The Big Guide to Free Trials for Streaming Services
The sports media landscape has evolved dramatically over recent years. Yes, our access and coverage to our favourite leagues and teams have never been better, however, it has also never been split across various platforms as much as it is today. Keeping track of what subscriptions you need to tune in to the action can be tricky, not to mention expensive. However, we are pleased to say that there are at least some useful avenues to explore to help keep costs down and to help you figure out which is the right platform for you.
In this guide, we are going to break down what free trials are out there, how they vary from platform to platform, and how you can make the most of them.
| Streaming Service | Free Trial | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | 21 days | $82.99/month | Start trial |
| Hulu + Live TV | 3 days | $89.99/month | Start trial |
| Fubo | 5 days | $55.99/month | Start trial |
| DIRECTV STREAM | 5 days | $89.99/month | Start trial |
| Sling TV | No standard free trial | $19.99/month | No trial |
| Paramount+ | 30 days via Walmart+ | $8.99/month | Start trial |
| Peacock | 30 days via Walmart+ | $7.99/month | Start trial |
| Amazon Prime Video | 30 days | $8.99/month | Start trial |
| Apple TV+ | 7 days | $12.99/month | Start trial |
| ESPN Unlimited | No standard free trial | $29.99/month | No trial |
| FOX One | 7 days | $19.99/month | Start trial |
How do free trials work?
To put it simply, a free trial is an agreement between you and the streaming service. They give you full access to their library or live channels for a limited time, and in exchange, you provide your payment information upfront. This period of time will vary from provider to provider (more on that later), and if you’re not convinced by the offering, you can cancel your subscription before the conclusion of the free trial period to ensure that you are never charged.
How long does a free trial normally last?
Free trial length varies significantly from one provider to another. Not only that, but one provider might offer varying lengths of free trial at different stages of the year, or to different groups of people. Similarly, they might offer a promotion at a specific time of year, which gives new users who sign up before a chosen deadline a longer free trial than usual.
Typical free trial lengths will be between three and seven days, but some more generous providers may offer up to a month.
Can anyone use a free trial on a streaming service?
No, only new subscribers can utilize a free trial. Streaming services track eligibility using a combination of your email address, credit card number, and sometimes your home IP address.
Which streaming services offer free trials?
This section breaks down all of the high profile streaming services currently provided in the US, and their corresponding free trial information. However, please be aware that free trial length and specific requirements or conditions change frequently, so please make sure to double check before signing up for one.
YouTube TV
A strong all-around live TV streaming option for sports fans who want access to major broadcast networks, ESPN, TNT, TBS, FS1, NFL Network, NBA TV and more.
Pricing Tiers
- Standard Plan: $82.99 per month
- Sports Plan: $64.99 per month
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: YouTube TV is currently offering a 21-day free trial.
Sports Channel Highlights
- Broadcasters: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX
- National Sports: ESPN, USA Network, FS1, TNT, TBS, NFL Network, NBA TV, Golf Channel
- College/League: SEC Network, Big Ten Network, ACC Network.
Key Fine Print & Cancellation Rules
- Immediate Cutoff? No. If you cancel early (even on Day 1), you can still watch for the remainder of the 21-day trial period.
- Payment: Requires a Google Account and a valid payment method (Credit Card or PayPal).
- Automatic Billing: You will not be charged until the 21-day trial expires.
- Eligibility: Limited to new subscribers only. If you have used a trial in the last 12 months, you will not be eligible for this offer.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
How to Redeem
- Visit the Site: Go to the official YouTube TV signup page, and click the ‘Try 21 Days for $0’ button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Hulu + Live TV
A live TV bundle with major sports channels and the added benefit of Hulu’s on-demand library, making it a flexible option for households that want more than sports.
Pricing Tiers
- Hulu + Live TV (With Ads): $89.99 per month
- Hulu + Live TV (No Ads): $99.99 per month
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: Hulu + Live TV is currently offering a 3-day free trial.
Sports Channel Highlights
- Broadcasters: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX.
- National Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, TNT, TBS, USA, NFL Network, MLB Network, Golf Channel.
- College/League: SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPNU, ESPNews.
Key Fine Print & Cancellation Rules
- Immediate Cutoff? Yes. If you cancel your Hulu + Live TV trial early, your access to the live stream and the library will be revoked immediately.
- Payment: Requires a valid U.S. credit/debit card, PayPal, or Venmo account.
- Automatic Billing: The first monthly charge occurs automatically as soon as the 72-hour trial period ends.
- Eligibility: Available to new subscribers and eligible returning subscribers who have not had a Live TV subscription in the last 12 months.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
How to Redeem
- Visit the Site: Navigate to hulu.com on your web browser, and click the "Start Your Free Trial" button and select your preferred Live TV tier.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Fubo
A sports-focused live TV streaming service with a strong mix of broadcast networks, ESPN channels, league networks and college sports channels.
Pricing Tiers
- Fubo Core: $73.99 per month
- Fubo Ultra: $83.99 per month
- Fubo Sport + News: $55.99 per month (A "skinny" bundle focusing on sports)
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: Fubo is currently offering a 5-day free trial for new subscribers.
