How to Watch Netflix for Free in 2024: What You Need to Know
Netflix is more popular than ever, with over 220 million subscribers worldwide enjoying access to a massive library of hit TV shows, movies, documentaries and more. However, as subscription costs continue to rise, many people are left wondering: is there a way to watch Netflix for free?
The bad news is, there‘s no simple way to get long-term, unlimited access to Netflix without paying. The good news is, there are some options to lower your costs or get short-term free access. However, many purported "free Netflix" offers floating around the web come with big risks attached.
In this article, we‘ll break down all the ways people try to access Netflix for free, which ones are relatively safe, and which should be avoided. We‘ll also share some alternative strategies for saving money on streaming that don‘t require you to hand over your credit card info to shady websites. Let‘s dive in!
What Happened to Netflix‘s Free Trials?
For years, Netflix offered a free one month trial to all new subscribers. This was a great way to test out the service risk-free. However, as of October 2020, Netflix has phased out free trials in nearly all markets worldwide.
Why? The company found that the people most likely to sign up for a free trial were those who planned to cancel as soon as it ended rather than become paying subscribers. By ending the freebies, Netflix can acquire customers who intend to stick around, reducing churn and boosting revenue.
A Netflix spokesperson explained to The Verge: "We‘re looking at different marketing promotions in the U.S. to attract new members and give them a great Netflix experience." Free trials clearly no longer fit that bill.
This means that, unfortunately, there‘s currently no above-board way to try Netflix without paying up front. But that hasn‘t stopped people from seeking out free access through riskier methods. Let‘s examine some of the most common ones and why you should steer clear.
The Pitfalls of "Free Netflix Account" Websites
A quick web search for "free Netflix accounts" turns up many results promising easy access at no cost. These sites claim to provide login credentials for "shared" or "donated" accounts. However, the vast majority are scams.
Common tactics include:
- Requiring you to complete a survey or provide personal info before revealing the supposed account details
- Forcing you to download shady apps or browser extensions, which may contain malware
- Selling access to hacked accounts that could be shut down at any time
- "Free trials" that secretly enroll you in costly subscriptions
Using shared/stolen account credentials is also against Netflix‘s terms of service. The company can terminate accounts accessed by unauthorized parties. Netflix also limits the number of simultaneous streams allowed from one account, so you may frequently get booted off.
Security experts warn that many free account sites exist to steal your personal/payment info or infect your device with malware. Any "free" access they provide tends to be very short-lived before the password changes. It‘s just not worth the significant risks and hassle.
Is Account Sharing with Friends/Family Allowed?
Netflix‘s terms do allow you to share an account with people in your household. So if you live with friends or family, this is a legitimate way to split the cost of a subscription.
However, the company has been cracking down on sharing accounts across multiple households. In 2022, Netflix began charging extra in some countries when it detects that an account is being used in two or more locations regularly.
The service also implemented a tool that lets the primary account holder see all devices logged in and sign out suspicious sessions remotely. So if you borrow a login from your second cousin, they can monitor everything you watch and kick you off at any time.
For these reasons, mooching off someone else‘s account is not a reliable long-term solution. If that person decides to change their password or cancel, you‘ll instantly lose access with no recourse.
Can You Get Free Netflix Through Rewards Programs?
Some survey and rewards sites claim to offer Netflix gift cards in exchange for completing various tasks and offers. Common examples include Survey Junkie, LifePoints, and Inbox Dollars.
While these sites are usually not outright scams, the chance of actually earning enough points for a Netflix subscription is very low. The points/cash payouts for each survey tend to be miniscule, requiring a massive time investment to accumulate enough for a gift card.
Many of the high-paying surveys are actually disguised ads designed to get you to make a purchase or sign up for a "free trial" that automatically converts to a pricey subscription. The fine print reveals the truth.
You‘re almost always better off spending that time on more fruitful money-earning pursuits. Very few people have ever scored any meaningful amount of free Netflix via survey sites. Don‘t waste your energy trying.
Carrier and ISP Promos: A Glimmer of Hope?
One semi-legitimate way to get Netflix bundled at no extra cost is through special promotions from mobile carriers, internet providers, and other companies. For example:
- T-Mobile‘s Magenta and Magenta MAX plans come with "Netflix on Us"
- Comcast Xfinity‘s recently announced packages include a Netflix subscription
- Chromecast with Google TV offers 3-6 months free Netflix with purchase
While these deals can provide good value, they are hit and miss:
- You often have to sign a long contract (24+ months) to get the Netflix promo
- After the promotional period, the Netflix cost is usually added to your bill
- The bundles may include a low-tier Netflix plan with limited features
But if you‘re in the market for a new mobile or internet plan anyway, getting some free bonus Netflix is never a bad thing. Just make sure to read the details closely to avoid surprise costs down the line.
The Best Netflix Alternatives That Won‘t Break the Bank
If you‘ve made it this far, you‘ve probably realized that finding a sustainable way to freeload Netflix is a losing battle. But that doesn‘t mean you have to go broke to get your streaming fix! Here are some savvy strategies for slashing your subscription costs:
Use free, ad-supported services
Platforms like Crackle, Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel have tons of great movies and shows that don‘t cost a dime. You‘ll have to sit through some ads, but it‘s a small price to pay.Rotate your subscriptions
Instead of paying for multiple services year round, try subscribing to one or two at a time and switch every few months. Catch up on your favorite shows, then move on to the next service. This way you never pay for more than you can actually watch.Downgrade to a cheaper plan
Do you really need 4K? Can you live with slightly lower video quality? Shifting to a lower Netflix tier can cut your bill in half while still delivering plenty of entertainment value.Maximize free trials
Many streaming services still offer free trials for new subscribers. Take advantage by setting a reminder to cancel before you get charged. Stagger trials so you always have something new to watch without paying.Borrow DVDs from the library
Your local library likely has a great selection of movies and shows on DVD and Blu-ray that you can borrow for free. It‘s a bit old school, but can save you serious cash!
The Bottom Line
Let‘s be real: trying to cheat your way into a free Netflix account is almost never worth it. The vast majority of these offers are either outright scams or so limited in value that they aren‘t worth your time. You‘re risking identity theft, malware, and unreliable access.
It‘s tempting to try to avoid paying the increasing subscription fees. But if Netflix has shows you truly love, there are smarter ways to make it affordable. Downgrade your plan, split the cost with your household, and supplement with free alternatives.
At the end of the day, you have to decide how much entertainment value Netflix really provides for you. By being a proactive, informed consumer, you can dramatically cut your streaming costs without taking sketchy shortcuts. Stay safe out there!
