Hulu Live TV Free Trial: Sign Up For 30 Days Free in October 2025

For years, Hulu has held a unique spot in the streaming world, offering everything from next-day episodes of your favorite network shows to award-winning originals. But with so many streaming options out there, committing to another monthly bill can feel like a big step. That's where a free trial comes in, giving you a risk-free chance to dive in and see if Hulu's bundled library is a good fit for your watch list.

And right now, there's even more reason to take it for a test drive. You've likely heard the big news that Disney plans to phase out the standalone Hulu app in 2026, folding the entire experience into Disney Plus. While that sounds like a massive shift, the key thing for deal-seekers to know is that nothing is changing overnight. For the time being, Hulu is still the service you know, and its valuable free trials are still very much available.

This guide is your map for navigating every free offer Hulu has on the table. We'll break down the different trials, show you how to sign up, and even uncover some hidden perks you might not know about. Let's get you streaming for free.

Top Hulu Free Trials

Hulu With Ads Streaming Subscription

30-day free trial

Get 30 days to explore exclusive series, hit movies, Originals, kids' shows, and more with this 2025 Hulu free trial offer. If you decide you don't want to keep the party going, be sure to cancel before your month-long trial is up; otherwise, you'll be charged $9.99 per month.

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Hulu + Live TV Ad-Supported Streaming Subscription

Free 3-Day Trial

Give the Hulu + Live TV streaming service a try and check out everything it has to offer for three days; since the trial period is so short, it's best to plan your trial wisely to get the most out of it. You'll get Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ all with ads, plus unlimited DVR, among other perks. Once your three day trial is done, you'll be charged at the then-current rate of $82.99 per month for the service, so if you aren't sold on it, be sure to cancel before you're charged.

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Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Subscription at Verizon

Free w/ mobile & internet bundle

You'll have to bundle qualifying mobile and internet plans to get this 2025 deal, but once you do, you'll save $15 per month on the services and also get the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ bundle with ads at no additional cost.

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Hulu w/ Ads Subscription at T-Mobile

Free w/ Experience Beyond plan

Join T-Mobile and sign up for the Experience Beyond plan to get a ton of great perks, including Hulu with Ads for no additional cost. Enjoy next-day TV, original series, hit shows, movies, and more with Hulu just for being a T-Mobile Experience Beyond customer. Customers on any Experience Beyond plan are eligible, as are those on Go5G Next plans including those using military, 55, or first responders plans.

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Disney+, Hulu Bundle with Ads

$10.99/mo.

Get the best of Hulu and Disney+ with this 2025 bundle. You'll save 44% over subscribing to the two services separately and can conveniently watch select Hulu content in the Disney+ app.

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Disney+, Hulu Bundle Ad-Free

$19.99/mo.

If you just can't bear to have ads, opt for this Disney+ and Hulu 2025 bundle! You'll be charged $19.99 per month, but that's still a savings of 42% over buying each of these services separately. You'll be able to enjoy select Hulu content in the Disney+ app and also be able to download content to watch offline. Note that ads will be served in select live and linear content, but overall it'll still be far less than the ad-supported tier.

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Disney+ Hulu ESPN Select Subscriptions

From $16.99/mo.

Sign up for the Disney+ Hulu ESPN bundle and get premium entertainment plus access to sports via ESPN. Prices start at just $16.99 per month and you'll be able watch everything Hulu and Disney+ have to offer plus ESPN+ content with ESPN Select.

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Disney+ Hulu ESPN Unlimited Subscriptions

From $29.99/mo.

Get premium content plus sports viewing with this bundle of services including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited. Prices start at just $29.99 per month right now, so take advantage of this new bundle while you can.

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Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle w/ Ads

$16.99/month

Stream all your favorites from Disney+, Hulu, and Max for just $16.99 per month - as long as you don't mind ads, this is a great deal and provides a $13 savings each month over buying each service separately.

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Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle Ad-Free

$29.99/month

If you can't stand ads in your premium content, this shiny bundle is for you! You'll get Max, Hulu, and Disney+, all without ads, for $29.99 per month. That means a savings of $22 per month compared to getting each service ad-free separately.

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Hulu + Live TV Ad-Supported Streaming Subscription

$65/mo. for 3 months

Save $18 per month for three months with this deal. This subscription includes Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited, along with over 95 live TV channels, and unlimited DVR. After the three months are up, you'll automatically renew at the regular $82.99 price unless cancelled. This offer is available to new subscribers and returning subscribers who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past month.

