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Paramount+ no longer offers a standalone trial on its website, but subscribers can still get free access for a limited time through a couple of partner deals. As of May 2026, two practical workarounds—via DirecTV and Walmart+—let viewers stream Paramount+ at no extra cost for a short period, which matters if you want to catch new releases or live sports without immediately paying.
Free access routes: how they work
These are not hidden promos or coupons; they are partner bundle features that include Paramount+ as part of a larger subscription package. Offers and eligibility can change quickly, so check each provider’s terms before you sign up.
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DirecTV: short trial plus extended add-on access
Customers who subscribe to DirecTV’s streaming tiers such as Entertainment, Choice, or Ultimate often receive a suite of premium channel add-ons for the opening months, and that can include Paramount+ Premium (the tier that bundles Showtime). New DirecTV sign-ups typically qualify for a five-day trial of the service itself, giving you immediate, temporary access to those add-ons.
In practice, that means you can stream Paramount+ alongside other premium networks during the trial window, and in some cases the partner bundle extends free access to certain channels for several months.
Walmart+: bigger trial window, limited plan choice
Walmart+ offers a 30-day free trial for its membership, and one of the digital benefits available to members is access to a streaming option that includes Paramount+ Essential as a selectable perk (or, alternately, Peacock Premium in some offers). If you activate that benefit during the 30-day trial, you can use Paramount+ at no cost for the trial period.
- DirecTV: Five-day DirecTV trial + eligible packages may include three months of Paramount+ Premium as a partner add-on.
- Walmart+: 30-day Walmart+ free trial; members can opt for Paramount+ Essential as a streaming benefit during the trial.
Student discount
Paramount+ also runs a student promotion: verified students can receive a significant reduction—typically 50% off—on any plan for the first 12 months. That can be a better long-term saving for eligible users than repeatedly using partner trials.
Paramount+ plans compared
| Feature | Paramount+ Essential | Paramount+ Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly price | $8.99 | $13.99 |
| Ad experience | Ad-supported | No ads on on-demand content (live TV still has ads) |
| Included networks | Core Paramount library, select Showtime content | Full Showtime library included |
| Live sports & events | NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League coverage | Expanded live CBS and sports access |
| Downloads & quality | Standard streams | Downloads, 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision / HDR10 |
| Simultaneous streams | Up to 3 devices | Up to 3 devices |
What to watch for and next steps
These partner-based trials are handy if you want to watch a new series premiere, binge a limited-run true crime documentary, or check live sports without committing. But they come with trade-offs: the trial periods are short; billing cycles and auto-renew rules differ by provider; and partner inclusions—like which Paramount+ tier is offered—can vary.
Before signing up, confirm the exact terms on the provider’s site, note any automatic renewal dates, and decide whether to cancel before charges begin. If you’re a student, compare the one-year student rate with the partner trial route to determine which saves more over 12 months.
Offers change often, so if you’re planning to use a partner promo, act quickly and verify availability in your region.
