Joyn does offer a free trial—but only for Joyn+. Joyn Free is a separate, permanently free plan supported by ads, while eligible new users can usually try Joyn+ free for 7 days before it renews at €8.99 per month.
Joyn+ removes ads from most on-demand content and also includes features such as mobile downloads, although live TV and some licensed titles may still contain advertising. Joyn Free is available only in Germany, while Joyn+ can also be used temporarily within the EU and EEA. Regular access from the United States is not supported.
This guide explains the difference between Joyn Free and Joyn+, how the trial and renewal work, which ads can remain, and what official mobile downloads allow.
Joyn Free Trial: Eligibility and Terms
Joyn Free vs. Joyn+
Joyn Free is the always-free, ad-supported tier. If you are asking whether Joyn is free, that is the short answer. The free trial is intended for new Joyn+ customers. Joyn says you may be ineligible if your account or payment method has already been used for a previous Joyn+ subscription or trial. The exact trial terms are shown before checkout.
Joyn Free is limited to Germany. Joyn+ can be used during temporary travel within the EU, but this does not establish normal availability for viewers in the United States.
Before starting a Joyn+ trial, check three things:
- Whether your account and payment method qualify for the trial.
- The exact trial end date and subscription selected.
- Which billing provider will handle cancellation.
How Ads Work on Joyn+
Joyn Free includes advertising. Joyn+ removes ads from most on-demand productions, but it is not completely ad-free: live TV and some licensed titles may still include advertising.
The real difference is therefore ad reduction, not a guarantee of completely ad-free viewing.
Joyn+ Trial Benefits, Downloads, and Renewal
The official Joyn+ offer is the starting point for fewer ads and supported in-app downloads. Those downloads are temporary, managed within the Joyn app, and different from a local video file.
Official Mobile Downloads
Joyn+ allows selected titles to be downloaded on supported iOS and Android devices. You can store up to 10 downloads at once; an unplayed download can remain available for up to 30 days, and once playback starts, you have 48 hours to finish it. For the full Joyn download limit details, use the linked guide.
Price, Renewal, and Cancellation
Joyn+ renews at €8.99 per month after a free-trial offer unless you cancel before the renewal date. The signup terms control the exact trial duration, eligibility, and any access after cancellation.
How to Cancel Joyn+ Before the Trial Ends
Where you cancel Joyn+ depends on how you subscribed. Direct web subscriptions paid by card, PayPal, Amazon Pay, or SEPA can be managed through the Membership section of your Joyn account. Subscriptions purchased through Apple, Google Play, or Amazon In-App must be canceled through that provider. Joyn warns that third-party cancellation processing can take up to 24 hours, so do not leave it until the last minute.
Joyn Free and Joyn+ differ most in ads, trial terms, mobile downloads, and availability:
| Tier |
Ads |
Trial and price | Official offline access | Availability |
| Joyn Free | Ad-supported |
Free |
Not included | Germany |
|
Joyn+ |
Most on-demand content ad-free; live TV and some licensed titles may show ads | Free trial, then €8.99/month (August 2026) | Up to 10 mobile titles | Temporary EU travel |
Joyn+ is the subscription tier to consider if you want fewer ads on eligible on-demand content and its included subscription benefits.
A Desktop Alternative, Where Permitted
Joyn+'s official downloads are temporary, app-managed files for supported mobile devices. If you specifically need a local MP4 or MKV file on Windows or Mac, a desktop workflow such asKeepStreams for Joyn serves a different use case.
KeepStreams for Joyn is a desktop app for Windows and Mac that can save authorized Joyn videos as MP4 or MKV, at up to 1080p, with available subtitles and selected audio languages. A full guide to downloading Joyn videos covers the workflow in more detail.
Readers comparing German streaming services can also explore how to download WOW TV on Mac devices.
The site also explains how to download RTL+ videos for readers comparing services.
Using the KeepStreams downloader for downloading your videos should be extremely easy and simple. You do not need to have any technical expertise for the purpose.
Step 1. Download and install KeepStreams
Use the official website for KeepStreams to download KeepStreams for Joyn. You can use either Windows or Mac version based your specific needs. Choose the free trial option for now to get used to the tool. You can opt for the subscription later on.
Step 2. Choose Joyn
From among the streaming services supported, choose Joyn streaming service. Sign in to your Joyn account. You can even create a new account if you want to.
Step 3. Play the video you wish to download
Use the search feature to look for the video that you wish to download. This will bring up the download configuration options. Configure your download settings as per your preferences.
Step 4. Download the video
Click on Download Now to begin downloading the video onto your device. You can find the downloaded video from within your device.
For another German streaming catalog, see the site's overview of ZDF Mediathek video downloaders.
Joyn Free Trial FAQs
How does the Joyn free trial work, and what will I pay afterward?
Joyn Free is always free and ad-supported. A Joyn+ free trial applies to the paid tier, then renews at €8.99 per month unless you cancel before renewal.
Will Joyn+ remove every advertisement?
Not in every case. Joyn+ reduces ads on eligible on-demand content; the specific exceptions are explained above.
Can I cancel Joyn+ before the trial turns into a paid subscription?
Yes. Joyn allows the free trial to be canceled by the end of the final trial day without a subscription charge. If you subscribed through an app store or another third party, cancel earlier because processing may take up to 24 hours.
Can I use Joyn in the United States?
Not through Joyn's normal supported availability. Joyn Free is limited to Germany, while Joyn+ portability applies only to temporary stays within the EU and EEA. The United States is outside that supported region.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Joyn Option
Joyn Free fits viewers in Germany who accept advertising. Joyn+ costs €8.99 per month and makes more sense if you want fewer ads on eligible on-demand titles, temporary mobile downloads, and its included subscription benefits.
Start with the official Joyn tier that matches your location and viewing needs. Joyn Free is enough if you accept ads and only need the German free catalog; Joyn+ makes more sense if you want fewer ads, premium content, and supported mobile downloads.
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