As streaming services continue to dominate home entertainment, free trials remain one of the best ways to test a platform before committing. In 2026, the landscape of free trials has shifted significantly. Many major services have shortened or eliminated their trial periods, while others have introduced ad-supported tiers that offer limited free access. This guide covers the current state of free trials for the biggest streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Max, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. We'll detail trial lengths, requirements, and strategies to make the most of your free viewing.
Netflix
As of 2026, Netflix no longer offers a standard free trial. The company phased out its 30-day free trial in most regions back in 2020. However, there are still ways to watch Netflix for free. Netflix's ad-supported tier, "Standard with Ads," launched in late 2022, does not include a free trial. But Netflix occasionally partners with mobile carriers or ISPs to offer bundled free access. For example, T-Mobile's "Netflix on Us" plan includes a free Netflix subscription with certain wireless plans. Additionally, Netflix offers a limited selection of free content without an account, including some documentaries and stand-up specials. For a complete list of what's available, see our complete guide to finding any movie on legal streaming services. If you're looking for specific movies, check Netflix new movies 2026 for upcoming releases.
Disney+
Disney+ ended its standard 7-day free trial in most countries in 2023. As of 2026, no free trial is available directly from Disney+. However, Disney occasionally offers promotional deals through partners. For instance, Verizon customers on certain unlimited plans receive Disney+ (with ads) at no extra cost. Similarly, some credit card companies like American Express have offered statement credits for Disney+ subscriptions. Additionally, Disney+ has a "Free Episodes" section where you can watch a few episodes of select shows without a subscription. For a deeper dive into Disney+ offerings, see our Disney+ streaming guide and Disney+ new releases. If you're interested in classics, check classic movies on Disney+.
Hulu
Hulu currently offers a 30-day free trial for its ad-supported plan (Hulu (With Ads)). The trial is available to new and eligible returning subscribers. It requires a valid payment method, but you can cancel anytime before the trial ends. Note that Hulu's ad-free plan (Hulu (No Ads)) and Hulu + Live TV do not offer free trials. Hulu also has a free, ad-supported tier called "Hulu (Free with Ads)" that includes a limited library of episodes and movies. For more on Hulu's free offerings, see free movies with ads on Hulu. To stay updated on new content, visit Hulu new movies 2026.
Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video does not offer a standalone free trial. However, Amazon Prime includes Prime Video, and new Amazon Prime members can get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime (which includes Prime Video). The trial is available to those who have not previously subscribed to Prime. After the trial, the standard Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Prime Video also offers a selection of free ad-supported content through its "Freevee" service (formerly IMDb TV), which does not require a subscription. For a list of free movies, see free movies with ads on Prime Video. For upcoming releases, check Prime Video new movies.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Additionally, Apple frequently extends the trial to 3 months when you purchase a new Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, etc.). The trial requires a valid payment method. After the trial, the service costs $9.99 per month. Apple TV+ also occasionally offers free weekends or free episodes of select series. For more on what's available, see Apple TV+ new movies.
Max (formerly HBO Max)
Max no longer offers a standard free trial. The service discontinued its 7-day trial in 2023. However, Max occasionally partners with internet providers and mobile carriers to offer free access. For example, AT&T customers on certain plans may receive Max at no extra cost. Additionally, Max has a limited selection of free episodes and movies available without a subscription. For a guide to Max, see Max streaming guide and Max new movies 2026.
Paramount+
Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial for its Essential (with ads) tier. The trial is available to new subscribers and requires a payment method. The Paramount+ with SHOWTIME tier does not offer a free trial. After the trial, the Essential plan costs $5.99 per month. Paramount+ also has a free, ad-supported version called "Paramount+ Free" with a limited library.
Peacock
Peacock offers a 7-day free trial for its Premium (with ads) plan. The trial is available to new subscribers. Peacock also has a free tier (Peacock Free) with a limited selection of content and ads. The Premium plan costs $5.99 per month after the trial. Note that Peacock Premium Plus (ad-free) does not offer a free trial.
Other Services
Discovery+
Discovery+ offers a 7-day free trial for its ad-supported plan. The trial requires a payment method. After the trial, the plan costs $4.99 per month.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll offers a 14-day free trial for its Premium plan. The trial is available to new users and requires a payment method. After the trial, the plan costs $7.99 per month.
ESPN+
ESPN+ does not offer a free trial. However, it is often bundled with Disney+ and Hulu. The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
How to Maximize Free Trials
To get the most out of free trials, consider these strategies:
- Stack trials: Sign up for trials at different times to extend your free viewing period. For example, start with Hulu's 30-day trial, then move to Paramount+'s 7-day trial, and so on.
- Use a calendar: Set reminders to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
- Check partner deals: Many mobile carriers, ISPs, and credit card companies offer free streaming subscriptions. Examples include T-Mobile (Netflix, Apple TV+), Verizon (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+), and AT&T (Max).
- Explore free tiers: Services like Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+ have free ad-supported tiers with substantial libraries.
- Watch for promotional weekends: Some services offer free access to all content for a limited time, such as Apple TV+ free weekends.
Regional Differences
Free trial availability varies by region. For example, Netflix's free trial is still available in some countries like Kenya and India. Disney+ offers a 7-day trial in Japan. Always check the official website for your country. For more on regional differences, see our article on streaming region differences: US vs UK. If you're traveling, learn how to watch US streaming abroad.