Last updated: October 2026
Thinking about signing up for Paramount+ to watch its originals, live sports, or the latest Paramount movies — but want to test it first? The free-trial situation changed significantly in 2026, and most older articles online are now wrong. Here's the current, accurate answer, plus every legitimate way to still watch Paramount+ for free.
What Changed in 2026
For years, Paramount+ offered a standard 7-day free trial to anyone signing up at paramountplus.com. That ended on January 15, 2026, when the service rolled out a price increase and quietly removed the "Try Free" option from direct signups in the same week. The move mirrors an industry-wide trend — Netflix dropped trials years ago, and most major streamers have been cutting back on free access to reduce repeat trial sign-ups.
Current Paramount+ Pricing (After the 2026 Increase)
| Plan | Price (US) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essential (with ads) | $8.99/month | Full library with ads, NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League |
| Premium (ad-free) | $13.99/month | Ad-free on-demand, Showtime content, downloads, live CBS |
| Premium Annual | ~$119.99/year (promo pricing varies) | Same as Premium — the cheapest per-month route when discounted |
Prices are US rates and change with promotions — always confirm on the official Paramount+ site at checkout.
5 Legit Ways to Still Get Paramount+ Free (or Nearly Free)
1. Walmart+ Free Trial — The Best Option
Every Walmart+ membership ($12.95/month or $98/year) includes Paramount+ Essential at no extra cost — and Walmart+ offers a 30-day free trial. That means 30 free days of Paramount+ without even creating a paid Paramount account. This is currently the longest free-access route available in the US.
2. Amazon Prime Video Channels
Adding Paramount+ as a channel inside Prime Video still comes with a 7-day free trial for eligible Prime accounts. You watch through the Prime Video app, and billing runs through Amazon — easy to cancel before the trial ends.
3. Mobile Carrier Perks
Some US carriers, including T-Mobile, periodically bundle Paramount+ free with select plans. Check your carrier's perks page — if it's included, that's permanent free access, not a trial.
4. Promotional First-Month Pricing
Instead of trials, Paramount+ now runs frequent discounted-first-month campaigns (sometimes as low as $1.99/month for a promo period) around major releases and seasonal sales like Black Friday. These appear directly on the official site.
5. Internet/TV Provider Bundles
Providers such as DIRECTV include Paramount+ with certain packages. If you already pay for TV or internet, check whether it's bundled before paying separately.
Is a Free Trial Worth Chasing? What You Actually Get
Paramount+ carries CBS shows, Paramount Pictures movies (with at least 15 theatrical releases planned annually from 2026), originals, Showtime content on Premium, Nickelodeon kids' programming, and a strong live-sports lineup — NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, and more. If sports are your reason, note that live sports are included even on the cheaper Essential plan.
How to Avoid Being Charged After a Trial
- Note the exact trial end date when signing up (set a phone reminder 1–2 days before).
- Cancel from the same place you subscribed — Walmart+ in your Walmart account, Prime Video Channels in Amazon's "Memberships & Subscriptions."
- Cancelling early doesn't cut you off — access continues until the trial period ends.
For more streaming guides and entertainment stories, visit the MyPaid2Blog homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Paramount Plus have a free trial in 2026?
Not directly. Paramount+ removed its standard 7-day free trial from its own website in January 2026 alongside a price increase. Free access is still possible through partners like Walmart+ and Amazon Prime Video Channels.
How can I get Paramount Plus free right now?
The best route is a Walmart+ 30-day free trial, which includes Paramount+ Essential at no extra cost. Eligible Amazon Prime accounts can also get a 7-day Paramount+ trial via Prime Video Channels.
How much does Paramount Plus cost now?
After the January 2026 increase, Essential (with ads) is $8.99/month and Premium (ad-free, with Showtime) is $13.99/month in the US, with annual plans offering a lower effective rate.
Why did Paramount Plus remove its free trial?
The removal came alongside 2026 price increases and reflects an industry-wide pullback on free trials, partly to curb repeat trial sign-ups and push discounted first-month promotions instead.
Is Paramount Plus free with Amazon Prime?
No — it's a paid add-on channel within Prime Video, but eligible accounts get a 7-day free trial before the paid subscription begins.
Can I cancel a Paramount Plus trial without being charged?
Yes. Cancel before the trial period ends through whichever platform you signed up on (Walmart, Amazon, or carrier), and you keep access until the trial expires with no charge.
