What SiriusXM satellite radio is

SiriusXM is a subscription radio service that broadcasts music, news, sports, and talk shows via satellite rather than over-the-air radio waves. You receive the signal through a receiver device in your car, at home, or on a portable unit, and the service works the same way whether you're in a city or a remote area with no terrestrial radio stations.

The service operates two satellite radio networks — SiriusXM and Sirius — that merged in 2008. Today they function as one company offering a single subscription that covers both networks' channels. You pay a monthly fee, and in return you get access to hundreds of channels with no commercials on most music channels, though news and talk channels do include ads.

Unlike streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music, SiriusXM does not require an internet connection. The satellites broadcast continuously, so you tune in to a channel the way you would with regular radio — you don't read or buffer content. This makes it useful in areas with poor cell service or when you want radio without managing data.

Key Takeaways

  • SiriusXM costs between $5 and $15 per month depending on the plan you choose, with most new subscribers offered a discounted rate for the first few months.
  • You need a SiriusXM receiver device to listen, which may come built into your car or can be purchased separately for home or portable use.
  • The service includes hundreds of channels covering music, news, sports, talk, and comedy, with most music channels commercial-free.
  • You can pause your subscription for up to three months per year without losing your account, and you can cancel anytime without a contract penalty.

How much SiriusXM costs

SiriusXM offers several subscription tiers. The most common plan for new subscribers is the Select plan, which typically costs $5.99 per month for the first three months, then $11.99 per month after that. This plan includes access to most SiriusXM channels but excludes some premium content channels.

The All Access plan costs more — usually starting at $10.99 per month for three months, then $16.99 per month — and includes every channel plus on-demand replays of shows and the ability to listen online and on the SiriusXM app. Pricing varies by promotion, so the exact rate you see when you sign up may differ from these figures.

If you already own a SiriusXM receiver, you can also purchase a month-to-month subscription without a promotional rate, which costs the full monthly price when ready. Some car manufacturers include a trial subscription (usually three months free) when you buy a new vehicle with a built-in SiriusXM receiver.

You can pause your subscription for up to three months per calendar year. During a pause, you pay nothing, but your account remains active and your channels and settings stay saved. You can resume whenever you want.

What equipment you need

To listen to SiriusXM, you need a receiver device that picks up the satellite signal. Many new cars come with a built-in SiriusXM receiver, in which case you only need to subscribe — no additional hardware purchase is necessary. Check your vehicle's manual or infotainment screen to see if SiriusXM is already installed.

If your car does not have a built-in receiver, you can buy a plug-in receiver that connects to your car's audio system. These typically cost $50 to $150 depending on the model and features. Popular options include the SiriusXM Onyx Plus and the SiriusXM Onyxx EZ, both of which mount on your dashboard and connect via an audio cable or Bluetooth.

For home listening, SiriusXM offers home receivers that plug into a wall outlet and connect to your stereo system or speakers. These range from $100 to $300. You can also listen on your smartphone or computer through the SiriusXM app if you have an All Access subscription, which requires only an internet connection and does not need a separate receiver.

If you want to listen in multiple locations — your car, home, and on the go — you can use the same subscription across all devices. Your account settings, favorite channels, and saved content sync across receivers and the app.

What channels and content are included

SiriusXM offers over 300 channels across music, news, sports, talk, comedy, and entertainment. Music channels cover genres including rock, pop, country, hip-hop, jazz, classical, and Latin music. Most music channels are commercial-free, though some specialty and talk channels include advertisements.

News and information channels include outlets such as CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and BBC World Service. Sports channels broadcast live games, analysis, and commentary for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports. Talk and entertainment channels feature shows on politics, comedy, wellness, and lifestyle topics.

The Select plan includes most of these channels but excludes a few premium music channels and some specialty content. The All Access plan includes every channel plus the ability to listen to on-demand replays of shows through the SiriusXM app, so you can catch a program you missed.

