50 Best Streaming Free Trials on Roku in 2025

DirecTV Stream’s cordless TV packages are pretty much the same as their cable counterparts. There’s Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier, which are known to be some of the most expensive but complete plans out there. If you already have an account with DirecTV Stream and want to access it on your Roku device, you can actually do so using the Roku app, which serves as a control center of sorts. On your app, go to Apps on Roku, download DirecTV Stream, and add it to one of your channels. You should be able to watch DirecTV Stream on Roku after logging in with your DirecTV account details, but make sure your Roku device is upgraded to software version 9.4+. Otherwise, you might encounter some playback issues.

If you already have other streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, Philo is the perfect option to get access to Live TV without spending too much money. At $28, it has an offer that beats much more expensive services. Plus, in terms of the channel lineup, it has a little bit for everyone, from news channels like BBC World News to the Discovery Channel, to Nickelodeon and Vice.

Fubo is a live TV streaming service that offers up to 300 channels across three plans: Pro ($75/month), Elite ($85/month), and Premier ($95/month). The channels cover entertainment, news, and sports, but the latter is its specialty, so you’ll find plenty of local channels that cover everything from national leagues to college matches. Crucially, however, Fubo is missing Turner channels like TNT and TBS and A&E channels like History and Lifetime. But if you’re fine with its lineup, then you’ll be happy to know Fubo is compatible with most media players, including all models of Roku. You can download Fubo and either log in with your Fubo credentials or create an account and opt for In-App Billing so you can pay for Fubo along with your other subscription through Roku.

Hulu with Live TV is a comprehensive live TV package that comes with more than 80 live channels, including major local networks like ABC and NBC and sports channels like ESPN and CBS Sports. Plans start at $83/month, but Hulu with Live TV has a range of add-ons you can purchase. You can download the Hulu app on Roku to start watching on your Roku device and log in with your Hulu credentials if you already have an account. If you don’t, you can sign up through Roku, where you will be billed, but note that add-ons can only be managed directly on Hulu.com. If you’re on a basic tier, you’ll also want to update your plan on Hulu rather than Roku to enjoy bundle inclusions like Disney+ and ESPN+, which should come at no additional cost with Hulu with Live TV.

Paramount Plus is a video-on-demand service that replaced its predecessor, CBS All Access, and is currently available in the US, Canada, and parts of Latin America.  Subscribers used to also have the option to bundle the service with Showtime, but ever since the Paramount-Showtime merger in June 2023, the latter is now only available to "Paramount + SHOWTIME" subscribers. To its credit, standalone Paramount+ still has 40,000 episodes and movies to its name, plus live feeds on NFL on CBS and the UEFA Champions League.

If you're a fan of TV shows, then Hulu has a lot to offer, with a pretty comprehensive list of popular shows from major networks, including classic sitcoms, as well as children's programs like Sesame Street. Hulu is also acclaimed for its ace original programming, with hit shows from comedies like The Mindy Project to dystopian dramas like Handmaid's Tale.

Frndly TV is an affordable live TV streaming service that gives you access to more than 40 live channels for just $8/month. The reason it’s cheaper than others is that its lineup consists mostly of Hallmark and Lifetime channels, with no sports, news, or local networks to speak of. If you’re fine with that, then Frndly TV comes as a great entertainment cable alternative that you can watch on most major streaming devices, including all Roku players. On the Roku app, simply search for Frndly TV on the channel store and add it to your homepage lineup if it’s not there already. Once you sign in with your credentials (or sign up through Roku) then you can start watching Frndly on the platform.

You'll find all the classics and big block-busters. When it comes to on-demand streaming services, Amazon Prime probably has the largest catalog, with more than 12,000 movies alone. Amazon is also producing more of its own TV shows, which range from hits like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to irreverent comedies like Fleabag.

With approximately 800 feature films, documentaries, and shorts available on the Library at one time, and a very consistent refreshing of the library in the Now Showing section, Mubi is one of the go-to services for dedicated film buffs who want to be surprised.

