Pandora raises subscription prices, following Spotify's lead
Music streaming service Pandora is increasing subscription prices by at least a dollar a month starting in October. The hike affects both Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium tiers.
SiriusXM-owned music streaming service Pandora has announced a price increase, joining several other streaming services that have raised rates this year. Subscribers were notified via an email sent in September 2026, stating that monthly fees would rise by at least a dollar starting in October. The news has sparked both surprise and frustration among the company's millions of paying subscribers. The increase comes just months after competitor Spotify made a similar move.
On its support page, the company said the additional revenue would go toward improving the personalized listening experience, including better recommendations, improved reliability, and expanded access to music and podcasts. It remains unclear exactly what the extra funds will be spent on.
New pricing
Pandora Plus will now cost $5.99 per month, or $65.89 annually. Pandora Premium, the on-demand tier, will rise to $11.99 per month or $131.89 per year. The Premium Family plan, which covers six members, will increase to $19.99 per month or $219.89 annually. The free, ad-supported tier remains unchanged.
Prices will vary depending on which platform a subscriber used to sign up — rates through Apple, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, or Roku may be higher or lower than subscribing directly through Pandora's website.
When it takes effect
New subscribers have already been paying the higher rates since September 22, while existing subscribers will see the change on their next billing cycle starting October 22. Pandora advises users who want to switch or cancel their plan to do so at least 24 hours before their billing cycle ends, via the website or app. Those who subscribed through a third-party platform must make changes through that billing provider, as Pandora support cannot manage those subscriptions directly.
