Since Netflix made its debut, numerous platforms have followed suit, making the market quite extensive. Currently, there are a plethora of options available, and the prevailing method to access them all is through account sharing, a practice initially introduced by Netflix and likely to be adopted by other OTT platforms sooner or later. But if we want to access these platforms and enjoy their content, can we do so for free using trial periods?
Many platforms, spanning various genres, offer users the opportunity to try out their services for 7, 15, or 30 days at no cost. This allows individuals to evaluate whether the offerings truly warrant a paid subscription. In the realm of streaming video platforms, the range of trial periods and terms varies considerably.
- Netflix: In the early days of its international expansion, Netflix provided a free trial period for users interested in subscribing, allowing them to experience the available content, playback quality, and user interface. However, this option has been discontinued for several years. To access the platform now, users must start with the cheapest plan, priced at 5.99 euros per month, which includes ads but offers Full HD resolution.
- HBO Max: Unlike Netflix, HBO Max offers only one subscription plan to access its content. Similar to Netflix, HBO Max does not offer access to all its content during the free trial period. The monthly subscription for HBO Max is priced at 8.99 euros.
- Disney+: The platform that holds the rights to Marvel and Star Wars also does not offer a free trial period. Similar to HBO Max, Disney+ offers a single subscription option. Additionally, users have the option to pay a discounted price for an annual subscription of 10 euros. The regular monthly subscription for Disney+ is priced at 8.99 euros.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon’s streaming video platform provides a 30-day trial period to access its entire catalog. To access Amazon Prime Video, users need to create an account and subscribe to the Prime service, which offers free next-day shipping and access to a diverse collection of music and books. After the trial period, users will need to pay the monthly subscription fee of 4.99 euros to continue accessing the content.
- Apple TV+: Apple TV+ provides a 7-day trial period during which users can access the entire content catalog. Additionally, if users purchase an iPhone, Apple TV, or iPad, they can enjoy a 3-month free trial. The monthly subscription price for Apple TV+ is 6.99 euros.
- DAZN: DAZN, the streaming platform that offers access to La Liga and Formula 1, among other sports, does not offer a free trial plan. The cheapest plan, priced at 9.99 euros, does not include access to La Liga or F1. The DAZN Essential plan, priced at 18.99 euros, provides access to F1 and the MotoGP World Championship. For access to football content as well, the monthly price increases to 29.99 euros.
- Filmin: This Spanish OTT platform does not offer a free trial period to access its content. The only subscription option available is priced at 7.99 euros per month, or 84 euros per year for a 12-month subscription.
