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Netflix is the most popular streaming service, with a wide range of movies and TV shows to choose from, including must-see originals like Squid Game and The Witcher that you can’t watch on any other platform.
Unlike Amazon Prime Video or Paramount+, Netflix doesn’t offer a trial period – and hasn’t for a long time. However, there are free options available if you’re looking for a new phone, TV or broadband contract. Here’s what you need to know. You can also read our article on which Netflix subscription suits you best.
Take advantage of T-Mobile’s ‘Netflix on Us’ deal
If you live in America and are thinking of buying a new smartphone (such as the Samsung Galaxy S24), then it is worth looking at T-Mobile as a provider. The following subscriptions are bundled into Netflix as a free benefit:
- Any Go5G with two or more lines
- Any Magenta plan with two or more lines
- Any Go5G Next, Go5G Plus or Magenta MAX subscription
To claim this offer, log into your T-Mobile account on the web or in the app, select ‘Account’, then ‘Add-ons’, then ‘Manage data & add-ons’ and finally ‘Services ‘. From here you can create a brand new account on Netflix or link an existing account to change billing.
More information can be found on the help pages for Netflix and T-Mobile.
Starting January 24, 2024, new users can only claim the Standard with Ads plan. In addition to commercials, this plan also comes with a slightly more limited library compared to the ad-free versions.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Sign up for Verizon’s Netflix & Max bundle
Certain mobile plans through US carrier Verizon offer the option to get both Netflix and Max (HBO’s streaming service) for an extra $10 per month. Granted, that’s not free, but Max with Ads costs $9.99 per month, and Netflix Standard with Ads costs $6.99 per month, so you’re essentially getting two streaming services for the price of one.
Here are the following plans that will allow you to get the add-on:
- Unlimited Ultimate
- Unlimited Plus
- Unlimited welcome
Again, existing Netflix accounts can be linked and you can pay the difference if you want to upgrade to an ad-free plan. Learn more on Verizon’s website.
Sign up for Sky including free Netflix
If you live in the UK and are thinking of signing up for Sky Q, Sky Glass or Sky Stream, you’ll need an entertainment package in addition to your hardware. Happy, Sky is offering Netflix bundled with its deal. This is the standard plan with ads, but you can upgrade to standard or premium for an additional £6 per month or £11 per month respectively.
Prices for Sky vary, but there are often discounts available throughout the year. At this point you can use the Glass television for only €14 per month for the first three months.
You should be able to activate your Netflix account through the app on your device. Full instructions can be found on the website Sky website.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
If you get a Full Works Plan or All Rounder Plan with a UK airline EE (or purchased a Smart Plan before August 17, 2022), you can choose to have Netflix as a subscription including additional tax completely free. Please note that this only applies to Android smartphone plans.
This is Netflix’s basic subscription, so it’s ad-free. Once you’ve selected one of these phone plans and chosen Netflix as your benefit, EE will send you a text message to activate your new account, which should happen within seven days.
If you already have a Netflix account, make sure you sign up for the Inclusive Extra using the same email address you use for streaming. The website should then confirm whether you want to continue with the subscription offered by EE, and if you select Yes, your billing should be switched.
More information can be found at EE help page.
Does Netflix offer a free trial?
Netflix unfortunately discontinued the free trial in 2019. This was previously available for 30 days, giving users a full month to try out the entire library.
It also used to offer a free library of limited shows and movies, including Stranger Things and Bird Box. Again, this is no longer an option for users.
Can I share a password on Netflix for free?
Another popular method for free Netflix was password sharing, but Netflix has cracked down on this in the past year. Now it’s encouraging people who live in different homes to sign up as an ‘Additional Member’ on an account, or sign up for a new subscription entirely.
You can read more about the end of password sharing on Netflix here. It’s also worth noting that Disney+ will follow suit in the coming months.