny Or Die.

Prime Video is set up a lot like Netflix, with sections covering movies and TV shows across a range of genres. An Amazon Prime membership also has other benefits like 2-day shipping and free standard shipping for qualifying items on Amazon.com.

The trial period for Prime is 30 days, and during this time, trial members can enjoy all of the perks of the membership, including the free shipping and access to Prime Video. The cost after the free trial is US$7.99/month or US$79/year (plus applicable taxes).

7. HBO Max

HBO Max is the streaming service of the popular TV channel HBO. Brought to us by WarnerMedia, it offers popular television shows like The Big Bang Theory and Friends, plus movies like The Lord of the Rings.

If you already have HBO through your cable provider, you may be eligible to get HBO Max for free. Download the HBO app and insert your cable TV provider's credentials to see if you qualify to access HBO Max for free.

If you don't have HBO on cable, you can still order HBO Max and enjoy the free 7-day trial. The cost after the free trial is US$14.99/month plus applicable taxes.

8. The Criterion Channel

television on TV stand

The Criterion Channel is a movie streaming service that will appeal to any lover of film classics. You can download movies to watch offline as well, so this service is great for you if you travel frequently and love to watch movies in your downtime.

There are no ads on The Criterion Channel and you also have access to extra film features like commentaries and interviews from the stars.

The Criterion Channel offers a 14-day free trial and after that it costs US$10.99/month or US$99.99/year plus applicable taxes.

9. Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is Apple's streaming service. Although it doesn't offer a back catalog like most streaming services, it does boast a selection of movies, television shows, documentaries, and child-friendly content.

You can download television shows and movies to watch offline. And if you purchase a new Apple device, Apple TV+ is free for a year. For everyone else, Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial and after that, it costs US$5.99/month.

Related: The Best Shows to watch on Apple TV+

Why Not Try a New Streaming Service Today?

With so many streaming platforms currently available, it's impossible to pick just one service. Which is why free trials are so important. Are you listening, Netflix?!

Thankfully, as we've shown here, there are plenty of streaming services which you can still try for free to decide if they're worth paying for.