Ready to dive into the world of hit shows like Yellowstone, Star Trek, and live sports without breaking the bank? Navigating Paramount Plus Deals, Bundles, and How to Get a Free Trial can feel like a maze, but it doesn't have to. As a seasoned journalist who's seen a streaming service or two, I'm here to cut through the noise and show you exactly how to snag the best value, whether you're eyeing a free week, a bundled discount, or a special rate just for you.
Paramount Plus has quickly become a must-have for many, offering a treasure trove of content from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, and the expansive Star Trek universe. From NFL games and the UEFA Champions League to critically acclaimed originals and blockbuster movies, there's a lot to love. But before you hit 'subscribe,' let's talk strategy.
At a Glance: Your Quick Guide to Paramount Plus Savings
- Free Trial: Get a full week for new subscribers, no strings attached (well, almost).
- Bundles: Walmart+ members get Paramount Plus Essentials included—a great value if you already shop there.
- Existing Subscribers: If you get Showtime through certain TV providers, you might already have ad-free Paramount Plus Premium access.
- Provider Perks: Charter Spectrum customers with specific plans can snag Paramount Plus Essentials for free.
- Student Discount: College students can watch for just $4 a month.
- Free Content: Dip your toes in with a small, free content library on the official site, no login required.
Understanding Paramount Plus: Two Tiers, Endless Entertainment
Before we get to the deals, it’s helpful to know what you’re signing up for. Paramount Plus offers two primary tiers:
- Paramount Plus Essential: This is the ad-supported option, costing $7.99 per month or a discounted $59.99 per year. You get access to the vast on-demand library, live NFL on CBS, and top soccer, including UEFA Champions League.
- Paramount Plus with Showtime: This is the premium, ad-free tier. It includes everything in Essential, plus your local live CBS station, access to Showtime's full library (like Yellowjackets and Billions), and the ability to download shows for offline viewing. This tier is naturally more expensive but often the target of bigger bundle savings.
No matter which tier you choose, you're tapping into a rich vault of entertainment. Think Yellowstone universe exclusives like 1883 and 1923, classic Nickelodeon shows for the kids (and nostalgic adults), a growing slate of original movies, and major sporting events like the Super Bowl and March Madness. So, is Paramount Plus worth subscribing?—it very well might be, especially with the right deal.
The Easiest Win: How to Get a Paramount Plus Free Trial
The simplest way to test the waters? A free trial. Paramount Plus makes it easy for new subscribers to take their service for a spin.
Grabbing Your Free Week
- Head to the Official Site: Navigate directly to the Paramount Plus website. Be wary of third-party sites claiming to offer extended trials; always start at the source.
- Select Your Plan: Choose between the Essential or Paramount Plus with Showtime plan. Both typically offer the same trial period.
- Create Your Account: You'll need to provide an email address and set up a password.
- Enter Payment Information: Paramount Plus, like most streaming services, requires a credit card or PayPal account to initiate the trial. Don't worry, you won't be charged until the trial period ends.
- Confirm and Stream: Once confirmed, you're all set to enjoy a full seven days of Paramount Plus content!
Journalist's Tip: Set a calendar reminder a day or two before your free trial ends. This gives you plenty of time to decide if you want to continue the subscription or cancel before any charges hit your account. The free trial is generally for new subscribers only and cannot be combined with other offers, so pick the best entry point for you.
Unlock More Savings: Paramount Plus Bundles and Special Offers
Beyond the basic free trial, several partnerships and specific eligibility criteria can net you Paramount Plus for free or at a significant discount.
1. Walmart Plus: Your Shopping Cart Just Got Smarter
This is one of the most popular ways to get Paramount Plus for free. If you're a regular Walmart shopper, or even if you're considering their membership for other benefits, this bundle is a no-brainer.
The Deal: Walmart Plus members receive a Paramount Plus Essential subscription at no extra cost.
How it Works:
- Walmart Plus Cost: Walmart Plus itself costs $12.95 per month or $98 per year. It comes with a generous 30-day free trial, giving you ample time to explore its benefits, which include free shipping from Walmart.com, fuel discounts, and mobile scan & go in stores.
- Activation: Once you're a Walmart Plus member, you'll find instructions on their platform to activate your complimentary Paramount Plus Essential subscription. You'll link your Walmart Plus account to a new or existing Paramount Plus account.
Who it's For: Anyone who frequently shops at Walmart or uses their delivery services. The Paramount Plus subscription essentially becomes a free perk on top of an already useful membership.
2. Showtime Channel Subscribers: You Might Already Have It!
The lines between Showtime and Paramount Plus have blurred considerably, with Showtime being rebranded as "Paramount Plus with Showtime." This is fantastic news if you're already paying for Showtime through a traditional TV provider.
The Deal: Subscribers to Showtime through select TV providers (like Spectrum, DirecTV, or Hulu with Live TV) can often access the ad-free Paramount Plus with Showtime tier for free.
How it Works:
- Check Your Provider: Verify that you subscribe to the Showtime channel directly through a participating TV provider such as Spectrum, DirecTV, or Hulu with Live TV.
- Visit Paramount Plus: Go to the official Paramount Plus website.
- Log in with TV Provider: Look for a "Sign In" or "Activate" option that allows you to log in using your TV provider credentials. You'll typically be redirected to your provider's login page.
- Enjoy Premium Access: Once authenticated, you'll gain access to the ad-free Paramount Plus with Showtime experience, including your local live CBS station.
Why This is Great: You're getting the top-tier Paramount Plus experience without an additional subscription fee, leveraging a service you're already paying for. This is a significant saving, as the ad-free tier is usually the most expensive.
