CBS subscription costs and what's included

CBS offers two subscription tiers: CBS (with ads) and CBS All Access Premium (ad-free). The ad-supported plan costs less per month than the ad-free version. Both give you access to live TV, on-demand shows, and movies from the CBS library, though the exact price and what's included can shift based on promotions and your location.

The ad-free tier removes commercials from most content, though some shows may still have ads at the beginning or end. Live sports and certain premium events sometimes carry ads even on the premium plan. You can stream on multiple devices, but the number of simultaneous streams allowed depends on which plan you choose — typically one to four screens at once.

CBS also bundles its subscription with other services through parent company Paramount. You may see offers that combine CBS with Showtime, MTV+, BET+, or the full Paramount+ catalog. These bundles usually cost more than CBS alone but less than paying for each service separately.

Key Takeaways

  • CBS offers an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan at different monthly prices, with both including live TV and on-demand content.
  • You can stream on multiple devices at once, though the exact number depends on your plan tier.
  • Bundle options exist that combine CBS with Showtime, Paramount+, and other services for a single monthly charge.
  • Prices and included content can change, so checking the CBS website directly before signing up ensures you know what you're paying for.
  • CBS is owned by Paramount Global, so your subscription account may integrate with other Paramount services.

How to sign up and manage your account

To start a CBS subscription, go to the CBS website or download the CBS app on your device. You'll create an account with an email address and password, then choose your plan. Most plans offer a free trial period before your first charge — the length varies depending on current promotions.

After you sign up, you can manage your subscription through your account settings. This is where you change your plan, update your payment method, or cancel. You can also control which devices are linked to your account and manage parental controls if you have children using the service.

If you're already a Paramount+ subscriber, your CBS content may be included in that subscription rather than requiring a separate sign-up. Check your Paramount+ account to see what's available before paying for CBS separately.

What content is available on CBS

CBS includes live broadcasts of the network's shows, sports events, and news programming. You get access to current episodes of shows airing on CBS, plus a library of past seasons from the network's archive. The exact catalog changes as new seasons premiere and older content rotates off.

Original series made specifically for CBS (or Paramount+) are also included, along with movies and specials. Sports coverage typically includes NFL games, NCAA basketball, and golf tournaments, though some events may require an additional pay-per-view purchase or a cable login.

The on-demand library lets you watch shows and movies whenever you want, rather than waiting for scheduled broadcast times. You can usually rewind, pause, and resume where you left off across devices.

Device compatibility and streaming limits

CBS works on most major devices: smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming boxes (like Roku and Apple TV), and gaming consoles. The CBS app is available through your device's app store, or you can stream through a web browser.

The number of screens you can watch at the same time depends on your plan. The ad-supported plan typically allows fewer simultaneous streams than the premium plan. If you exceed your limit, you'll get a message asking you to stop watching on another device or upgrade your plan.

You can download some content to watch offline on mobile devices, though this feature isn't available on all shows. Check the app to see which titles offer downloads.

Canceling your subscription

You can cancel CBS at any time through your account settings. There's no contract or early termination fee — you stop paying after your current billing period ends. If you cancel mid-month, you usually keep access until the end of that billing cycle.

If you signed up through a third-party service (like Apple, Amazon, or Google Play), you may need to cancel through that platform instead of directly on the CBS website. Check where you originally signed up to know where to go.

CBS sometimes offers discounts or free trial extensions to people who cancel. You may see these offers when you try to cancel, though you're not required to take them.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you can't log in, first check that you're using the correct email and password. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. Make sure your account email is still active and that you're not being blocked by a firewall or VPN.

If the app crashes or won't load, try closing it completely and reopening it. On some devices, you may need to clear the app's cache or reinstall it. Make sure your device has the latest software update and that you have a stable internet connection.

If you're charged twice or see an unexpected charge, check your account to see if you have multiple subscriptions active (for example, one through CBS directly and one through a third-party platform). Contact CBS customer service through the website to dispute charges or get a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch CBS live without a subscription?

Some CBS content is available free through the CBS website and app, but live TV and the full on-demand library require a paid subscription. Free content is limited and usually includes clips or select episodes rather than full live broadcasts.

Do I need a cable login to watch CBS?

No. CBS subscription is separate from cable. You don't need a cable provider account to watch CBS through the app or website — just the CBS subscription itself. If you have cable, you may be able to log in with your cable credentials to unlock additional content, but it's not required.

Can I share my CBS subscription with family members?

You can stream on multiple devices at once depending on your plan, so family members in your household can watch simultaneously on different screens. Sharing your login outside your household may violate the terms of service, and CBS has tools to detect and block account sharing across different locations.

What happens if I pause my subscription?

CBS doesn't offer a pause feature. You can cancel and restart your subscription whenever you want, but you'll lose access immediately upon cancellation. If you restart later, you'll pay the current subscription price, which may be different from what you paid before.

Is CBS included in Paramount+?

CBS content is part of the Paramount+ catalog, so if you have a Paramount+ subscription, you already have access to CBS shows and live TV. You don't need a separate CBS subscription if you're paying for Paramount+.