Hulu Free Trial: Everything You Need to Know Before Streaming

Streaming has become the new way of watching television and movies, with platforms like Hulu offering thousands of shows, movies, documentaries, and even live TV. One of the biggest questions people often ask before subscribing to a streaming service is: Can I try it for free? Hulu understands that people want to explore a service before paying for it, which is why it offers a free trial period. This trial gives you access to Hulu’s massive library so you can decide whether the subscription is worth it for you. But how does the Hulu free trial work? What do you get with it, and are there any limitations? This article dives deep into everything you need to know about the Hulu free trial in 2025.

What is Hulu?

Before discussing the free trial, it’s important to understand what Hulu is. Hulu is a popular subscription-based streaming service owned by The Walt Disney Company. It has gained recognition for offering a wide variety of content, including:

• Popular TV shows from major networks

• Award-winning movies

• Exclusive Hulu Originals

• Documentaries and kids’ shows

• Live TV (with the Hulu + Live TV plan)

Unlike some other streaming platforms, Hulu updates its library regularly, often making episodes of TV shows available the day after they air. This makes it especially appealing for people who don’t want to miss out on trending shows.

Does Hulu Offer a Free Trial?

Yes, Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for new and eligible returning subscribers. This trial allows users to experience Hulu without paying anything upfront, giving you a risk-free opportunity to explore the platform. However, the exact trial duration can vary depending on promotions. At times, Hulu may shorten or extend the free trial based on marketing campaigns, partnerships, or seasonal offers.

How Long is the Hulu Free Trial?

Typically, the free trial for Hulu is:

• 30 days for the basic Hulu (with ads) and Hulu (no ads) plans

• 7 days for the Hulu + Live TV plan

This means if you want to watch live sports, live news, and channels like ESPN, FOX, or CNN, the trial for Hulu + Live TV will be shorter than the regular Hulu streaming library trial.

What’s Included in the Hulu Free Trial?

During your free trial, you get access to almost everything a paid subscriber would, depending on the plan you choose.

1. Hulu (With Ads) Free Trial

   • Access to Hulu’s complete on-demand library

   • Thousands of TV shows and movies

   • Ads will play during streaming

2. Hulu (No Ads) Free Trial

   • The same on-demand library as the ad-supported plan

   • No interruptions while streaming (except for a few shows due to licensing)

3. Hulu + Live TV Free Trial (7 Days)

   • Access to 95+ live TV channels

   • Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ bundled in

   • On-demand Hulu library included

   • DVR storage to record live shows

Essentially, the free trial allows you to test Hulu in full before making any financial commitment.

How to Sign Up for Hulu Free Trial

Signing up for the Hulu free trial is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Hulu website (www.hulu.com) or download the Hulu app.

2. Select your plan (Hulu with ads, Hulu without ads, or Hulu + Live TV).

3. Click “Start Free Trial.”

4. Create your account by entering your email, password, and personal details.

5. Add payment information (credit card, debit card, or PayPal). Don’t worry you won’t be charged until the trial ends.

6. Start streaming instantly!

Pro Tip: Make sure to set a reminder for when the trial ends so you can cancel before being charged if you don’t want to continue.

Do You Need a Credit Card for Hulu Free Trial?

Yes, Hulu requires payment information to begin the trial. You can use:

• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)

• Debit Card

• PayPal

This is to ensure a smooth transition to a paid subscription if you decide to continue after the trial. However, you won’t be charged until the trial period ends.

How Much Does Hulu Cost After the Free Trial?

Once your free trial is over, Hulu will automatically charge you based on the plan you selected at signup. Here are the current prices (2025):

What Happens After the Trial Ends?

Once the free trial ends, Hulu automatically charges the payment method you entered at sign-up. If you want to avoid being charged, you must cancel before the trial ends.

If you forget and get charged, Hulu typically doesn’t offer refunds, but you can still cancel anytime to stop future payments.

Can You Cancel Hulu Free Trial Anytime?

Yes, you can cancel at any point during the trial without being charged. To cancel:

1. Log into your Hulu account.

2. Go to Account Settings.

3. Select Cancel Subscription.

4. Confirm cancellation.

Even after canceling, you’ll still have access until the trial period officially ends.

Can You Get Multiple Hulu Free Trials?

Hulu’s policy states that free trials are for new and eligible returning subscribers only. If you’ve already used a free trial in the past, you usually won’t be eligible again.

However, some people manage to get another free trial by:

• Signing up with a new email address

• Using a different payment method

Keep in mind, Hulu may block repeated attempts to abuse the free trial system.

Is Hulu Free Trial Worth It?

Absolutely! The free trial is one of the best ways to test Hulu before committing. Here are some reasons it’s worth trying:

• Massive content library with thousands of shows and movies

• Next-day streaming for new episodes of popular TV shows

• Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, and The Bear

• Customizable plans (ads, no ads, live TV, bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+)

If you’re a fan of TV shows and want something that updates more frequently than Netflix, Hulu is a great choice.

Tips for Making the Most of Hulu Free Trial

1. Sign up when you have time to watch. Don’t waste your free trial during a busy week.

2. Make a watchlist of shows and movies beforehand.

3. Try Hulu Originals—they’re exclusive and worth exploring.

4. Explore Live TV if you’re into sports or news.

5. Set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to pay.

Conclusion

The Hulu free trial is a great way to test one of the most popular streaming platforms without spending a dime. With access to Hulu’s extensive library of TV shows, movies, and exclusive Originals, it’s worth trying to see if the platform fits your entertainment needs. Whether you’re into binge-watching hit shows, catching the latest episodes, or streaming live sports, Hulu has a plan for you. Just remember to mark your calendar so you don’t forget when your trial ends. If you’re ready to explore a wide range of entertainment, sign up for Hulu’s free trial today and decide if it’s the right streaming service for you.

FAQs About Hulu Free Trial

Is Hulu free with Amazon Prime?

No, Hulu is not included with Amazon Prime. You must subscribe separately.

 Can students get a free trial of Hulu?

Yes, students are eligible for Hulu’s free trial. Afterward, they may qualify for discounted plans.

Does Hulu free trial include Disney+?

The Hulu + Live TV trial includes Disney+ and ESPN+ bundled in, but the standard Hulu trial does not.

Can I pause my Hulu subscription after the trial?

Yes, Hulu allows you to pause your subscription for up to 12 weeks.

Is Hulu available outside the US?

No, Hulu is currently only available in the United States and Japan.