Paramount+ raises prices and removes free trials

Get ready, Paramount+ subscribers—it’s time for a price hike! Starting January 15, the streaming service known for its array of popular shows and movies will be charging a bit more for its plans. The ad-supported Essential plan is going up by $1 to $8.99 per month, while the ad-free Premium plan is increasing by $1 to $13.99 monthly. If you prefer an annual subscription, you can expect Essential to cost $89.99 per year and Premium to be $139.99 annually.

But that’s not all! Paramount+ has also decided to say goodbye to free trials of the service. These changes are happening just over a year after the last price adjustments in August 2024. Back then, Essential went up by $2, and Premium saw a $1 increase.

CEO David Ellison explained that these price changes are to support a whopping $1.5 billion investment in programming for 2026. This includes the exciting news of a $7.7 billion deal to stream UFC events and an expanded lineup of 15 movies per year. Ellison assured subscribers that these updates will enhance the user experience and bring even more fantastic content in the future.

These shifts in pricing follow Skydance Media’s acquisition of Paramount Global for a cool $8 billion, which was finalized back in August. Paramount+ isn’t alone in raising its prices. Throughout 2025, other major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and more have increased their rates, making cord-cutting feel less like a bargain compared to traditional cable.

So, if you’re a Paramount+ fan, you might want to mark your calendar for the upcoming changes in January. And remember, you’re not alone—everyone’s feeling the pinch as streaming services evolve in a constantly shifting digital landscape.