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Hulu Student Discount Deal

$1.99 / mo.

Students get 75% off the monthly price of the Hulu (With Ads) plan in 2025 as long as their student status remains verified through SheerID. Once they're no longer college students, the monthly cost is $7.99, or whatever the then-current price is. Cancellation is allowed at any time.

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Does Hulu Offer a Free Trial This October?

Good news for anyone looking to try before they buy: Hulu absolutely still offers a free trial. But it's not a one-size-fits-all deal. The trial you can get depends on the type of service you want to test drive. This is your chance to explore Hulu's massive library of movies, shows, and originals without spending a dime upfront.

Currently, you can snag a generous 30-day trial for the standard (ad-supported) on-demand plan, or you can opt for a shorter 3-day trial of the full Hulu Plus Live TV package. It's worth noting that not all plans are eligible. You typically won't find a trial for the ad-free plan or for most of the standalone bundle deals, so you'll have to commit from day one for those.

The 30-Day Hulu (With Ads) Free Trial

This is the classic, most popular trial offer from Hulu, and for good reason. It gives new and eligible returning customers an entire month to explore the Hulu (With Ads) plan for free. This means you get full access to the vast on-demand library. You can catch up on current seasons of shows from networks like ABC and FX the day after they air, or binge-watch acclaimed Hulu Originals like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building.

A full month is plenty of time to decide if the service is a keeper. If you choose to continue, the plan will automatically renew at its current price of $9.99 per month once the trial ends.

The 3-Day Hulu Plus Live TV (With Ads) Free Trial

If you're seriously considering cutting the cord with your cable company, this is the trial for you. While it's much shorter at only three days, it's an all-access pass to test-drive Hulu's most comprehensive package. When you sign up, you aren't just getting the Hulu library. You're also getting over 95 live TV channels, plus full access to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, since the Disney Bundle is included. You also get an Unlimited DVR to record games and shows.

Because the trial is so brief, our advice is to activate it right before a weekend to give yourself the maximum time to explore everything. After the three days are up, the service continues at its regular rate of $82.99 per month.

How to Sign Up for a Hulu Free Trial

Ready to start streaming? Getting your Hulu free trial is a quick and simple process that only takes a few minutes. The key is knowing exactly where to click to make sure you get the trial you want. We'll walk you through it step-by-step. Just remember that you'll need to provide a payment method upfront, but don't worryвЂ"you won't be charged a thing until your trial period is over.

Here's a simple guide to unlocking your free trial:

• First, head over to the main Hulu website on your computer or mobile browser. The homepage often highlights big bundles or the Hulu Plus Live TV plan.

• Next, you'll be prompted to create an account by entering your email, a password, and some personal info. This will also create your MyDisney login, which you can use for other Disney services.

• If you're interested in the Hulu Plus Live TV trial, simply follow the prompts. To find the standard on-demand trial, scroll down and look for the option that says "Sign Up for Hulu Only." On the plan selection page, choose the Hulu (With Ads) plan, which unlocks the 30-day free trial.

• Enter your credit card or PayPal information. You should see a confirmation that your trial is active and that you won't be billed until a specific date.

That's it! Click submit to complete the process and start exploring everything Hulu has to offer. The process is very straightforward, but it's designed to guide you toward certain plans. If you're interested in the 3-day Hulu Plus Live TV trial, you will typically see that offer more prominently displayed on the main sign-up page.

No matter which trial you choose, here's our number one pro-tip for any deal-seeker: set a calendar reminder on your phone for a day or two before your trial expires. This will give you plenty of time to cancel if you decide the service isn't for you, ensuring you don't get charged.

Other Ways to Get Hulu for Free

The official Hulu website isn't the only place to hunt for a deal. For savvy shoppers, some of the best offers are actually hidden gems tucked away as perks with other services you might already use. Certain mobile carriers and even music streaming platforms have partnerships that can land you a Hulu subscription for free or at a massive discount.

These deals are a fantastic alternative to the standard trial, with some offering long-term access that saves you money month after month. It's always worth checking to see if you have one of these benefits waiting to be claimed. Here are the best partner offers available right now.

