Netflix is undoubtedly the leader in the streaming wars. The streaming service boasts 301.63 million paid subscribers worldwide as of the fourth financial quarter of 2024 and continues to draw new users thanks to its excellent catalog of original series like "Squid Game", and films like "Carry-On".
But despite being a massively popular service — or, more likely, because it's so popular — Netflix doesn't offer many deals or discounts. The streamer has chosen other methods of boosting subscriber numbers, such as adding a lower-cost ad-supported plan and cracking down on password sharing.
Still, getting free Netflix or discounted Netflix is not impossible. Here are some ways you can get Netflix for free.
Is there a Netflix free trial?
Unlike most other major streamers, Netflix does not offer a free trial. The company discontinued all free trials in the U.S. back in 2020 and is not expected to bring promotional trial periods back any time soon. That means you'll have to be clever about trying the service out.
Those looking to get a very small taste of Netflix’s most popular series can only do so via YouTube, where the streamer has a curated collection of full episodes of selected shows like "Blue Eye Samurai," "Explained" and "Our Planet." There, of course, you don't have to pay to sample Netflix's wares.
T-Mobile’s 'Streaming on Us' Netflix freebie
T-Mobile’s long-running “Netflix on Us” freebie is still available, but it went through some changes earlier this year. Previously, T-Mobile users on more expensive mobile plans like Magenta Max were able to get ad-free Netflix Standard plans.
However, that option was officially retired in January 2024 when the company downgraded all customers to Netflix’s ad-supported tier, Netflix Standard. Not only does this mean unskippable ads, but much of Netflix's film library is unavailable on this tier due to licensing restrictions. So if you want to see everything the service has to offer, you'll have to cough up some extra cash.
Still, it's free Netflix, which is not nothing, and being able to stream new seasons of "Cobra Kai," "Emily in Paris" and "Bridgerton" for the low cost of nothing at all is still pretty appealing for those looking to save on streaming. You also get unlimited access to a selection of video games on the service.
Learn more at T-Mobile
Verizon’s Netflix + Max (with Ads) bundle
Verizon offers a $10 monthly subscription bundle that includes the ad-supported tiers of HBO Max and Netflix through its myPlan service. Though this might not technically be “free,” the cost of an ad-supported Max subscription on its own is $9.99 per month, so subscribers technically are getting Netflix at no extra cost with the purchase of a Max subscription through Verizon. You're eligible for this bundle, which is worth about $7, if you subscribe to select mobile or home internet plans.
Learn more at Verizon
Comcast 'StreamSaver' bundle
In May 2024 Comcast announced a new “StreamSaver” package that includes Netflix, Peacock and Apple TV Plus all for a “vastly reduced price [when compared with] anything in the market today.” The bundle is exclusively available now to Comcast broadband, TV and mobile customers.
The deal is pretty straightforward. You get 150 Mbps internet for one year with Peacock Premium with ads, Apple TV+ and Netflix Standard with ads for $45 monthly.
Existing Xfinity internet and TV customers can pay an additional $15 per month for Peacock (with ads), Netflix (with ads) and Apple TV+. That represents 40% off in savings. Comcast Now TV customers will need to pay $30 per month for the same bundle.
What streaming services offer free trials?
While Netflix may not offer a free trial, many of the best streaming services actually do. Here is a list of the popular streaming services that you can try for free while you decide whether or not to add Netflix to your streaming budget:
- Prime Video: Try 30 days free
- Hulu: Get your first month free
- Apple TV Plus: Try 7 days free
- Paramount Plus: Get your first week free (select new subscribers)
- Walmart Plus: Get Paramount Plus Essential included in your free 30-day trail
- Mubi: Try free for 7 days
- AMC Plus: Get 1 week free
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