What Paramount Plus costs and what each plan includes
Paramount Plus offers three subscription tiers, each with different pricing and ad loads. The basic plan with ads costs less per month but shows commercials during shows and movies. The premium plan without ads costs more but lets you watch without interruption. A third tier, Paramount Plus with Showtime, bundles both services together at a higher price.
The exact monthly cost varies by region and changes periodically — Paramount adjusts prices without notice to existing subscribers in some cases. You can see the current price for your location by visiting the Paramount Plus website or opening the app. Most plans renew automatically each month unless you turn off auto-renewal in your account settings.
All tiers give you access to the same content library: CBS shows, movies, live sports, and Paramount's original series. The difference is whether ads play and whether you get Showtime channels bundled in. If you watch on multiple devices at once, check the plan details — some tiers limit how many screens can stream simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus offers an ad-supported plan at a lower price and an ad-free plan at a higher price, with a third option that includes Showtime.
- Monthly cost varies by location and Paramount may raise prices for new subscribers or existing ones during renewal.
- All plans access the same shows and movies; the difference is ads and whether Showtime is included.
- Auto-renewal is on by default, so you must manually turn it off in account settings if you want to cancel.
- Some plans limit how many devices can stream at the same time, so check your plan's details before sharing access.
How to start and stop a subscription
To start a Paramount Plus subscription, go to the Paramount Plus website or read the app, then select the plan you want. You will need to enter a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or sometimes a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Paramount will charge you when ready for the first month, then on the same date each month after that.
To cancel, log into your account on the website, go to Account Settings, and look for a Subscription or Billing section. You should see an option to turn off auto-renewal or cancel entirely. If you cancel before your next billing date, you usually keep access until that date passes. If you cancel after being charged, you cannot get a refund for the current month in most cases.
Some people sign up through a third-party service — a phone carrier, a streaming bundle, or a cable provider — rather than directly with Paramount. If that is your situation, you cancel through that service, not through Paramount's website. Check your bill or the service's app to see where your Paramount Plus subscription is managed.
When your bill changes and why
Paramount Plus has raised prices multiple times since launch. If you are a new subscriber, you pay the current price. If you are an existing subscriber, Paramount may raise your price during renewal, though the timing and amount vary. The company sometimes grandfathers older subscribers at lower rates for a period, then raises them later.
Price increases usually happen without advance warning on your bill — you may not see a notice until you check your account or your payment method is charged. Some subscribers report receiving an email a few days before the increase takes effect, but this is not may provide. The best way to track your cost is to check your account settings monthly or set a calendar reminder for your renewal date.
If your price increases and you no longer want to pay, you can cancel before the new charge goes through. You have until your next billing date to decide. Some people pause their subscription instead of canceling — Paramount allows this for a limited time, letting you come back later without losing your watchlist or preferences.
Sharing access and account management
Paramount Plus allows you to create multiple profiles within one account, which is useful if you share a household. Each profile has its own watchlist, recommendations, and viewing history. However, the number of people who can stream at the same time depends on your plan — some tiers allow only one stream, others allow two or more.
If someone outside your household uses your login, you are sharing your password. Paramount's terms of service say subscriptions are for personal, non-commercial use within a single household. The company has not aggressively enforced password sharing the way some competitors have, but this could change. If you want to share with someone who does not live with you, they should have their own subscription.
You can see which devices are currently using your account by going to Account Settings and looking for an Active Devices or Streaming Devices section. From there you can sign out of devices remotely if someone else is using your login without permission.
Bundling Paramount Plus with other services
Several companies offer Paramount Plus as part of a larger package. Some phone carriers include it free or discounted with certain plans. Streaming bundles like Paramount Plus with Showtime combine two services at a single price. Amazon Prime Video subscribers can add Paramount Plus as an add-on channel through Prime.
The cost and terms depend on which bundle you choose. A carrier bundle might be free but only for a limited time, then revert to paid. A Showtime bundle costs more than Paramount Plus alone but less than both services separately. An Amazon Prime add-on is billed through your Amazon account, not directly by Paramount.
If you bundle through a third party, canceling works differently than canceling a direct subscription. You cancel through the carrier, the bundle provider, or Amazon — not through Paramount's website. Check your bill to see where the charge appears and where you should go to manage it.
What happens if you do not pay
If your payment method fails or you do not have enough funds, Paramount will usually try to charge you again a few days later. If the second attempt fails, your account may be suspended — you cannot watch anything until you update your payment method. Paramount does not when ready delete your account or watchlist; it stays in a suspended state for a period.
If your account stays suspended for several months, Paramount may eventually close it and delete your profile data. The exact timeline is not published, but it is typically several months of non-payment. If you want to reactivate, you update your payment method and the subscription resumes.
Unlike some services, Paramount does not charge late fees or send debt to a collection agency for a failed subscription charge. The worst outcome is that your account gets closed and you lose access. If you know you cannot pay, canceling proactively is better than letting it lapse.
Comparing Paramount Plus to other streaming services
Paramount Plus competes with Netflix, Disney Plus, Max, and others. The main difference is content: Paramount Plus focuses on CBS shows, movies from Paramount Pictures, live sports, and originals. If you watch a lot of Marvel or Star Wars, Disney Plus is stronger. If you want HBO shows, Max is the better choice. If you want the broadest movie library, Netflix typically has more films.
Price-wise, Paramount Plus with ads is usually cheaper than competitors' ad-free plans, but the ad-free version is comparable to Netflix and Disney Plus. Some people subscribe to multiple services rather than choosing one. Others rotate subscriptions — signing up for a month or two, watching what they want, then canceling and switching to another service.
Live sports are a unique feature of Paramount Plus: you get live NFL games, college sports, and some soccer matches depending on your plan. If sports are important to you, this is a reason to keep the subscription year-round rather than rotating it seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free trial of Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus does not currently offer a free trial period for new subscribers. However, some phone carriers or bundle offers include a free month as a promotional deal. Check the Paramount Plus website to see if any current promotions are running in your area.
What payment methods does Paramount Plus take?
Paramount Plus accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and sometimes carrier billing if you sign up through a phone company. The exact options depend on your country and how you sign up. You can update your payment method in Account Settings at any time.
Can I watch Paramount Plus on my TV?
Yes. Paramount Plus works on most smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, gaming consoles, and web browsers. read the app from your TV's app store or visit the website on a web browser. You log in with the same account you use on your phone or computer.
What if I want to pause my subscription instead of canceling?
Paramount Plus allows you to pause your subscription for a limited time — usually up to three months. During a pause, you are not charged, but your account and watchlist stay intact. You can resume whenever you want. Look for a Pause Subscription option in your Account Settings.
Does Paramount Plus work outside the United States?
Paramount Plus is available in several countries, but the content library, pricing, and features vary by region. If you travel or move, your subscription may not work in the new location, or you may need to sign up for a local version. Check the Paramount Plus website for your country to see what is available.