The Unbeatable Spotify Student Deal

This might just be the single best value in all of streaming. Through a long-standing partnership, eligible college students can bundle a full Spotify Premium subscription with the Hulu (With Ads) plan for an incredibly low price of just $5.99 a month for both. You'll have to verify your student status through SheerID, but when you consider the services would cost around $17 a month separately, the savings are massive.

Get Hulu on Us With T-Mobile

This is one of the best ongoing streaming perks out there. T-Mobile includes a standard Hulu (With Ads) subscription at no extra cost for customers on some of its top-tier plans. If you have the Go5G Next or an Experience Beyond mobile plan, this benefit is included. It's not a limited-time trial; you get to keep the subscription for as long as you have your qualifying T-Mobile plan in good standing.

Score a Major Discount With Verizon

While not a complete freebie, the deal for Verizon customers is too good to ignore. If you have an eligible Verizon Unlimited plan, you can add the Disney Bundle as a perk for just $10 a month. This bundle gets you Hulu (With Ads), Disney Plus (With Ads), and ESPN Plus. Considering the bundle costs significantly more on its own, this perk offers huge monthly savings and is a no-brainer if you're a Verizon customer.

Tips for Maximizing Your Hulu Free Trial

A free trial is a golden opportunity, but it goes by fast. To truly get the most out of your 30-day or 3-day test drive, a little bit of strategy goes a long way. Think of it as a mission to see as much as you can and test every feature before you have to decide whether to keep the service.

Here are our top tips for making your free trial count:

1. Plan Your Start Date Strategically: Don't just activate your trial on a random Tuesday morning. For the 3-day Live TV trial, start it on a Friday to give yourself a full weekend to explore live sports, weekend news, and primetime shows. For the 30-day trial, consider starting it when a new season of a show you're excited about drops, ensuring you have plenty of fresh content to binge.
2. Set a Calendar Reminder - Seriously: This is the most important tip of all. Hulu will not send you a reminder that your trial is about to end. To avoid an unwanted charge, go to your phone's calendar right now and set a reminder for a day or two before your trial expires. This gives you a no-pressure window to decide whether to cancel.
3. Explore All the Features: A trial isn't just for watching shows; it's for testing the service.

   • Create Multiple Profiles: See how the six user profiles work for different members of your household to keep recommendations and watch histories separate.

   • Test the Unlimited DVR: If you're on the Live TV trial, record a few shows, games, or movies to see how the cloud DVR works and how easy it is to access your recordings.
   • Check Different Devices: Try streaming on your TV, laptop, and phone to see how the experience differs and to make sure it works well on the devices you use most.

What Are My Options After the Free Trial Ends?

Once your free trial is over, your account will automatically roll into a paid subscription. But the plan you trialed isn't your only option. Hulu offers a wide range of plans to fit different budgets and viewing habits, including ad-free options and various bundle deals. It's a good idea to review these so you can switch to the plan that makes the most sense for you.

To help you compare, here is a comprehensive breakdown of all the main plans Hulu offers, their current pricing, and whether they are eligible for a free trial. Note that several plans are scheduled for a price increase on October 21, 2025, which we've included below.

As you can see, the free trials are specifically designed to let you sample the ad-supported versions of the on-demand and Live TV plans. If you decide you want an ad-free experience or a different bundle, you'll have to switch to that plan as a paying subscriber.

What to Watch on Hulu During Your Free Trial

So, you've activated your free trial and you're ready to stream. The big question is: where do you even begin? Hulu's library is massive, and its value comes from a powerful combination of exclusive original content, next-day access to current TV shows, and a robust live TV offering.

Here's a look at what you should check out to make the most of your trial period:

Critically Acclaimed Hulu Originals

This is where Hulu truly shines. The platform is home to some of the most talked-about and award-winning exclusive shows that you simply can't find anywhere else. During your trial, be sure to dive into:

• The Bear: Experience the critically acclaimed, high-stress world of a Chicago restaurant.
• Only Murders in the Building: Solve a new mystery with the charming, star-studded cast of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
• Shogun: Get swept up in the epic scale of this stunning historical drama set in feudal Japan.

Next-Day TV From Major Networks

For anyone tired of waiting weeks or months for new episodes to land on other streaming services, this is Hulu's killer feature. Hulu is the go-to destination for current seasons of hit shows from networks like ABC, FX, FOX, and NBC, with new episodes available to stream the day after they air. This makes it essential for staying up-to-date on popular shows like the Emmy-winning comedy Abbott Elementary.