Paramount+ is an easy sell for its on-demand programming, but if you're a sports fan or if you watch local CBS channels, it's also a good option to consider. The platform offers over 1000 sporting events live, like the NFL, Champion's League, The Masters, PGA Tours, and more.

YouTube TV has more than a hundred channels including local, entertainment, and sports networks. If you’re a fan of the latter, then you might already know that YouTube TV is also the exclusive home of the NFL Sunday Ticket. That’s why at $73/month, it’s a favorite among cord-cutters, especially since you can play it on almost all streaming devices including all Roku models (best to keep them updated, though). YouTube TV’s clean interface coupled with Roku’s minimalistic design make quite the match, just remember to download “YouTube TV” from the channel store if it’s not pre-installed yet, not “YouTube” or “YouTube Premium” if you want to watch live TV.

With over 500 horror, thriller and supernatural fiction titles, Shudder is one for real horror fans. The platform curators offer categories like "Urban Decay", "Slashics", and "Not Your Ordinary Bloodsucker," among many others. 

Rather than horror blockbusters, you’ll rather find rarer movies new and old, including exclusives like The Devils (1971) and originals like Mayhem starring Steven Yeun and Samara Weaving, as well as horror shows and podcasts.

If you’re a huge fan of anime, then Crunchyroll is the streaming platform for you. Over 1,200 series and 200 dramas are available on the anime-focused platform, with many series made available immediately after Japanese broadcast for premium-tier subscribers. 

In the Crunchyroll library, you’ll find every genre of anime you can think of, including drama, fantasy, music, romance, and sci-fi, to name a few. That said, Crunchyroll focuses heavily on subtitled rather than dubbed animations.

Without about 2,000 films in its collection going as far back as the 1900s, the Criterion Channel is definitely one for the fans of classic and art-house cinema in general. The collection reportedly features movies from 55 different countries, across six continents. Each month, the on-demand library is reorganised with a freshly handpicked set of films becoming available on rotation.

If you’re a fan of the many great AMC series, you’ll find them all here, as well as additional library content from sister networks BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV, and the complete collections of fellow AMC Networks streaming services including Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited. So it’s safe to say that if you like independent film and award-winning shows, you won’t be disappointed with this bundle.

Fubo Elite costs $10 more than Fubo’s basic $75/month plan, but this additional charge gives you access to 245 channels (that’s 77 more than the basic plan) and 4K viewing. Like all of Fubo’s plans, you can try Fubo Elite for up to seven days free. In those standard (and quite reasonable) seven days, you can try all of the plan’s features, including its 1,000-hour DVR storage, 10 simultaneous streams, and of course the aforementioned 4K viewing. If you don’t cancel the trial after seven days, Fubo will assume you’ll want to push through with the subscription and charge you $85/month.

Like its namesake festival, Sundance Now focuses on indie movies and documentaries. You’ll find a fair share of less-represented shows, so it’s a go-to if you’re seeking to discover new content that is a little out of the mainstream.

Britbox is for you if you enjoy British-made shows like The -original- Office or films like Pride and Prejudice.

Strong Voices TV (SVTV) Network is a subscription-based internet streamer specifically catered to and created by members and allies of the LGBTQI+ community. Not only does it offer inclusive films and TV shows, but it also provides exclusive access to podcasts, music, sporting events, and video games. If you're looking for a queer community-based streamer and would love to expand your entertainment horizons by adding unique elements into the mix, then you may want to consider subscribing. The website invites you to “join the movement” for just $5.99/month. SVTV was founded in 2016.

Screambox as its name would indicate is a horror-themed streaming service that offers up a selection of chilling titles to keep you entertained through the darkest nights. They try to offer a mix of indie and classic movies and shows.

If you’re partial to indie and art-house titles, Ovid.tv has an exceptional collection of little-known gems, including high-quality documentary programming as well as some terrific foreign and arthouse features. The service includes titles from 30 different film distribution companies including Bullfrog Films, The dGenerate Films Collection, Distrib Films US, and lots more.

