Is the Shudder Free Trial Really Free?

✦ Edited and fact-checked by Mia Carter, our Contributing Writer with over 27 years covering tech and mobile apps.

Seven days of horror, zero dollars upfront

Shudder’s free trial gives eligible new subscribers a full week of horror, thriller, and supernatural streaming before the subscription converts to a paid plan. That’s the good news. The fine print with information like what you’re charged afterward, how to actually cancel, and how standalone Shudder compares with accessing Shudder through AMC+ is where the details matter.

This guide breaks down exactly what the Shudder free trial includes, how to sign up, and how to cancel before you’re billed. We’ll also compare Shudder’s trial against other streaming services so you know how it stacks up.

What does the Shudder free trial include?

New subscribers who sign up directly on shudder.com can get a one-time 7-day free trial of Shudder. The trial is available with Shudder’s current ad-supported and Premium plan options, so the viewing experience depends on the plan you select. Shudder’s library includes horror, thriller, and supernatural films and series, exclusive originals, and shows like “Creepshow” and “The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs.”

Shudder currently costs $7.99/mo. with ads, $9.99/mo. for Premium, or $99.99/yr. for Premium once the trial ends.

You can also access Shudder through the AMC+ bundle. AMC+ currently costs $7.99/mo. with ads or $10.99/mo. for Premium, with an annual Premium plan available for $109.99/yr. AMC+ says its plans include full access to Shudder and Sundance Now, plus six live TV channels.

Plan options and billing terms vary by platform. Shudder offers an annual plan through its own site, and Apple’s App Store also currently lists annual Shudder subscriptions, so annual billing is not limited to direct signup.

How do I sign up for the Shudder free trial?

Signing up takes a few minutes on desktop, mobile, or a connected TV device.

1. Go to shudder.com and select “Start Your Free Trial.”
2. Enter your email address and create a password.
3. Choose from the available monthly or annual plans.
4. Complete checkout with your payment information.
5. Confirm your plan and start streaming.

How do I cancel my Shudder free trial?

Shudder says its one-time free trial expires on the seventh day at the same time you originally created your account, so cancel before that time if you don’t want the subscription to renew. The cancellation process depends on where your subscription is billed.

1. If you subscribed directly through Shudder, sign in and go to My Account, then Membership Settings.
2. Select “Cancel Membership” and follow the on-screen prompts.
3. If you subscribed through a third party such as Apple, Amazon, Google Play, or Roku, manage the cancellation through that billing platform instead.
4. Check the account that manages your subscription afterward to verify its current status and renewal date.

If a billing issue persists after cancellation, contact Shudder for a directly billed membership or the applicable third-party provider if it bills your subscription. See Shudder’s Help Center for cancellation guidance based on where you originally subscribed.

What other live TV streaming services have free trials?

Shudder isn’t the only streamer offering a trial run — here’s how live TV options compare.

Data effective as of post date.

Shudder free trial FAQ

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