Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Paramount+ to End Free Trials and Raise Prices in January 2026

The move reflects a pivot to “quality growth” to support profitability.

Overview

  • Price changes take effect January 15, 2026, with Paramount+ Essential rising to $8.99 per month and Premium to $13.99 per month.
  • Annual plans will increase to $89.99 for Essential and $139.99 for Premium on the same date.
  • Paramount+ will retire free trials across the service, though a weeklong trial and some third‑party promos remain available for now, allowing customers to lock in current annual rates.
  • CEO David Ellison framed the shift as prioritizing higher‑margin subscribers, with a review of discounting and a pullback from low‑margin offerings in some international markets.
  • The streamer reported Q3 subscriber growth of 10% to 79.1 million and said the pricing and trial changes will help fund content and technology investment.