SiriusXM also offers SiriusXM Hits 1, a channel featuring current pop music and hosted shows, and Stern Show, the Howard Stern program, which is exclusive to SiriusXM and available only on paid subscriptions.

How to set up your subscription

If your car has a built-in SiriusXM receiver, the setup process begins when you turn on the radio. The receiver displays a message with instructions to visit the SiriusXM website or call their customer service number to set up your subscription. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and the receiver's radio ID, both of which appear on the set up screen.

Visit siriusxm.com and select "set up a Radio" or call 1-888-539-7474. You will be asked to choose a subscription plan, create an account with your email address and payment method, and confirm your billing address. The set up usually completes within minutes, and you can begin listening when ready.

If you are purchasing a plug-in receiver for your car or a home receiver, install the device first according to the manufacturer's instructions, then follow the same set up process online or by phone. The receiver's radio ID is printed on the device itself or displayed on the screen once you power it on.

To listen on the SiriusXM app, read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, sign in with the email and password you created during set up, and you can begin streaming. The app works on smartphones, tablets, and some smart speakers.

Pausing and canceling your subscription

You can pause your SiriusXM subscription at any time without losing your account. When you pause, your monthly charge stops, but your account settings, favorite channels, and saved content remain saved. You can pause for up to three months per calendar year. To pause, log into your SiriusXM account online or call customer service.

If you want to cancel your subscription entirely, you can do so online through your account settings or by calling customer service at 1-888-539-7474. SiriusXM does not require a contract, so there are no early termination fees or penalties for canceling. Your subscription ends on the date you request, and you stop being charged.

If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can do so at any time. Your account information and settings may be retained for a period, though SiriusXM's policy on how long varies. When you resubscribe, you may be offered a promotional rate similar to what new subscribers receive.

Comparing SiriusXM to other radio options

SiriusXM differs from free over-the-air radio in that it requires a subscription and a receiver, but it offers more channels, no local commercials on music channels, and consistent reception regardless of location. Over-the-air radio is free but limited to whatever stations broadcast in your area.

Compared to streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music, SiriusXM does not require an internet connection for car listening and does not use your phone's data. Streaming services offer more song choice and personalized playlists, but they require a data plan and work best with a smartphone. SiriusXM is simpler for passive listening — you tune a channel and listen without managing a queue or playlist.

SiriusXM's advantage over both free radio and streaming is that it works in areas with poor cell service and does not drain your phone battery. The disadvantage is the monthly cost and the need to own or buy a receiver. If you spend significant time driving in areas with weak cell signal, or if you prefer curated channels over on-demand music, SiriusXM may be worth the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I listen to SiriusXM without a receiver?

Yes, if you have an All Access subscription, you can listen through the SiriusXM app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer using an internet connection. However, in your car, you need a receiver device — either built into the vehicle or a plug-in unit — because the app does not work reliably while driving and uses your phone's data.

What happens if I don't pay my SiriusXM bill?

If your payment fails, SiriusXM will attempt to charge your account again. If payment continues to fail after several attempts, your subscription will be suspended. You can reactivate it by updating your payment method and paying any outstanding balance. Suspensions do not permanently cancel your account.

Can I use the same subscription on multiple receivers?

Yes. One subscription covers all your receivers and the SiriusXM app. You can listen in your car, at home, and on your phone simultaneously if you want, and your account settings sync across devices. However, if you want to listen in a second vehicle, you will need a separate subscription for that vehicle's receiver.

Does SiriusXM work without a cell phone signal?

Yes. SiriusXM uses satellite signals, not cell networks, so it works in areas with no cell service. This is one of its main advantages over streaming services. The only exception is the SiriusXM app, which requires an internet connection.

What is the difference between the Select and All Access plans?

The Select plan includes most channels but excludes some premium music channels. The All Access plan includes every channel plus the ability to listen to on-demand replays of shows through the app and to stream online. All Access costs about $5 more per month after the promotional period.