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 a recurring subscription and offers ad-free listening on most channels. You listen through a SiriusXM receiver in your car, at home, or through the SiriusXM app on your phone or tablet.
The subscription model means you pay upfront each month (or prepay for longer periods) to maintain access. If you stop paying, your service stops. SiriusXM offers different subscription tiers at different price points, each with a different number of channels and features. The company frequently runs promotional rates for new subscribers, especially through car manufacturers and retail partners.
SiriusXM operates two satellite radio networks: SiriusXM (the main service) and SiriusXM Canada (for Canadian subscribers). In the United States, you can also add a SiriusXM streaming service to listen online without a satellite receiver. The streaming option works on phones, tablets, computers, and some smart speakers.
Key Takeaways
- SiriusXM subscriptions range from basic plans with fewer channels to premium plans with all channels, and promotional rates for new subscribers are typically much lower than the standard monthly price.
- You can listen through a satellite receiver in your car or home, through the SiriusXM app on your phone, or through a web browser, depending on your subscription type.
- Most new car purchases include a trial period of SiriusXM (usually three to twelve months), after which you must pay to continue or the service stops.
- Cancellation requires contacting SiriusXM directly by phone or online; the service does not automatically stop when a promotional period ends.
- SiriusXM frequently offers retention discounts if you call to cancel, so the price you pay may be lower than the advertised standard rate.
Subscription tiers and what channels come with each
SiriusXM offers three main subscription levels in the United States: Essentials, Plus, and Premium. The exact channel lineup and price vary, but the structure is consistent: more expensive tiers unlock more channels and features. Essentials is the entry-level option with the fewest channels. Plus adds more music and entertainment channels. Premium includes all channels, including sports, news, and specialty programming.
The company also sells a streaming-only subscription called SiriusXM Streaming, which works on phones, tablets, computers, and some smart speakers but does not require a satellite receiver. This plan has a different channel selection than the satellite service and typically costs less per month.
New subscribers almost always see a promotional rate for the first few months or the first year. These rates can be 50 percent or more below the standard price. After the promotional period ends, your subscription renews at the standard rate unless you cancel or negotiate a different price. SiriusXM does not automatically downgrade you to a lower tier or pause your service when a promotion expires.
How to set up a SiriusXM subscription
If your car came with SiriusXM, the trial period is already active. You will see a message on your receiver telling you how many days remain. To continue after the trial ends, you must contact SiriusXM or set up an account online. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) or the radio ID number printed on your receiver.
To start a new subscription outside of a trial, visit the SiriusXM website or call 1-855-550-5411. You will choose a subscription tier, enter your payment information, and create an account. If you are purchasing a receiver to use at home or in a vehicle without SiriusXM, you will need to buy the hardware separately (SiriusXM sells receivers online and through retailers) and then set up it with a subscription.
For the SiriusXM app or streaming service, read the app from your phone's app store or visit siriusxm.com, create an account, and choose a streaming subscription. You can listen when ready on any device where you log in with your account credentials.
What happens when your trial period ends
When a trial subscription ends, SiriusXM does not automatically stop your service. Instead, your account converts to a paid subscription at the standard rate. You will receive notices before this happens (usually by email and on your receiver), but the burden is on you to cancel if you do not want to pay. If you do not cancel and do not pay, your account will eventually be suspended, but you may still be charged.
The standard rate after a trial is significantly higher than promotional rates. For example, a trial might cost $5 per month, but the standard rate could be $15 or more. If you want to keep the service at a lower price, contact SiriusXM before your trial ends to negotiate a retention rate. Many customers report that SiriusXM offers discounts when they call to cancel, so it is worth asking.
If you do not want to continue after your trial, cancel through your online account or by calling SiriusXM customer service. Cancellation is final, and you will lose access when ready. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you may be offered a new promotional rate.
Cancellation and what to do if you are charged after canceling
To cancel your SiriusXM subscription, log into your account online and select the cancellation option, or call customer service at 1-855-550-5411. You will be asked why you are canceling, and the representative may offer you a discount to stay. Cancellation takes effect when ready, and you lose access to the service right away.
If you are charged after you cancel, contact SiriusXM customer service with your cancellation confirmation (if you have it) and the date you canceled. Explain that you canceled and should not have been charged. SiriusXM can issue a refund for charges after your cancellation date. Keep records of your cancellation request and any confirmation numbers you receive.
Some customers report difficulty canceling through the app or website and find it easier to call. If you cancel online and are still charged, call to confirm the cancellation was processed. SiriusXM's customer service line is available seven days a week.
How to use SiriusXM across multiple devices
If you have a satellite subscription (through a receiver in your car or home), you can add the SiriusXM app to listen on your phone or tablet. This is sometimes called a "portable" or "online" listening option and may cost extra per month or be included depending on your subscription tier. Check your account online to see whether streaming is already included or what the add-on cost is.
For streaming-only subscriptions, you can log into your account on any device and listen wherever you have an internet connection. You can listen on your phone, tablet, computer, or compatible smart speaker. Your account settings and favorites sync across devices, so your saved channels and presets follow you.
If you have multiple vehicles or want to listen in different locations, you may need to add additional receivers or subscriptions. A single SiriusXM account can have one primary receiver, but you can add secondary receivers for an additional monthly fee. Contact SiriusXM to add a second receiver to your account.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is not canceling before a trial period ends. SiriusXM sends reminders, but they are straightforward to miss or ignore. If you know you do not want to pay after your trial, cancel at least a week before the trial ends. Do not wait until the last day.
Another mistake is not negotiating the renewal rate. The standard price SiriusXM shows online is not always what you pay. If you call to cancel, representatives often offer discounts. If you want to keep the service but think the price is too high, call and ask about retention rates before you cancel.
A third mistake is assuming your subscription includes streaming or that streaming is included in your satellite subscription. These are often separate services with separate costs. Check your account to see what you have and what you are paying for. If you are charged for something you did not order, contact customer service to remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pause my SiriusXM subscription instead of canceling?
SiriusXM does not offer a pause or suspension option. You can only cancel or keep paying. If you want to stop listening temporarily, you must cancel and resubscribe later. When you resubscribe, you may be offered a new promotional rate.
What is the difference between SiriusXM and the SiriusXM app?
SiriusXM is the satellite radio service that requires a receiver in your car or home. The SiriusXM app is a separate streaming service that works on phones, tablets, and computers. Some subscriptions include both, but they are often sold separately. Check your account to see what you have.
Do I have to pay for SiriusXM if it came with my new car?
No, but only during the trial period. New cars typically include three to twelve months of free SiriusXM. After that, you must pay to continue. If you do not want to pay, cancel before the trial ends so you are not charged.
Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
SiriusXM does not refund unused portions of your subscription. If you cancel on the 15th of the month and paid for the full month, you lose access when ready but do not receive a refund for the remaining days. Plan your cancellation date accordingly.
Why am I being charged if I already canceled?
This usually happens when a cancellation request was not processed or when you canceled through the app but the system did not register it. Contact SiriusXM with your cancellation confirmation and the date you canceled. Ask for a refund of charges after that date. Keep records of all cancellation attempts.