Netflix ditched its free trial some time ago, leaving potential subscribers wondering if it's still worth the cost. So let's explore the streaming platform's offerings, pricing plans, and some alternatives.
Netflix free trial: Is there one and how can you get it?
Netflix used to offer a free trial, but those days are gone. Here’s what you need to know about the streaming giant’s subscription plans and how to potentially access its content without paying full price.
In a word, no.
Netflix, a pioneer and stalwart of the streaming revolution, has maintained its position as a dominant force in entertainment. It has cemented its position as one of the world’s leading streaming services, boasting approximately 222 million subscribers globally.
However, the platform’s decision to eliminate the free trial has left many potential subscribers wondering how to access its vast content library without an immediate financial commitment.
- The end of the Netflix free trial era
- Understanding Netflix’s subscription tiers
- Netflix plans at a glance
- Alternative ways to experience Netflix for free or less
- Is Netflix still worth the cost?
The end of the Netflix free trial era
Once upon a time, Netflix offered a generous 30-day free trial, allowing viewers to dive into its world of original series, blockbuster movies, and documentaries without any upfront cost.
This strategy proved instrumental in acquiring millions of subscribers over the years. But as the streaming landscape became increasingly competitive, Netflix shifted its focus, prioritising revenue growth over subscriber acquisition.
The removal of the free trial way back in 2019, was a bold move that sent ripples through the industry. While it undoubtedly impacted subscriber growth in the short term, Netflix justified the decision by highlighting the platform’s extensive library, consistent content updates, and improved user experience.
Understanding Netflix’s subscription tiers
Netflix offers a variety of subscription plans to cater to different viewing preferences and budgets:
- Standard with ads: £4.99 per month
- Standard: £10.99 per month (one extra member slot can be added for £4.99 each per month)
- Premium: £17.99 per month (two extra member slots can be added for £4.99 each per month)
The primary differentiator in these plans is whether you’re willing to watch ads during your favourite shows. The cheapest option, Standard with adverts, compromises on picture quality (limited to 1080p) compared to Premium and has slightly different content. Unlike the other plans, you can’t add an another member to the ads tier for an extra fee, which is basically Netflix’s way of preventing password-sharing.
If you prefer an ad-free experience and the ability to download content, you might consider the Standard or Premium plans, which vary in price and available features, such as streaming quality and the number of simultaneous streams. There was a Basic plan, but it was fully discontinued in May 2024 (legacy users could stream until July) and cost £7.99 per month.
According to Netflix, the ad-supported plan has seen a near 70% increase since autumn 2023, and now accounts for about 30% of all new sign-ups in the 12 countries where it’s available, which includes the UK.
Netflix plans at a glance
| Feature | Standard with Ads | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ads | Ad-supported | Ad-free | Ad-free |
| Content | Most films and TV shows | All films and TV shows | All films and TV shows |
| Mobile games | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Screens | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Video quality | Full HD (1080p) | Full HD (1080p) | Ultra HD (4K) |
| Downloads | 2 devices | 2 devices | 6 devices |
| Extra members | Not available | 1 | 2 |
| Spatial audio | Not available | Not available | Available |
| Price (UK) | £4.99/month | £10.99/month | £17.99/month |
Alternative ways to experience Netflix for free or less
While the free trial is no more, there are still avenues to explore Netflix without committing to a full-fledged subscription:
- Shared accounts: While not officially endorsed by Netflix, and in fact discouraged, account sharing remains a common practice. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the platform’s efforts to crack down on password sharing. Netflix has tried to stop account sharing in most countries and even offers account add-ons with its Standard and Premium plans.
- Add-on accounts: This is a new-ish option from Netflix, which lets the main account holder add one or two accounts outside of the address access their Netflix (depending on the plan you are on). It costs £4.99 per month for each added account so the bill could become quite expensive each month.
- Mobile plans: Some mobile carriers offer bundled deals that include Netflix subscriptions. Check with your provider to see if you qualify for any perks — although at the moment it is Apple TV+ being offered by most network providers.
- Sky packages: In the UK, one of the most effective ways to access Netflix for free is by subscribing to a Sky TV package. If you opt for a Sky package, you can include standard Netflix without additional charges. Moreover, Sky often provides promotional offers that allow customers to try Sky services, including Netflix, for free for a limited time (such as the one-month free deal with Sky Stream).
- Free trials of other services: While not directly related to Netflix, exploring free trials of competing streaming services like Amazon Prime Video can help you discover new content. Apple TV+ has a few ways of watching for free on trial, Disney+ is easy to get, and Now has offers to make it cheaper over time, which you can read about in our guides.
Is Netflix still worth the cost?
Despite the absence of a free trial, Netflix continues to deliver a compelling range of films and TV shows. With a vast catalog of exclusive content, including popular series like fan-favourite Bridgerton, creepy Stranger Things, smash-hit Baby Reindeer, and schlocky Cobra Kai. Alongside a growing library of films, documentaries, and international content, Netflix remains a top choice for many viewers.
Ultimately, the decision to subscribe to Netflix boils down to individual preferences and budget constraints. Factors such as the availability of alternative streaming platforms, the frequency of content consumption, and the desire for specific shows or movies should all be considered when making a decision.
After all, it is difficult to afford all of the separate streaming options, and so maybe watching certain popular series and then switching providers for a few months is the way to go?
Keep an eye out for promotional deals on Netflix, as the landscape is constantly changing, and you may find a great opportunity to enjoy your favourite shows for free or at a reduced rate.
And while the loss of the free trial was undoubtedly a setback for potential new subscribers, Netflix’s commitment to producing high-quality content and expanding its global reach suggests that the platform will continue to be a major player in the streaming industry.
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