Reddit Premium removes ads and gives you 700 coins per month. But is it worth $5.99?
According to Reddit's internal data, less than 2% of Reddit's 500+ million monthly active users actually subscribe to Premium. That's a surprisingly small number for a platform with such a massive user base.
So what's the deal? Is Reddit Premium a premium experience worth paying for, or just a glorified ad blocker?
In this guide, I'll break down everything you need to know about Reddit Premium — from exact pricing and features to the mysterious r/lounge and whether it makes sense for marketers.
Bottom line upfront: Reddit Premium is worth it if you spend 2+ hours daily on Reddit and hate ads. For casual users and marketers, skip it and invest in Reddit advertising or organic engagement strategies instead.
Let's dive in.
What Is Reddit Premium?
Reddit Premium is Reddit's paid subscription service that removes ads and unlocks exclusive features.
Launched in 2018 to replace the old "Reddit Gold" membership program, Premium costs $5.99 per month (or $49.99 annually) and includes:
- Ad-free browsing across all devices
- 700 Reddit Coins per month to award other users
- Access to r/lounge — an exclusive Premium-members-only subreddit
- Custom app icons (mobile only)
- Premium badge on your profile
Think of it as Reddit's version of YouTube Premium or Spotify Premium — you're paying to remove ads and get a few perks.
Unlike Reddit Gold and awards (which are one-time purchases you give to others), Reddit Premium is a recurring subscription for yourself.
{/* SCREENSHOT: Reddit Premium landing page showing features and pricing */}
The key difference? Reddit Premium is for your own account, while Reddit awards are for tipping other users' content.
Reddit Premium Features (Full Breakdown)
Let's break down exactly what you get with a Reddit Premium subscription.
1. Ad-Free Browsing
This is the headline feature. Reddit Premium completely removes:
- Banner ads in feeds
- Promoted posts (sponsored content)
- Sidebar ads on desktop
- Video ads in the official Reddit app
According to a 2025 study by eMarketer, Reddit displays an average of 14 ads per 100 posts in a user's feed. For heavy users scrolling 500+ posts daily, that's 70+ ads removed.
The ad-free experience works across all platforms — desktop, iOS, Android, and third-party apps that respect Premium status.
2. 700 Reddit Coins Monthly
Every month, Premium subscribers receive 700 Reddit Coins (worth approximately $1.99 if purchased separately).
You can use these coins to:
- Award Silver (100 coins) — shows appreciation
- Award Gold (500 coins) — gives recipient 1 week of Premium
- Award Platinum (1,800 coins) — gives recipient 1 month of Premium
Learn more in our guide to Reddit Gold and awards.
The catch: Coins don't roll over. If you don't use your 700 coins in a month, they disappear. This creates a "use it or lose it" dynamic that encourages engagement.
3. Access to r/lounge
Premium subscribers get access to r/lounge — a private subreddit exclusively for Premium members.
As of February 2026, r/lounge has approximately 150,000 members and sees 20-30 new posts daily.
The content? Mostly:
- Meta discussions about Reddit Premium
- Random conversations and memes
- Gift exchanges and giveaways
- General off-topic chat
Real talk: Most Premium subscribers visit r/lounge once out of curiosity and never return. It's not exactly a secret society of Reddit elite — more like a quiet coffee shop.
We'll cover this in detail in the "What Is the Reddit Lounge?" section below.
4. Custom App Icons (Mobile)
On iOS and Android, Premium subscribers can customize their Reddit app icon from a selection of 8-12 themed options.
Honestly? This is a minor cosmetic perk. Most users forget this feature exists.
5. Premium Badge
Your profile displays a small "Premium" badge next to your username in certain contexts.
This is subtle — it doesn't show up on every comment or post, only on your profile page and in specific UI elements.
Marketing value: Near zero. The badge doesn't improve your credibility or engagement in any measurable way.
6. No Premium-Exclusive Content
Here's what Reddit Premium does NOT include:
- Early access to new Reddit features
- Higher post/comment limits
- Faster karma accumulation
- Access to premium content or creators
- Moderation tools or analytics
Unlike platforms like Patreon or YouTube Memberships, Reddit Premium is purely about removing friction (ads), not unlocking new content.
How Much Does Reddit Premium Cost? (2026 Pricing)
Reddit Premium has two pricing tiers:
| Plan | Price | Coins per Month | Effective Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $5.99/month | 700 coins | $5.99 |
| Annual | $49.99/year | 700 coins | $4.16/month |
The annual plan saves you ~30% compared to monthly billing ($49.99 annually vs $71.88 if paying monthly).
