Hulu has established itself as a go-to streaming service for TV shows, movies, and original content, offering both on-demand and live TV options. However, the streaming landscape is vast, and many other platforms offer competitive content libraries and unique features. This article explores the top Hulu alternatives that provide 7-day or 30-day trial periods, allowing users to test their services before making a subscription commitment.
1. Amazon Prime Video
Overview
Amazon Prime Video is a leading streaming service with a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and exclusive Amazon Originals. It is often bundled with Amazon Prime, which includes benefits like free shipping on Amazon purchases and access to Amazon Music.
Trial Period
Amazon Prime Video offers a 30-day free trial, giving users ample time to explore its extensive library.
Content and Features
- Wide Selection: Amazon Prime Video features a comprehensive collection of movies, TV shows, and documentaries across various genres.
- Exclusive Originals: Includes popular originals such as “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” and “Fleabag.”
- Additional Channels: Users can subscribe to additional channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz for an extra fee.
- X-Ray Feature: Provides extra information about the cast, music, and trivia related to the content being watched.
Subscription Options
Amazon Prime Video can be accessed with an Amazon Prime membership, costing $12.99 per month or $119 per year. A standalone Prime Video subscription is available for $8.99 per month.
2. Disney+
Overview
Disney+ is a streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, featuring content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It’s a top choice for families and fans of these franchises.
Trial Period
Disney+ no longer offers a free trial, but its competitive pricing and extensive content make it a strong contender.
Content and Features
- Family-Friendly: Offers a vast collection of animated classics, Disney Channel original movies, and family-friendly content.
- Blockbusters and Originals: Features blockbuster hits from Marvel and Star Wars, along with exclusive originals like “The Mandalorian” and “WandaVision.”
- High-Quality Streaming: Provides 4K Ultra HD and HDR streaming for selected content.
Subscription Options
- Monthly Subscription: $7.99 per month.
- Annual Subscription: $79.99 per year.
- Bundle with Hulu and ESPN+: $13.99 per month.
3. Netflix
Overview
Netflix is the world’s leading streaming service, known for its vast library of movies, TV shows, and acclaimed original content.
Trial Period
Netflix no longer offers a free trial, but its extensive and diverse content library makes it a popular choice.
Content and Features
- Original Programming: Home to numerous award-winning originals like “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” and “The Witcher.”
- Diverse Library: Includes a broad range of genres, from documentaries and dramas to comedies and children’s shows.
- Multiple Profiles: Allows up to five profiles per account, each with personalized recommendations.
Subscription Options
- Basic Plan: $9.99 per month, standard definition.
- Standard Plan: $15.49 per month, high definition, two screens at a time.
- Premium Plan: $19.99 per month, ultra-high definition, four screens at a time.
4. HBO Max
Overview
HBO Max combines HBO’s premium content with an extensive selection of additional movies, series, and Max Originals. It’s known for its high-quality productions and exclusive releases.
Trial Period
HBO Max offers a 7-day free trial, allowing users to sample its content before subscribing.
Content and Features
- Premium Content: Access to HBO’s entire catalog, including “Game of Thrones,” “Westworld,” and “Succession.”
- Max Originals: Features exclusive content like “Raised by Wolves,” “The Flight Attendant,” and “Lovecraft Country.”
- Warner Bros. Releases: Simultaneous streaming of Warner Bros. movies on the same day as their theatrical release.
- Profiles and Parental Controls: Up to five viewer profiles and robust parental control features.
Subscription Options
- Ad-Free Plan: $14.99 per month.
- Ad-Supported Plan: $9.99 per month.
5. Apple TV+
Overview
Apple TV+ is Apple’s streaming service, offering a growing library of exclusive shows, movies, and documentaries.
Trial Period
Apple TV+ provides a 7-day free trial, with an extended 3-month trial available with the purchase of a new Apple device.
Content and Features
- Original Programming: Focuses solely on original content, including hits like “The Morning Show,” “Ted Lasso,” and “For All Mankind.”