Sports Channel Highlights
- Broadcasters: ABC, CBS, FOX (Note: NBC is currently unavailable).
- National Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, MLB Network (Note: TNT/TBS/truTV are currently unavailable).
- College/League: SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network.
Key Fine Print & Cancellation Rules
- Immediate Cutoff? Yes. If you cancel your Fubo trial before the 5 days are up, your service will be terminated immediately.
- Payment: Requires a valid U.S. credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express).
- Automatic Billing: Your card will be charged the full monthly rate automatically once the 5-day trial period ends.
- Eligibility: Limited to new subscribers only. Users who have previously used a Fubo trial or subscription are not eligible.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
How to Redeem
- Visit the Site: Go to the official Fubo free trial web page, and click the "Watch With Free Trial" button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
DIRECTV STREAM
A cable-style live TV streaming service with broad sports coverage, premium packages and access to many national and regional sports channels.
Pricing Tiers
- Entertainment: $89.99 per month
- Choice: $114.98 per month
- Ultimate: $124.99 per month
- Premier: $169.99 per month
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: DIRECTV STREAM is currently offering a 5-day free trial for new customers.
Sports Channel Highlights
- Broadcasters: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX.
- National Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, TNT, TBS, USA, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, NHL Network (Ultimate/Premier).
- College/League: SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network.
Key Fine Print & Cancellation Rules
- Immediate Cutoff? Yes. If you cancel your 5-day trial at any point, your access to all live and recorded content is terminated immediately.
- Payment: Requires a valid U.S. credit or debit card for account verification.
- Automatic Billing: The first full monthly charge (plus taxes and RSN fees) is applied automatically the moment the 5-day trial period concludes.
- Eligibility: Offer is strictly for new residential customers. Returning users are not eligible for the 5-day trial.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
How to Redeem
- Visit the Site: Navigate to the official DIRECTV STREAM page, and click the "Start 5-Day Free Trial" button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Sling TV
A lower-cost live TV option with different channel lineups depending on the package, making it important to check which sports channels are included before signing up.
Pricing Tiers
- Sling Essentials OR Select (skinny bundles): $19.99 per month
- Sling Orange: $45.99 per month
- Sling Blue: $45.99 per month
- Sling Orange & Blue: $60.99 per month
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: Sling TV does not currently offer a traditional free trial.
Sports Channel Highlights
Please note that most of these channels are in one of the Sling packages (Blue OR Orange), which means you will need to look closer into each package’s channel portfolio before choosing which one is the right one for you.
- Broadcasters: ABC, FOX, and NBC (Available in select markets only; typically requires Blue or Orange & Blue). Fans in these areas will need to double check before purchasing.
- National Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, FS1, NFL Network, TNT, TBS, USA Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, NHL Network.
- College/League: SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network.
On-demand services and sports-first add-ons
Paramount+
A useful option for CBS sports coverage, soccer, golf and select live events, with trial access available through Walmart+ for eligible new users.
Pricing Tiers
- Paramount+ Essential: $8.99 per month
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: $13.99 per month
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: Paramount+ is currently not offering a free trial, however, new users can access a 30-day trial via Walmart+.
Sports Channel Highlights
- Broadcasters: CBS (Local station live 24/7 on Premium; NFL game-only feed on Essential).
- Sports: NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, PGA Tour Golf, UFC, Serie A, NWSL, Big Ten on CBS, March Madness (CBS games).
Key Fine Print & Cancellation Rules (for Walmart+)
- Immediate Cutoff? Yes. If you cancel your 30-day trial at any point, your access to Paramount+ will be revoked immediately.
- Payment: Requires a valid credit/debit card on file; Walmart Gift Cards cannot be used to start a trial.
- Automatic Billing: The subscription fee for your selected tier is charged automatically the moment the trial ends.
- Eligibility: Strictly for new members only. If you have previously used a Walmart+ trial or been a paid member, you are ineligible.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
How to Redeem Walmart+ Free Trial
- Visit the Site: Go to the official Walmart+ landing page at walmart.com/plus, and click the ‘Try Walmart+ now’ button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Peacock
A key platform for NBC sports, Premier League coverage, golf, NFL games and more, with trial access available through Walmart+ for eligible new users.
Pricing Tiers
- Peacock Select: $7.99 per month (No live sports or originals)
- Peacock Premium: $10.99 per month (Includes all live sports and ads)
- Peacock Premium Plus: $16.99 per month (Ad-free VOD and local NBC station 24/7)
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: Peacock does not currently offer a direct free trial, however, new users can access a 30-day trial via Walmart+.
Sports Channel Highlights
- Broadcasters: NBC (Live local station available only on the Premium Plus tier).
- Sports: NFL (Sunday Night Football), NBA (Regular Season and Playoffs), Premier League, MLB, Golf (PGA Tour/USGA), Big Ten Conference, Notre Dame Football, Tour de France (Exclusive start-to-finish coverage)
Key Fine Print & Cancellation Rules (for Walmart+)
- Immediate Cutoff? Yes. If you cancel your 30-day trial at any point, your access to Peacock will be revoked immediately.
