What Paramount Plus offers and how much it costs
Paramount Plus is a streaming service owned by Paramount Global that shows films, television series, live sports, and original programming. The service offers two main subscription tiers: one with ads and one without ads. The ad-supported plan costs less per month than the ad-free plan, though the exact price varies by region and changes periodically. Both plans give you access to the same content library; the difference is whether commercials play during viewing.
Paramount Plus also offers a bundle option that combines the service with Showtime, a premium channel that shows films and original series. This bundle costs more than Paramount Plus alone but less than paying for both services separately. Some internet service providers and mobile carriers include Paramount Plus as part of their packages, so if you already subscribe to those services, you may already have access.
The service works on most devices: smartphones, tablets, computers, smart televisions, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV. You can read episodes to watch offline on mobile devices, though this feature is limited to the ad-free plan.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus has two paid tiers—one with ads at a lower price and one without ads at a higher price—plus a bundle option that adds Showtime.
- Both paid plans include the same content; the difference is the presence of advertisements during playback.
- You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices, and read episodes to watch later on mobile if you have the ad-free plan.
- Some internet providers and mobile carriers include Paramount Plus as part of their service, so check your existing subscriptions before paying separately.
How to set up a Paramount Plus account
To start using Paramount Plus, you visit the Paramount Plus website or read the app on your device. You create an account by entering an email address and password. During sign-up, you choose which plan you want: the ad-supported version or the ad-free version. You then enter a payment method—a credit card, debit card, or sometimes a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
After you complete payment, your account is active when ready and you can begin watching. If you signed up through a third-party service like an internet provider or mobile carrier, the setup process may differ; you may log in using your existing account with that provider instead of creating a new Paramount Plus account.
You can change your plan at any time through your account settings. If you downgrade from ad-free to ad-supported, the change takes effect right away. If you upgrade, you may be charged a prorated amount for the difference in price for the remainder of your billing cycle.
What content is available on each plan
Both the ad-supported and ad-free plans include access to the same content library: current and past seasons of CBS television shows, films from the Paramount film studio, original series made for Paramount Plus, live sports events (primarily NFL games and some other sports depending on your region), and news programming from CBS News. The library changes regularly as new content is added and older content is removed.
Some live sports events and certain premium content may require an additional subscription beyond Paramount Plus. For example, some NFL games are exclusive to Paramount Plus, but other games may be on other networks. The Showtime bundle gives you access to Showtime's original series and films in addition to everything in Paramount Plus.
The main practical difference between plans is that the ad-free plan lets you read episodes to watch offline on mobile devices, while the ad-supported plan does not include this feature. Both plans allow you to create multiple user profiles within one account, so different household members can have separate watch histories and recommendations.
How billing and cancellation work
Paramount Plus charges your payment method on a monthly basis. Your billing date is the same day each month that you signed up. You can view your billing history and payment method in your account settings at any time. If your payment method expires or the charge fails, Paramount Plus will attempt to charge you again; if it continues to fail, your account may be suspended until you update your payment information.
To cancel your subscription, you log into your account, go to your subscription settings, and select the option to cancel. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, not when ready. This means if you cancel on the 15th of the month and your billing date is the 20th, you keep access until the 20th and are not charged again. If you cancel and then want to resubscribe later, you can do so by signing back in or creating a new account.
If you subscribed through a third-party service like an internet provider, you may need to cancel through that provider's website or customer service rather than through Paramount Plus itself. Check your provider's instructions to confirm where to make changes.
Comparing Paramount Plus to other streaming services
Paramount Plus competes with other subscription streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu. The main differences are the content each service offers and the price. Paramount Plus focuses on CBS television content, Paramount films, and live sports; Netflix has a different library of films and series; Disney Plus emphasizes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content; Hulu carries current-season television shows from multiple networks plus films.
Some people subscribe to multiple services to access different content. Others choose one service based on which content they watch most. Paramount Plus offers a lower entry price with its ad-supported plan compared to some competitors, though the ad-free plan is priced similarly to other services' standard plans. The Showtime bundle is an option if you want premium content without paying for two separate subscriptions.
If you already have access through an internet provider or mobile carrier, comparing the cost of a standalone subscription to what you already pay may help you decide whether to add it separately.
Troubleshooting common issues
If you cannot log into your account, first check that you are using the correct email address and password. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. Paramount Plus will send a password reset link to your email address. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or try again after a few minutes.
If you can log in but content will not play, try closing the app or browser and reopening it. If you are using a web browser, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies. If you are using an app, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. Make sure your internet connection is stable; streaming requires a consistent connection, and a weak or interrupted connection can cause playback to stop or buffer.
If you see an error message, note the exact text and check the Paramount Plus help center on their website, which lists common error codes and solutions. If the problem persists, you can contact Paramount Plus customer service through their website; response times vary depending on the method you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount Plus on multiple devices at the same time?
The number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan and may vary by region. Generally, the ad-supported plan allows fewer simultaneous streams than the ad-free plan. Check your account settings or the Paramount Plus website for the specific limit in your area. If you exceed the limit, you will see an error message and one stream will stop.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch Paramount Plus?
No. Paramount Plus is a standalone streaming service and does not require a cable subscription. You only need an internet connection and a compatible device. Some cable providers offer Paramount Plus as part of their package, but you can also subscribe directly without cable.
Can I share my Paramount Plus account with people outside my household?
Paramount Plus terms of service state that accounts are for personal use within a household. Sharing login credentials with people outside your household may violate the terms. Some services are beginning to restrict account sharing, so check the current terms on the Paramount Plus website for the most recent policy.
What happens to my shows if I cancel my subscription?
If you cancel, you lose access to all content on Paramount Plus once your subscription ends. Your watch history and user profiles are saved, so if you resubscribe later, your account will be restored. Any episodes you downloaded to watch offline will no longer play after your subscription ends.
Is there a free trial for Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus occasionally offers free trial periods, but availability and length vary. Check the Paramount Plus website to see if a trial is currently available in your region. Trials typically require a payment method on file and will charge you after the trial ends unless you cancel before the trial period ends.