Netflix is the most popular streaming service, with a wide range of movies and TV shows to choose from – including unmissable originals such as 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 – it hasn’t for a long time now. However, there are free options available if you’re in the market for a new phone, TV or broadband contract. Here’s what you need to know. You can also check out our article on which Netflix plan is right for you.
Use 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’s worth looking at T-Mobile as your carrier. The following plans bundle in 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 plan
To claim this offer, log in to your T-Mobile account either on the web or the app, select ‘Account’ and then ‘Add-ons’, then ‘Manage Data and Add-ons’ and finally ‘Services’. From here, you can either create a brand new account on Netflix, or link an existing account to change the billing.
You can see more information on the help pages for Netflix and T-Mobile.
From 24 January 2024, new users will only be able to claim the Standard with Ads plan. As well as commercials, this plan also comes with a slightly more limited library compared to the ad-free ones.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Sign up for Verizon’s Netflix & Max bundle
Certain mobile plans through US provider Verizon offer the option to get both Netflix and Max (HBO’s streaming service) for an extra $10 per month. Granted, that isn’t 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’s the following plans that you can get the add-on with:
- Unlimited Ultimate
- Unlimited Plus
- Unlimited Welcome
Again, existing Netflix accounts can be linked, and you can pay the difference if you wish to upgrade to an ad-free plan. Find out more on Verizon’s website.
Sign up for Sky with free Netflix included
If you’re UK-based and thinking of signing up for either Sky Q, Sky Glass or Sky Stream, then you’ll need an entertainment package on top of your hardware. Fortunately, Sky offers Netflix bundled in with its deal. This is the Standard with Ads plan, but you can upgrade to either Standard or Premium for an extra £6 per month or £11 per month respectively.
Prices for Sky vary, but there are often discounts across the year. Right now, you can get the Glass TV for just £14 per month for the first three months.
You should be able to activate your Netflix account via the app on your device – you can find full instructions over on the Sky website.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
If you get a Full Works Plan or All Rounder Plan on UK carrier EE (or a Smart Plan purchased before 17 August 2022), then you can opt to have Netflix as an inclusive extra completely for free. Note that this is on Android smartphone plans only.
This is the Basic plan of Netflix, so its ad-free. Once you’ve selected one of these phone plans and chosen Netflix as your benefit, EE will send you a text to activate your new account, which must be done within seven days.
If you already have a Netflix account, then make sure you sign up for the Inclusive Extra with the same email address you use for streaming. The website should then confirm whether you’d like to continue with the plan offered by EE, and if you select yes then your billing should be swapped over.
You can find out more on EE’s help page.
Does Netflix offer a free trial?
Netflix unfortunately discontinued its free trial back in 2019. This used to be 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 to password share, but Netflix has been cracking down on this over the past year. Now, it encourages people who live in different houses to either sign up as an ‘Extra 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 be following suit with its own curb in the coming months.