Paramount+ free trials are no longer available in the US — the streaming service officially phased them out heading into 2026. With Media Play News reporting 79 million subscribers and price increases taking effect in Q1 2026, the platform is leaning on discounts and bundles rather than trials to attract new users. That doesn't mean you're out of options — promotional pricing, student and military discounts, and retail bundles can still get you access for significantly less. If you're also exploring other streaming deals, check out our guide to free Netflix access for more ways to save. Here's what's actually available right now.
Quick Answer
Paramount+ free trials are no longer available in the US as of 2026. The platform phased them out despite reaching 79 million subscribers. However, you can still access Paramount+ for less through promotional pricing, student and military discounts, and retail bundle deals that offer significant savings on subscription costs.
Jump to
Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited-Time Promotional Offer | $2.99/month (first 2 months) | New subscribers wanting the lowest entry cost | See details |
| Paramount+ Essential Plan | $7.99/month | Budget-conscious streamers after the promo period | Visit Site |
| Walmart+ Bundle | $12.95/month (Walmart+ membership) | Walmart shoppers who want streaming included | Visit Site |
| Student Discount | ~25% off standard pricing | Verified college students | Visit Site |
| Military Discount | ~25% off standard pricing | Active military, veterans, and first responders | Visit Site |
| Free Trials Phased Out | No longer available | Understanding why trials ended and what replaced them | See details |
How to Get Paramount Plus Free Trial [2026]: Complete Guide
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Limited-Time Promotional Offer
Paramount+ occasionally runs promotional free trials through third-party partners, seasonal campaigns, or device bundles — even after ending its standard standalone free trial in 2026. These deals typically appear around major content launches or holidays and can grant anywhere from 7 to 30 days of free access. Checking the official Paramount+ promotions page or deal aggregator sites is the fastest way to catch an active offer before it expires.
What to look for:
- Device-specific promos (smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire)
- Credit card or telecom partner trial offers
- Limited windows tied to new show premieres
2. Paramount+ Essential Plan
The Essential Plan is the most affordable entry point for testing Paramount+ with minimal financial commitment. Priced at $7.99/month (with ads), it's the tier most commonly attached to any remaining trial offers and is the plan new subscribers are typically enrolled in during a promotional period. If a free trial is unavailable, canceling within the first billing cycle keeps costs low while you evaluate the content library.
Plan details:
- $7.99/month with limited ads
- Includes live CBS, NFL, and on-demand streaming
- Most trial promotions default to this tier
3. Walmart+ Bundle
Walmart+ members receive Paramount+ Essential included at no extra charge, making it one of the only active ways to access Paramount+ content without paying separately — effectively functioning as an ongoing free trial alternative. According to Dataconomy, Paramount ended standalone free trials in 2026, making bundles like this a practical workaround. If you already shop at Walmart regularly, the $12.95/month Walmart+ membership essentially covers Paramount+ as a bonus. You can also explore other streaming bundle deals that include Paramount+ access.
Bundle highlights:
- Walmart+ costs $12.95/month or $98/year
- Paramount+ Essential included at no added cost
- Best for existing Walmart shoppers seeking added streaming value
4. Student Discount
College students can access Paramount+ at a reduced rate, making it one of the best alternatives now that a traditional free trial is no longer available. Through verified student discount programs (typically via UNiDAYS or similar platforms), eligible students can save significantly on monthly subscription costs, effectively extending their access budget further than a short trial ever would.
Key details:
- Discounts typically range from 25–50% off standard plan pricing
- Requires verification of current student enrollment
- Applies to Essential or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME tiers
5. Military Discount
Active military members, veterans, and their families can access discounted Paramount+ subscriptions through verified programs like ID.me — a practical substitute for a free trial period. This discount provides long-term savings rather than a temporary window, which may actually deliver more value than the short-lived trials that previously existed.
What to know:
- Verification through ID.me or similar military-credentialing services is required
- Discount percentage varies; check Paramount+ directly for current offers
- Available to active duty, veterans, and qualifying dependents
6. free trials for Paramount+ have been phased out
As of early 2026, Paramount+ officially eliminated its free trial across all subscription tiers, ending an era where new subscribers could test the service at no cost. This change coincided with price increases on existing plans, meaning new users must now pay from day one — making student, military, and bundle discounts the most viable alternatives for cost-conscious viewers.
What changed:
- Free 7-day trials are no longer offered on the Paramount+ website
- Subscription prices increased simultaneously in Q1 2026
- Bundle deals (e.g., through Apple TV+ or Walmart+) remain the closest workaround
Final Words
Ready to start streaming Paramount+ without paying upfront? Pick the trial that matches your viewing habits and dive in — or explore free movie streaming apps if you want even more options beyond Paramount+.