Paramount Plus ended its free trial on January 15, 2026, shocking streamers who relied on the 7-day trial to watch for free. But don’t panic, there are still creative ways to access Paramount Plus without paying directly.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Free Trial Ended: Paramount Plus discontinued its 7-day free trial as of January 15, 2026
- Price Increase: Essential plan now costs $8.99/month, Premium $13.99/month
- Walmart Plus Loophole: Get 30-day free trial of Walmart Plus and receive Paramount Plus Essential free
- DirecTV Alternative: DirecTV Ultimate package includes Paramount Plus with a 5-day free trial
Why Paramount Plus Killed Its Free Trial in 2026
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Paramount Plus abruptly ended its iconic 7-day free trial on January 15 alongside a major price hike across both subscription plans. The streaming service hiked prices by $1 per month, effective immediately. UFC’s exclusive arrival on the platform in February 2026 appears to have motivated the aggressive changes.
According to reports, Paramount hit 79 million subscribers before eliminating the trial. The company fundamentally restructured its business model, choosing affordability sacrifices over growth incentives. Rolling Stone reported that only 1.2 million free trial subscribers existed at the time, suggesting minimal revenue loss.
How to Watch Paramount Plus Free After January 15
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Although Paramount Plus no longer offers a direct free trial, creative alternatives exist. Walmart Plus membership remains the easiest workaround for accessing Paramount Plus Essential without paying. You get a 30-day free trial to Walmart Plus, which automatically includes Paramount Plus access.
DirecTV is another option, offering complimentary Paramount Plus as part of its Ultimate streaming package. The plan includes 185+ live TV channels, ESPN, Hulu, Disney+, and more for $124.99 monthly. However, DirecTV only provides a 5-day free trial, shorter than Walmart’s offer.
Complete Breakdown of Free Access Options
| Access Method | Trial Length | Cost After Trial |
| Walmart Plus | 30 days free | $98/year |
| DirecTV Ultimate | 5 days free | $124.99/month |
| Paramount Plus Essential | None | $8.99/month |
| Paramount Plus Premium | None | $13.99/month |
“Although Paramount Plus no longer offers a free trial, it’s still one of the most affordable streaming services on the market.”
— Rolling Stone, Entertainment reporting
Walmart Plus is the Best Free Paramount Plus Workaround Right Now
Walmart Plus delivers the longest free window to test Paramount Plus Essential completely free. The 30-day free trial gives you access to thousands of shows, sporting events, and movies without paying a cent. You’ll also gain exclusive Walmart Plus perks like free two-day shipping and free grocery delivery during the trial period.
After your trial expires, Walmart Plus costs $98 annually. That breaks down to roughly $8 per month, which actually beats Paramount Plus’s standalone Essential plan. Walmart Plus members can choose between Paramount Plus Essential or Peacock Premium with ads, effectively offering flexibility other platforms don’t.
What’s the Deal with Paramount Plus Free Content Hub?
Beyond workarounds, Paramount Plus maintains its Free Content Hub, allowing anyone to watch select episodes and movies without paying. This includes clips from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Billions, 1883, and other popular series. However, the free library is extremely limited compared to full subscriptions.
February 2026 brings major releases to the platform, including the 50th season of Survivor and new UFC fights. Golden Globe and Grammy Awards coverage arrives later this month. Accessing all this content requires either a paid subscription or exploiting the Walmart Plus or DirecTV free trials.
Should You Subscribe to Paramount Plus at the New January 2026 Prices?
Paramount Plus raised prices significantly on January 15, making affordability a real consideration. The Essential plan costs $8.99 monthly with ads, while Premium jumps to $13.99 monthly for ad-free viewing plus Showtime access. Annual plans increased to $89.99 and $139.99 respectively.
Consider your viewing habits carefully. If you watch UFC fights, NFL games, or specific Paramount originals regularly, the investment pays off. Otherwise, cycling through free trials with Walmart Plus or DirecTV every few months makes financial sense.
Sources
- Rolling Stone – Paramount Plus free trial cancellation and pricing details confirmed
- Business Insider – Current Paramount Plus pricing structure and plan comparisons
- Tom’s Guide – Alternative free access methods and Walmart Plus integration
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