Live Sports and Channels (For the Live TV Trial)

If you're taking the 3-day Hulu + Live TV trial, you're getting a full-blown cable replacement package. This is your chance to see how it handles live events and your favorite channels. Be sure to explore:

• Live Sports: This is a huge draw. In October, you can catch live NFL and college football games, the MLB Postseason, and the start of the NBA preseason. Plus, your trial includes the full ESPN+ library for even more sports content.
• Major News and Entertainment Channels: Beyond sports, you can flip through over 95 live channels, including ESPN, FOX News, HGTV, and your local news affiliates.
• The Disney Bundle: Don't forget that the Live TV trial also includes full access to Disney+, giving you the entire library of Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar to explore.

How to Cancel Your Hulu Free Trial or Subscription

Knowing how to cancel your subscription is just as important as knowing how to sign up, especially when you're on a free trial. Hulu makes the process straightforward, but the steps can differ depending on where you originally signed up.

Canceling a Subscription Billed Directly by Hulu

If you signed up on the Hulu website, you can cancel in just a few steps.

1. Log in to your Account page on a computer or mobile browser.
2. Under the "Your Subscription" section, find and click on "Cancel."
3. Hulu may offer you the option to pause your subscription instead. To proceed, select "Continue to Cancel."
4. Follow the final on-screen prompts to confirm the cancellation.

What Happens After You Cancel? The best part about canceling directly through Hulu is that you can do it at any time without penalty. Your access will continue for the remainder of your free trial period or current billing cycle, so there's no downside to canceling early to avoid an unwanted charge.

Canceling a Subscription Billed by a Third Party

This is the part that often trips people up. If you signed up for Hulu through another service, that company manages your billing, and you must cancel through them. Trying to cancel on Hulu.com will not work.

You'll need to cancel through the third party if you're billed by:

• Roku: Go to the "Manage your subscriptions" section on your Roku device or account.
• Apple: Go to "Subscriptions" in the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
• T-Mobile or Verizon: Log in to your mobile carrier's website and manage your account's add-on services.
• Spotify: Go to your Spotify account page and manage your subscriptions under the "Your plan" section.

A Critical Warning About Changing Your Plan Mid-Trial

Be very careful about making changes to your plan during your free trial period. If you're on the 30-day trial for Hulu (With Ads) and decide to upgrade to the Hulu (No Ads) plan, your free trial will end immediately. You will be charged the full price for the new plan right away. To avoid any surprise charges, it's best to stick with the plan you chose for the entire duration of the trial.

Other Things to Know About Hulu Free Trials in 2025

Getting your free trial is the easy part. To truly make the most of it like a pro, it helps to know the fine print. Understanding the rules around cancellations, eligibility, and what happens when your trial ends is key to making sure you have a great experience and don't get hit with an unexpected bill.

We've gathered the most common questions our readers have about Hulu free trials. Think of this as your guide to becoming a streaming expert, with all the answers you need to navigate your trial with confidence.

What Does the Disney Plus Merger Mean for My Hulu Trial?

For now, nothing changes. The free trials we've described are for the current, standalone Hulu service. The full integration into a single "unified" Disney Plus app isn't expected to be complete until 2026. Taking a free trial now is a great way to experience the Hulu library as it exists today before the big merger reshapes the platform.

Will I Still be Able to Get Just Hulu After the 2026 Merge?

According to Disney, yes. While the goal is to create a unified app, the company has stated that customers will still have the option to subscribe to Hulu content as a standalone service. This would likely mean you could pay to unlock just the "Hulu tile" within the main Disney Plus app, but the exact pricing and mechanics have not yet been announced.

What Happens When My Free Trial Ends?

This is the most important thing to know: your free trial will automatically convert into a paid subscription. The credit card or payment method you put on file when you signed up will be charged the regular monthly rate for the plan you chose. Hulu doesn't typically send a reminder that your trial is about to end, so it's on you to keep track.

Can I Cancel My Trial Before I'm Charged?

Yes, and you absolutely should if you don't plan to keep the service. You can cancel your subscription at any time during the trial period without being charged. Simply log in to your account on the Hulu website, navigate to your Account page, and look for the "Cancel" option. Just follow the on-screen steps to confirm.

