Sat Jan 17 22:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Paramount+ Increases Subscription Prices and Ends Free Trial

The Story:
Paramount+ has announced a price increase for both its Essential and Premium subscription plans, effective January 15, 2026. The streaming service is also discontinuing its 7-day free trial. These changes come as Paramount+ adds UFC content to its offerings. The price adjustments will impact monthly and annual subscribers, prompting users to seek ways to mitigate the added costs.

Key Points:

  • Price Increase: The ad-supported Essential plan will increase from $7.99 to $8.99 per month, while the ad-free Premium plan will increase from $12.99 to $13.99 per month.
  • Free Trial Discontinued: The 7-day free trial ends on January 15, 2026.
  • UFC Content Included: Paramount+ now includes UFC fights without additional Pay-Per-View charges.
  • Annual Subscription Lock-in: Subscribers can lock in current rates by purchasing an annual subscription before January 15, 2026: $59.99 for Essential (soon to be $89.99) and $119.99 for Premium (increasing to $139.99).
  • Walmart+ Bundle: Paramount+ is available for free with a Walmart+ subscription.

Key Takeaways:

  • Paramount+ is increasing prices, potentially to offset the cost of acquiring UFC rights and to further invest in content.
  • Eliminating the free trial suggests confidence in the platform’s existing content library and subscriber retention.
  • The inclusion of UFC may attract a new segment of subscribers who are avid fans of the sport, thus justifying the price increase.
  • Bundling with Walmart+ offers a way for consumers to access Paramount+ without directly paying the increased subscription fee.

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