Paramount+ Price Increase: What Subscribers Need to Know Before January 2026

Paramount+ is raising its subscription prices in early 2026. The new rates will take effect for all subscribers starting January 15. This marks another price adjustment in a competitive streaming market.

The company confirmed the changes during a recent earnings call. The move aligns with broader industry trends as services invest more in original content.

Breaking Down the New Paramount+ Pricing Tiers

The Essential plan with ads is increasing by one dollar. It will now cost $8.99 per month. The Premium ad-free tier is also rising by a dollar to $13.99 monthly.

Annual subscription options are seeing similar adjustments. The Essential annual plan jumps to $89.99 per year. The Premium annual plan increases to $139.99.

According to Reuters, these changes reflect Paramount’s strategy to boost revenue. The funds will support continued investment in new shows and movies.

How the Price Hike Affects Current Subscribers

Existing customers will see the new prices at their first billing cycle after January 15, 2026. This gives most subscribers several months at current rates. The change applies to all billing methods automatically.

New subscribers will no longer receive free trial periods starting in 2026. This shift encourages immediate commitment from new users. It also helps the service improve its conversion metrics from the start.

The streaming landscape has become increasingly expensive for consumers. Multiple major services have announced similar pricing adjustments throughout 2025.

Comparing Streaming Value

Paramount+ continues to offer live sports through its CBS partnership. This includes NFL games and college basketball tournaments. Such content differentiates it from purely on-demand competitors.

The service’s library includes popular franchises like Star Trek and Yellowstone. New original series and films are added regularly. Subscribers must decide if this content justifies the higher monthly cost.

The Paramount+ price increase represents the evolving economics of streaming entertainment, where content investment directly impacts subscriber costs. Consumers now face tougher decisions about which services to keep in their monthly budgets.

Thought you’d like to know

When exactly do the new Paramount+ prices start?

The new pricing takes effect on January 15, 2026. Your specific change date depends on your billing cycle. Most subscribers will see the increase at their first renewal after that date.

How much more will I pay monthly?

Both main plans are increasing by exactly one dollar monthly. The Essential plan rises from $7.99 to $8.99. The Premium plan increases from $12.99 to $13.99.

Are free trials really ending?

Yes, Paramount+ confirmed it will eliminate free trials for new subscribers in 2026. This change accompanies the price increases. The company wants immediate payment commitments from new users.

Can I lock in current rates longer?

Switching to an annual plan now might extend current pricing. Annual subscribers typically keep their rate until the plan renews. Check your account for specific renewal dates.

How does this compare to other streaming hikes?

Most major streaming services raised prices throughout 2025. Paramount’s increase is relatively modest compared to some competitors. The one-dollar hike matches industry patterns.

Will content improve with higher prices?

Paramount states the additional revenue will fund content development. Subscribers should expect more original programming and licensed content. The service already announced several new projects.