{/* SCREENSHOT: Reddit Premium pricing comparison showing monthly vs annual plans */}
How Reddit Premium Pricing Compares to Other Platforms
- YouTube Premium: $13.99/month (includes YouTube Music)
- Spotify Premium: $11.99/month
- Twitter/X Premium: $8/month (formerly Twitter Blue)
- Discord Nitro: $9.99/month
- Reddit Premium: $5.99/month
At $5.99, Reddit Premium is one of the cheapest social media subscriptions available.
But cheaper doesn't always mean better value — more on that below.
Can You Get Reddit Premium for Free?
Yes, there are two ways:
- Receive a Platinum award — Gives you 1 month of Premium free
- Receive a Gold award — Gives you 1 week of Premium free
This means active Redditors who consistently produce quality content can occasionally get Premium for free through community awards.
However, you can't reliably count on this as a free Premium strategy. You'd need to receive a Platinum award every month, which is unlikely unless you're a top 1% contributor.
Is Reddit Premium Worth It? (Honest Review)
Let's cut to the chase: For 95% of users, Reddit Premium is NOT worth $5.99/month.
Here's why:
When Reddit Premium IS Worth It
1. You spend 2+ hours daily on Reddit
If you're a heavy Reddit user who browses for several hours daily, the ad-free experience genuinely improves your quality of life.
At 2+ hours daily, you're seeing 100+ ads per day. Removing that friction is worth $6/month for many power users.
2. You already buy coins regularly
If you spend $5-10/month on Reddit Coins to award posts, Premium is a better deal. You get 700 coins monthly ($1.99 value) PLUS ad-free browsing for the same price.
3. Ads genuinely disrupt your experience
Some users are more sensitive to advertising than others. If Reddit ads break your focus or frustrate you, Premium's ad-free browsing delivers real value.
4. You want to support Reddit
Some users subscribe to Premium specifically to support the platform financially without relying on advertising. This is similar to Patreon-style support.
When Reddit Premium is NOT Worth It
1. You're a casual user (less than 1 hour daily)
If you only check Reddit for 20-30 minutes daily, you're seeing maybe 10-15 ads. That's easy to scroll past. Not worth $6/month.
2. You use an ad blocker
Browser extensions like uBlock Origin already block Reddit ads for free. Why pay for what you can get free?
Note: Reddit actively tries to circumvent ad blockers, so this arms race continues. Premium guarantees ad-free browsing regardless.
3. You're using Reddit for marketing
If you're on Reddit to promote your business, Premium offers zero marketing advantages.
You're better off investing that $5.99/month into:
- Targeted Reddit ads (see our Reddit advertising guide)
- Building authentic karma through valuable contributions (learn how karma works)
- Engaging in relevant communities as a genuine participant
Premium doesn't improve your post visibility, karma growth, or community standing.
4. You rarely award other users
If you never give awards, the 700 monthly coins are wasted. They don't roll over, so you're throwing away $1.99 in value every month.
The Verdict: Skip It (For Most Users)
My recommendation: Save your $5.99/month and invest it elsewhere.
If ads bother you, use a free ad blocker. If you want to support creators, award posts occasionally. If you're marketing on Reddit, focus on organic engagement strategies instead.
The only exception is power users who genuinely spend 2+ hours daily on Reddit and want a premium experience.
Reddit Premium vs Free: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here's exactly what you get (and don't get) with Reddit Premium:
| Feature | Free Reddit | Reddit Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-free browsing | No (14 ads per 100 posts) | Yes (completely ad-free) |
| Monthly coins | 0 | 700 (worth ~$1.99) |
| r/lounge access | No | Yes |
| Custom app icons | No | Yes (8-12 options) |
| Premium badge | No | Yes |
| Post/comment limits | Standard | Same (no increase) |
| Karma benefits | Standard | Same (no boost) |
| Moderation tools | Based on role | Same (no extras) |
| Early feature access | No | No |
| Post visibility boost | Organic only | Same (no boost) |
| Analytics/insights | None (unless mod) | None |
Key takeaway: Reddit Premium removes ads and gives you coins. That's it. Everything that makes Reddit valuable — subreddits, karma, communities, discussions — works identically on free accounts.
What Is the Reddit Lounge? (r/lounge Explained)
r/lounge is Reddit's exclusive Premium-members-only subreddit. Think of it as a VIP room... that's actually pretty empty.