- Family Sharing: Allows up to six family members to share a single Apple TV+ subscription.
- High-Quality Streaming: Offers 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos for supported content.
Subscription Options
- Monthly Subscription: $4.99 per month.
- Annual Subscription: $49.99 per year.
- Apple One Bundle: Starts at $14.95 per month, including Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and Apple TV+.
6. Peacock
Overview
Peacock, launched by NBCUniversal, offers a mix of current season shows, classic TV series, movies, and original programming. It has a unique tiered pricing model, including a free tier.
Trial Period
Peacock offers a 7-day free trial for its Premium and Premium Plus plans.
Content and Features
- Diverse Library: Includes content from NBC, Universal, and other networks, such as “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Saturday Night Live.”
- Originals and Exclusives: Features original series like “Brave New World” and “Saved by the Bell” reboot.
- Live TV and Sports: Provides access to live events, including sports and news.
- Free Tier: Limited access to content with ads, available without a subscription.
Subscription Options
- Peacock Free: $0, with ads.
- Peacock Premium: $4.99 per month, with ads.
- Peacock Premium Plus: $9.99 per month, ad-free.
7. Paramount+
Overview
Paramount+, formerly CBS All Access, offers a wide range of content from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures.
Trial Period
Paramount+ provides a 7-day free trial, allowing users to explore its vast library and live TV options.
Content and Features
- Broad Content Range: Includes everything from classic TV shows and movies to live sports and news.
- Original Series: Features exclusive originals like “Star Trek: Picard,” “The Good Fight,” and “The Stand.”
- Live TV: Access to live broadcasts from CBS, including sports and special events.
Subscription Options
- Essential Plan: $4.99 per month, with ads.
- Premium Plan: $9.99 per month, ad-free.
8. Discovery+
Overview
Discovery+ is the streaming home for content from Discovery’s portfolio of networks, including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, and more.
Trial Period
Discovery+ offers a 7-day free trial for both of its subscription tiers.
Content and Features
- Extensive Library: Features thousands of hours of reality TV, documentaries, and exclusive originals.
- Discovery Originals: Includes series like “90 Day Fiancé Universe” and “Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines.”
- User Profiles: Allows up to five user profiles per account.
Subscription Options
- Ad-Supported Plan: $4.99 per month.
- Ad-Free Plan: $6.99 per month.
9. Showtime
Overview
Showtime is a premium streaming service offering a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original programming.
Trial Period
Showtime provides a 30-day free trial, giving users plenty of time to explore its content.
Content and Features
- Original Series: Features popular originals like “Billions,” “Shameless,” and “Homeland.”
- Movies and Documentaries: Includes a broad selection of films and documentaries.
- Live TV: Access to live broadcasts of Showtime’s programming.
Subscription Options
- Monthly Subscription: $10.99 per month.
10. Sling TV
Overview
Sling TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a selection of live channels and on-demand content. It’s known for its flexible and affordable plans.
Trial Period
Sling TV offers a 7-day free trial, allowing users to test its live TV and on-demand content.
Content and Features
- Live TV: Provides access to live broadcasts from various networks, including ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and more.
- On-Demand Content: Includes a library of movies and TV shows.
- Customizable Packages: Users can add extra channel packs and premium networks.
Subscription Options
- Sling Orange: $35 per month.
- Sling Blue: $35 per month.
- Sling Orange + Blue: $50 per month.
Conclusion
As the streaming market continues to expand, viewers have an array of choices beyond Hulu. Services like Amazon Prime
Video, Disney+, Netflix, HBO Max, and others offer competitive content libraries, unique features, and attractive trial periods ranging from 7 days to 30 days. By taking advantage of these trial offers, users can explore different platforms, discover new content, and determine which service best meets their entertainment needs. Whether you’re looking for original programming, family-friendly content, live TV, or international shows, there’s a Hulu alternative out there that’s perfect for you.