Paramount+ has quietly grown to 79 million subscribers worldwide, yet plenty of people still wonder whether they can access it without paying. The short answer: no free tier exists in the US, but there are legitimate ways to lower the cost significantly — from Walmart+ bundles to promotional deals. Per Media Play News, subscription prices rose again in early 2026, making it worth knowing every available discount before you subscribe. If you're also exploring getting Netflix for free or hunting down free Firestick movie apps, this guide will help you decide whether Paramount+ fits your budget. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
Paramount+ is not free in the US — no free tier exists. However, you can reduce the cost through legitimate options like Walmart+ bundles or promotional deals. Plans start at a lower entry price, but subscription costs rose again in early 2026. A free trial may be available depending on your eligibility and provider.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is Paramount Plus Free? | Not free | Anyone researching before subscribing | Visit Site |
| Paramount+ Essential | $8.99/month or $89.99/year | Budget-conscious streamers who can tolerate ads | Visit Site |
| Walmart+ Bundle | $12.95/month (Walmart+ membership) | Walmart shoppers wanting Paramount+ Essential included | Visit Site |
| Promotional Deals | Varies (discounted intro rates) | New subscribers looking for the lowest entry price | See details |
| Free Trials | Free (limited availability) | Anyone wanting to test Paramount+ before committing | See details |
| Paramount+ Premium (with Showtime) | $13.99/month or $139.99/year | Viewers wanting ad-free streaming plus Showtime content | Visit Site |
Is Paramount Plus Free? Paramount+ Costs in 2026
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
Paramount+ is not free in the traditional sense — it requires a paid subscription to access most content. However, there are legitimate ways to try the service at no cost, including a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. After the trial, plans start at $7.99/month for the ad-supported Essential tier.
What to know:
- 7-day free trial available for new users
- Plans start at $7.99/month (Essential, with ads) or $13.99/month (Paramount+ with SHOWTIME)
- No permanent free tier exists without a qualifying bundle
The Essential plan is the lowest-cost way to access Paramount+ at $7.99/month, making it the closest option to a budget-friendly subscription. It includes ads but covers live CBS, NFL games, and thousands of on-demand titles. This is the plan most users land on after their free trial ends.
Plan highlights:
- $7.99/month with limited commercials
- Live local CBS and NFL on CBS included
- No SHOWTIME content or downloads
Walmart+ members can access Paramount+ Essential at no extra charge as part of their membership, making it one of the only ways to effectively get the streaming service free — provided you already pay for Walmart+. At $12.95/month or $98/year, Walmart+ bundles grocery delivery, fuel discounts, and Paramount+ together, which significantly offsets the streaming cost. According to Media Play News, Paramount+ reached 79 million subscribers, with bundles like this driving growth.
Bundle value:
- Paramount+ Essential included with Walmart+ at no added cost
- Walmart+ costs $12.95/month or $98/year
- Best for existing Walmart shoppers seeking streaming value
4. Promotional Deals
Promotional deals are one of the most reliable ways to access Paramount+ at no cost or heavily reduced pricing. Retailers, carriers, and partner brands regularly offer limited-time promotions that waive subscription fees for weeks or months at a time.
Where to find deals:
- Walmart+ members get Paramount+ Essential included at no extra charge
- Mobile carriers like T-Mobile have offered free access as a subscriber perk
- Bundle deals through Apple One or Amazon Channels occasionally reduce costs
5. Free Trials
A free trial is the most straightforward answer to whether Paramount+ costs anything upfront — it doesn't, at least temporarily. Paramount+ has offered 7-day free trials for new subscribers, giving full access to the Essential or Premium tier before billing begins. Check free movie apps alongside this option to maximize no-cost streaming.
Trial details:
- Typically 7 days free for new accounts only
- Cancel before the trial ends to pay nothing
- Available directly through Paramount+ or select third-party platforms
The Premium tier is Paramount+'s paid-only plan and is not free, but understanding it helps clarify what you'd be giving up by sticking to free or trial access. At approximately $12.99/month, it adds Showtime content, live local CBS, and no ads — a significant step up from the Essential plan. According to Media Play News, Paramount+ hit 79 million subscribers with price increases scheduled for Q1 2026.
What Premium adds:
- Full Showtime library included
- Live local CBS broadcasts and NFL games
- Ad-free streaming across all content
Final Words
Paramount+ isn't fully free, but between trials, bundles, and limited ad-supported access, there are real ways to reduce costs. Whether you need a short trial, a student deal, or savings through streaming service bundles, pick the path that fits your budget and start streaming today.