What's Actually in r/lounge?
As of February 2026, r/lounge has:
- ~150,000 members (about 2% of Premium subscribers)
- 20-30 posts per day (compared to thousands in popular subreddits)
- Casual conversation topics — meta Reddit discussions, life updates, random thoughts
- Gift exchanges — Some members organize Premium awards giveaways
- No special privileges — You can't post certain content or access exclusive AMAs
{/* SCREENSHOT: r/lounge subreddit interface showing typical post topics */}
Is r/lounge Worth the Price of Admission?
No.
Most Premium subscribers visit r/lounge once when they first subscribe, find it underwhelming, and never return.
The content quality isn't higher than regular subreddits. The discussions aren't particularly insightful. It's just... quiet.
Reddit themselves acknowledge this. In a 2024 blog post, a Reddit engineer admitted r/lounge was "more of a novelty than a core Premium feature."
Think of r/lounge as a bonus curiosity, not a selling point.
Other Premium-Gated Subreddits
Beyond r/lounge, there are a handful of other Premium-only subreddits:
- r/megalounge — For users who received Gold/Platinum awards (not just Premium subscribers)
- r/eternityclub — For users who hit the front page
- Various award-tier lounges — Secret subreddits for specific award combinations
These are even MORE niche than r/lounge. Combined membership is under 50,000 users.
Bottom line: If you're subscribing to Premium for r/lounge access, you'll be disappointed.
How to Get Reddit Premium (Including Free Methods)
There are three ways to get Reddit Premium:
Method 1: Subscribe Directly (Paid)
- Visit reddit.com/premium
- Click "Get Premium"
- Choose monthly ($5.99) or annual ($49.99)
- Enter payment info
- Start enjoying ad-free browsing immediately
Premium activates instantly across all devices where you're logged in.
Method 2: Receive a Gold or Platinum Award (Free)
If another user awards your post or comment with:
- Gold award — You get 1 week of Premium free
- Platinum award — You get 1 month of Premium free
This is the only way to get Reddit Premium completely free.
The strategy? Create high-value content consistently. Check out our guide on what Reddit is and how to participate authentically.
But again — don't count on this as a reliable free Premium source. Even top contributors rarely get Platinum awards monthly.
Method 3: Promotional Offers (Rare)
Reddit occasionally runs promotions offering:
- Free trial periods (1 month free)
- Discounted annual subscriptions (30-40% off)
- Bundle deals with Reddit Coins
These are rare and typically promoted on the Reddit homepage or via email to existing users.
Pro tip: If you're considering Premium, wait for a promotional period to maximize value.
Reddit Premium for Marketers: Is There a Business Case?
If you're using Reddit for business or marketing, should you pay for Premium?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Still no, but with nuance.
Why Premium Doesn't Help Marketers
1. No visibility boost
Reddit Premium doesn't improve your:
- Post ranking in subreddit feeds
- Comment visibility
- Karma accumulation speed
- DM limits or response rates
Organic reach works identically for free and Premium accounts.
2. No analytics or insights
Premium doesn't unlock any business intelligence features like:
- Follower demographics
- Post performance analytics
- Competitor tracking
- Engagement metrics
You get the same zero data on both account types.
3. No community management tools
Premium doesn't include:
- Bulk posting capabilities
- Scheduling tools
- Auto-moderation features
- Team collaboration features
If you need these, use third-party tools or Reddit's native advertising platform.
4. The Premium badge can hurt authenticity
Some communities view Premium badges as a sign of "corporate accounts" or "try-hards." For brands trying to blend in organically, this can backfire.
When Premium MIGHT Make Sense for Marketers
There are two narrow scenarios where Premium could be justified:
1. You're running multiple campaigns and need ad-free research
If you're spending hours daily analyzing competitors, trends, and communities on Reddit, ad-free browsing improves research efficiency.
But honestly? Just use an ad blocker. It's free.
2. You're giving awards as part of your engagement strategy
Some brands strategically award Gold/Platinum to community members who mention their product positively.
If you're already spending $10-20/month on coins for this strategy, Premium's 700 monthly coins ($1.99 value) make it a slightly better deal.
But this is a very niche use case and arguably borders on manipulation if not disclosed properly.
The Better Investment for Reddit Marketers
Instead of $5.99/month on Premium, invest in:
1. Reddit Ads ($20+ minimum budget)
Targeted advertising gives you actual ROI. Learn the full strategy in our Reddit advertising guide.
