Paramount+ has quietly become one of the more affordable streaming options on the market — but free it is not. The platform serves over 67 million subscribers globally, and per ElectroIQ, that number continues to climb as the service expands its content library. Whether you're weighing the cost against your current subscriptions or looking for a bundled deal, understanding exactly what you'll pay matters. If you'd rather skip the bill entirely, check out our picks for free movie apps or free Firestick movie apps to stream without spending a dime. Ready to find the best Paramount+ option for your budget? Let's get started!
Quick Answer
Paramount+ is not free — it requires a paid subscription. Plans start at a low monthly cost, making it one of the more affordable streaming options available. However, you can access free content legally through alternatives like free movie apps or free Firestick movie apps if you want to avoid paying altogether.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is Paramount Plus Free? | Not free — no free trial | Anyone researching before subscribing | Visit Site |
| Essential Plan | $8.99/month or $89.99/year | Budget-conscious viewers who don't mind ads | See details |
| Premium Plan | $13.99/month or $139.99/year | Ad-free watchers wanting the full experience | See details |
| Walmart+ Bundle | $12.95/month (included with Walmart+) | Walmart+ members wanting streaming included | Visit Site |
| Discounts | Varies (student, military, promotions) | Eligible subscribers looking to save | See details |
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.
1. Is Paramount Plus Free?
Paramount Plus is not free — it requires a paid subscription to access its full library of content. However, new users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial to test the service before committing. After the trial ends, you must choose one of two paid plans to continue streaming.
Key facts:
- Free trial: 7 days for new subscribers
- No permanent free tier available in the US
- Available as an add-on through Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and other platforms
2. Essential Plan
The Essential Plan is Paramount Plus's entry-level paid option, making it the most budget-friendly way to access the streaming service after the free trial ends. At $7.99/month, it includes limited commercials and covers a wide range of CBS shows, Paramount originals, live sports, and news. It's the lowest-cost route for viewers who don't need an ad-free experience.
What you get:
- $7.99/month (or $59.99/year)
- Includes ads during playback
- Access to live local CBS stations and NFL games
3. Premium Plan
The Premium Plan is Paramount Plus's top-tier subscription, designed for viewers who want an ad-free experience and broader content access. At $12.99/month, it removes most commercials and adds Showtime programming — making it the best value for cord-cutters who previously paid separately for Showtime. This plan also unlocks offline downloads for on-the-go viewing.
What you get:
- $12.99/month (or $119.99/year)
- Ad-free streaming on most content
- Full Showtime library included
- Download episodes for offline viewing
4. Walmart+ Bundle
Walmart+ members can access Paramount+ Essential at no extra cost, making this one of the most practical ways to get the streaming service free as part of an existing subscription. If you already pay for Walmart+ ($12.95/month or $98/year), the Paramount+ add-on is included at no additional charge, covering live sports, movies, and thousands of on-demand episodes.
What you get:
- Paramount+ Essential tier included with Walmart+ membership
- Walmart+ costs $12.95/month or $98/year (streaming is bundled in)
- Includes free Walmart delivery and fuel discounts alongside streaming
5. Discounts
Several legitimate discounts can reduce or effectively eliminate your Paramount+ cost, making it nearly free for eligible subscribers. Students, military members, and first-time subscribers regularly qualify for promotional rates—sometimes as low as $0 for an extended trial period or 25–50% off standard monthly pricing.
Notable discount options:
- Free trials (typically 7 days) for new subscribers on most plans
- Student discounts available through platforms like UNiDAYS
- Occasional promotional rates (e.g., $1.99–$2.99/month during sale events)
Final Words
Paramount+ isn't fully free, but trials, bundles, and carrier deals make it close. Whether you prefer a free trial, a student discount, a carrier perk, streaming service bundles, or a limited free tier, there's a money-saving path for you — pick the one that fits your budget and start watching today.