As there are so many streaming services out there, consumers have plenty of choices available to them when it comes to streaming media. There are services specifically catering to sports fans (like YouTube TV) or offering extensive media libraries ( such as Amazon Prime Video), or catering specifically to niche genres ( like Crunchyroll’s one-stop anime shop). If you’re thinking about cutting the cord, here are our recommendations for services with long free trials.
1. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video, like Netflix and Hulu, boasts an expansive library of on-demand shows and movies available for streaming. However, unlike its competitors it also provides premium add-on channels (Showtime and Starz) offering extensive film libraries at an additional monthly fee.
Starz Network boasts several original hit series such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Sense8 and The Boys as well as Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and Reacher, in addition to broadcasting Thursday Night Football and offering original kids content. Subscription costs $9.99 monthly, with college students eligible for six months ad-free access. You can sign up through their storefront for a seven day free trial period.
2. Hulu
Streaming services have mushroomed exponentially in the past several years, offering an enormous selection of on-demand services, live TV options, and subscription add-ons. Given such an expansive market, it’s essential that you explore every option before making commitments to monthly payments.
Hulu stands out in this space by offering an expansive library of current and recent network TV shows like Only Murders In the Building and Shogun as well as original content such as Palm Springs, Nine Perfect Strangers and The Handmaid’s Tale. Additionally, Hulu+ Live TV allows subscribers to save even further when combined with Disney+ or ESPN+ subscriptions.
3. HBO
Streaming services rely on free trials to convince newcomers to join, whether through advertising, free swag giveaways, product placements such as Apple computers and Chrysler Jeep vehicles or product placement. A significant percentage of trial users eventually become paying subscribers.
HBO, established in 1972, is one of the oldest subscription cable channels in the US. At its introduction, it pioneered modern pay television by using regional microwave and national satellite transmission to bring commercial-free movies directly to cable customers for an additional monthly fee. Today, its new streaming service HBO Max provides access to films and shows produced by parent company WarnerMedia.
4. Showtime
As is often the case, streaming services that offer free content often come with hidden dangers – they could steal your information and install malware onto your device if you choose them as your streaming source. Therefore, it is wise to steer clear of them.
Showtime boasts an expansive library of original programming, such as Kidding, Billions, Homeland, Ray Donovan, Shameless and Californication as well as past hits like Nurse Jackie and Twin Peaks. Showtime currently costs $10 per month when subscribed standalone, but when combined with Hulu or NBCU Peacock it can cost less. Plus there is usually an eight-day free trial period. But sometimes promo codes extend this.
5. Starz
Starz stands apart from competitors with its captivating original TV shows and extensive movie library, all tailored with an exclusive feel and passionate fan bases in mind, which have paid dividends for them. Service has also simplified its app for an efficient streaming ecosystem. Account sharing enables multiple devices to access one account simultaneously, multi-screen functionality lets viewers start watching from one device and pick up where they left off on another device.
However, Netflix has yet to address 4K support or some inefficiencies in its user interface (UI), prompting potential subscribers to carefully assess all its features to ensure it fits with their entertainment needs and budget.
6. NBCU’s Peacock
Since its introduction in 2020, Peacock has been free for all Xfinity X1 and Flex subscribers. However, that promotion will conclude on June 30, 2022. Tina Fey’s original series Girls5Eva follows an all female one hit wonder girl group that reunites for another attempt at fame. International series from NBCUniversal International Studios, and captivating true crime documentaries are among its offerings, along with live Premier League soccer matches and an expansive library of WWE events. You can simultaneously stream on up to three devices with unlimited profiles and child safety settings. Be aware that eligibility requirements and terms may differ for different offers.
7. Max
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Max was unveiled in 2020 as an expansive streaming service featuring programming from HBO, Discovery Channel, CNN and Warner Bros. You’ll find hits like Game of Thrones and Westworld as well as gripping dramas such as Succession and House of the Dragon on Max. Max does not offer a typical free trial period. However, subscription packages through wireless carriers or streaming bundles provide access at an affordable cost.
8. AMC’s Sundance Now
Streaming services understand the power of long free trials to encourage people to try them, and it seems to work, many users who sign up for trials go on to become paying subscribers. Ad-free streaming service YouTube Red offers an expansive library of original movies and TV shows such as Portlandia, Rectify and Orphan Black. Also included is Mad Men Season 7, Turn: Washington’s Spies Season 6 and Hell on Wheels seasons.
Sundance Now is ramping up their international drama offerings this year with Carrie-Anne Moss’ Nordic thriller Wisting and New Zealand police series The Gulf. Additionally, an engaging true crime docu-series directed by Emmy winner Theo Love will also debut. All this can be found in Jigsaw Productions by Alex Gibney.
9. Netflix
Over recent years, streaming services have experienced rapid expansion. Finding one to meet both your needs and budget may be daunting at first, but there are plenty of ways you can try before making your choice permanent.
Netflix revolutionised home-based entertainment with their revolutionary online video streaming technology and long-term strategy of decision making and technical implementation, helping it ride out the waves of ever increasing internet connectivity over recent years. Netflix boasts an expansive library of original content. Shows like Formula 1, Drive to Survive and prison drama Orange Is the New Black have made waves on streaming services.
