How Much Does SiriusXM Cost?

Last Updated on February 27, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With dozens of music, entertainment, news, and sports channels delivered via satellite and streaming, SiriusXM offers premium content beyond what standard free AM/FM radio provides. However, SiriusXM is a subscription service, so it comes at a recurring monthly or annual cost to users.

In this guide, we’ll go over SiriusXM’s various pricing tiers across their plans for streaming, in-car listening, and combined packages. We’ll outline fees, activation costs, add-ons, cancellation policies, and more. Read on to determine whether SiriusXM’s subscription fees are justified based on your listening habits and budget.

How Much Does SiriusXM Cost?

SiriusXM costs range from $8.99 per month for the cheapest streaming music plan up to $23.99 per month for the full Premium satellite and streaming package, with most subscribers paying between $12 to $20 per month when any new customer promotional discounts are factored in. Overall, the annual cost for SiriusXM falls between about $100 on the low end for basic streaming to $300 annually for high-end satellite radio bundles including activation fees and taxes.

SiriusXM packages their programming into several core subscription tiers separated by delivery method:

Streaming-Only Plans (no satellite radio equipment required):

• SiriusXM Streaming Platinum – $10.99 per month when billed annually. Provides access to over 425 channels on connected devices. Includes Howard Stern, every NFL, MLB, and NHL game, plus curated music and on-demand shows.
• SiriusXM Streaming Music & Entertainment – $8.99 per month when paid annually. 400+ channels focused on commercial-free music, comedy, talk radio, and podcasts. Does not include Howard Stern or most sports content.

Satellite Radio + Streaming Plans:

• SiriusXM Platinum Vehicular Plan – $23.99 per month when paid annually. Offers full lineup of over 425 channels spanning Howard Stern, every NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL game, plus streaming.
• SiriusXM Music & Entertainment Vehicular Plan – $18.99 per month when billed annually. Around 400 channels focused on ad-free music, talk, comedy and podcasts. Includes streaming access but limited sports.
• SiriusXM Music Showcase Vehicular Plan – $12.99 per month when paid yearly. Provides over 100 curated, ad-free music channels strictly for your vehicle radio. No streaming.

Add-Ons:

• Additional Vehicle Plan – $10.99 per month when added to an existing subscription, providing SiriusXM for two cars.

According to The Desk, SiriusXM’s base package starts at $10 per month for music stations. Customers can add additional packages for news ($5 extra per month), talk ($5 extra per month), and sports ($8 extra per month). Alternatively, a streaming-only service is available for $10 per month, which includes all music, talk, news, and sports programming without separate add-ons. The “All Access” plan, which includes access to all channels on both satellite and streaming platforms, costs $25 per month.

On SiriusXM’s official website, plans start at $9.99 per month after promotional periods. The All Access plan, which offers comprehensive access to all channels, is available for a promotional rate of $4.99 per month for the first 12 months. After this period, the standard rate applies.

Additionally, GM Authority reports that General Motors offers a three-year SiriusXM subscription for $299 as an option on its 2025 model vehicles. This package provides access to SiriusXM through both in-vehicle systems and the SiriusXM app.

Lastly, Vaistech mentions that a SiriusXM subscription typically costs between $10 and $18 per month. This range reflects various plan options and promotions available to consumers.

Activation, Taxes, and Other Fees

Along with the base subscription rates, SiriusXM customers also have to consider potential fees such as:

• One-time activation fees – Some SiriusXM plans require paying a $15 activation fee when initially signing up, but this is often waived for an introductory period.
• Taxes & regulatory costs – State and local taxes can add $1 to $3 per month on top of advertised pricing in certain jurisdictions.
• Music royalty & streaming fees – A portion of subscription revenue goes towards music licensing costs, passing on a minor fee to users.
• Early termination fees – Cancelling prior to the end of an annual contract may trigger an ETF of around $50.

Having awareness of the miscellaneous fees and costs associated with selecting, activating, and maintaining service helps estimate the true total price of SiriusXM.

Discounts, Promotions, and Ways to Save

SiriusXM provides several promotional offers to entice new subscribers and reward loyalty that can substantially subsidize pricing:

Introductory Free Trials

• 3-month free trial with purchase of a new SiriusXM-enabled vehicle from participating automakers
• 3-month streaming preview on app/web with no car required

Ongoing Savings

• 25% discount for active military, veterans, and students
• Occasional senior citizen and loyalty rewards discounts

Limited Time Deals

• Special holiday offers like $5/month for 12 months
• Periodic discounts like $1 for 3 months or 60% off for 6 months
• Free streaming trials and device bundles

Following deals on social media, SiriusXM’s website, and via email ensures accessing the best time-limited pricing when available.

You might also like our articles on the cost of other streaming services like Spotify Premium, ESPN Plus, or YouTube Premium.

