Although several free streaming services exist, most require a paid subscription, though many offer a free trial period. While the competition between streaming services has calmed down, there are still many platforms available with a diverse selection of movies and TV shows, including both well-known titles and original content.
Many streaming services offer similar movies and TV shows, but people will ultimately pick the ones that work best for them. Most of these services require a paid subscription, and popular options like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ currently don’t have free trial periods.
Many streaming services, including some well-known and lesser-known options, let potential customers try them out with different plans and offers.
Prime Video
30-Day Free Trial
Prime Video is the streaming service offered by Amazon, and it’s become a major player in the industry, rivaling other popular services. It features critically acclaimed TV shows like The Expanse, as well as original films such as Good Night Mommy and The Idea of You.
Prime Video has various subscription options, allowing you to choose between a full Amazon Prime membership and access to just the streaming service. They offer a 30-day free trial, and students or young adults may be eligible for a 6-month trial. Remember to cancel your trial before it ends if you don’t want to be charged.
| Plan | Price | Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Annual Subscription | $139 | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Monthly Subscription | $14.99 | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Annual Student Subscription | $69 | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Monthly Student Subscription | $7.49 | Yes |
| Prime Video Standalone Monthly Subscription | $8.99 | Yes |
| Prime Video Standalone Monthly Ad-Free Subscription | $11.98 | No |
Apple TV
Seven-Day Free Trial
Apple entered the streaming market in 2019 with Apple TV, and it’s quickly gained popularity with both viewers and critics. Unlike many other streaming services, Apple TV focuses entirely on original shows and movies – it doesn’t rely on licensing content from other studios.
Apple TV+ has become increasingly popular thanks to critically acclaimed shows like Severance, Chief of War, Silo, Slow Horses, and Pluribus. They offer several subscription plans, and new users can try it out with a seven-day free trial.
- Standalone: $12.99/month, ad-free.
- Individual Apple One Bundle: $19.95/month for Apple TV, Music, Arcade, 50GB iCloud+.
- Premier Apple One Bundle: $37.95/month with the addition of News+, Fitness+, and 2TB iCloud+.
- New device purchase: three months free when buying eligible new Apple hardware.
Paramount+
Seven-Day Free Trial
Paramount+ started in 2021 and features a wide range of shows and movies. Along with original series like Mobland, Evil, and Yellowstone, you can find content from popular channels like Nickelodeon, MTV, and Comedy Central. New users can try Paramount+ for free for seven days, and then choose from two different subscription options.
- Paramount+ Essential: $8.99/month, $89.99/year, with limited ads.
- Paramount+ Premium: $13.99/month, $139.99/year, ad-free with the addition of content from Showtime.
Hulu
30-Day Free Trial
Hulu, which is owned by Disney, first started streaming in 2007. As of today, it features many popular and critically acclaimed TV shows and movies, including series like Tell Me Lies, Shōgun, Only Murders in the Building, and The Bear, as well as films such as Palm Springs, Not Okay, Prey, Fresh, and Hellraiser.
After your 30-day free trial, Hulu provides several subscription options. Many people choose bundles that include Disney+ and HBO Max, but the price depends on whether you want to watch with or without ads. You can also subscribe to Hulu on its own, with two different plans available.
- Hulu: with ads. $11.99/month, a monthly plan for students for $1.99, and an annual plan for $119.99.
- Hulu Premium: ad-free. $18.99/month.
Mubi
Seven-Day Free Trial
Mubi is a streaming service you shouldn’t miss. This British platform offers a curated selection of films, focusing on international, independent, and arthouse cinema. With movies from around the world and spanning many genres, Mubi also provides a seven-day free trial so you can check it out.
Mubi’s subscription costs differ depending on where you are, but they have several options: monthly, yearly, and student plans. They also offer Mubi GO, which lets you see a free movie each week at select theaters.
Crunchyroll
Seven-Day Free Trial
Crunchyroll is a streaming service specializing in Japanese anime, including TV shows and movies, as well as other content from East Asia. They have a large library to explore, and you can try it out for seven days for free. If you enjoy it, you can subscribe with one of their available plans.
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free | – | Ads and limited access |
| Fan | $7.99 monthly | Ad-free, full library |
| Mega Fan | $11.99 monthly | All Fan benefits plus four streams, offline viewing, Game Vault access |
| Ultimate Fan | $15.99 monthly | All Mega Fan benefits plus six streams, an annual swag bag, and store discounts. |
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2026-01-23 00:22