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Best streaming services with free trials of 2024
With so many streaming services on the market, it can be tricky to figure out which ones align with your taste. Fortunately, some platforms offer free trials, which let you test out the services at no cost before signing up for a paid membership.
How we chose the best streaming services with free trials
While not every platform offers a free trial to stream TV, there are a select few that do. Below, we’ve chosen five of the best streaming services with free trials to help you determine which ones are right for you. Whether you’re into sports, movies or live TV, keep reading to discover a streaming service that appeals to your interests.
Top streaming services with free trials
- Best for sports: Fubo
- Best for live TV: YouTube TV
- Best for original programming: Apple TV+
- Best for movies: Amazon Prime Video
- Best for budget-friendly streaming: Philo
Best for sports: Fubo
- Live and on-demand content
- Large number of channels
- Local networks included in most networks
About Fubo
Fubo sells three plans (Pro, Elite and Ultimate), which begin at $74.99 per month. With this streaming service, you’ll get access to more than 160 live channels, as well as on-demand TV shows, movies and sports. Even the lowest-tier plan comes with popular channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Animal Planet, Bravo, E!, Food Network and USA.
With a Fubo plan, you’ll get 1,000 hours of cloud DVR space and the ability to watch on three screens simultaneously. If you’re connected to your home internet, you can stream Fubo content on up to 10 devices at once. The company also offers a Spanish-language plan (Latino), which includes almost 60 channels and costs $32.99 per month.
Why is it the best?
If you love sports, you’ll feel right at home with Fubo. The service has dozens of sports-focused networks, including ESPN, Bally Sports, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), Fox Sports 2 (FS2), beIN Sports and CBS Sports Network. If that’s not enough, you can sign up for one of Fubo’s sports add-ons, like International Sports Plus, MLB.TV or Sports Plus with NFL RedZone. Local networks are also available, depending on your location.
Best for live TV: YouTube TV
About YouTube TV
YouTube TV has one plan, which you can test out with a free live TV trial. It starts at $72.99 per month, includes 100+ channels of live and on-demand content and allows three simultaneous streams. With your plan, you can watch well-known channels like CNN, Cartoon Network, ESPN, Hallmark Channel, National Geographic, TBS and TNT. Local channels are also available in most markets.
As a YouTube TV customer, you can upgrade your plan to include 4K streaming, offline viewing, premium channels, sports or Spanish-language networks. It’s also the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, an add-on that lets you watch out-of-market NFL games on Sundays. Plus, you can record as much programming as you’d like, thanks to the service’s unlimited DVR feature.
Why is it the best?
YouTube TV has a user-friendly interface with a channel guide that’s easy to scroll – much like traditional cable. But unlike cable, there are no contracts required, so you can cancel at any time. Another benefit is that you have unlimited DVR space, so you can record your favorite programs and cheer for your favorite sports teams on your own schedule.
Best for original programming: Apple TV+
- Library of award-winning original TV shows and movies
- Cheaper than many other streamers
- Includes select MLB and MLS games
About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is the least-expensive streaming service on our list, with plans priced at $9.99 per month. It’s the exclusive home to Apple’s original programming, including popular shows like “Ted Lasso,” “The Morning Show” and “Severance” and movies like “CODA” and “Wolfwalkers.” In addition to its on-demand content, Apple TV+ also airs some live professional baseball games and is the exclusive streaming partner of the MLS, with the MLS Season Pass add-on.
You don’t need an Apple device to subscribe, but it’s the best way to watch the service’s shows, movies, and sports. Otherwise, you can watch on select streaming devices, smart TVs, or web browsers.
Why is it the best?
These days, there are multiple streaming platforms that produce their own original content. However, Apple TV+ is particularly focused on this type of programming, and its content has won several major awards, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs and Emmys. Whether you like dramas, comedies or documentaries, Apple TV+ has you covered with high-quality original programming.
Best for movies: Amazon Prime Video
- Included with Amazon Prime subscription
- Vast library of original and non-original content
- Longer free trial than other services
About Amazon Prime Video
With an Amazon Prime membership ($14.99 per month), you’ll get access to Amazon Prime Video, the company’s live and on-demand streaming service. On it, you’ll find Amazon Originals like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “Rings of Power,” as well as on-demand movies and live NFL games on Thursday Night Football.
If you want to test out Amazon Prime Video for free, you can sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. With your membership, you can also get free trials of premium services like STARZ, Max and Paramount Plus. You can also tune into Freevee, a free ad-supported streaming service available through Amazon, which has thousands of TV shows, movies and original programs.
Why is it the best?
Amazon Prime Video has a little bit of everything, including live and on-demand programs, original content, and sports. However, the highlight of this service is its extensive library of movies, including recent and older releases. Many titles are included with your Amazon Prime subscription, but others can be rented or purchased for an additional fee.
Best for budget-friendly streaming: Philo
- Most affordable livestreaming service
- Unlimited DVR
- Plenty of entertainment-focused channels
About Philo
Want to watch live TV but don’t want to break the bank? Consider signing up for Philo, a wallet-friendly streaming service that starts at $25 per month. With it, you’ll get access to 70+ channels, with an emphasis on entertainment, lifestyle and reality content on networks like A&E, Comedy Central, HGTV, MTV and TLC. However, you won’t get any local channels (like ABC or CBS) or sports networks (like ESPN).
With Philo’s unlimited DVR feature, you can record your favorite TV shows and movies to watch them when it’s convenient for you. Plus, you can watch live, on-demand and recorded content on up to three screens at the same time.
Why is it the best?
When it comes to live TV streaming platforms, Philo is easily the cheapest of the bunch. But even though it’s more affordable than its competitors, Philo still offers a decent number of channels and extra features (including a live TV free trial). It’s an especially interesting service if you prefer entertainment and lifestyle programming over sports or news.
Final thoughts
No matter what kind of entertainment you enjoy, there’s a streaming service to match your interests. Even better? Many of them offer free trials for TV lovers, so you can explore the platforms before making a financial commitment.
For example, Fubo’s sports-focused channel lineup makes it perfect for sports fans, while YouTube TV’s intuitive design offers a cable-like experience – without the contract. If you love award-winning original programming, you should enjoy Apple TV Plus. If movies are more your thing, then Amazon Prime Video is worth considering. Finally, if you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy live and on-demand TV shows, films and more, then Philo could be the best platform for you.
FAQ
Does Netflix have a free trial?
No, Netflix does not currently have a free trial. However, its plans are contract-free, so you can close your account at any time without paying a cancellation fee.
Which streaming service has the best free trial?
If you’re looking for the longest free trial to stream TV, consider signing up for Amazon Prime Video, which includes a 30-day free trial. Other good options include Fubo, Philo and YouTube TV.
When did Disney Plus remove its free trial?
Disney Plus ended its free trial in 2020. But like Netflix and other streaming services, you can end your Disney Plus subscription at any time without paying a penalty.
