Starz subscription pricing

Starz costs $11.99 per month for the ad-free plan as of 2024. The service also offers an ad-supported tier at $5.99 per month, which shows advertisements during shows and movies but costs less. Both plans give you access to the same content library — the difference is whether you see ads.

Starz does not charge an upfront fee or require a contract. You can cancel anytime without penalty. The monthly charge appears on your credit card or debit card statement under the name "Starz" or "Starz Play," depending on how you signed up.

If you subscribe through a third-party platform — like Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, or The Roku Channel — the price may differ slightly. Some bundled options cost more or less than the standalone Starz app, so check the price on the platform you plan to use before you sign up.

Key Takeaways

  • Starz ad-free costs $11.99 per month; the ad-supported version costs $5.99 per month, and both include the same shows and movies.
  • You can sign up directly through the Starz app or website, or through third-party platforms like Amazon Prime Video Channels and Apple TV Channels.
  • There is no contract, no hidden fees, and you can cancel your subscription at any time without a penalty.
  • If you subscribe through a third-party platform, the monthly cost may be different from the standalone Starz price.

How to sign up and pay

To sign up for Starz directly, go to the Starz website or read the Starz app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. You will need an email address and a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Enter your payment details, choose the ad-free or ad-supported plan, and your subscription begins when ready.

If you already have an account with Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku, or another streaming platform, you can add Starz as a channel through that service instead. The sign-up process is similar: you select the plan, confirm your payment method (which is already on file with that platform), and the charge is added to your existing bill.

Starz sends a confirmation email after you sign up. Your first charge appears on your statement within a few days. Renewal charges happen on the same day each month.

Billing and payment methods

Starz accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and PayPal. If you sign up through a third-party platform, you use that platform's payment method instead — so if you subscribe through Amazon Prime Video Channels, the charge goes to your Amazon account.

Your billing date is the same day each month. If you sign up on the 15th, you will be charged on the 15th of every month. You can view your billing history and update your payment method in your Starz account settings under "Billing" or "Account."

If your payment method fails or expires, Starz will try to charge it again. If the charge fails multiple times, your account may be suspended until you update your payment information. You can do this by logging into your account and entering a new card or payment method.

Promotional offers and discounts

Starz occasionally runs promotional offers, such as discounted rates for the first month or a free trial period. These offers vary by time of year and by region. You may see a promotion when you visit the Starz website or app, or you may receive an email if you have an account.

Promotional pricing is temporary. After the promotional period ends, your subscription renews at the regular monthly price unless you cancel. Starz will notify you before the price changes, usually by email.

Some third-party platforms also offer their own promotions for Starz. For example, Amazon Prime Video Channels may offer a discounted rate for the first few months. Check the price and terms on the platform you plan to use, because promotional offers differ by platform.

Canceling your subscription

You can cancel Starz anytime without a penalty or early termination fee. If you subscribed directly through Starz, log into your account, go to "Account Settings" or "Billing," and select "Cancel Subscription." Starz will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer you a discount to stay.

If you subscribed through a third-party platform like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, you cancel through that platform instead. For Amazon Prime Video Channels, go to "Your Account," select "Memberships and Subscriptions," find Starz, and choose "Cancel Channel." For Apple TV Channels, open the Apple TV app, go to "Account," select "Subscriptions," find Starz, and tap "Cancel Subscription."

Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancel on the 10th of the month but your renewal date is the 20th, you keep access until the 20th. You will not be charged again after that date.

What's included in your subscription

Both the ad-free and ad-supported Starz plans include access to the full library of shows, movies, and original series. You can stream on multiple devices, though the number of simultaneous streams varies. Most plans allow you to watch on one device at a time, but you can switch between devices whenever you want.

Starz originals like "Power," "Outlander," and "American Gods" are included in your subscription. New episodes and seasons are added throughout the year. You can watch shows on-demand — there is no live TV component.

The main difference between the two plans is ads. The ad-free plan ($11.99) has no commercials. The ad-supported plan ($5.99) shows ads before and during content, similar to broadcast television. Both plans have the same content and the same streaming quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Starz account with family members?

Starz allows you to stream on one device at a time with a standard subscription. Family members can use the same login on different devices, but only one person can watch at a time. If you need multiple simultaneous streams, contact Starz support to ask about options for your account.

What happens if I don't cancel before my renewal date?

Your subscription automatically renews on your billing date each month. You will be charged the full monthly price unless you cancel beforehand. Starz sends a reminder email before renewal, but it is your responsibility to cancel if you do not want to be charged.

Can I switch between the ad-free and ad-supported plans?

Yes. Log into your Starz account, go to "Billing" or "Plan," and select the plan you want. The change takes effect when ready or at your next renewal date, depending on when you make the change. Starz will adjust your next charge accordingly.

Is there a student discount or family plan?

Starz does not currently offer a student discount or a multi-user family plan. You can only subscribe to one plan per account. If multiple people in your household want separate accounts, each person needs their own subscription.

Why was I charged twice in one month?

This usually happens if you signed up mid-month and your first charge was prorated, or if you switched plans and were charged for both. Check your billing history in your account settings to see the dates and amounts of each charge. Contact Starz support if you see a charge you do not recognize.