which-streaming-services-offer-free-trials-in-2026?

Which streaming services offer free trials in 2026?

General
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hulu, Paramount+, Prime Video, and Starz logos with free tags and blue background

I think I speak for everyone when I say that streaming prices are getting out of hand. Every year, the monthly fees go up, as does the number of services you need to watch the shows and movies you love.

Fortunately, a good chunk of these streamers will let you test the water before diving in and paying full price for their service. These trials give you the opportunity to sample the streaming library to decide whether it’s right for you — or even binge-watch a whole season of a show for free. And watching something for free is a special type of dopamine hit.

SEE ALSO:

The 10 best TV shows of 2025, and where to stream them now

A few big dogs in the streaming world — Disney+, Peacock, Paramount+ — no longer offer free trials, following in the footsteps of Netflix and HBO Max. But plenty of other major streaming services (as well as smaller, lesser-known services) let you try before you buy. Here’s a list of all of the streaming services that offer free trials in 2026, including our top picks.

Best free trial: Hulu


Hulu app logo

Credit: Hulu

Why we like it

One of the oldest streaming services around, Hulu still remains a top dog. It’s home to Mashable’s favorite show of 2024, Shōgun, as well as two of our favorite shows of 2025, Dying for Sex and The Lowdown. Besides its own original content, Hulu is also the streaming home of FX, where you’ll find episodes of ABC shows the day after they air, and the place to watch 20th Century Studios, Neon, and Searchlight Pictures films straight from the theater.

It was one of the most affordable streamers at just $7.99 per month, but it underwent two price hikes in as many years, making it now one of the most expensive streamers at $11.99 per month (with ads). Where Hulu truly stands out amongst the crowd, however, is its extremely generous free trial. If you’ve never subscribed to Hulu before, you can try it out for an entire month before having to pay anything.

Runner-up: Prime Video


Prime Video app logo

Credit: Prime Video

Why we like it

Prime Video can sometimes be an afterthought, as it’s just one perk of an Amazon Prime membership. However, the streaming service is actually home to plenty of excellent shows — like one of our favorite shows of 2025, Overcompensating, and two of our favorites from 2024, Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Fallout — as well as hit movies like Hedda, Sinners, Challengers, Wicked, Conclave, and Blink Twice.

It’s $14.99 per month if you choose to subscribe to Prime or just $8.99 per month for Prime Video on its own. Either way, you’ll get a free 30-day trial to kick things off. And the best part is that it’s not just for newbies; returning Prime members are eligible for free trials as well.

Every streaming service that offers a free trial in 2025

Acorn TV

AMC+

Apple TV+

BET+

Britbox

Cinemax

The Cinemax trial is only available via Prime Video as an add-on.

Criterion Channel

Crunchyroll

Discovery+

DirecTV Stream

Disney+

Though Disney+ does not offer a free trial on its own, it’s included in Hulu + Live TV. So, you can try it for free with that trial.

ESPN

Though ESPN does not offer a free trial on its own, it’s included in Hulu + Live TV. So, you can try ESPN Select for free with that trial. There is no trial for ESPN Unlimited.

Fox One

FrndlyTV

Fubo TV

Hallmark+

Hulu

Hulu + Live TV

MGM+

MLB.TV

MovieSphere+

The MovieSphere+ trial is only available via Prime Video as an add-on.

Mubi

NBA League Pass

Paramount+

Though Paramount+ no longer offers a free trial directly (as of Jan. 15, 2026), a free trial of Walmart+ will unlock a free month of streaming.

Peacock

Though Peacock no longer offers a free trial directly, a free trial of Instacart+ will unlock two free weeks of streaming, or a free trial of Walmart+ will unlock a free month of streaming.

Prime Video

Shudder

Starz

Sundance Now

YouTube TV