If you’re looking for a Netflix free trial in 2026, you’re probably remembering the good old days of the 30-day free pass.
Let’s get the most important answer out of the way immediately: No, Netflix does not offer a free trial in 2026.
This isn’t a temporary promotion or a regional issue. Netflix officially ended its 30-day free trial program back in 2020 to curb account abuse and shift its strategy toward bundle deals and retaining its massive subscriber base.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t watch Netflix for free or at a steep discount. There are still several verified ways to get access without paying the full price. This guide covers the 6 best methods to get Netflix for free or cheap in 2026.
6 Verified Ways to Get Netflix for Free (or Cheaper) in 2026
While the direct trial is gone, you can leverage mobile plans, bundles, and other loopholes.
1. Get “Netflix On Us” with T-Mobile
This is the best truly free method. T-Mobile’s “Netflix On Us” perk gives you a free Netflix Standard with Ads plan (normally $7.99/mo).
- Who is eligible? Customers with two or more lines on these plans:
- Go5G or Magenta
- Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, or Magenta MAX
- What if you want a better plan? T-Mobile will cover the $7.99, and you just pay the difference to upgrade to the Standard (Ad-Free) or Premium plan.
2. Get the Verizon Netflix + Max Bundle
Verizon customers on Unlimited plans can get a special bundle. For $10/month, you get both Netflix (Standard with Ads) and Max (With Ads).
While not free, considering Netflix alone is $7.99 and Max is $9.99, you’re getting both services for a deep discount. This perk can be added to any of their Unlimited plans (Ultimate, Plus, or Welcome).
3. Get the Xfinity “StreamSaver” Bundle
Comcast Xfinity has a similar bundle for its internet customers. For $15/month, the StreamSaver bundle includes:
- Netflix (Standard with Ads)
- Peacock (Premium)
- Apple TV+
This saves you nearly 40% compared to subscribing to each one individually.
4. Choose the Cheapest Netflix Plan
This might seem obvious, but many people don’t realize how cheap the entry-level plan is. The Standard with Ads plan costs just $7.99/month. It gives you full 1080p (Full HD) streaming and access to the entire library (minus a few titles) for a very low price.
5. Share an Account (The Right Way)
Netflix has cracked down on password sharing, but you still have two legitimate options:
- Share in Your Household: The Standard (2 streams) and Premium (4 streams) plans are designed to be shared by family members living in the same house.
- Buy an “Extra Member” Slot: If you have a Standard or Premium plan, you can add one or two “Extra Members” who live outside your home for an additional $7.99/month each. Splitting this cost is still cheaper than two separate accounts.
6. Watch Free Netflix Episodes on YouTube
A little-known secret is that Netflix maintains a “Netflix Full Episodes” playlist on its official YouTube channel.
Here, you can watch the first episode (and sometimes more) of hit shows like Blue Eye Samurai, Our Planet, Babies, and Explained for free. It’s the perfect way to “trial” a show’s quality before you commit to a plan.
The TVPLUSSTREAM Alternative: Get More for Less
Tired of juggling different bundles from T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity? It’s complicated, and you’re still locked into expensive phone or internet plans just to save a few dollars on streaming.
If you want a simpler, all-in-one solution that gives you more content for your money, TVPLUSSTREAM IS THE BEST choice.
Instead of paying for multiple, separate streaming apps, TVPLUSSTREAM gives you one subscription with access to thousands of channels from the US, UK, Canada, and around the world. This includes live sports, 24/7 news, premium movie channels, and a massive on-demand VOD library that contains the movies and shows you’re looking for.
Why choose TVPLUSSTREAM? Why pay for 5 different services when you can get more in one place? If you want live TV and a huge movie library without the hassle of bundles, TVPLUSSTREAM is the most comprehensive and value-packed option available.
Netflix Pricing Plans (2026)
If you decide to sign up, here are the current plans. The old “Basic” (ad-free) plan has been discontinued for new members.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Ads | Resolution | Simultaneous Streams | Extra Member Slots |
| Standard with Ads | $7.99 | Yes | Full HD (1080p) | 2 | 0 |
| Standard | $17.99 | No | Full HD (1080p) | 2 | 1 (for $7.99/mo) |
| Premium | $24.99 | No | Ultra HD (4K) + HDR | 4 | 2 (for $7.99/mo each) |
Netflix Free Trial Alternatives
If the reason you want a “free trial” is to simply test-drive a premium service, these Netflix competitors still offer one.
| Streaming Service | Free Trial Length | Price (Starts at) |
| Hulu | 30-day free trial | $9.99/month |
| Amazon Prime Video | 30-day free trial | $8.99/month (Video Only) |
| Pluto TV | Always Free | $0 (Ad-supported) |
Conclusion: The Best Way to Watch Netflix in 2026
While you can no longer get a direct Netflix free trial, your best options are clear:
- For a Truly Free Plan: Get the T-Mobile “Netflix On Us” bundle.
- For a Heavy Discount: Use the Verizon or Xfinity bundles.
- For the Lowest Price: Subscribe to the $7.99/month “Standard with Ads” plan.
- For an All-in-One Alternative: Skip the hassle and get live TV, sports, and thousands of on-demand titles with TVPLUSSTREAM.
FAQ: Netflix Free Trial 2026
Q: Does Netflix offer a 30-day free trial?
A: No. As of 2026, Netflix does not offer a 30-day free trial (or any free trial) to new subscribers.
Q: Will the Netflix free trial ever come back?
A: It is highly unlikely. Netflix has shifted its strategy to focus on long-term bundle partnerships with companies like T-Mobile and Xfinity, rather than short-term trials.
Q: Can I share my Netflix account outside my household?
A: Yes, but you must pay for it. The Standard and Premium plans allow you to buy an “extra member” slot for $7.99/month, which gives someone outside your home their own login and profile.
Q: What is the cheapest way to get Netflix?
A: The cheapest way is to get the “Netflix On Us” plan from T-Mobile, which is free with an eligible phone plan. The cheapest way to pay for it directly is the $7.99/month “Standard with Ads” plan.
