Satellite Radio Plans and Subscription Tiers

Stream online, in your car, or both

By
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Writer
  • Shoreline Community College
Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles .
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Updated on February 28, 2023

Satellite radio is a premium service that requires a monthly subscription to work. In addition to hardware like a smartphone or satellite radio tuner, you must pay an ongoing monthly fee to use the service. It’s similar to cable and satellite television in that way, and that similarity extends to the realm of satellite radio subscription and programming packages.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio Plans and Subscription Tiers

SiriusXM offers two plan types. The difference is whether or not you listen to satellite radio in your car.

The first plan, Car Radio + Streaming Devices, has three options:

  • Music Showcase ($12.99/mo) offers limited ad-free listening and 100+ channels.
  • Music & Entertainment ($17.99/mo) offers ad-free listening and 400+ channels.
  • Platinum ($22.99/mo) offers ad-free listening, 425+ channels, and Howard Stern Channels and video.

The other plan, Streaming Devices Only, has three similar choices:

  • Streaming Music Showcase ($4.99/mo) offers limited ad-free listening and 100+ channels.
  • Streaming Music & Entertainment ($7.99/mo) offers ad-free listening and 400+ channels.
  • Streaming Platinum ($10.99/mo) offers ad-free listening, 425+ channels, and Howard Stern Channels and video.

You also create ala carte plans if you have particular needs.

All prices and subscription options were obtained from SiriusXM, but plan availability and prices change occasionally.

Can You Pay Less For SiriusXM?

There are a few ways to get the costs down. One is to purchase a used satellite radio tied to a lifetime subscription. While these subscriptions are no longer offered, you may be able to find an older unit with a lifetime subscription that still works.

If you bought a lifetime subscription at some time in the past, but you now have a brand new satellite radio, you also have the option to transfer the subscription. SiriusXM does charge a fee for this, but that is somewhat mitigated by the fact that you won't have to pay for a subscription in the future.

SiriusXM History in Brief

There’s only one game in town for satellite radio: SiriusXM.

Sirius XM Radio was formed in 2008 when Sirius Satellite Radio acquired XM Satellite Radio. While non-compatible hardware is still sold under both brands, the combined SiriusXM brand, channel lineups, programming packages, and subscription fees are the same for both services.

Howard Stern made waves in 2004 when he announced an intention to move his show from terrestrial radio to the Sirius satellite radio network. A spate of other celebrities and sports networks followed suit.

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