How to get Paramount Plus for free

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Paramount Plus, the home of "Star Trek," the expanded "Yellowstone" universe, and everything Nickelodeon, is one of the least expensive streamers around, costing just $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year for the service’s "Essentials", or its ad-supported tier. 

The streamer offers a variety of benefits, including access to many critically acclaimed movies and shows. Subscribers can also enjoy live sports coverage, including NFL games and UEFA Champions League, along with a broad selection of CBS content. 

However, even though this platform has a pretty low cost of entry when compared with other streamers, if you’re looking to add Paramount Plus to your streaming lineup for the low cost of nothing at all, there are several ways to do just that.

Does Paramount Plus have a free trial?

Currently, new users can sign up for a 7-day free trial of either the basic “Essentials” plan or the no-ads premium version, which includes Showtime. Simply navigate to the official Paramount Plus website and click the "Try It Free" button at the top of the page to get started. You'll need to create an account and enter your payment information, but you won't be charged anything until the trial period ends. Just be sure to cancel before the trial period is over if you don't want to pay for the service. 

Learn more at Paramount Plus

Walmart Plus subscribers get Paramount Plus for free

If you get free grocery delivery through Walmart Plus, one of the perks of your membership is an included Paramount Plus Essentials subscription. Walmart Plus currently costs $12.95 a month (or $98 for the annual plan) after a 30-day free trial. 

However, the retail giant often offers deep discounts on subscriptions through its official app, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled if you are considering subscribing to this service so you can save even more money. 

Learn more at Walmart

Showtime channel subscribers get access to ad-free Paramount Plus free

If you subscribe to the Showtime premium channels (which recently, and a little bit confusingly, rebranded as Paramount Plus with Showtime) through Spectrum, Direct TV or Hulu with Live TV, you can get access to the premium, no-ads version of Paramount Plus With Showtime (the digital service which includes live access to local CBS stations as well) for free. 

Simply log in with your TV provider credentials to verify your subscription at the official Paramount Plus website and you’ll be able to enjoy all the extras that come with the app for free. 

Learn more at Paramount Plus

Charter Spectrum customers get free Paramount Plus Essentials for free

As of August, customers with Charter Spectrum's Spectrum TV Select and Mi Plan Latino packages can access the ad-supported version of the streaming service, Paramount+ Essential, for free. 

Subscribers need to head over to the Spectrum website to manage their accounts and activate their free subscription, which is available as long as the eligible Spectrum cable service package is active. 

Learn more at Charter Spectrum

Paramount Plus free episode library

Looking for a taste of what Paramount Plus (and Showtime) has to offer before committing to a free trial? Paramount Plus has a small free content library that includes episodes of acclaimed series like "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," "Billions," "1883" and more. You can access this content at the official Paramount Plus Watch Free site, which is available any time, no login necessary. 

Learn more at Paramount Plus

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Amanda Kondolojy
Writer

Amanda Kondolojy is an entertainment journalist based in Florida with over 15 years of experience covering film, TV, theme parks and more. When not in front of a screen you can find her reading something at the beach (usually by Neil Gaiman, Grady Hendrix or Brandon Sanderson) or dancing around the kitchen to her favorite showtunes. 

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