Yes, SiriusXM has a free trial, and right now it offers two that both last 3 months. The Platinum trial, for the car and the app, needs no credit card and stops by itself at the end. The All Access trial is app only, for new members, and carries on as a monthly plan unless you cancel online. Most new SiriusXM-equipped cars also come with their own trial, and its length depends on the car maker.
Picking the wrong one of those two is the mistake to avoid, because they end in opposite ways. Here's how each works, plus the car trials and the Tesla version, according to SiriusXM's own pages.
Two 3-month SiriusXM trials that end differently
| Platinum trial | All Access (App Only) trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you listen | In the car and on the app | App only: phone, speakers, TV and smart devices |
| Length | 3 months free | 3 months free |
| Card needed? | No credit card required | Not stated, but it carries on as a monthly plan |
| What happens at the end | SiriusXM says the trial stops unless you choose a new plan | Renews monthly unless you cancel online |
| Who it's for | Car and app listeners | New members only |
Both include ad-free music by genre and decade, live NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA, NHL and NASCAR play-by-play, original talk, comedy, news and podcasts. Platinum adds in-studio video and in-car listening.
If you only listen on your phone and you're happy to cancel, All Access works. If you want a trial with nothing to remember, Platinum is the one, because SiriusXM says it stops at the end of the stated period on its own.
Car trials depend on the brand
If you've bought a car with SiriusXM built in, you probably already have a trial. SiriusXM runs a separate trial page for each car maker. Using Ford as an example, SiriusXM says:
| Ford situation | What SiriusXM says |
|---|---|
| New SiriusXM-equipped Ford | 3-month trial |
| Certified pre-owned or eligible pre-owned Ford | 3-month trial |
| Ford with SYNC 3 Navigation | 5-year trial of SiriusXM Traffic or Traffic Plus and Travel Link |
| Select new or leased vehicles | May include an Extended Service plan with 3 years of premium service in the car and on the app |
Other car makers have their own pages, so check the Welcome Kit SiriusXM sends, or log in to see what's included and when it ends.
Choosing a plan before the trial ends
If you know you'll keep SiriusXM, you don't have to wait. SiriusXM's Ford page says that if you choose a plan before your trial ends, the plan doesn't start until the trial is over, so you don't lose any free days.
Already have SiriusXM in another car? SiriusXM says you can transfer service or link your new vehicle to your existing plan, and it will hold off renewing your plan until the end of the new car's trial.
If your car trial isn't working
SiriusXM says that if your trial isn't active yet, or you're missing channels you should have, you may need to request a signal to your radio, and it can be sent in a few moments from SiriusXM's site. It's the first thing to try before calling anyone.
The Tesla trial
- Check your Radio ID. SiriusXM says Teslas with a Radio ID starting with V may be eligible for a one-month trial of its premium service, with no credit card required.
- Make sure the car is online. SiriusXM says you need Tesla Premium Connectivity or an active Wi-Fi connection.
- Find the SiriusXM trial on the touchscreen and tap Listen Now. SiriusXM says the trial must be started in the car and can't be started anywhere else.
- Scan the QR code shown in the car to register your SiriusXM account, then sign in to the app to listen on your phone too.
SiriusXM says the days left on your Tesla trial show on the car's screen, so you can see when it's due to end.
Listening outside the car
A car trial isn't only for the car. SiriusXM says a trial lets you listen on your phone, online or at home on connected devices, including Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, Apple TV, smart TVs, Sonos, PlayStation and Roku. If your car uses Android Auto, my guide on fixing Android Auto app problems covers the common connection issues, and these free audiobooks are a good companion for long drives.
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Is the SiriusXM free trial worth taking?
Yes, and the Platinum version is one of the lowest-risk trials around: no card, and it stops by itself, so there's nothing to forget. Car trials are a bonus you've already got with the vehicle, so use them before they run out.
My verdict
Start the Platinum trial if you have SiriusXM in the car, or All Access with a cancel reminder if you only use your phone, and check your car's Welcome Kit if you've bought a new or certified pre-owned car. If you decide to keep it, choose your plan before the trial ends so the free months still count.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a SiriusXM free trial?
Yes. SiriusXM offers a 3-month Platinum trial for the car and app with no credit card required, and a 3-month All Access app-only trial for new members.
Does the SiriusXM free trial renew automatically?
It depends on the trial. SiriusXM says the Platinum trial stops at the end of the stated period unless you choose a new plan, while the All Access app trial continues monthly unless you cancel online.
How long is the SiriusXM trial in a new car?
It depends on the car maker. For Ford, SiriusXM says new SiriusXM-equipped vehicles get a 3-month trial, and certified pre-owned and eligible pre-owned Fords also get 3 months.
If I choose a SiriusXM plan during my trial, do I lose the free months?
No. SiriusXM says that if you choose a plan before your trial ends, it doesn't start until the trial is over.
How do I get the SiriusXM trial in a Tesla?
SiriusXM says Teslas with a Radio ID starting with V may get a one-month premium trial, started from the touchscreen, with Premium Connectivity or Wi-Fi required.
Why isn't my SiriusXM car trial working?
SiriusXM says you may need to request a signal to your radio, which can be sent in a few moments.
