What CBS subscription costs and what you get

CBS offers two subscription tiers: CBS (with ads) and CBS All Access (ad-free). The ad-supported plan costs less per month, while the ad-free plan costs more. Prices change periodically, so check CBS.com directly for current rates. Both plans let you stream CBS shows, movies, and live sports on your devices.

The main difference between the two is whether you see commercials. The ad-free tier also sometimes includes early access to new episodes or exclusive content, though this varies. Both plans work on phones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs and streaming devices.

You can cancel either plan at any time — there is no contract or cancellation fee. Your access stops at the end of the billing period you paid for.

Key Takeaways

  • CBS offers an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan at different price points, both renewable monthly with no long-term commitment.
  • Both plans stream the same shows and live sports, but the ad-free version removes commercials and may include early episode access.
  • You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and compatible smart TVs and streaming devices using the CBS app or website.
  • Cancellation happens through your account settings on CBS.com or through the app, and takes effect at the end of your current billing period.
  • If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes CBS, you may be able to stream CBS content without a separate subscription using your TV provider login.

How to start a CBS subscription

Go to CBS.com and select the plan you want. You will need an email address and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal). Enter your information, confirm your plan choice, and your subscription begins when ready. You can start watching right away on any device where you read the CBS app or log into the website.

If you already have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes CBS as a channel, you may not need a separate CBS subscription. Instead, you can use your TV provider login to stream CBS shows through the CBS app or website. Check the CBS website to see which TV providers are supported for this option.

What devices work with CBS

The CBS app and website work on iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, Mac and Windows computers, Amazon Fire devices, Roku devices, Apple TV, Google TV, and Samsung Smart TVs. Some older devices or TV models may not support the app, so check the CBS website or your device's app store to confirm compatibility before you subscribe.

You can stream on multiple devices with one subscription, but the number of devices you can watch on at the same time depends on your plan. Check your plan details on CBS.com for the exact number of simultaneous streams included.

How billing works and when charges appear

Your first charge happens when you create your subscription. After that, you are charged on the same day each month. Your payment method is charged automatically unless you cancel before that date arrives.

If your payment fails, CBS will try again on the next few days. If it continues to fail, your subscription may be suspended until you update your payment information. You can update your card or payment method anytime in your account settings on CBS.com.

Your billing statement will show the charge as coming from CBS or Paramount (the parent company). If you do not recognize the charge, log into your CBS account to confirm the subscription is still active, or contact your bank to dispute it.

How to cancel your CBS subscription

Log into your account on CBS.com, go to Account Settings, and look for a Subscription or Billing section. Select the option to cancel or manage your subscription. You will see a confirmation that your plan will end at the end of your current billing period — you will not be charged again after that date.

If you subscribed through an app (like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store) rather than directly through CBS.com, you must cancel through that app store instead. Go to your app store account settings, find CBS in your subscriptions, and select cancel there.

After you cancel, you lose access to CBS content when your current billing period ends. You can resubscribe at any time by going through the sign-up process again.

Troubleshooting common CBS subscription problems

If you cannot log in, reset your password on CBS.com by clicking "Forgot Password" on the login page. You will receive an email with a link to create a new password. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.

If the app crashes or will not load, try closing it completely and reopening it. If that does not work, uninstall the app, restart your device, and reinstall it from your device's app store. Make sure your device has the latest software updates installed.

If you are charged after you thought you cancelled, log into your account to confirm whether the subscription is still active. If it is, you may have cancelled through the wrong method (for example, through the website instead of through your app store). Cancel through the correct method and contact CBS customer service if you believe you were charged in error.

If you see a message that your region is not supported, CBS may not be available in your country or area. CBS is primarily available in the United States. If you are traveling outside the US, you may not be able to stream.

CBS subscription versus other streaming services

CBS is one option among many streaming services. Some people subscribe to multiple services to watch different shows and movies. Others use a cable or satellite TV subscription instead, which includes CBS as a live channel plus on-demand episodes.

If you only want to watch CBS shows and sports, a CBS subscription is usually cheaper than a full cable package. If you want a wider range of content, you might combine CBS with other services, or choose a larger streaming bundle that includes CBS along with other channels and content.

Some streaming bundles (like Paramount+ with Showtime, or YouTube TV) include CBS as part of a package. Compare the total cost of a bundle against the cost of subscribing to CBS alone plus other services you want, to see which option costs less for what you actually watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS live sports with a subscription?

Yes, both CBS subscription plans include live sports that air on CBS, such as NFL games, NCAA basketball, and golf tournaments. The schedule changes by season, so check CBS.com to see which sports are currently available. You can watch live events as they air, or sometimes watch replays afterward depending on the sport and event.

What happens if I share my CBS login with someone else?

Your subscription allows a certain number of simultaneous streams (the number varies by plan). If more people try to watch at the same time than your plan allows, one of them will be logged out. Sharing your login with people outside your household may violate CBS's terms of service, so check those terms on CBS.com.

Can I get a discount or free trial?

CBS occasionally offers promotional rates or trial periods, but these change frequently and are not always available. Check CBS.com directly to see current offers. Some TV providers also bundle CBS subscription as part of a package, which may cost less than subscribing separately.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch CBS?

No. A CBS subscription works on its own without cable or satellite TV. However, if you already have cable or satellite that includes CBS, you can often stream CBS content using your TV provider login instead of paying for a separate subscription.

What if I want to watch CBS shows but do not want to pay every month?

You can subscribe for one month, watch what you want, and then cancel before the next billing date. This way you only pay for one month. You can resubscribe later whenever you want to watch again. Some shows are also available free on CBS.com with ads, though the selection is smaller than what a subscription offers.