Is the STARZ Free Trial Really Free?

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

The short answer on STARZ’s free trial

STARZ built its reputation on original dramas like “Outlander” and the “Power” franchise, and a lot of people search for a free trial before committing to another monthly bill. Here’s the catch: STARZ’s own website doesn’t currently offer a free trial for direct sign-ups. Instead, starz.com is promoting a discounted monthly rate for eligible new and returning subscribers.

A genuine seven-day STARZ free trial is still available through several partner platforms. Amazon Prime Video Channels, Hulu, The Roku Channel, and Peacock currently advertise STARZ free trials. Peacock’s trial is available to eligible subscribers who are billed directly by Peacock and have an active Select, Premium, or Premium Plus plan. STARZ is also available through Apple TV Channels, but Apple does not publicly list a fixed STARZ trial length on its general channel page, so check the offer shown at signup.

Below, we break down what the current trials include, how much you’ll pay once they end, and the steps to cancel before you’re charged. We’ll also compare STARZ’s terms with other live TV streaming trials so you know how it stacks up.

What does the STARZ free trial include?

STARZ’s Terms of Use spell out the fine print: trials require a valid payment method, are generally limited to one trial unless an offer says otherwise, and convert automatically to a paid subscription unless you cancel before the trial expires (STARZ Terms of Use).

Direct sign-ups at STARZ.com currently skip the trial altogether. As of this writing, STARZ is offering eligible new and returning subscribers its monthly plan for $3.99 a month for three months. The subscription then renews at the current regular monthly price, which is $11.99, unless canceled.

Amazon Prime Video Channels, Hulu, The Roku Channel, and Peacock currently offer STARZ free trials. Hulu, Roku, and Peacock explicitly advertise seven days, and current Amazon Prime Video listings also show a seven-day STARZ trial. Peacock’s seven-day trial is limited to eligible subscribers who are billed directly by Peacock and have an active Select, Premium, or Premium Plus base plan. STARZ is available through Apple TV Channels as well, but check the trial terms shown at signup because Apple does not publicly list a fixed current STARZ trial length on its general channel page.

A partner trial gives you access to the STARZ programming available through that platform. Streaming features can vary by distributor, so don’t assume every partner subscription includes the same simultaneous-stream limits, offline downloads, or access through the standalone STARZ app.

Once a trial ends, the STARZ add-on renews automatically unless you cancel. STARZ itself currently lists its regular monthly price at $11.99, and Hulu, The Roku Channel, and Peacock also list STARZ at $11.99 a month after their trials. DIRECTV currently has a separate promotion that includes STARZ and other premium channels for the first three months with eligible paid packages. That’s a bundled premium-channel promotion, not a standalone three-month STARZ free trial.

How do I sign up for the STARZ free trial?

Since STARZ’s own site doesn’t currently offer a free trial, you’ll need to sign up through a partner that is offering one.

1. Choose a partner with a current STARZ trial offer, such as Amazon Prime Video Channels, Hulu, The Roku Channel, or Peacock. STARZ is also available through Apple TV Channels, but check the trial length and eligibility shown at signup.
2. Search for “STARZ” within that platform’s channels, add-ons, or premium subscriptions section.
3. Review the trial length, post-trial price, eligibility requirements, and payment terms before confirming. A valid payment method is generally required, and services such as Hulu and Peacock require an eligible paid base subscription.
4. Confirm the STARZ trial and start streaming through that platform.
5. Note the exact date and time your trial ends and the partner’s cancellation deadline so you can avoid the first paid STARZ charge if you decide not to keep it.

How do I cancel my STARZ free trial?

STARZ’s Terms of Use say a trial governed by its terms must be canceled before midnight Eastern time on the last day of the trial to avoid a charge. If you subscribed through a distributor, however, follow that platform’s cancellation instructions and deadline because partner policies can differ. STARZ also says it isn’t required to remind you that a trial is ending (STARZ Terms of Use).

1. Identify the company billing you for STARZ, such as Amazon, Hulu, Roku, Apple, Peacock, or STARZ itself.
2. If your subscription is billed directly by STARZ, sign in to STARZ.com, open Settings, select Billing Plan & Information, and choose Cancel Subscription.
3. If you subscribed through a partner, cancel or remove STARZ through that partner’s subscription or add-on management controls.
4. Complete the cancellation process and make sure your account shows that the STARZ subscription or add-on will not renew.
5. Save the confirmation email or a screenshot of the cancellation for your records.

Don’t assume that canceling a trial always ends access immediately or always lets you keep access through the scheduled trial end. That can depend on the company billing the subscription, so check the confirmation shown by your specific partner.

What other live TV streaming services have free trials?

STARZ’s trial situation is a little more complicated than most, so here’s how it compares with popular live TV streaming trials.

Data effective as of post date.

STARZ free trial FAQ

CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.