Source-cited · Updated Jul 2026
Paramount+ vs YouTube Premium Price History
Since 2021, Paramount+ has risen +40% versus YouTube Premium at +33%. YouTube Premium has been the more price-stable choice. Every Paramount+ and YouTube Premium tier tracked, 2021–2026, with every price change sourced.
Paramount+
2 plans · default: Premium (ad-free)
YouTube Premium
Better value4 plans + 1 retired · default: Individual
Verdict
Better value: YouTube Premium
Since 2021, Paramount+ has risen +40% versus YouTube Premium at +33%. YouTube Premium has been the more price-stable choice.
Scorecard
The numbers behind the verdict
Premium (ad-free) vs Individual — the default tier of each service, 2021–2026. A green tick marks the better number in each row.
| Metric | Paramount+ Premium (ad-free) | YouTube Premium Individual |
|---|---|---|
| Current Price (2026) | $13.99 (better) | $15.99 |
| Total Change | +40% | +33% (better) |
| Number of Hikes | 3 | 2 (better) |
| Hike Frequency | Every 1.7 yrs | Every 2.5 yrs (better) |
| Avg Annual Change | $0.80/yr | $0.80/yr |
Every tier
Which tier costs what today
Every Paramount+ and YouTube Premium plan in one list, cheapest first. First Tracked is each plan’s price when our tracking began — 2021, or its debut year if it arrived later. Retired tiers sit at the bottom with their final price.
| Service | Plan | Price Now | First Tracked | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PParamount+ | Essential (with ads)Ads | $8.99 | $5.99 (2021) | +50% |
| YYouTube Premium | Student | $8.99 | $6.99 (2021) | +29% |
| YYouTube Premium | Premium Lite | $8.99 | $7.99 (2025) | +13% |
| YYouTube Premium | Individual (Annual) | $159.99/yr | $159.99/yr (2026) | 0% |
| PParamount+ | Premium (ad-free)Default | $13.99 | $9.99 (2021) | +40% |
| YYouTube Premium | IndividualDefault | $15.99 | $11.99 (2021) | +33% |
| YYouTube Premium | Family | $26.99 | $17.99 (2021) | +50% |