With so many streaming services in the UK with free trials, it’s almost not a price worth paying. With all the free trials of movie streaming services on offer, you might watch movies for months without spending a dime.
Free trials, while generous, have a catch. If you forget to cancel your account, you’ll be charged full fee.
Editor’s note: Subscribed to more than one streaming or a cloud music and storage service and looking for a way to manage them without drowning in the stress of remembering payment dates, free trials, discounts etc? Check out our ScribePay app that helps you track and manage all your subscription payments, while Premium users can get an instant bank account (UK) and virtual prepaid card (UK) to approve/decline payments on the fly.
We’ve picked the 10 best streaming services in the UK with free trials. We’ve provided how long they last, how to learn how much the service costs, and how to cancel to avoid paying.
1. Amazon Prime
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is the online retailer’s paid-for subscription service. Its main draw is that its members get free next-day delivery on thousands of eligible items. It also includes a range of other services including the popular Prime Video service, featuring exclusive hit shows like Fleabag and The Grand Tour. Amazon Prime launched in the UK in 2007.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 30 days free trial
Subscription fee: £8.99 a month in the UK. An annual subscription costs £95, saving you £16.88 over the year. Price Increased in September
Hidden costs: Yes, when you subscribe to Amazon prime you might be automatically enrolled on Amazon Premium Music. Also, the cancellation link is not easy to find based on customer and app review sentiments.
Cancellation required? Yes.
2. Apple TV
What is Apple TV?
Apple TV is a media player software package developed by Apple Inc. You have devices that can stream from iTunes, Apple TV Channels, and Apple TV+. You can search, index and access material from other VOD devices and apps on iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and Apple TVs.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 7 days free trial. However, you can also get three months free trial when you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod or Mac.
Subscription fee: £4.99 per month
Hidden costs: None
Cancellation required? Yes.
3. Paramount Plus
What is Paramount Plus?
Paramount+ is launching a new streaming service featuring blockbuster movies, originals, and iconic shows.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 7 days free trial
Subscription fee: £6.99 per month
Hidden costs: None
Cancellation required? Yes.
4. Showmax
What is ShowMax?
Showmax launched in South Africa on 19 August 2015. Showmax uses local content and telco partnerships to compete with established video-on-demand services. It competes with Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Showmax is the place to be to watch all your favourite African shows like Real Housewives of Lagos.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 14 days free trial
Subscription fee: £3.49 per month
Hidden costs: None
Cancellation required? Yes.
Manage your subscriptions from one app.
Say goodbye to forgotten missed trials, missed payments and unwanted charges.
Manage your subscriptions from one app.
Say goodbye to forgotten missed trials, missed payments and unwanted charges.
5. Britbox
What is BritBox?
BritBox is a digital video subscription service founded by BBC Studios and ITV plc. It focuses on British television series and films, mainly featuring current and past series and films from BBC and ITV (Channel 4 and Channel 5 programming are available on the UK service). BritBox has the claim to the largest collection ultimate of British box sets, with original content coming in 2020.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 7 days free trial
Subscription fee: £5.99 per month
Hidden costs: None
Cancellation required? Yes.
6. ITV Hub +
What is ITV Hub+?
ITV Hub+ is ITV’s premium subscription service, and opening an account allows users to download shows and watch ad-free.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 7 days free trial
Subscription fee: £3.99 per month
Hidden costs: None
Cancellation required? Yes.
7. ESPN Player
What is ESPN Player?
ESPN Player is a platform that streams a collection of live and on-demand sports programming from the ESPN Network. X Games, MLL, Little League World Series, etc. Documentaries and award-winning films.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 7 days free trial
Subscription fee: £9.99 per month or £69.99 per year
Hidden costs: None
Cancellation required? Yes.
8. Discovery Plus
What is Discovery Plus?
Discovery+ is a streaming service to install for non-fiction, real life, and sports content, offering original shows and live-streaming and catch-up of Discovery Channel, TLC, Quest, Really, and Animal Planet. Popular shows included include hits likes like 90-Day Fiancé and Gold Rush.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 7 days free trial for the Entertainment package.
Subscription fee: £3.99 per month or £39.99 per year for full access to the Entertainment package
Hidden costs: None
Cancellation required? Yes.
9. Disneyplus
What is Disneyplus?
Disney+ is the online streaming home for Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu, Star and much more. Its main draw is the features that enable members to get exclusive access to all Disney-owned complete content libraries that can’t be accessed anywhere, from The Simpsons to the Avengers, that have a loyal fan base.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, get up to 6 months free of Disneyplus on O2
Subscription fee: £7.99 per month or £5.99 per month through O2plan
Hidden costs: None
Cancellation required? Yes.
10. Hayu
What is Hayu?
Hayu is a full paid subscription or monthly subscription on-based video streaming service which focuses on reality and true-crime TV.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 7 day free trial
Subscription fee: £4.99 per month or £43.99 per year
Hidden costs: Yes, new customers can cancel subscriptions and still be hit with a charge.
Cancellation required? Yes.
Ok, I know we said 10 but see this one as an extra freebie.. enjoy
11. CuriosityStream
What is Curiosity Stream?
Curiosity Stream is an American media company and video streaming service that offers documentaries. Curiosity Stream produces original documentaries and series such as Royals: Keeping the Crown, The History of Home, Miniverse, Stephen Hawking’s Favorite Places, David Attenborough’s Light on Earth, and Deep Time History.
Is there a free trial period? Yes, 7 day free trial with prime
Subscription fee: £2.79 per month
Hidden costs: Yes, Renewal prices are typically high.
Cancellation required? Yes.
