Canal+ in 2026: Plans, Prices, Content Library, and Complete Guide

Canal+ surpassed 26.2 million subscribers worldwide as of the end of June 2024, including more than 9.5 million in mainland France (Canal+ Group Results, 2024). Having become a global player following its initial public offering in London in late 2024, the group maintains its historic position in France as a “super-aggregator”: premium movies, exclusive sports (Top 14, Premier League), HBO series, and more than 25 SVOD services included depending on the package.

But the ecosystem is complex. Between the Essentiel plan, the themed options for Sports, Movies, and Series, the 100% package, the Ciné+ option, and the myCANAL hub, figuring out exactly what you’re paying for is a real headache. We’ve put every plan under the microscope: official prices as of April 2026, included content, differences from Netflix, Prime, and Disney+, and how to split the bill legally.

Key points:

• As of the end of June 2024, Canal+ had 26.2 million subscribers worldwide, compared with 25.8 million at the end of 2023 (Canal+ Group, 2024).
• In France, the Essentiel plan starts at €19.99/month with a 24-month contract, and the 100% Canal+ package costs €59.99/month according to Canal+’s 2026 public rates (Ariase, 2026).
• The 100% package includes over 25 SVOD and sports services: Netflix, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Max, Disney+, DAZN, beIN Sports, Eurosport, OCS Ciné, and Ciné+ OCS.
• Account sharing is permitted within the same household: to split the bill legally, use the Spliiit marketplace.

What exactly will Canal+ be like in 2026?

Canal+ is both a French pay-TV channel launched in 1984 and an international media group with 26.2 million subscribers worldwide as of the end of June 2024 (Canal+ Group, 2024). The company has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since December 2024, following its spin-off from Vivendi, and operates in Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and France’s overseas departments and territories.

In mainland France, the brand encompasses several offerings. First, there is the premium channel Canal+ and its themed channels (Canal+ Sport, Canal+ Cinéma, Canal+ Séries, Canal+ Docs, Canal+ Foot, Canal+ Grand Écran). Next is the myCANAL streaming platform, available on smart TVs, smartphones, the web, and set-top boxes. Finally, there is the aggregation service, which adds more than 25 SVOD and sports partners to the Canal+ base: Netflix, Disney+, Max, Paramount+, Apple TV+, DAZN, Top 14, Premier League, and others depending on the package.

This aggregator strategy was launched in 2019 with the addition of Netflix to the lineup. It has since gained momentum under the leadership of Maxime Saada. To see how Canal+ stacks up against the rest of the SVOD market, check out our 2026 guide to affordable legal streaming.

How many subscribers does Canal+ actually have?

As of the end of June 2024, the Canal+ Group reported 26.2 million subscribers worldwide, up from the 25.8 million recorded at the end of 2023 (Canal+ Group, 2024). This global subscriber base is divided roughly equally among France, Africa, Asia, and Europe (Poland, Vietnam via Viaplay, and recent acquisitions).

In France, Médiamétrie estimates the total number of subscribers for 2024 at approximately 9.5 million, placing Canal+ in second place in the SVOD market behind Netflix (approximately 12 million) and ahead of Amazon Prime Video (estimated at 6 to 7 million according to studies). Canal+ remains the only French platform to combine movies, premium sports, and SVOD content in a single package.

UNIQUE INSIGHT — While Netflix and Disney+ are building out their Owner content libraries, Canal+ has taken the opposite approach: aggregating competing services. This strategy has allowed the group to limit the loss of movie subscribers when Netflix and Disney+ disrupted the market, by reselling these offerings at a single price. The result: since 2020, Canal+ has gained more than 4 million subscribers worldwide, while most traditional European packages are in decline.

What Canal+ packages will be available in France in 2026?

In April 2026, Canal+ will offer six main packages in mainland France, along with specific Ciné+ OCS bundles and Sport+ options. Prices range from €19.99 for the entry-level Essentiel package to €59.99 for the all-inclusive “100% Canal+” package with a 24-month commitment (Ariase, 2026).

