Ever feel like you’re throwing money away on subscriptions you don’t even use? We’ve all been there! That’s where free trials come in handy. As a savvy online shopper and deal hunter, I’ve tested tons of free trials over the years. Let me share some of the best ones I’ve found, so you can try before you buy and save some cash.
What Makes a Free Trial “Good”?
Not all free trials are created equal. A good free trial should let you fully experience the product or service. It should also be easy to cancel if you decide it’s not for you, without any hidden fees or tricky requirements. Here are a few things I look for:
- Generous length: A week is often too short to really test something. Look for trials that last at least 14 days, or even a month.
- Full access: The trial should give you access to most, if not all, of the features of the paid version. Limited trials don’t give you a true sense of what you’re paying for.
- Easy cancellation: This is a big one! The cancellation process should be straightforward and painless. Check the terms and conditions before signing up.
- No surprises: Be wary of trials that automatically convert to a paid subscription without a clear warning. Set a reminder in your calendar to cancel if you don’t want to continue.
Top Free Trials Worth Checking Out
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are some of my favorite free trials, across different categories:
Streaming Services:
Streaming services are super popular, but there are so many to choose from! Free trials let you explore different platforms and find the perfect one for your taste.
Paramount+: Paramount+ often offers a free trial, giving you access to a wide range of movies, TV shows, and live sports. It’s a great option for families with kids, thanks to its library of Nickelodeon and CBS content.
Hulu: Hulu sometimes offers free trial periods, allowing you to catch up on current TV shows, stream original series, and watch movies. Be sure to check if the trial includes live TV if that’s something you are looking for.
Software and Productivity Tools:
These trials can be a lifesaver for students, freelancers, or anyone who wants to boost their productivity without breaking the bank.
Adobe Creative Cloud (7-day trial): If you’re into graphic design, photo editing, or video editing, the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is the industry standard. While the full subscription is pricey, Adobe offers a 7-day free trial that gives you access to all its apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. This is perfect for short-term projects or for deciding which apps are right for you.
Microsoft 365 (1-month trial): Need Word, Excel, or PowerPoint? Microsoft 365 offers a one-month free trial that includes all the core Office apps, plus online storage and other benefits. This is a great way to see if the subscription model works for you.
Learning Platforms:
Want to learn a new skill or brush up on an old one? Online learning platforms often offer free trials.
Skillshare (Free Trial): Skillshare is a subscription-based platform that offers thousands of online courses on everything from illustration and photography to web development and business. They often have a free trial period where you can explore a range of courses.
Music Streaming Services:
Apple Music: Apple Music offers a free trial, letting you stream millions of songs, listen to curated playlists, and download music for offline listening. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, this is a seamless option.
Spotify Premium: While Spotify doesn’t always offer extended free trials, they often have promotions where you can get a month or two of Premium for free. This gives you ad-free listening, offline downloads, and higher audio quality.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Signing Up
Free trials are awesome, but it’s important to be smart about them. Here are a few tips to avoid getting burned:
- Read the fine print: Always check the terms and conditions before signing up for a free trial. Pay attention to the cancellation policy, the renewal price, and any hidden fees.
- Use a calendar: Set a reminder in your calendar a few days before the trial ends. This will give you time to decide whether you want to continue with the subscription or cancel it.
- Consider a temporary email: If you’re worried about spam, you can use a temporary email address to sign up for free trials.
- Check your bank statements: Keep an eye on your bank statements to make sure you’re not being charged for subscriptions you forgot to cancel.
Free vs. Freemium: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to confuse free trials with “freemium” models. Here’s the difference:
Free trial: A free trial is a limited-time offer that gives you access to the full version of a product or service. After the trial period ends, you’ll typically need to pay a subscription fee to continue using it.
Freemium: Freemium is a business model where a basic version of a product or service is offered for free, while more advanced features or content are available for a fee. You can use the free version indefinitely, but you may be limited in what you can do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free trials really free?
Yes, free trials are typically free for the duration of the trial period. However, you may need to provide your credit card information to sign up, and you’ll be charged automatically when the trial ends unless you cancel beforehand. Always double-check the terms to be sure.
What happens if I forget to cancel my free trial?
If you forget to cancel your free trial, you’ll likely be charged the full subscription price. Most companies will send you a reminder email before the trial ends, but it’s still a good idea to set your own reminder as well. If you are charged and you contact them immediately, some companies will provide a refund.
Can I sign up for multiple free trials using the same credit card?
In most cases, yes, you can sign up for multiple free trials using the same credit card. However, some companies may limit the number of free trials you can sign up for with the same payment method.
Are there any risks associated with free trials?
The main risk associated with free trials is forgetting to cancel and being charged for a subscription you don’t want. It’s also possible to be scammed by fake free trials, so be sure to only sign up for trials from reputable companies.
Free trials are a fantastic way to explore new services and products before committing financially. Just remember to stay organized, read the fine print, and set reminders to avoid unwanted charges. Happy trialing!
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