Save Money

8 Ways to Get Hulu For Free

By Angela Russell Updated

Hand holding a TV remote in front of a streaming screen

Updated November 2026

The best ways to get Hulu for free right now are through a phone or TV plan that includes it (such as select T-Mobile plans and Spectrum TV packages), by redeeming Hulu gift cards from rewards apps like Microsoft Rewards, Swagbucks and Fetch, or by trying the 3-day Hulu + Live TV free trial. Hulu ended its classic 30-day free trial for its regular plans in 2026, so those other routes matter more than ever. Students can also get Hulu (With Ads) bundled with Spotify Premium Student.

Here's what still works, and what doesn't.

Ways to Get Free Hulu at a Glance

Method Truly free? Best for
T-Mobile plan perk Free with an eligible plan T-Mobile customers
Spectrum TV package Free with an eligible TV package Spectrum cable customers
Rewards apps (Microsoft Rewards, Swagbucks, Fetch) Yes, with points you earn Anyone willing to earn points
Cash-back sites (Rakuten) Offsets the cost Online shoppers
Hulu + Live TV free trial Free for 3 days Watching a specific event
Spotify Premium Student Included with a $6.99 plan College students

Does Hulu Still Have a Free Trial?

Only for Hulu + Live TV. Hulu ended its long-running 30-day free trial for its standalone plans in 2026, so Hulu (With Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) now charge from day one, according to CableTV.com and Yardbarker.

You may also notice Hulu moving into the Disney+ app. Disney is folding the standalone Hulu app into Disney+, but Hulu isn't going away. Subscribers will watch it inside Disney+.

8 Ways to Get Hulu for Free

1. Get Hulu Included With Your T-Mobile Plan

T-Mobile has included Hulu (With Ads) at no extra cost on select plans since adding Hulu to its streaming perks in 2024. Which plans qualify changes over time (currently its top Experience plans), so check your plan's benefits in the T-Life app or your T-Mobile account.

Not on T-Mobile? Verizon offers the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ bundle (with ads) as a discounted add-on of about $10 a month on its Unlimited plans. It isn't free, but it's cheaper than buying the bundle directly.

2. Check Your Spectrum TV Package

If you have Spectrum cable TV, eligible Spectrum TV packages include Hulu (With Ads) at no extra cost, according to CableTV.com. Log in to your Spectrum account to see which streaming apps are included with your package and how to activate them.

3. Redeem Microsoft Rewards Points

Microsoft Rewards gives you points for searching with Bing, completing daily activities, and playing Xbox. You can redeem points for gift cards, including Hulu gift cards when they're available.

Tip: Compare redemption options before you cash in. Sometimes another gift card (such as Walmart, where you can buy Hulu gift cards) costs fewer points for the same value.

4. Earn Hulu Gift Cards With Swagbucks

Swagbucks pays points (SB) for taking surveys, shopping through its portal, watching videos and searching the web. Redeem your SB for Hulu gift cards, or for a general gift card you can use to buy one. Regular users can earn enough for a month or more of Hulu without spending a dime.

5. Scan Receipts With Fetch

The Fetch app rewards you for scanning grocery and store receipts, with bonus points for buying from partner brands. Redeem points for Hulu gift cards. Connecting your email for eReceipts lets online orders earn points automatically.

For more apps like this, see our list of money-saving apps.

6. Earn Cash Back With Rakuten

Rakuten pays cash back when you shop online through its site or browser extension, and it often has a welcome bonus for new members. It won't pay for Hulu directly, but your cash back can easily cover a month or two of the With Ads plan.

7. Try the Hulu + Live TV Free Trial

The Hulu + Live TV plan has a 3-day free trial for new and eligible returning subscribers, and it includes Disney+ and ESPN Select. Three days is short, so start it right before a game, premiere or binge weekend, and set a reminder to cancel before it renews at the full live TV price.

8. Get Hulu With Spotify Premium Student

College students can get Spotify Premium Student with Hulu (With Ads) included for $6.99 a month. That's not free, but if you already pay for Spotify, you're essentially getting Hulu at no extra cost. Activate Hulu from your Spotify account's services page after signing up.

Students who don't use Spotify can also look at Hulu's own student discount on the With Ads plan.

Can I Share Someone's Hulu Account?

Hulu lets you create up to six profiles on one account, but its terms limit sharing to people in your household. Disney has been cracking down on password sharing outside the household, so borrowing a friend's login isn't a reliable way to get free Hulu.

Ways That No Longer Work

  • Hulu's 30-day free trial for its regular plans ended in 2026.
  • Spotify's student bundle no longer includes Showtime. It includes Hulu (With Ads) only.
  • Verizon's old "free Disney Bundle" plans have been replaced by a paid add-on on current plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get Hulu for free?

Get it included with an eligible T-Mobile plan or Spectrum TV package, redeem Hulu gift cards from rewards apps like Microsoft Rewards, Swagbucks or Fetch, or use the 3-day Hulu + Live TV free trial.

Does Hulu have a free trial in 2026?

Only Hulu + Live TV, which offers a 3-day free trial for new and eligible returning subscribers. Hulu ended its 30-day free trial for its standard plans in 2026.

Is Hulu free with Spotify?

Hulu (With Ads) is included with Spotify Premium Student, which costs $6.99 a month for eligible college students. Regular Spotify Premium plans don't include Hulu.

Is Hulu free with T-Mobile?

Select T-Mobile plans include Hulu (With Ads) at no extra cost. Check your plan's benefits to see if yours qualifies.

Is Hulu shutting down?

No. Disney is moving Hulu into the Disney+ app, but Hulu's shows and subscriptions are continuing.

Looking for more free streaming? See our guides to free movie websites, free TV apps and getting Amazon Prime for free. Already paying for Hulu? You can pay with PayPal, too. See our list of stores that accept PayPal.

Sources