Netflix does not currently offer a free subscription tier in the United States

Netflix stopped offering free trials in late 2023 and does not have a free subscription plan. Every account requires a paid plan, starting at $6.99 per month for the ad-supported tier (as of 2024, though pricing changes by region and over time). If you see a website claiming Netflix offers free access, it is either outdated information or a scam.

That said, there are legitimate ways to watch Netflix without paying for it yourself — through someone else's account, through specific promotions, or by using free trial periods that Netflix occasionally runs. Understanding which routes are actually available and which ones violate Netflix's terms of service matters if you want to keep your access.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix's cheapest paid plan costs $6.99 per month with ads; there is no free tier or free trial in the U.S. as of 2024.
  • Sharing someone else's Netflix password is against Netflix's terms of service, and the company has begun blocking accounts that share passwords across different households.
  • Some wireless carriers and internet providers occasionally bundle Netflix subscriptions with their plans — check your current bill to see if you already have access.
  • Netflix runs promotional free trial periods at irregular intervals, usually one week to one month, but these are not may provide and vary by region.
  • Student discounts and family plans can lower the per-person cost, but someone still has to pay for the account.

Password sharing and household restrictions

Netflix's terms of service state that each account is for one household only. In 2024, Netflix began enforcing this rule by blocking logins from devices outside the primary household and requiring users to verify their location periodically. If you try to use someone else's password from a different address, you will be asked to pay for your own account or create a profile on their existing account if you live with them.

Creating a profile on someone else's account (if you live in the same household) is allowed under Netflix's terms. However, Netflix can and does detect when the same account is being used from multiple locations simultaneously or from addresses far apart, and it will lock the account until the issue is resolved.

Bundled Netflix through carriers and internet providers

Some wireless carriers and internet service providers include Netflix subscriptions as part of their plans. T-Mobile, for example, has offered Netflix subscriptions with certain phone plans. Comcast Xfinity and other cable providers sometimes bundle streaming services. Check your current phone bill or internet bill to see if Netflix is already included — you may have access without realizing it.

If Netflix is bundled with your service, you will usually need to link your existing Netflix account or create a new one through the provider's website. The subscription is paid through your carrier or ISP bill, not directly to Netflix. These bundles change frequently, so what is available today may not be available next year when your plan renews.

Promotional free trial periods

Netflix occasionally runs free trial offers, usually lasting one week to one month. These are not permanent and do not happen on a regular schedule. Trials are sometimes offered to new customers, sometimes to people who have cancelled their account, and sometimes to specific regions or through specific partners.

To learn about a free trial is currently running, go directly to Netflix.com and attempt to sign up. If a trial is available, it will appear during the sign-up process. Do not trust third-party websites claiming to offer Netflix free trials — many are phishing scams designed to steal your payment information or personal data.

Student plans and family discounts

Netflix does not currently offer a student-specific discount in the United States, though this varies by country. However, Netflix's Standard plan allows multiple people to watch simultaneously, and the Premium plan allows four simultaneous streams. If you split the cost with roommates or family members, the per-person expense drops significantly.

A Premium plan costs more than a Standard plan but allows more simultaneous viewers and higher video quality. If four people split a Premium plan, each person pays roughly $3 to $4 per month depending on the current price. This is not free, but it is substantially cheaper than paying individually.

What does not work

Free Netflix codes, free account generators, and websites offering "free Netflix forever" are scams. They either steal your payment information, install malware on your device, or sign you up for paid services you did not authorize. Netflix does not distribute free codes or accounts through third parties.

VPNs (virtual private networks) do not bypass Netflix's payment requirement. Netflix detects VPN usage and blocks it. Using a VPN to access Netflix from a different country also violates Netflix's terms of service and can result in account suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's Netflix password if I live with them?

Yes, if you live in the same household. Netflix allows multiple profiles on one account for people in the same home. However, Netflix can detect when the same account is used from different addresses and will block access until the issue is resolved. If you move out, you will need your own account.

Does Netflix offer free trials right now?

Netflix occasionally runs free trial periods, but they are not may provide and do not happen on a regular schedule. To check if one is currently available, go to Netflix.com and start the sign-up process. If a trial is running, it will appear during checkout. Do not use third-party websites claiming to offer trials.

Is my Netflix subscription included with my phone or internet plan?

Some carriers and internet providers bundle Netflix with their plans, but not all. Check your phone bill or internet bill for Netflix listed as an included service. If it is there, you can link it to a Netflix account through the provider's website. If you are unsure, contact your carrier or ISP directly.

What is the cheapest way to get Netflix?

The ad-supported plan costs $6.99 per month (pricing varies by region). If you split a Standard or Premium plan with others in your household, the per-person cost is lower. Check whether Netflix is already bundled with your phone or internet service before paying separately.

Will a VPN let me use Netflix for free?

No. VPNs do not bypass Netflix's payment requirement, and Netflix actively blocks VPN connections. Using a VPN to access Netflix also violates the terms of service and can result in account suspension.