- Payment: Requires a valid credit/debit card on file; Walmart Gift Cards cannot be used to start a trial.
- Automatic Billing: The subscription fee for your selected tier is charged automatically the moment the trial ends.
- Eligibility: Strictly for new members only. If you have previously used a Walmart+ trial or been a paid member, you are ineligible.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
How to Redeem Walmart+ Free Trial
- Visit the Site: Go to the official Walmart+ landing page at walmart.com/plus, and click the ‘Try Walmart+ now’ button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Amazon Prime Video
A strong on-demand and sports add-on platform with live sports including Thursday Night Football, NBA coverage, NASCAR, NWSL and select premium sports add-ons.
Pricing Tiers
- Prime Video Standalone (With Ads): $8.99 per month
- Amazon Prime (With Ads): $14.99 per month (Includes full Amazon benefits)
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: Amazon Prime Video is currently offering a 30-day free trial for new and eligible returning subscribers.
Sports Channel Highlights
- Broadcasters: Local CBS, NBC, and FOX games are accessible via Paramount+, Peacock, and Fox One channel add-ons.
- Sports: Thursday Night Football, NBA (66 regular season games & some playoff action), NASCAR Cup Series (5 exclusive races), NWSL (Friday nights), WNBA, ONE Championship, Overtime Elite.
- Premium add-ons for MLB.TV and NBA League Pass.
Key Fine Print & Cancellation Rules
- Immediate Cutoff? No. If you cancel your trial early (even on Day 1), you will continue to have access to Prime Video and all other Prime benefits until the 30-day period expires.
- Payment: Requires a valid Amazon account and a Credit/Debit card or Amazon Gift Card balance (backup card still required).
- Automatic Billing: You will be billed for the selected plan automatically once the 30-day trial concludes.
- Eligibility: Available to users who have not had an active Prime membership in the last 12 months.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
How to Redeem
- Visit the Site: Go to the Amazon Prime Website and press ‘Explore other plans’.
- Click the ‘Start your 30-day free trial button’.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Apple TV+
A growing sports streaming option with coverage including Formula 1, MLB Friday Night Baseball and MLS as part of the standard subscription.
Pricing Tiers
- Standard Monthly: $12.99 per month
- Apple TV and Peacock Bundle: $14.99 per month
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: Apple TV+ is currently offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. (Users purchasing a new Apple device may qualify for a 3-month trial).
Sports Channel Highlights
- Sports: Formula 1 (Exclusive), MLB Friday Night Baseball, MLS (now included in standard subscription).
Key Fine Print & Cancellation Rules
- Immediate Cutoff? Yes. If you cancel your trial at any time—even on the first day—you and your family members will lose access to the service immediately.
- Payment: Requires a valid Apple ID with a linked credit/debit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay.
- Automatic Billing: The first $12.99 charge occurs automatically the second the 7-day trial period ends.
- Eligibility: Limited to new subscribers only. If you have previously used a free trial or been part of a Family Sharing group that used one, you are ineligible.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older to manage billing (Apple IDs for minors must be part of a Family Sharing group).
How to Redeem
- Visit the Site: Go to tv.apple.com, and click the "Accept Free Trial" button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
ESPN Unlimited
A sports-first streaming option built around ESPN’s channel portfolio and college sports coverage, but without a standard free trial offer.
Pricing Tiers
- ESPN Unlimited Monthly: $29.99 per month
- ESPN Unlimited, Hulu, Disney Bundle: $35.99 per month
- ESPN Fox One Bundle: $39.99 per month
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: ESPN Unlimited does not currently offer a standard free trial.
Sports Channel Highlights
- Broadcasters: ESPN on ABC (Includes all ABC Sports broadcasts).
- National Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes.
- College/League: SEC Network, ACC Network, SECN+, ACCNX.
FOX One
A sports-first FOX streaming option with access to FOX, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes and Big Ten Network coverage.
Pricing Tiers
- Standard Monthly: $19.99 per month
- Fox One + Fox Nation Bundle: $24.99 per month
- ESPN Unlimited & Fox One Bundle: $39.99 per month
- Annual Plan: $199.99 per year
Free Trial Status (As of April 2026)
- Current Offer: Fox One is currently offering a 7-day free trial on its standard monthly plan only.
Sports Channel Highlights
- Broadcasters: FOX (Live local affiliate), FOX News, FOX Business.
- National Sports: FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes.
- College/League: Big Ten Network (BTN).
Key Fine Print & Cancellation Rules
- Immediate Cutoff? No. If you cancel your 7-day trial early, you will continue to have access to all live and on-demand content until the full 168-hour trial window expires.
- Payment: Requires a valid U.S. credit/debit card or a verified PayPal account.
- Automatic Billing: Your card will be charged the full $19.99 monthly rate automatically the moment the trial ends.
- Eligibility: Offer is for new subscribers only. Users who have previously used a Fox Nation or FOX digital trial may be ineligible.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
How to Redeem
- Visit the Site: Go to the official FOX.com website and select the on-screen banner.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.