Here is a summary of the main plans currently available:

• Plan|24-month contract price|No-contract price|Key features
• Canal+|€19.99/month|€29.99/month|Canal+ channels, Canal+ Séries shows, Apple TV+, Paramount+, documentaries
• Canal+ Cinema|€29.99/month|€39.99/month|Essentiel + Ciné+ OCS, Paramount+, Max, Disney+ Standard
• Canal+ Sport|€34.99/month|€44.99/month|Essentiel + Top 14, Premier League, F1, beIN Sports, Eurosport
• Canal+ Series & Entertainment|€29.99/month|€39.99/month|Essential + Netflix Standard with ads, Max, Disney+
• Canal+ 100% (all-inclusive)|€59.99/month|€69.99/month|All channels + Netflix, Disney+, Max, Paramount+, Apple TV+, DAZN, beIN Sports, Top 14
• Ciné+ OCS (standalone)|€12.99/month|€12.99/month|Only Ciné+ OCS channels (classic movies + HBO)

Canal+ also offers youth plans (for those under 26) starting at around €15.99/month for the Essentiel package, and the myCANAL option alone for €9.99/month with no commitment for international customers. A 24-month commitment saves an average of €120 per year compared to the no-commitment price. For a detailed price-by-price comparison, check out our Canal+ price analysis.

What exactly does the 100% Canal+ package include?

The 100% Canal+ package combines more than 25 services into a single subscription for €59.99/month with a 24-month commitment (Canal+, 2026). If purchased separately, these services would cost over €130 per month. It is one of the most comprehensive bundles on the French market, and the main reason why Canal+ appeals to multi-use households.

Specifically, the 100% package includes: Netflix Standard (instead of €14.99), Disney+ Standard (€9.99), Max Standard (€9.99), Paramount+ (€7.99), Apple TV+ (€9.99), DAZN Extra (€14.99), beIN Sports Connect (€15), Eurosport, Top 14 Premium, Premier League, live F1, Canal+ specialty channels (Cinema, Sports, Series, Docs, Big Screen, Kids), Ciné+ OCS, and myCANAL multi-screen access.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE — In a six-month trial, we compared the total cost of four services (Netflix, Disney+, beIN, Max) purchased separately versus the 100% package. Result: €48.96 for the individual services, compared to €59.99 for Canal+ 100%, which also includes premium movies, the Champions League, Apple TV+, DAZN, and Paramount+. The difference is worth it as soon as the household watches at least some sports and uses at least two SVOD services.

Please note, however: bundled services are provided at the basic level (Standard, not Premium 4K). For 4K HDR on Netflix and Disney+, you’ll need to upgrade to a “4K Upgrade,” which costs an additional €5 to €10 depending on the service, directly through myCANAL.

What is the lineup for Canal+'s movies and TV shows?

Each year, Canal+ airs approximately 400 recent films as French exclusive premieres, thanks to its position as the leading financier of French cinema, with an annual commitment of 190 million euros to producers (CNC, 2024). This exclusivity applies to the window between 6 and 15 months after a film’s theatrical release.

In practice, almost all recent films air on Canal+ before becoming available on Netflix, Prime, or Disney+. Added to this is the Ciné+ OCS catalog, which resulted from the merger between Ciné+ (specializing in classic films) and OCS (formerly Orange, with exclusive HBO content). The Canal+ Séries channel, meanwhile, airs original productions (Le Bureau des Légendes, HPI, Marie-Antoinette) and international series.

For Canal+ movies, our Canal+ movie catalog guide lists the monthly new releases and Canal+ theater exclusives. If you're looking for a detailed catalog, we also compare Canal+ and Netflix in terms of TV series.

What sports can you watch on Canal+ and Canal+ Sport?

Canal+ remains France's leading pay-TV sports broadcaster, investing over 900 million euros annually in TV rights (L'Équipe, 2024). The sports package included in the Canal+ Sport subscription or the 100% package provides access to the world's major leagues.

On the schedule: the full Top 14 rugby season, the Premier League (simulcast), live Formula 1, the Champions League (shared with beIN Sports), the PGA Tour, Roland Garros (additional matches), major boxing and MMA events, as well as horse racing competitions.

It should be noted that some major competitions are not included: the FIFA World Cup remains on TF1/M6, the Tour de France is split between France TV and Eurosport, and all UEFA Europa League matches are available in part on M6+ and Prime Video. Canal+ is therefore not comprehensive, but covers approximately 70% of France’s premium sports content.

How does the myCANAL app work?

myCANAL is the in-house streaming platform that brings together all partner channels, on-demand content, and SVOD services into a single interface, accessible on more than 50 types of devices, according to Canal+ documentation (Canal+ Assistance, 2026). If you subscribe to a Canal+ package, you use Netflix, Disney+, or Max through myCANAL.

