Paramount+ has quietly become one of streaming's most competitive platforms — and with 79 million subscribers reported by Advanced Television, the service is clearly doing something right on price. Whether you're a sports fan chasing NFL games, a Showtime devotee, or just hunting the lowest monthly rate, knowing exactly what each plan costs can save you real money. If you're also exploring free movie apps or want to try getting YouTube Premium for free, stacking those options alongside a discounted Paramount+ plan stretches your entertainment budget even further. Here's everything you need to know about Paramount+ pricing in 2026 — let's get started!
Quick Answer
Paramount+ offers two main plans: Essential (with ads) at $7.99/month or $59.99/year, and Paramount+ with Showtime (ad-free) at $13.99/month or $119.99/year. Annual billing saves roughly 37–40% versus monthly. Bundle options through Apple, Roku, or Walmart+ can reduce costs further.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ Essential Plan | $8.99/mo or $89.99/yr | Budget streamers who don't mind ads | Visit Site |
| Student Discount | Up to 25% off standard pricing | College students seeking discounted streaming | Visit Site |
| Senior Discount | Varies by provider partnership | Seniors looking for reduced subscription costs | Visit Site |
| Veteran Discount | Varies; check eligibility | Active military and veterans saving on subscriptions | Visit Site |
| Walmart+ Bundle | $12.95/mo (included with Walmart+) | Walmart shoppers wanting Paramount+ at no extra cost | Visit Site |
| Price Increase Details | Up $1–$2/mo vs. 2025 rates | Current subscribers tracking cost changes | See details |
| Free Trial Status | $0 (limited availability) | New users wanting to test before subscribing | See details |
Paramount Plus Price 2026: Complete Cost Guide & Best Deals
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
The Paramount+ Essential plan is the most affordable entry point for the streaming service, making it a key consideration when comparing Paramount Plus price options. At $7.99/month, it includes ads but gives full access to live CBS, sports, and the entire Paramount+ content library. It's the best choice for budget-conscious viewers who don't mind commercial breaks.
What you get:
- $7.99/month (or ~$59.99/year if billed annually)
- Live CBS and NFL games included
- Ads during streaming; no Showtime content
Students can significantly reduce their Paramount Plus subscription cost through verified student pricing programs. Paramount+ has partnered with platforms like Student Beans and UNiDAYS to offer discounted rates to eligible college and university students. This makes the service noticeably cheaper than standard monthly pricing for those with a valid academic email or enrollment verification.
Key details:
- Discounts typically range from 20–25% off standard plan pricing
- Requires verification through a student discount platform
- Available on the Essential (ad-supported) tier
Seniors looking to lower their monthly streaming bill may find limited but worthwhile options when it comes to Paramount Plus pricing for older adults. While Paramount+ doesn't advertise a dedicated senior discount directly on its site, eligible subscribers can access discounted rates through AARP member benefits or bundled TV packages via cable and internet providers, which often include Paramount+ at a reduced rate.
Notable options:
- AARP members may access partner deals reducing subscription costs
- Some ISP bundles include Paramount+ at $0–$6/month for qualifying plans
Military veterans and active-duty service members can reduce their Paramount+ subscription cost through verified discount programs. Paramount+ offers up to 25% off through ID.me military verification, which brings the Essential plan down to roughly $4.49/month — a meaningful saving compared to the standard $5.99/month rate.
Key details:
- Discount applied via ID.me military verification portal
- Available to veterans, active duty, reservists, and dependents
- Works on both Essential and Showtime bundle plans
Walmart+ members can access Paramount+ Essential as part of their membership, effectively eliminating the separate streaming subscription cost. At $12.95/month (or $98/year) for Walmart+, this bundle represents strong value since Paramount+ Essential alone costs $5.99/month — making the streaming service essentially free if you already shop at Walmart regularly.
What you get:
- Paramount+ Essential included at no extra charge
- Walmart+ annual plan reduces per-month cost to ~$8.17
- Does not include the Showtime add-on tier
6. Price Increase Details
Paramount+ raised its subscription prices in early 2026, making it important to understand current rates before subscribing or renewing. According to Media Play News, the increases took effect in Q1 2026, with the Essential plan rising to $7.99/month and the Showtime bundle climbing to $13.99/month — increases of roughly $2/month across both tiers.
Updated pricing breakdown:
- Essential (with ads): $7.99/month after increase
- Showtime bundle (ad-free): $13.99/month after increase
- Annual plans still offer ~15–20% savings versus monthly billing
7. Free Trial Status
Knowing whether Paramount+ offers a free trial directly affects how much you'll pay upfront — or whether you can test the service before committing to a monthly subscription cost. Historically, Paramount+ offered a 7-day free trial, but availability has changed over time and varies by platform and promotion.
What to know:
- Free trials are no longer consistently available through the main website — check third-party platforms like Apple TV or Amazon for limited promotional offers
- Some cable or internet bundles occasionally include a free trial period as part of a new subscriber deal
- If you're budget-conscious, pairing a trial with free Firestick movie apps can stretch your entertainment dollar further while you evaluate whether the subscription price is worth it
Final Words
From the ad-supported $7.99 tier to premium bundles topping $60/month, Paramount+ has a plan for nearly every budget. Pair it with streaming service bundles to stretch your dollar even further.