Who is Eligible for a Hulu Free Trial?

Hulu's free trials are designed for new subscribers and "eligible returning" customers. Generally, this means you haven't had a Hulu subscription in the past month. Hulu uses information like your email address, device ID, and payment method to determine eligibility, so creating a new account with a different email might not work if you've been a subscriber recently.

When is the Best Time to Get a Deal on Hulu?

Hands down, the best and most predictable time to score a fantastic deal is during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping season. Almost every year, Hulu offers its best promotion during this late-November period, often dropping the price of the Hulu (With Ads) plan to just a dollar or two per month for a full year.

Can I Download Shows to Watch Offline With a Free Trial?

No. The ability to download content for offline viewing is a key perk of the premium Hulu (No Ads) plan. Since the free trials are only offered for the ad-supported plans, you will need an active internet connection to stream during your trial.

How Do Hulu's Free Trials Compare to Competitors?

In the ever-shifting world of streaming, the free trial has become something of a rare species. Not long ago, nearly every service would let you take a week-long test drive, but those days are largely over. This is what makes Hulu's current offer stand out so dramatically.

While many of its biggest rivals have ditched free trials entirely, Hulu continues to provide one of the most generous try-before-you-buy periods on the market. To give you a clear picture of how things stack up, we've put together a quick comparison of the top streaming services.

As you can see, a full 30-day trial like Hulu's is a true outlier in today's streaming landscape. Most services, like YouTube TV, still offer a trial stick to a much shorter 7-day window, and major players like Netflix and Disney Plus have moved on completely. This makes the Hulu free trial an especially valuable opportunity for deal-seekers who want to thoroughly explore a service before committing any cash.

What Can I Actually Watch and Do During a Free Trial?

One of the best things about a Hulu free trial is that it gives you the full, unrestricted experience of the plan you're testing. You're not getting a watered-down preview; you're getting the same access as a paying subscriber.

However, there are a few key limitations to be aware of, especially regarding features that are exclusive to higher-priced plans.

Here's a clear breakdown of what you can and can't do:

Unrestricted Content Access

During your trial, you have complete access to the entire content library of the plan you've chosen.

• For the 30-Day Hulu (With Ads) Trial: You can watch every single movie and TV show in Hulu's vast on-demand library, including all Hulu Originals and next-day episodes from network TV.
• For the 3-Day Hulu + Live TV Trial: You get everything mentioned above, PLUS access to over 95 live TV channels and the full streaming libraries of Disney+ and ESPN+.

No Offline Downloads

This is a key limitation to remember. The ability to download shows and movies to watch offline is a premium feature exclusive to the Hulu (No Ads) plan. Since the free trials are only offered for the ad-supported plans, you will need an active internet connection to stream content during your trial period.

Simultaneous Streams and User Profiles

Just like a paid subscriber, you get access to Hulu's household-friendly features during your trial.

• Two Simultaneous Streams: You can watch Hulu on two different devices at the same time. This is perfect for households where one person wants to watch a movie while another catches up on a TV show.
• Six User Profiles: You can create up to six different user profiles for your account. This allows everyone in your family to have their own personalized recommendations and keep their watch history separate.

What to Watch on Hulu This October

So, you've activated your free trial and you're ready to stream. The big question is: where do you even begin? Hulu's library is massive, but it's best known for its powerhouse lineup of current TV and exclusive originals. You can dive into the critically acclaimed chaos of the restaurant world in The Bear, solve a new mystery with the star-studded cast of Only Murders in the Building, or get swept up in the epic scale of Shogun. Plus, as the streaming home for networks like ABC and FX, you can catch up on hit shows like Abbott Elementary the day after they air, making it essential for anyone who wants to stay in the loop without a cable subscription.

Looking ahead, the rest of 2025 and into 2026 is shaping up to be just as exciting. While official premiere dates are often kept under wraps, fans can expect the eventual return of Hulu's biggest hits for new seasons. Hulu also remains the go-to spot for everything from FX, meaning more prestige dramas and edgy comedies are always on the horizon. As the 2026 merger with Disney Plus gets closer, expect Hulu to fully embrace its role as the platform for compelling, adult-focused entertainment, making it the premier destination for the kind of stories you won't find anywhere else.

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