If you lived through the '80s, you may have heard of Night Flight, the nighttime cable channel that aired punk rock music videos, low-budget monster flicks, psychedelic documentaries, and adult cartoons, among many others. It went under at the turn of the '90s but has recently returned to join the streaming wars, seemingly bigger and better than ever. As a subscription-based streaming service, Night Flight Plus gives you access to classic gems, plus new content from partner studio companies. It's basically a time capsule with extra room for all the new niche movies it could've aired during its prime. If you're looking for carefully curated nostalgic picks, Night Flight Plus is a great choice to consider.

NFL+ is the league's official streaming service that gives you access to live and local regular season and postseason games, on-demand programs, and even tools for your next fantasy football game. As of 2023, NFL+ also offers the NFL Network and NFL Redzone channels in its plans, making it a solid option for true-blue football fans hoping to finally cut the cord. A regular subscription costs $6.99/month and includes everything in the above, except for NFL Redzone and replays of full games, highlights, and all-22 coaches films, which are only available in NFL+'s premium subscription, priced at $14.99/month. Both plans offer free trials and are available on most major streaming devices, with the exception of live local and primetime regular season and postseason games, which can only be viewed on phones and tables.

If you're a hardcore baseball fan, you'll be glad to know you can tune in to your favorite pastime via MLB.TV, the league's official streaming service. Previously MLB.TV offered All Teams and Single Team packages, but it's replacing them with more affordable tiers that start at $5.99/month. The cheapest plan allows you to stream MLB Network 24/7 and tune into extensive baseball coverage and analyses, while the MLB.TV + At Bat plan, which costs $6.99/month, adds access to La Liga Dominicana (Spanish only), live Spring Training games, and archives from past seasons. An important reminder: if you're still on the cord and have the MLB Extra Innings cable TV package, you're likely entitled to a free MLB.TV subscription. Contact your provider to check whether you're eligible.

If you’re sick of the same old movies you’re seeing on this side of the world, then MHz Choice might come as a pleasant surprise for you. The streaming service specializes in international content, especially Nordic noir and British thrillers. Though the app itself can be a little clunky, at $8/month, it’s an affordable alternative to accessing quality foreign-language shows, films, documentaries, and more. It also recently merged with fellow subscription service Topic, so expect to see even more European fare there.

If you’re into the classics, MGM+ broadcasts a lot of older films – from Orson Welles movies to westerns like Aces and Eights and iconic horrors like Night of the Living Dead. There’s also a decent selection of contemporary movies including compelling original documentaries, with a fair share of stand-up comedy specials, as well as family-friendly content.

There seems to be a little something for everyone on Magnolia Selects, though with a particular focus on arthouse films. You will also find a variety of genres including drama, horror, documentary and stand-up. The library is curated by Magnolia Pictures.

MagellanTV’s content focuses mostly on documentaries. New movies and series are added weekly, so the library is frequently updated. This streamer is for people who love learning about science, space, and the earth. MagellanTV provides a thoughtfully curated selection of films that focus on current events and global topics of importance. A monthly subscription costs $5.99/month with a 7-day free trial, but if you opt to pay annually, your monthly cost comes up to just $4.99/month and you'll be eligible for a 14-day free trial.

Lifetime Movie Club is a subscription video service that gives you access to thousands of original titles, many of which can also be found on its cable counterpart the Lifetime Channel. Lifetime movies are known for being unapologetically dramatic and occasionally sinister, so if you're one to indulge in such content, then this might be for you. Lifetime Movie Club also welcomes new movies to its library every Friday, as well as hosts a handful of syndicated shows, including the much-beloved Grey's Anatomy.

There are many streaming services out there dedicated to specific and underrepresented communities. Black-oriented streamers alone account for a significant portion. But Kweli TV stands out for its far-reaching and careful curation. It hosts films and series worldwide, many of which are festival winners and official selections from Africa and the Caribbean. It also claims to dedicate 60% of its revenue to content creators, so you can be sure your money goes to a good cause. On top of all this, Kweli TV also has a 24-hour live streaming service; a worthwhile package for just $1.99/month (without ads, it's $5.99/month).