Starz subscription plans and their monthly cost

Starz offers two main subscription tiers. The standard plan costs $11.99 per month and includes ad-free streaming on up to four devices at once. The ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month but shows advertisements during content and limits simultaneous streaming to two devices.

Both plans give you access to the same library of shows and movies — the difference is in how many screens can play at the same time and whether you see ads. If you share your account with household members, the standard plan lets more people watch simultaneously without interrupting each other.

Starz occasionally runs promotional pricing for new subscribers, typically offering the first month at a reduced rate or free. These offers change throughout the year and vary by region, so the actual first charge may be lower than the regular monthly price.

Key Takeaways

  • The ad-free Starz plan is $11.99 per month with four simultaneous streams; the ad-supported plan is $5.99 per month with two simultaneous streams.
  • Both plans access the same content library — you are paying for fewer ads and more simultaneous viewers, not different shows.
  • Starz frequently offers discounted first months for new subscribers, so your initial charge may be lower than the regular price.
  • You can change plans or cancel anytime without penalty, though you lose access immediately upon cancellation.

What content is included in a Starz subscription

A Starz subscription includes original series like Power, Outlander, American Gods, and The Girlfriend Experience. You also get access to licensed movies and shows from other studios, though the movie catalog rotates monthly as licensing agreements change.

The library includes drama, crime, fantasy, and adult-oriented content — Starz does not focus on family programming or children's shows. If you are looking for kids' content, this service is not designed for that audience.

Both the ad-free and ad-supported plans have identical content libraries. The only difference between them is the presence of advertisements and the number of simultaneous streams allowed.

How billing works and when charges occur

Starz charges your payment method on the same date each month. If you sign up on the 15th, you will be charged on the 15th of every following month. The charge appears as "Starz" or "Starz Play" on your credit card or bank statement, depending on your payment method.

If you cancel your subscription, you retain access through the end of your current billing period. For example, if you cancel on the 10th of a month and your next charge date is the 20th, you can still watch until the 20th. After that date, your account is deactivated and you cannot stream.

You can pause your subscription for up to three months without losing your account or payment information. This is useful if you want to step away temporarily but plan to return later.

Bundling Starz with other services

Starz is available as an add-on channel through other streaming platforms. If you subscribe to Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV+, you can add Starz directly through those services for $11.99 per month (ad-free only). The bundled version costs the same as a standalone subscription but keeps all your streaming in one place.

Some cable and satellite providers also include Starz as part of their packages, though this varies by provider and plan. If you already pay for cable television, check your provider's app or website to see whether Starz is included in your current package.

Bundling through another platform does not reduce the price — you pay the same monthly fee but manage it through a single account rather than maintaining separate subscriptions.

Free trial periods and promotional offers

Starz offers a free trial to new subscribers, though the length varies. Most new accounts receive seven days free before the first charge, but this can change based on current promotions or your region. Check the sign-up page to see what trial period applies to you before you enter payment information.

Promotional offers sometimes extend the trial to 30 days or reduce the first month to $0.99. These deals are time-limited and not available to everyone — they depend on when you sign up and where you live.

If you have previously had a Starz account, you may not be may be able to access for a new subscriber trial. Starz tracks accounts by email address and payment method, so using a different email does not may provide a new trial.

Canceling or changing your plan

You can cancel Starz anytime through your account settings on the Starz website or app. There is no contract, no cancellation fee, and no requirement to provide a reason. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, not immediately.

To change from the ad-supported plan to ad-free (or vice versa), go to your account settings and select the new plan. The change takes effect on your next billing date. If you downgrade from ad-free to ad-supported mid-cycle, Starz does not refund the difference — you simply pay the lower rate starting next month.

If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can do so at any time. Your watch history and saved shows may be retained, but this is not may provide if you stay away for an extended period.

Comparing Starz to other streaming services

Starz positions itself as an adult-focused premium service, similar to HBO or Showtime in cable television. Its pricing falls in the middle range: cheaper than HBO Max ($15.99 ad-free) but more expensive than services like Peacock ($5.99 ad-supported) or Paramount+ ($5.99 ad-supported). The choice depends on which shows and movies matter to you.

Unlike Netflix or Disney+, Starz does not have a massive back catalog of older content. It focuses on original series and recent licensed films, so the library is smaller but more curated. If you want a specific show like Outlander or Power, Starz is the only place to watch it legally.

Many people subscribe to multiple services rather than choosing one. A common approach is to rotate subscriptions month-to-month, canceling one when you finish watching and resubscribing to another. Starz makes this easy because there is no penalty for canceling and restarting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Starz on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, but the number depends on your plan. The ad-free plan allows four simultaneous streams, so four people can watch different content at the same time. The ad-supported plan allows only two simultaneous streams. If a fifth person tries to watch on the ad-free plan, they will see an error message.

Do I have to pay for Starz if it comes with my cable package?

Not necessarily. Some cable and satellite providers include Starz as part of their TV package at no extra charge. Check your provider's website or call their customer service to confirm whether Starz is included in your plan. If it is, you can access it through your provider's app or website using your cable login.

What happens if I cancel Starz mid-month?

You keep access until the end of your current billing period. If your next charge date is the 20th and you cancel on the 10th, you can watch until the 20th. After that, your account is deactivated and you cannot stream anything.

Is the ad-supported plan really cheaper, or do I pay more in other ways?

The ad-supported plan is genuinely $6 cheaper per month. You see advertisements during shows and movies, and you can only stream on two devices at once instead of four. There are no hidden charges or upsells — the lower price reflects fewer features, not a trial or limited-time offer.

Can I share my Starz password with someone outside my household?

Starz's terms of service restrict account sharing to members of your household. The company has not aggressively enforced this rule, but they reserve the right to require password changes or deactivate accounts that show signs of widespread sharing. Sharing with one person outside your home is a gray area; sharing with many people violates the terms.