SiriusXM is a satellite radio service you pay a monthly fee to access
SiriusXM is a subscription radio service that broadcasts over satellite and online. You pay a monthly or annual fee to listen to hundreds of channels — music, news, sports, talk, and comedy — without advertisements on most channels. The service works in your car (if it has a SiriusXM receiver), on your phone or computer through the SiriusXM app, and on certain home devices.
Unlike free radio, you need an active subscription to listen. The company offers different subscription tiers at different price points, and the cost varies depending on how you sign up, what promotion is running, and whether you commit to a longer term. Most new subscribers get an introductory rate for the first few months, then the price increases to the standard rate unless you cancel or negotiate a lower renewal rate.
Key Takeaways
- SiriusXM subscriptions start with an introductory rate (often $1 to $5 per month for the first few months) and then jump to a higher standard rate, which currently ranges from about $8 to $15 per month depending on the plan.
- You can listen on your car's built-in receiver, through the SiriusXM app on your phone or tablet, or on a home device — but a car subscription and an online subscription are separate and cost extra if you want both.
- You can cancel anytime, but SiriusXM often offers retention discounts if you call to cancel, so negotiating a lower rate before you leave is common.
- The service includes some ad-free channels and some channels with advertisements, depending on which plan you choose.
- If you own a car with a built-in SiriusXM receiver, the first few months are often free or heavily discounted as part of the vehicle purchase.
What subscription plans cost and what they include
SiriusXM offers three main subscription tiers: Select, Plus, and Premium. The Select plan is the cheapest and includes access to most music and entertainment channels but excludes some premium content like Howard Stern and certain sports channels. Plus and Premium add more channels and features, with Premium including the full channel lineup and the ability to listen on multiple devices at once.
Introductory rates are usually advertised heavily — often $1 per month for the first three months, or $5 per month for the first six months. After the intro period ends, the standard rate kicks in. Standard rates vary but typically run $8 to $15 per month for the most basic plan, with higher tiers costing more. Annual prepayment options exist and sometimes offer a slight discount compared to paying month-to-month.
The price you see advertised online or in a promotion may not be the price you pay long-term. SiriusXM is known for offering different rates to different customers and for changing rates when you renew. If you call to cancel, the company often offers a retention rate — a discounted renewal price to keep you as a subscriber — which may be lower than the standard rate.
How to set up a subscription and activate your receiver
If you have a car with a built-in SiriusXM receiver, activation usually begins when you turn on the radio and follow the on-screen prompts, or you can call SiriusXM directly or go to their website to set up an account. You will need to provide payment information and choose a subscription plan. New car buyers often get a free trial period (usually three to six months) included with the vehicle.
If you want to listen on your phone or computer, download the SiriusXM app, create an account, and choose a plan. This is a separate subscription from a car subscription — you cannot use a car subscription to listen on your phone without paying extra, and vice versa. Some plans bundle both, but they cost more than a car-only or online-only subscription.
Once your account is active, you can log in on any compatible device using your username and password. If you have a car receiver, you may need to tune to a specific channel to complete activation, or the system will prompt you to call a number to finish the setup.
What happens when your subscription renews or ends
Your subscription renews automatically on the date it is set to expire, and SiriusXM will charge your payment method on file. If you want to stop the automatic renewal, you must cancel before the renewal date. Cancellation can be done through your online account, through the app, or by calling SiriusXM customer service.
If you cancel, your access ends on the date your current subscription period expires — you do not lose access immediately. If you cancel a car subscription but keep the receiver in your vehicle, the radio will display a message telling you to reactivate, but you can still tune to some limited free preview channels.
When your subscription is about to renew, SiriusXM sends a reminder email. If you call customer service before or shortly after renewal, you can often negotiate a lower renewal rate or ask about current promotions. Many long-term subscribers report success in getting rates lower than the advertised standard rate by calling to discuss cancellation.
Differences between car, online, and bundled subscriptions
A car subscription lets you listen on your vehicle's built-in SiriusXM receiver. It does not include listening on your phone or computer. An online subscription (sometimes called a streaming subscription) lets you listen through the SiriusXM app and website on phones, tablets, and computers, but not on a car receiver. A bundle combines both and costs more than either alone.
If you have a car with a receiver and want to listen on your phone too, you need either a bundle subscription or two separate subscriptions. Some people keep a car subscription and add an online subscription later, or vice versa. Each subscription has its own renewal date and can be managed separately in your account.
The channel lineup is slightly different depending on the subscription type. Some channels are available only on car receivers, and some are available only online. If you are considering a bundle, check the channel list for both platforms to make sure you will have access to the content you want.
Common issues and how to handle them
If your SiriusXM receiver stops working, first check that your subscription is active and has not expired. If it has expired, you will see a message on the receiver telling you to reactivate. If your subscription is current but the receiver is not working, try tuning to channel 0 or following the on-screen prompts to refresh the connection. For online listening, log out of the app and log back in, or try listening on the website instead.
If you are charged after you thought you cancelled, contact SiriusXM customer service with your cancellation confirmation (if you have one) and your billing statement. The company will review the cancellation date and may issue a refund if the charge was made after your cancellation was supposed to take effect. Keep records of any cancellation confirmations you receive.
If you want to pause your subscription instead of canceling — for example, if you are selling your car or taking a long trip — ask SiriusXM about a temporary hold. Some accounts can be put on hold for a set period, and you will not be charged during that time. When the hold ends, your subscription resumes automatically.
How SiriusXM compares to other radio and music services
SiriusXM is different from free streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music because it is satellite-based and does not require an internet connection in your car (though online listening does). It is also different from free over-the-air radio because it has no local stations and requires a paid subscription. SiriusXM does not have a free tier — all listening requires an active subscription.
If you want music streaming without ads and offline listening, services like Spotify Premium or Apple Music may be cheaper and offer more control over what you listen to. If you want talk radio, news, and sports without building a playlist, SiriusXM's curated channels may be more convenient. The choice depends on what you listen to and whether you want a subscription specifically for your car or for all your devices.
Some car manufacturers bundle SiriusXM with new vehicle purchases, which can make it a good value if you are already buying a car. If you are adding a subscription to an existing vehicle, compare the introductory rate and the standard renewal rate against other options before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I listen to SiriusXM without paying?
No. SiriusXM requires an active paid subscription to listen. Some new car buyers get a free trial period included with their vehicle purchase, but after that trial ends, you must pay to continue listening. There is no free tier or ad-supported option.
What if I want to cancel my subscription?
You can cancel through your online account, the mobile app, or by calling SiriusXM customer service. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. Before you cancel, call to ask about retention rates — the company often offers a discounted renewal price to keep you as a subscriber.
Do I have to pay for both a car subscription and an online subscription?
Yes, they are separate subscriptions. If you want to listen in your car and on your phone, you need either two separate subscriptions or one bundle subscription that includes both. A bundle costs more than a car-only or online-only subscription but less than paying for two separate plans.
Why did my renewal rate go up?
SiriusXM charges different rates to different customers and often raises the renewal rate after an introductory period ends. If your rate increased, call customer service before or shortly after renewal to negotiate. Many subscribers report success in getting a lower rate by discussing cancellation with a representative.
Can I use my car subscription to listen on my phone?
No. A car subscription works only on your vehicle's receiver. To listen on your phone or computer, you need a separate online subscription or a bundle that includes both. Check your account to see which type of subscription you have.