The X Subscription vs X Premium difference comes down to how X packages its services.
While X Premium was primarily focused on features for the X platform, the X Subscription combines X benefits with access to Grok AI and Cursor. It offers multiple pricing tiers with different features and AI usage limits.
Existing X Premium subscribers can generally keep their current plans or choose to switch to the new subscription.
Here’s what has changed, how the plans compare, and what subscribers should know before making a decision.
Key takeaways
- X Premium is the older subscription structure focused mainly on X features, while The X Subscription combines X, Grok, and Cursor.
- The X Subscription offers five tiers: Free, Plus, Premium, Super, and Ultra, with different pricing and AI usage limits.
- Existing X Premium subscribers can generally keep their current plans without switching.
- Subscribers switching plans should check which X benefits, Grok access, and Cursor usage are included in the new tier.
- The 2027 changes are not yet fully confirmed, so check official pricing and plan details before subscribing.
Table of Contents
What is the Difference Between X Subscription and X Premium?
X Premium is the older paid subscription with three tiers: Basic, Premium, and Premium+.
The X Subscription is a newer bundled service that combines X benefits with Grok AI and Cursor coding tools.
The main difference is that X Premium focuses on improving your experience on X, whereas the X Subscription provides access to multiple products through one subscription and a shared AI usage allowance.
| Feature | X Premium | The X Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Additional X features | Combined X, Grok, and Cursor access |
| Subscription tiers | Basic, Premium, Premium+ | Free, Plus, Premium, Super, Ultra |
| Grok access | Depends on tier and usage limits | Included usage across eligible plans |
| Cursor access | Not included as a bundled benefit | Included |
| X features | Depends on Premium tier | Depends on subscription tier |
| AI usage | Separate product allowances | Shared weekly Grok and Cursor pool |
| Billing | X subscription billing | Workspace-based billing |
| Availability for new customers | Older plans continue for existing subscribers | Main self-service subscription option |
The important distinction is that X Premium has not simply disappeared.
Its benefits are now incorporated into The X Subscription at different levels. Existing subscribers do not have to switch immediately.
Why Did X Introduce The X Subscription?
The X Subscription brings together three products that previously had separate subscription arrangements:
- X: Social networking, creator tools, verification benefits, and other platform features.
- Grok: AI chat, voice, image and video generation, and other AI capabilities.
- Cursor: AI-powered coding tools and development agents.
The idea is to let subscribers use one subscription rather than maintain separate paid accounts for these services.
Another important change is the shared usage allowance. Grok and Cursor draw from the same weekly included usage pool, so subscribers can use more of their allowance in whichever product they need.
For example, a developer might use Grok for research and Cursor for coding. Both activities draw from the same included pool rather than requiring separate standard AI usage subscriptions.
X Subscription vs X Premium Pricing in 2027
The two subscription structures have different pricing. The X Subscription has five tiers, while the older X Premium structure has three.
The following are the published US web prices available at the time of writing. Actual prices can vary by country, currency, taxes, and purchase platform.
1. The X Subscription pricing
| Plan | Monthly price | Annual price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 |
| Plus | $8 | $80 |
| Premium | $30 | $300 |
| Super | $100 | $1,000 |
| Ultra | $200 | $2,000 |
The paid plans offer progressively larger shared usage allowances. The published usage multipliers are 1x for Plus, 4x for Premium, 15x for Super, and 50x for Ultra.
2. Legacy X Premium pricing
| Plan | Monthly price | Annual price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Starts at $3 | Starts at $32 |
| Premium | Starts at $8 | Starts at $84 |
| Premium+ | $40 | $395 |
These are published US web prices. Localized prices and in-app pricing may differ.
Important: The older X Premium tiers are not the same as the similarly named tiers in The X Subscription. For example, X Premium+ was the highest tier in the previous structure, whereas Premium is one of the paid tiers in the newer bundled subscription.
What Features Have Changed?
The biggest changes involve AI access, subscription benefits, usage allowances, and billing.
1. Grok AI is part of the subscription structure
Under the older X Premium arrangement, Grok access and usage limits depended on the subscription tier.
Premium and Premium+ subscribers received increased access, while Premium+ included additional Grok-related benefits.
The X Subscription makes Grok a central part of the bundle. Paid subscribers receive a shared usage allowance that covers eligible Grok features and Cursor usage.
2. Cursor is now included
Cursor is one of the most significant additions. It brings AI-powered coding assistance and coding agents into the subscription.
This is particularly relevant to developers who previously paid separately for Cursor and another AI subscription. Eligible subscribers can combine their accounts under The X Subscription.
However, third-party models used in Cursor, such as Claude and GPT models, are not included in the shared allowance. Their usage is billed separately through top-ups.
3. X benefits depend on the new subscription tier
The newer subscription does not provide identical X benefits across all plans.
| The X Subscription plan | X benefits |
|---|---|
| Free | Standard X |
| Plus | Checkmark, creator tools, and fewer ads |
| Premium | Full X Premium+ benefits |
| Super | Full X Premium+ benefits |
| Ultra | Full X Premium+ benefits |
To receive the X benefits, subscribers must connect an eligible personal X account to their subscription.
