Does Hulu have a free trial?

If you are currently evaluating your streaming options and find yourself asking, “Does Hulu have a free trial?”, the answer is a resounding Yes. Hulu stands out among major streaming platforms by continuing to offer one of the most generous try-before-you-buy periods in the industry. This extended free access is Hulu’s way of inviting new users to fully explore its massive catalog of next-day TV, hit movies, and acclaimed Hulu Originals like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building.

However, Hulu’s free trial structure is not one-size-fits-all. The trial duration you receive depends heavily on the specific subscription tier you choose. Understanding the difference between the on-demand trial and the Live TV trial is the key to making the most of your free streaming experience.

Phase 1: current free trial offers available on Hulu (2025)

Hulu offers different trial lengths to match the complexity and price of the plan you select. It is crucial to select the correct plan at sign-up to receive the most valuable trial offer.

1. The classic: Hulu (with Ads) on-demand trial

This is Hulu’s most popular and longest trial period, providing ample time to binge-watch an entire series or catch up on current network shows.

Trial Plan	Trial Duration	Price After Trial (Approx.)	Access	Key Features
Hulu (With Ads)	30 Days Free	$11.99/month	Full On-Demand Library	Next-day network TV episodes, Hulu Originals, thousands of movies.
Hulu (No Ads)	30 Days Free (Check availability)	$18.99/month	Full On-Demand Library	Same as above, but allows for offline downloads and commercial-free viewing (on-demand).

A full 30 days is a significant window, often four times longer than the standard 7-day trials offered by competitors, giving you a comprehensive opportunity to test the platform’s user interface and content quality.

2. The live TV trial (Hulu + Live TV)

For users considering cutting the cable cord, Hulu offers a trial for its premium Live TV package, which is structured differently.

Trial Plan	Trial Duration	Price After Trial (Approx.)	Access	Key Features
Hulu + Live TV (With Ads)	3 Days Free	$89.99/month	Live TV Channels, Disney+, ESPN+	Access to 95+ live channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and the full Disney Bundle (Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+).

While the 3-day window is much shorter, it is an all-access pass to Hulu’s most comprehensive service, including the full Disney Bundle. This short trial is best used over a weekend to test the live channel feed, DVR features, and simultaneous streaming capability.

Phase 2: Eligibility Requirements for a Hulu Free Trial

Hulu enforces strict rules on who can receive a free trial to prevent abuse of the offer.

1. The “new user” rule

The Hulu free trial is generally reserved for:

• New Customers: Individuals who have never subscribed to any Hulu service before.
• Eligible Returning Subscribers: Users who have canceled their Hulu subscription and have been without an active account for a designated period (often one month or more). If you used a trial and immediately became a paid subscriber, you typically cannot get another trial.

2. Required information

To start your trial, you must provide:

• A Valid Email Address: This address must not be linked to a current or recently active paid Hulu subscription.
• Valid Payment Method: You must enter a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. You will NOT be charged immediately, but Hulu requires this information to ensure a seamless transition to a paid subscription if you do not cancel.

3. Ineligible plans

It is important to note that certain deeply discounted or bundled plans often do not include a free trial:

• The Disney Bundle Basic (Hulu and Disney+ standalone bundle, not Live TV).
• The Hulu Student Discount Plan ($1.99/month).
• Most third-party promotional offers (e.g., those through Spotify or T-Mobile, which replace the trial with a discounted rate).

Phase 3: how to sign up and what to watch

Starting your trial is straightforward, but finding the 30-day option for the base plan may require navigating Hulu’s sign-up page carefully, as they often promote the more expensive Live TV option first.

1. Step-by-step sign-up guide

1. Visit Hulu’s Website: Go to Hulu.com on a web browser.
2. Find the Offer: Look for the banner or button that says “Start Your Free Trial” or “Try Hulu for One Month Free.”
3. Select Your Plan: Choose the Hulu (With Ads) plan to guarantee the full 30-day free trial. If you select Live TV, the trial window will be shorter (3 days).
4. Create Account: Enter your email, password, and personal details.
5. Enter Billing: Provide your payment information. Verify that the “Total Due Today” displayed on the screen is $0.00.
6. Start Streaming: Confirm your subscription and start watching immediately on the Hulu app on any supported device.

2. Maximizing your trial content

With the full 30-day trial, you have access to the entire on-demand library. To make the most of your free access:

• Hulu Originals: Prioritize streaming acclaimed originals like The Handmaid’s Tale, Reservation Dogs, and Dopesick, which are exclusive to the platform.
• Next-Day TV: Catch up on current season episodes from major networks (ABC, Fox, FX, etc.) available the day after they air.
• Build a Watchlist: Use the trial period to build a comprehensive watchlist and explore Hulu’s recommendations to discover content tailored to your preferences.

Phase 4: crucial reminder: what happens next?

The most critical step in enjoying a free trial is remembering the end date to avoid unwanted charges.

1. Automatic billing

If you do not cancel before the 30-day or 3-day trial period expires, your subscription will automatically convert to a paid subscription at the then-current monthly rate ($11.99/month for the basic plan, or $89.99/month for Live TV). The payment method you provided during sign-up will be charged without further warning.

2. How to cancel

You can cancel your Hulu free trial at any time without penalty by following these steps:

1. Log in to your Hulu account on a web browser.
2. Navigate to your Account page (usually found by clicking your profile icon).
3. Find the “Cancel Your Subscription” section.
4. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.

Note: If you cancel during the trial period, you will retain access to the service until the final day of the free trial. Hulu does not offer refunds for charges incurred after the trial period has ended.

Conclusion

Yes, Hulu absolutely offers a free trial in 2025, positioning it as one of the best platforms to test before you commit. By choosing the 30-day trial for the on-demand plan, you gain a full month to explore a massive library, while the 3-day Hulu + Live TV trial provides a brief but total immersion into the world of live streaming and the full Disney Bundle. Simply ensure you meet the new user eligibility requirements and set a reminder to cancel if you decide the platform isn’t the perfect fit for your entertainment needs.