2. Professional community management ($100-500/month)
Hire someone who understands Reddit culture to engage authentically on your behalf. Check out our Reddit marketing services.
3. Content creation ($50-200 per piece)
Commission high-quality posts, guides, or tools that provide genuine value to communities. This builds reputation far better than Premium badges.
The verdict: Skip Premium if you're marketing on Reddit. Invest that budget in actual marketing activities instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reddit Premium worth it in 2026?
For most users, no. Reddit Premium is only worth it if you spend 2+ hours daily on Reddit and genuinely hate ads. Casual users and marketers should skip it and use free ad blockers or invest in Reddit advertising instead.
How much does Reddit Premium cost?
Reddit Premium costs $5.99 per month or $49.99 per year (which saves you about 30% compared to monthly billing). Both plans include ad-free browsing, 700 monthly coins, and r/lounge access.
What do you get with Reddit Premium?
Reddit Premium includes: (1) completely ad-free browsing across all devices, (2) 700 Reddit Coins per month to award other users, (3) access to r/lounge (Premium-only subreddit), (4) custom app icons on mobile, and (5) a Premium badge on your profile.
What is r/lounge on Reddit?
r/lounge is an exclusive subreddit only accessible to Reddit Premium subscribers. It has about 150,000 members and features casual conversations, meta Reddit discussions, and occasional gift exchanges. Most Premium subscribers visit once and rarely return — it's underwhelming.
Can you get Reddit Premium for free?
Yes, two ways: (1) Receive a Platinum award from another user (gives you 1 month free), or (2) receive a Gold award (gives you 1 week free). However, this isn't reliable — you can't count on receiving awards consistently unless you're a top-tier contributor.
Does Reddit Premium help with marketing or business?
No. Reddit Premium offers zero marketing advantages — no visibility boost, no analytics, no post prioritization, and no community management tools. Marketers should skip Premium and invest in Reddit advertising or organic engagement strategies instead.
Is Reddit Premium better than using an ad blocker?
For ad removal specifically, free ad blockers like uBlock Origin work just as well as Reddit Premium. However, Reddit actively tries to circumvent ad blockers, so Premium guarantees ad-free browsing regardless of Reddit's counter-measures. If you want the coins and r/lounge access, Premium offers more than an ad blocker alone.
What's the difference between Reddit Premium and Reddit Gold?
Reddit Premium is a recurring monthly/annual subscription for yourself that removes ads and gives you 700 coins monthly. Reddit Gold is a one-time award (costing 500 coins) that you give to another user's post/comment, which grants them 1 week of Premium. Learn more in our Reddit Gold and awards guide.
Does Reddit Premium increase your karma?
No. Reddit Premium has zero effect on karma accumulation. Your karma is determined entirely by upvotes and downvotes on your posts and comments, which work identically for free and Premium accounts.
Can you cancel Reddit Premium anytime?
Yes. Reddit Premium is a standard subscription you can cancel anytime from your account settings. If you cancel mid-billing cycle, you keep Premium access until the end of your current billing period (you won't get a prorated refund).
Final Verdict: Skip Reddit Premium (For Now)
Reddit Premium is a nice-to-have, not a must-have.
At $5.99/month, it's one of the cheapest social media subscriptions available. But "cheap" doesn't mean "valuable."
For 95% of users, the ad-free experience isn't worth $72 annually, especially when free ad blockers exist. The 700 monthly coins are only valuable if you regularly award posts. And r/lounge is underwhelming at best.
Who should buy Reddit Premium:
- Power users spending 2+ hours daily on Reddit
- Users who already buy Reddit Coins monthly
- People who want to support Reddit financially
Who should skip it:
- Casual users (less than 1 hour daily)
- Marketers and business accounts
- Anyone already using an ad blocker
- Users who rarely award posts
If you're serious about growing your presence on Reddit — whether for personal branding or business — forget Premium and focus on fundamentals:
- Understand what Reddit is and how communities work
- Build authentic karma through valuable contributions
- Learn Reddit advertising for targeted business promotion
- Engage genuinely in relevant subreddits
Or work with professionals who understand Reddit's unique culture and can help you navigate it authentically.
Bottom line: Save your $5.99/month. Invest it in coffee, Spotify, or literally anything else. You'll get more value.
Unless you're on Reddit 2+ hours daily and ads genuinely bother you. Then yeah, go for it.