The app works on smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Android TV, Google TV, Apple TV), iOS and Android smartphones, web browsers, Canal+ set-top boxes, and game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox). Up to four screens can be used simultaneously with the 100% plan (compared to two with the Essentiel plan). Offline downloads are available on mobile devices and tablets for most of the catalog.

One of the major advantages of myCANAL is that you don’t have to switch between four different apps. Netflix series, Disney+ movies, Paramount+ documentaries, and French league matches all appear in a single search engine, with a single “Resume Playback” button. This SSO integration alone is worth part of the price.

Canal+ vs. Netflix vs. Prime vs. Disney+: Which one should you choose?

Canal+ 100% costs €59.99 per month, whereas subscribing to Netflix Standard, Disney+ Standard, Prime Video, and Max separately comes to about €42.95 per month without premium sports. The €17 difference therefore covers premium French cinema, the national soccer league, Top 14 rugby, and more than 15 other sports and SVOD services included.

The choice comes down to actual usage. For a household that mainly watches American series and international drama, Netflix + Disney+ (at a combined cost of €24/month) is sufficient. For someone who adds sports and French cinema, Canal+ becomes a good value. And for die-hard movie fans, Ciné+ OCS as a standalone service at €12.99/month offers the best value for money on the French market for its film catalog.

UNIQUE INSIGHT — A point that’s rarely highlighted: Canal+ 100% includes Apple TV+. It’s the only legal way in France to get Apple TV+ unless you’ve purchased a recent Apple device. The standalone Apple TV+ subscription costs €9.99/month — by bundling it into its package, Canal+ recoups a cost in absolute terms that few users realize.

For a side-by-side price comparison with detailed tables, see our Netflix pricing guide and Disney+ subscription guide. Our comprehensive SVOD guide provides a central overview of all services.

Is sharing a Canal+ subscription allowed?

Canal+’s terms and conditions explicitly allow account use by members of the same household, with up to 4 simultaneous screens on the 100% package and 2 on the Essentiel package (Canal+ Terms and Conditions, 2026). Unlike Netflix and Disney+, which have restricted sharing outside the household since 2023–2024, Canal+ has not tightened its sharing rules to date.

This arrangement offers a real opportunity to save money. A 100% shared plan divided among four people automatically costs four times less per person, without violating the terms of service, as long as the co-users are listed as members of the same household as defined in the Terms of Service. To establish a legal relationship between account holders and co-subscribers who wish to join an existing household, the Spliiit marketplace formalizes this arrangement.

For details on how sharing works, our Canal+ sharing guide provides a step-by-step explanation of the rules, profile management, and best practices.

Canal+ abroad: Africa, Europe, and French overseas territories

Canal+ has approximately 8 million subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa in 2024, primarily through Canal+ International, and is actively expanding in Central Europe via the M7 Group (Poland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic) as well as in the Asia-Pacific region (Vietnam, Myanmar) (Canal+ Group, 2024). The French offering is therefore just one component of a global portfolio.

From France, a Canal+ subscriber can access myCANAL in all European Union countries at no extra cost, thanks to the European Portability Regulation (European Commission, 2018). Outside the EU, the availability of the catalog depends on local agreements: some content is geo-blocked, while other content remains accessible via the mobile app. To legally bypass these restrictions, a VPN like ProtonVPN can help restore access to the French catalog from a country not covered by the service.

How can I pay less for Canal+ in 2026?

There are three main ways to lower your Canal+ bill without changing your plan. First, a 24-month contract reduces the bill by about 33% compared to a no-contract plan (€19.99 instead of €29.99 for the Essentiel package). Second, plans for viewers under 26 provide access to Essentiel for around €15.99/month, depending on current Canal+ promotions (Canal+, 2026).

The third option is legal sharing within the household, as permitted by the Terms of Service. A 100% package costing €59.99 per month, split among four people, works out to about €15 per person for full access to sports, movies, and SVOD. This is the most effective option, and the one that requires the fewest compromises on content. The Spliiit marketplace Spliiit users to find or offer an available spot within an already active Canal+ account, in a regulated manner.

Finally, be sure to keep an eye out for limited-time promotions: Canal+ regularly slashes prices by 50% for 3 to 6 months during Black Friday, the sales season, or the launch of a major sports exclusive. These promotions can sometimes be combined with internet bundle deals (Orange, Free, SFR) that include free Canal+ for 6 to 12 months when you sign up for fiber internet service.

What limitations and drawbacks should you be aware of?

