Paramount Plus does not currently offer a free trial
As of now, Paramount Plus has ended its free trial period. The service previously offered a seven-day free trial to new subscribers, but that option is no longer available. If you want to watch Paramount Plus content, you will need to pay for a subscription from the start.
This change happened gradually over time as Paramount Plus shifted its strategy. Many streaming services have moved away from free trials in recent years, choosing instead to focus on paid subscriptions and promotional offers through third-party partners.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus currently does not offer a free trial period for new subscribers.
- The service previously offered seven days free but discontinued this option.
- Some third-party services like Costco or Apple TV Channels may bundle Paramount Plus with discounts or trial periods, though these vary by location and time.
- Paramount Plus offers two paid subscription tiers: an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan, both starting at different price points.
- You can cancel a paid subscription at any time without penalty if you decide the service is not for you.
Where to find current promotional offers
Even though Paramount Plus itself does not offer a free trial, promotional deals do appear from time to time. These usually come through partnerships with other companies rather than directly from Paramount Plus. For example, Costco members have occasionally received discounted Paramount Plus subscriptions or bundled offers, though these deals change regularly and vary by region.
Apple TV Channels sometimes includes Paramount Plus in promotional bundles, and wireless carriers occasionally offer discounts to their customers. The best way to find out what is currently available is to check the Paramount Plus website directly or contact their customer service. These offers are not may provide and depend on where you live and what other services you subscribe to.
The two subscription tiers and what they cost
Paramount Plus offers two paid options. The ad-supported plan is the lower-cost tier and includes commercials during shows and movies. The ad-free plan costs more and removes those interruptions. Both tiers give you access to the same content library — the only difference is whether you see ads.
Prices vary slightly depending on whether you pay monthly or commit to an annual subscription. Annual plans usually cost less per month than paying month-to-month. You can switch between the two tiers or cancel at any time without early termination fees.
How to test Paramount Plus before paying
Since there is no free trial, you have other ways to see if the service is right for you. Many public libraries offer free streaming access to Paramount Plus through their digital collections — check your local library's website to see if this is available in your area. This is a legitimate way to watch some Paramount Plus content at no cost.
You can also watch some Paramount Plus shows and movies for free through the Paramount Plus website itself, though these are limited and include ads. The free tier shows you what kind of content is available, but you will not have access to the full library without a paid subscription. This can help you decide whether the paid service is worth it for you.
What happens if you sign up for a paid subscription
When you create a Paramount Plus account and choose a paid plan, your subscription begins when ready. You will be charged on the date you sign up, and then on the same date each month (or year, depending on your plan). Your payment method is charged automatically unless you cancel before the next billing date.
You can cancel your subscription at any point through your account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you will keep access to the service until that date, but you will not be charged again. There are no penalties for canceling, and you can restart your subscription later if you change your mind.
Why streaming services stopped offering free trials
Most major streaming services, including Netflix, Disney Plus, and others, have removed or limited their free trial offers over the past few years. The main reason is that free trials cost the company money in payment processing and server usage, while many people who start a trial never convert to paid subscribers. By removing the free trial, services can focus their marketing budget on people who are already willing to pay.
This shift also reflects how crowded the streaming market has become. With dozens of services competing for subscribers, companies now use other tactics like bundling with phone plans, offering discounts for annual commitments, or running limited-time promotional rates instead of free trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free trial through my phone or cable provider?
Some phone carriers and cable companies do offer Paramount Plus bundled with their services or at a discount, and a few occasionally include trial periods. Check with your specific provider to see what they currently offer. These deals change frequently and are not the same everywhere.
What if I sign up and change my mind after one day?
You can cancel your subscription through your account settings at any time. If you cancel before your next billing date, you will not be charged again, though you will lose access when your current billing period ends. There is no refund for the time you already paid for.
Is the free content on Paramount Plus worth watching?
Paramount Plus does offer some shows and movies free with ads, but the selection is much smaller than what you get with a paid subscription. The free tier is useful for sampling the service, but most people who want regular access to the full library will need to pay.
Do I need to enter a credit card to watch the free content?
No, you can create a free account and watch ad-supported content without entering payment information. You only need a payment method if you want to upgrade to a paid subscription.
Can I share my Paramount Plus account with family members?
Paramount Plus allows you to create multiple user profiles on one account, which is useful for household members. However, the terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only and should not be shared outside your household. Paramount Plus has been enforcing this more strictly in recent years.