Choosing the Best SiriusXM Plan

Consider your listening preferences and needs:

For commuters and drivers – The SiriusXM Platinum Vehicular plan provides full access to exclusive sports, Howard Stern, and a deep channel lineup for time spent in your car.

For budget-focused users – The SiriusXM Music Showcase plan offers over 100 music channels at the lowest monthly price for background listening.

For streaming primarily – The SiriusXM Streaming Platinum tier delivers the full experience to your phone, tablet, computer, or smart speaker without the need for a satellite radio.

For families and multi-vehicle households – Add additional members to your account or subscribe multiple cars at reduced rates.

Assessing your listening preferences, budget, and audio environment helps select the right package and avoid paying for unnecessary channels or features.

How to Sign Up for SiriusXM

Follow these steps to become a SiriusXM subscriber:

• Visit the SiriusXM website or call 1-866-635-2349 to speak with a new account specialist.
• Select your preferred SiriusXM subscription plan and decide whether you want month-to-month or annual billing.
• Take advantage of any new subscriber promotional offers, free trials, or discounted advance payment plans available.
• Provide your credit/debit card or PayPal information so service can begin instantly or after any free trial.
• Confirm your account credentials like username and password for easy access across devices.
• Download the SiriusXM app to enable streaming on your phone, tablet, computer, or connected speakers.
• Begin listening using your satellite radio receiver, online player, or mobile app!

Cancelling or Changing Subscription

You can cancel service or modify your plan at any time:

To Cancel

• Cancel online, through the SiriusXM app, via phone, or chat support.
• Be aware of auto-renewal policies to avoid unwanted extension of service.

To Change Plans

• Log into your online account to easily upgrade or downgrade your subscription.
• Add a second vehicle to your account for just $10.99/month.

SiriusXM vs. Competitors

Vs. Streaming Services

SiriusXM offers exclusive live content, while Spotify/Apple Music focus more on playlists and downloads.

Vs. AM/FM Radio

SiriusXM provides ad-free music, talk shows, and consistent nationwide signal.

Who Should Subscribe?

Ideal for commuters, sports fans, and those wanting curated entertainment. Not as useful for just casual music listening.

Expert Tips

We asked experienced SiriusXM users to share their best advice for new subscribers looking to maximize benefits while minimizing costs:

“Take advantage of free trials before committing to lock in the cheapest rates,” encourages Lucas Campbell, a satellite radio user since 2002. “SiriusXM always offers the best promos for new customers, so starting a free trial first allows you to qualify for new subscriber deals.”

“Don’t be afraid to call and nicely threaten to cancel when your trial or discounted period ends,” advises Caleb Sinclair, an avid radio listener. “Customer retention reps will bend over backwards to keep you around with oftentimes 50% or more off regular pricing or extended free previews.”

“Always opt for annual plans because the monthly cost is lower overall,” says Michaela Stevens, a decade-long SiriusXM subscriber. “Just be sure you enjoy it enough during the initial months so you don’t end up paying early termination fees if you cancel before the year is up.”

Following these tips from real users can maximize your streaming and listening pleasure while minimizing the monthly costs.

Final Words

SiriusXM provides a unique mix of content beyond just music streaming. While not cheap, discounts are available. The wide range of plans allows tailoring costs to your listening habits. Try a free trial to decide if the subscription is worthwhile for you.

Answers to Common Questions

Does Sirius charge an activation fee?

Some SiriusXM subscription plans require a one-time activation fee when initially signing up for service. This activation fee is typically around $15. However, it is often waived as part of promotional offers for new subscribers. Activation fees primarily apply to SiriusXM’s in-car radio plans and not their streaming subscriptions. Consumers can avoid activation costs by taking advantage of free trial periods before committing to long-term service.

Can you use SiriusXM without internet?

Yes, SiriusXM can be used without an internet connection. The SiriusXM satellite network broadcasts programming directly to radio receivers, allowing access even in areas without WiFi or cellular service. Streaming SiriusXM online or through apps does require an internet connection. But subscribers with enabled vehicle radios can listen anywhere their car receives the SiriusXM satellite signal, without needing connectivity for basic functionality. Some advanced SiriusXM features like traffic, weather, or on-demand content may be limited without internet access.

What happens if I don’t pay SiriusXM?

If you fail to pay your SiriusXM bill on time, your account will become delinquent and service may be discontinued. An overdue notice will be sent requesting immediate payment to restore service and avoid further action. If the bill remains unpaid for an extended period, the account may be sent to collections. Reinstating service after non-payment will require paying the past due balance and may also incur fees such as a reactivation charge. To avoid service interruption, SiriusXM subscribers facing financial hardship can call the company’s billing department to discuss payment plan options. But bills must eventually be paid in full or service will be terminated.