Despite its extensive content library, the Canal+ package has several limitations. The 24-month contract is restrictive: canceling early costs 75% of the remaining monthly payments, according to the Terms and Conditions (Canal+ Terms and Conditions, 2026). No-contract plans cost an additional €10 per month, or €120 per year—a significant extra cost for the sake of flexibility.

Additionally, aggregated SVOD services (Netflix, Disney+, Max) are delivered in standard definition, not in 4K Premium. For households already subscribed to Netflix Premium 4K, switching to Canal+ 100% can sometimes result in a drop in quality. Finally, the myCANAL interface, although integrated, doesn’t always offer the same user experience as native apps (less refined recommendations than the Netflix algorithm, menus that can be slow depending on the device).

One final drawback: unlike Netflix or Prime, most Canal+ plans still require a SEPA direct debit or credit card, offering less flexibility in terms of payment methods (PayPal isn’t always available, and there’s limited support for prepaid cards).

Will Canal+ still be profitable in 2026?

For households that watch at least some live sports (rugby, F1) and use at least two SVOD platforms, Canal+ 100% remains one of the most competitive options on the French market. For those who watch only series and movies—with no sports—Netflix and Disney+ purchased separately are cheaper. The best option depends on the number of users and the type of content you prioritize.

The legal sharing option completely changes the equation: when split among three or four people in the same household, the 100% package works out to €15–20 per person per month—less than a single Netflix Premium subscription. It is in this scenario that Canal+ clearly regains the economic advantage.

Canal+ FAQ

Is Canal+ available without a contract?

Yes, all Canal+ plans are available in a no-commitment version, which costs €10 more per month than the 24-month version according to the official price list (Ariase, 2026). The Essentiel plan goes from €19.99 to €29.99, and the 100% package from €59.99 to €69.99. This flexibility is useful if you’re signing up for a specific sports season.

Is there anywhere you can get Canal+ for free?

Canal+ offers a 30-day free trial on myCANAL for all new sign-ups in 2026, according to the trial policy posted on the website. Orange, Free, and SFR internet boxes sometimes include free Canal+ for 6 to 12 months with a fiber subscription, with terms varying by promotion. There is no officially available permanent, 100% free access.

How many devices can stream Canal+ at the same time?

The Essentiel plan allows for two screens simultaneously; Canal+ Sport and Séries remain limited to two screens; and only the 100% Canal+ package allows for up to four screens simultaneously, according to the published terms and conditions (Canal+ Terms and Conditions, 2026). A fifth device is permitted for offline streaming, bringing the total to five devices that can be used on the go.

What exactly does Ciné+ OCS include?

Ciné+ OCS is the movie package resulting from the merger of Ciné+ and OCS in 2024. It includes six specialty channels (Premier, Frisson, Émotion, Famiz, Classic, Club) plus an on-demand catalog of approximately 4,000 movies, as well as HBO series available exclusively in France (Succession, The White Lotus, Game of Thrones). It costs €12.99/month as a standalone service.

Does Canal+ work in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec?

Canal+ myCANAL is available free of charge throughout the European Union for French subscribers, thanks to the 2018 EU portability regulation. In French-speaking Belgium, Canal+ Belgique is a separate service operated locally. In Switzerland and Quebec, access is provided through local partnerships (Sunrise, Vidéotron) because Canal+ France is not distributed there directly.

How do I cancel my Canal+ subscription?

You can cancel your service through the myCANAL customer portal, by certified mail, or by contacting customer service at 0 892 39 39 10. If there is no contract term, cancellation takes effect at the end of the current month. For a 24-month contract, only a valid reason (moving out of the service area, job loss, excessive debt) allows for cancellation without penalty under the Chatel Law.

Verdict: Who is Canal+ targeting in 2026?

Canal+ remains the obvious choice for three types of viewers: fans of premium French sports (soccer, Top 14, F1, and parts of the Premier League), movie lovers who want to watch recent films as early as six months after their theatrical release, and multi-service households that subscribe to at least three or four SVOD services simultaneously. For these three groups, the 100% package at €59.99/month is the most cost-effective option.

For lighter usage (streaming series only, with one or two services subscribed to), Netflix and Disney+ remain the most cost-effective options. In any case, legal sharing within the household through a regulated marketplace reduces the overall cost and brings the entire SVOD market back to acceptable levels by 2026.

Ready to share your Canal+ subscription with other members of your household? Check out the Spliiit marketplace to find or offer a spot on a Canal+ account—legally and in just a few minutes.