Does Hulu Have a Free Trial? What's Actually Offered in 2026
Hulu's only advertised trial is 3 days of Hulu + Live TV ($99.99/mo after). Hulu says its Disney+ bundles have no trial, and none was shown for the $12.49 on-demand plan.
Sometimes. On October 26, 2026, the only free trial Hulu advertised was a 3-day free trial of Hulu + Live TV. Hulu says there is no free trial for its Disney+, Hulu bundles, and its plan pages didn't show one for the on-demand-only plans (Hulu With Ads at $12.49/month and Hulu Premium at $21.49/month).
Last checked: October 26, 2026 against the official site. Details can change.
Hulu + Live TV: the one trial Hulu lists
The FAQ on Hulu's Live TV page asks "Do you offer a free trial?" and answers: "Yes, we offer a three day free trial of Hulu + Live TV, which includes access to Disney+ and ESPN Select via their separate apps."
After the trial, the Live TV plans listed on that page were:
- Hulu + Live TV, Disney+ and ESPN Select (with ads): $99.99/mo
- Hulu Premium + Live TV, Disney+ Premium and ESPN Select: $109.99/mo
Both include 100+ live channels and Unlimited DVR. On the day we checked, a separate promotion ($49.99 for the first month of the with-ads Live TV plan) was set to end at 9:00 a.m. PT on October 26, 2026. It was limited to "new and eligible returning subscribers." Hulu's terms also say "certain limitations may also exist with respect to combining free trials with any other offers."
On-demand Hulu plans: no trial advertised
Hulu's Premium plan page listed these on-demand-only plans:
- Hulu (With Ads): $12.49/month
- Hulu Premium (no ads): $21.49/month
We didn't see a free trial offered for either plan on Hulu's pages on October 26, 2026. Hulu's Subscriber Agreement says that "availability of a free trial is not guaranteed." It also says eligibility depends on factors including:
- The plan (Service Tier) you pick
- Whether you've used a trial for that service before
- How recently you redeemed a free trial
- Whether the plan is part of a combined offering
If a trial is available to your account, it appears on the sign-up screen before you pay.
Disney+, Hulu bundles and the student deal
On the Disney+, Hulu Bundle page, the FAQ "Is there a free trial for a bundle?" is answered: "No, there is no free trial." The bundle was $12.99/month with ads or $21.99/month without ads. Hulu says that saves money compared with paying for each service separately.
The closest thing to a cheap tryout is the student offer. Students at eligible U.S. colleges can get the ad-supported Disney+, Hulu bundle for $6.49/month while their enrollment stays verified, and then it goes to $12.99/month or the current regular price.
Trial billing rules to know
Hulu's Subscriber Agreement spells out how trials are billed:
- Your first payment is charged "immediately following the free trial" unless you cancel.
- You "will not receive a separate notice" that the trial is ending, unless a law requires one.
- Hulu may place an authorization hold on your card. It isn't a charge, but it can temporarily reduce your available balance.
- If you subscribed through a free trial, "cancellation may be effective immediately," so you could lose access as soon as you cancel.
How to cancel a Hulu free trial
The Subscriber Agreement says to go to hulu.com/account, log in, and click "Cancel." If you signed up through a third party, such as an app store, follow that company's cancellation instructions. Set a reminder for the day before your trial ends, because Hulu won't send one. Our guide to canceling free trials before you're charged has more timing tips.
Bottom line
If you want to try Hulu free in 2026, Hulu + Live TV is the plan with a listed free trial, and it lasts three days. Hulu's on-demand plans and its Disney+ bundles had no trial on Hulu's own pages when we checked. For Disney's side of the bundle, see whether Disney+ has a free trial.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hulu have a free trial in 2026?
Only for Hulu + Live TV, as far as Hulu's own pages show. Its Live TV FAQ says it offers a three day free trial of Hulu + Live TV. We didn't see a trial advertised for the on-demand-only plans when we checked on October 26, 2026.
Is there a free trial for the Disney+, Hulu bundle?
No. Hulu's bundle page answers that question directly: "No, there is no free trial."
How much is Hulu after the free trial?
Hulu + Live TV was listed at $99.99/mo with ads, or $109.99/mo for the Premium version, on October 26, 2026. On-demand Hulu (With Ads) was $12.49/month, and Hulu Premium was $21.49/month. Prices can change.
Will Hulu remind me before my free trial ends?
Don't count on it. Hulu's Subscriber Agreement says you will not receive a separate notice that your free trial is ending unless a law requires one, and your first payment is charged immediately after the trial.