3. Charter Spectrum Customers: A Free Essential Perk
For many, cable TV bundles are still a thing, and Charter Spectrum is sweetening the deal for its subscribers.
The Deal: Customers with specific Charter Spectrum packages, namely Spectrum TV Select and Mi Plan Latino, can access Paramount Plus Essential for free. This deal was active as of August, so it's worth checking if you qualify.
How it Works:
- Confirm Eligibility: Make sure your current Charter Spectrum TV package is either Spectrum TV Select or Mi Plan Latino.
- Access Paramount Plus: Visit the Paramount Plus website or app.
- Authenticate via Spectrum: You'll likely need to select "Sign In with Partner" or a similar option and choose "Spectrum" as your provider. Follow the prompts to log in using your Spectrum account credentials.
Consideration: This is an excellent benefit if you're already a Spectrum customer with one of these packages. It provides immediate access to Paramount Plus's core library without any additional cost.
4. Student and Military Discounts: Affordable Entertainment for Those Who Serve
Paramount Plus recognizes the value of making entertainment accessible, offering special rates for students and, in some cases, military personnel.
For Students: Learn and Stream
The Deal: Students can get a Paramount Plus plan for just $4 per month. This is a nearly 50% discount off the standard Essential tier price.
How it Works:
- Eligibility: You must be actively enrolled in a U.S. Title IV accredited college or university.
- Verification: Paramount Plus partners with a third-party service (often SheerID) to verify your student status. You'll need to provide details like your university, name, and date of birth.
- Sign Up: Once verified, you can sign up for the discounted Essential plan. The discount is typically valid for up to four years, as long as you remain eligible and re-verify periodically.
Why it Matters: This is one of the best ongoing discounts available, making Paramount Plus extremely affordable for students on a budget. It's a fantastic way to catch up on shows or relax with a movie between study sessions.
For Military Personnel: Keeping an Eye Out
While a standing, publicly advertised military discount like the student one isn't always available, streaming services frequently offer promotional deals around national holidays (like Veterans Day or Memorial Day). It's always worth checking the official Paramount Plus promotions page or military discount sites during these times.
Beyond Subscriptions: The Free Content Library
Want a taste of Paramount Plus without even a free trial or commitment? They've got you covered.
The Deal: Paramount Plus offers a small, rotating selection of free content on its "Watch Free" section of the official website. No login, no credit card, no strings attached.
What You'll Find: This library usually features the first episodes of popular series like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Billions, and 1883, giving you a sampler of their premium offerings. It's a smart way to entice new viewers and showcase the quality of their originals.
How to Access: Simply navigate to the Paramount Plus website and look for the "Watch Free" section. You can start streaming immediately.
Who it's For: Anyone curious about Paramount Plus content but not ready to commit to a trial or subscription. It's a perfect no-pressure introduction.
Making Your Decision: Which Deal is Right for You?
With several paths to access Paramount Plus, how do you choose the best one? Consider these factors:
- Your Current Memberships: Do you already have Walmart Plus? Do you subscribe to Showtime through your TV provider? These are your first and easiest wins for free access.
- Your Status: Are you a student? Take advantage of that recurring monthly discount.
- Your TV Provider: Check if your current Spectrum package qualifies for free Paramount Plus Essential.
- Your Budget: If none of the above apply, start with the free trial. If you love the service, the annual Essential subscription ($59.99/year) offers a substantial discount over the monthly rate ($7.99 x 12 = $95.88).
- Ad Tolerance: Decide if saving a few dollars is worth watching commercials. If not, prioritize the ad-free Paramount Plus with Showtime tier, especially if you can get it through an existing Showtime subscription.
Avoid These Pitfalls: - Forgetting to Cancel: Always mark your calendar for the end of a free trial.
- Combining Offers: Free trials and many promotional deals are often mutually exclusive. Choose the best one for your situation.
- Expired Deals: Deals, especially those tied to providers, can change. Always verify current eligibility on the Paramount Plus site or with your provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paramount Plus Deals
Can I get Paramount Plus free with Amazon Prime?
While Paramount Plus is available as a Prime Video Channel add-on, it is not free with a standard Amazon Prime membership. You'd still pay the Paramount Plus subscription fee through your Amazon account.
Does Paramount Plus offer a military discount?
While a standing, year-round military discount isn't always explicitly advertised like the student discount, streaming services sometimes offer promotional military deals during specific national holidays. It's worth checking their promotions page or military discount platforms periodically.
How long is the Paramount Plus free trial?
The standard free trial for Paramount Plus is typically one week (seven days) for new subscribers.
Can I get Paramount Plus for free without a credit card?
No, to initiate the free trial, Paramount Plus requires a valid payment method (credit card or PayPal) on file. You will not be charged until the trial period ends, but it's needed to set up the subscription.
What's the cheapest way to get Paramount Plus?
The absolute cheapest way is through an existing free bundle (like Walmart+ or qualifying Spectrum packages) or via the student discount ($4/month). If those don't apply, the annual Essential plan ($59.99/year) offers the best per-month value compared to the monthly Essential subscription.
Your Path to Streaming Nirvana
Finding the best Paramount Plus Deals, Bundles, and How to Get a Free Trial doesn't have to be a scavenger hunt. With these strategies, you're now equipped to make an informed decision and enjoy a wealth of entertainment, from epic dramas and family favorites to thrilling live sports. Take advantage of a free trial, leverage your existing memberships, or grab a discount that suits your lifestyle. Happy streaming!