Paramount Plus is a streaming service owned by Paramount that charges a monthly fee for access to movies, TV shows, and live sports
Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers: one with ads and one without. The ad-supported plan costs less per month than the ad-free plan. Both give you access to the same content library, but the ad-free version lets you watch without interruption. The service includes live sports through CBS, which means some games and events stream only on Paramount Plus rather than on cable.
You watch through an app on your phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. You can stream on multiple devices at once, though the number of simultaneous streams depends on which plan you choose. Paramount Plus also offers a bundle with Showtime, which adds another layer of cost but combines two services into one subscription.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus has two plans: one with ads at a lower price and one ad-free at a higher price, with the same content on both.
- The service includes live CBS broadcasts and some sports events that do not air on cable television.
- You can watch on multiple devices at the same time, but the number of simultaneous streams varies by plan.
- A bundle option combines Paramount Plus with Showtime for a single monthly charge instead of paying for each separately.
The two subscription plans and what they cost
The ad-supported plan is the cheaper option and includes the full content library with commercial breaks during shows and movies. The ad-free plan removes those interruptions but costs more per month. Both plans let you download content to watch offline on the Paramount Plus app, which is useful if you travel or have spotty internet.
Paramount Plus occasionally runs promotional pricing for new subscribers, such as a discounted first month or first few months at a reduced rate. These offers change throughout the year and vary by region. The regular monthly price for each tier stays the same once the promotional period ends, unless Paramount raises prices — which streaming services do periodically.
If you bundle Paramount Plus with Showtime, you pay one monthly charge that covers both services. This costs less than paying for them separately. The bundle is available on both the ad-supported and ad-free tiers of Paramount Plus.
What content is included
Paramount Plus carries movies and TV shows from the Paramount film and television library, which includes franchises like Star Trek, Mission Impossible, and shows from CBS. The service also has original series made specifically for Paramount Plus, such as Yellowstone and 1883. You get access to the full back catalog of many shows, meaning you can watch entire seasons from the beginning.
Live sports on Paramount Plus include NFL games, college football, college basketball, and some golf tournaments. Not every game streams on Paramount Plus — some remain on cable or network television — but certain matchups and events are exclusive to the service. CBS broadcasts are also available live through Paramount Plus if you have a subscription.
The content library changes over time. Shows and movies are added regularly, and some titles are removed when licensing agreements end. Paramount Plus publishes a monthly list of what is coming and what is leaving, so you can plan around titles you want to watch.
How many people can watch at the same time
The ad-supported plan allows a set number of simultaneous streams, and the ad-free plan allows a higher number. This means multiple people in your household can watch different shows or movies at the same time on different devices. If you exceed the limit, you will see a message telling you that too many streams are active and asking you to stop watching on one device.
Paramount Plus does not restrict where you watch from, but the service is designed for use within your household. If you share your login with people outside your home, you may run into stream limits or account access issues, depending on how the service detects usage patterns.
Bundling with other services
The Paramount Plus and Showtime bundle combines two separate services into one subscription. Showtime is a premium channel that carries original series, movies, and sports programming. Bundling costs less than paying for Paramount Plus and Showtime separately, so it is worth comparing the bundle price to the individual prices if you want both services.
You can also bundle Paramount Plus with other services through third-party platforms. Some cable providers and streaming aggregators offer Paramount Plus as part of a larger package. These bundles vary by provider and region, so check what is available where you live.
Canceling your subscription
You can cancel Paramount Plus at any time through your account settings in the app or on the website. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you keep access until that date. There is no penalty for canceling, and you can restart your subscription later if you want to return.
If you subscribed through a third-party platform like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon, you may need to cancel through that platform instead of through Paramount Plus directly. Check your account settings to see where your subscription is managed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount Plus on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. The ad-supported plan allows fewer streams than the ad-free plan. If you exceed the limit, you will need to stop watching on one device before starting on another.
Do I have to watch ads on the cheaper plan?
Yes. The ad-supported plan includes commercial breaks during shows and movies. The ad-free plan removes these interruptions but costs more per month. Both plans have the same content.
Can I download shows to watch offline?
Yes. Both the ad-supported and ad-free plans let you download content through the Paramount Plus app to watch later without an internet connection. Downloaded content expires after a set period, so you cannot keep it permanently.
What sports are on Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus carries NFL games, college football, college basketball, and some golf tournaments. Not every game is exclusive to Paramount Plus — some air on cable or network television. CBS live broadcasts are also available to subscribers.
Can I share my login with family members who live elsewhere?
Paramount Plus is designed for household use. Sharing your login with people outside your home may cause stream limits or account access issues. Check the service's terms of use for the current policy on account sharing.