4. Shared AI usage replaces separate included allowances
The X Subscription uses one weekly included usage pool for Grok and Cursor.
This means using more of your allowance in Grok leaves less available for Cursor, and vice versa. Higher subscription tiers provide larger pools.
If you reach your included allowance, you can purchase additional usage through top-ups or wait for the allowance to refresh.
5. Billing is now workspace-based
Legacy X Premium subscribers manage their subscription through the X billing process.
The X Subscription uses a workspace-based billing system. Subscribers can manage their plan, invoices, usage, and payment methods through the Grok dashboard.
This is particularly useful for individuals and teams managing multiple services under one subscription.
What Happens to Existing X Premium Subscribers?
Existing X Premium subscribers can continue using their current plans. Their subscription, price, and features remain unchanged unless they decide to switch or cancel.
X has made switching to The X Subscription optional, rather than automatically transferring everyone to the new billing structure.
If you currently have X Premium or Premium+, you can review the available switching option in your account billing settings.
1. Can X Premium+ subscribers keep their benefits?
Yes. Existing Premium+ subscribers can retain their current benefits without immediately moving to the new subscription.
If they switch, they need to choose Premium or a higher tier under The X Subscription to retain the full X Premium+ benefits.
2. What happens to the old subscription after switching?
When an eligible subscriber switches, the previous subscription is cancelled and replaced by the X Subscription.
Eligible unused subscription time can receive a prorated refund to the original payment method. However, app-store purchases can have separate cancellation and refund requirements.
For example, Cursor subscriptions purchased through Apple’s App Store must be cancelled through Apple. Google Play subscribers should also check their subscription settings after switching to confirm that an old subscription is no longer renewing.
Should You Switch From X Premium to The X Subscription?
Whether switching makes sense depends on how you use X, Grok, and Cursor.
1. Choose The X Subscription if:
- You regularly use Grok for research, writing, or content creation.
- You use Cursor for software development.
- You want to combine eligible subscriptions under one bill.
- You need higher AI usage allowances.
- You want X Premium+ benefits alongside AI and coding tools.
2. Keep your existing X Premium plan if:
- You primarily use X for social networking.
- You do not need Cursor.
- Your current subscription already provides the features you want.
- You prefer to retain your existing price and billing arrangement.
For example, someone who mainly uses X to publish posts, follow creators, and access longer posts may not need the additional products included in The X Subscription. A developer who regularly uses both Grok and Cursor may find the bundled arrangement more useful.
Before switching, compare the actual features and usage allowances shown in your account. The highest-priced tier is not automatically the best choice for every subscriber.
How to Switch From X Premium to the X Subscription?
Existing eligible subscribers can switch through their account billing settings.
The general process is:
- Open the relevant account billing settings.
- Find the option to switch to the X Subscription.
- Review the recommended plan and included usage.
- Connect the eligible Grok, Cursor, and personal X accounts.
- Review the new billing arrangement and confirm the switch.
Existing X subscribers can start the process through the available option on X. The switch may redirect you to the web billing flow.
Important: Account unification is permanent once completed and cannot be undone through customer support. Review the accounts being combined before confirming.
Final Thoughts
The difference between X Subscription vs X Premium comes down to how the services are packaged.
X Premium was designed around paid features on X, while the X Subscription combines X, Grok, and Cursor with shared AI usage and workspace-based billing.
For users who only need additional X features, an existing Premium plan may still be sufficient. Those who regularly use Grok and Cursor may benefit more from the newer bundle.
As 2027 approaches, check the official pricing and subscription documentation before making a decision, since plan availability, pricing, and included features can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is X Premium being replaced by The X Subscription?
The X Subscription is now the main subscription option for new self-service customers. Existing X Premium subscribers can keep their current plans, prices, and features or switch voluntarily.
2. Is The X Subscription the same as X Premium?
No. X Premium provides paid features within X, while The X Subscription combines X benefits with Grok and Cursor access under one billing arrangement.
3. Does The X Subscription include Grok AI?
Yes. Grok access is included in The X Subscription, with usage allowances depending on the selected tier. Grok and Cursor share a weekly usage pool.
4. Do I need to switch from X Premium to The X Subscription?
No. Existing subscribers can keep their current plans. Switching is optional, and you can review the available offer through your account billing settings.
5. Can I keep X Premium+ benefits after switching?
Yes. You need to select Premium, Super, or Ultra under The X Subscription to receive the full X Premium+ benefits.
6. Is Cursor included in X Premium?
No. Cursor is not included as a bundled benefit in the older X Premium plans. It is included in the X Subscription, subject to the plan’s usage allowance and applicable terms.
Also Read –
What Is the X Subscription? Plans, Benefits and How It Works?
How to Manage X Subscription and Billing: A Complete Guide
How to Cancel X Subscription? | Everything You Need to Know (Updated)
X Subscription Refunds: Eligibility and How to Request One (Updated)