What SiriusXM is and how the subscription model works
SiriusXM is a satellite radio service that broadcasts music, news, sports, and talk programming to subscribers who pay a monthly fee. Unlike broadcast radio, which is free but ad-supported, SiriusXM charges you directly and offers ad-free music channels alongside ad-supported talk and news channels. The service requires a compatible receiver — either built into your vehicle, purchased separately, or accessed through a smartphone app — and a paid subscription to listen.
The company operates two satellite radio networks that merged in 2008. Subscribers receive the same programming regardless of which satellite network their receiver uses. You can pause and resume your subscription without penalty, and you can listen in multiple locations if you own multiple receivers or use the mobile app on different devices.
Key Takeaways
- SiriusXM offers several subscription tiers ranging from music-only plans to all-access plans, with prices varying based on promotional offers and contract length.
- Most new vehicles include a trial subscription (usually three to twelve months), after which you must pay to continue listening.
- You need a compatible receiver to listen — either factory-installed in your car, an aftermarket device, or the SiriusXM app on your phone.
- The service broadcasts over satellite, so you need a clear view of the southern sky to receive the signal in most of North America.
- You can pause your subscription for up to three months per year without losing your account or paying fees.
Subscription plans and pricing
SiriusXM offers three main subscription tiers. The exact price you pay depends on whether you sign up during a promotional period, the length of your commitment, and whether you bundle multiple receivers or services. Prices also vary slightly by region and change periodically.
Streaming includes the SiriusXM app on your phone or computer but no satellite radio in your car. Select includes satellite radio in one vehicle plus the app. All Access includes satellite radio in up to three vehicles plus the app. Most new customers receive introductory rates for the first few months, then the price increases to the standard rate. You can find current pricing on the SiriusXM website or by calling 1-888-539-7474.
SiriusXM frequently runs promotions offering the first month or three months at a reduced rate, or discounts for annual prepayment. These offers change monthly. If you are considering a subscription, check the website for current promotions before you commit. Existing subscribers can often negotiate a lower rate by calling customer service and mentioning they are considering cancellation.
What you need to listen to SiriusXM
To receive SiriusXM, you need a receiver that can pick up the satellite signal. Most vehicles manufactured after 2000 can be equipped with one. New cars often come with a factory-installed receiver and a trial subscription included. If your car does not have one, you can purchase an aftermarket receiver and have it installed, or you can listen through the SiriusXM app on your smartphone.
The satellite radio receiver is a one-time purchase (typically $50 to $150 for an aftermarket unit), but the subscription is separate and ongoing. The app is free to download, but you must have an active SiriusXM subscription to use it. The app works on iOS and Android devices and allows you to listen on your phone, tablet, or computer when you are away from your car.
SiriusXM broadcasts from satellites positioned over North America. To receive the signal, your receiver needs a clear line of sight to the southern sky. In most cases this is not a problem, but in dense urban areas with tall buildings, tunnels, or parking garages, the signal may cut out temporarily. The app does not have this limitation because it uses your internet connection instead of satellite.
How to start a subscription
If your vehicle came with a trial subscription, you will receive notices when the trial is about to expire. You can renew online at siriusxm.com, by phone at 1-888-539-7474, or through the SiriusXM app. Have your account number and payment method ready.
If you do not have a receiver yet, you can purchase one online or at retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon. Once you have the receiver installed and activated, you can create an account and choose a subscription plan on the SiriusXM website. You will need a valid email address and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account).
New subscribers typically receive a promotional rate for the first billing period. After that, your subscription renews automatically each month or year, depending on your plan. You can change your plan, pause your subscription, or cancel at any time through your online account or by calling customer service.
Pausing and canceling your subscription
SiriusXM allows you to pause your subscription for up to three months per calendar year without losing your account, your stored presets, or your billing history. During a pause, you will not be charged, and you can resume listening whenever you want by logging into your account or calling customer service. This is useful if you are traveling, selling your car, or temporarily unable to use the service.
To cancel, log into your account online, use the app, or call 1-888-539-7474. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. If you cancel mid-month, you will not receive a refund for the unused portion of that month. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can do so at any time, though you may not receive the same promotional rate you had before.
Common issues and limitations
The satellite signal does not work indoors or underground. If you park in a garage or spend most of your time in a building, you will lose the signal. The app solves this problem because it uses your internet connection, but the app requires a data plan and will use your monthly data allowance.
If you move to a different vehicle, you will need to transfer your subscription to the new receiver or purchase a new receiver if the new vehicle does not have one. You can do this through your online account or by calling customer service. There is no fee to transfer between receivers you own.
SiriusXM does not offer refunds for unused subscription time, but you can pause instead of canceling if you think you will return to the service within a few months. Some channels are available only on certain subscription tiers, so if you downgrade your plan, you may lose access to channels you were listening to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for SiriusXM if my new car came with a trial subscription?
No, but your trial will expire after a set period (usually three to twelve months depending on the manufacturer and model year). After the trial ends, you must pay to continue listening. You will receive email and in-car notifications before the trial expires, giving you time to decide whether to subscribe.
Can I listen to SiriusXM on my phone without a car receiver?
Yes, the SiriusXM app works on any smartphone with an internet connection. You will need an active subscription, and the app will use your mobile data. This is useful if you travel frequently or do not have a receiver in your vehicle, but it does not work offline.
What happens if I pause my subscription?
You will not be charged during the pause, and your account will remain active with all your settings and presets saved. You can pause for up to three months per calendar year. When you are ready to listen again, you can resume through your account or by calling customer service, and you will be charged starting the next billing cycle.
Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
SiriusXM does not issue refunds for unused subscription time. Your subscription remains active through the end of your current billing period, even if you request cancellation early. If you want to stop being charged immediately, you can pause your subscription instead, which is free and does not require you to lose your account.
Why do I lose the SiriusXM signal in certain places?
Satellite radio requires a clear line of sight to the southern sky. Tunnels, parking garages, dense buildings, and heavy tree cover can block the signal temporarily. The app does not have this problem because it uses your internet connection. If you frequently lose signal in your area, the app may be a better option for you.