Paramount Plus has four subscription tiers, ranging from a basic ad-supported plan to a premium option with live sports

Paramount Plus offers four subscription levels: Essential (with ads), Essential Plus (with ads but more features), Premium (no ads), and Premium Plus (no ads plus live sports and offline downloads). The price and what each plan includes changes periodically, so the current cost depends on when you sign up and which plan you choose. Each tier removes ads or adds features like sports access, but the core library of shows and movies is the same across all plans.

The main difference between plans is whether you see ads, whether you can watch live sports events, and whether you can download content to watch offline. If you only watch on-demand shows and movies and don't mind ads, the cheapest tier works. If you want no interruptions or access to live NFL games and other sports, you'll pay more.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus has four plans: Essential and Essential Plus (both with ads), Premium (no ads), and Premium Plus (no ads plus sports and downloads).
  • The price of each plan varies and changes over time, so you should check the Paramount Plus website directly for current rates.
  • Ad-supported plans cost less but interrupt your viewing; ad-free plans cost more but let you watch without commercial breaks.
  • Premium Plus is the only plan that includes live sports like NFL games, college football, and UEFA Champions League matches.
  • You can cancel or change your plan at any time through your account settings on the Paramount Plus website or app.

What the Essential plan includes

The Essential plan is the lowest-cost option and includes the full Paramount Plus library of TV shows, movies, and original series. You will see ads during playback, similar to watching cable television. The plan works on one device at a time, meaning only one person in your household can watch at once.

This plan does not include live sports, offline downloads, or the ability to watch on multiple screens simultaneously. If you live alone or watch one at a time, and you don't mind commercial breaks, this is the cheapest way to access Paramount Plus content.

What Essential Plus and Premium add

Essential Plus keeps the ads but adds the ability to watch on two devices at the same time and includes offline downloads so you can watch shows and movies without an internet connection. This plan is useful if multiple people in your household watch at the same time or if you travel and want to download content beforehand.

Premium removes all ads from your viewing experience. You still watch on one device at a time, but you get uninterrupted playback. Premium does not include live sports or offline downloads. If ads are your main complaint but you don't need sports or simultaneous viewing, Premium is the middle option.

Premium Plus: sports, downloads, and simultaneous viewing

Premium Plus is the highest tier and combines everything: no ads, the ability to watch on four devices at the same time, offline downloads, and access to live sports. Live sports on Paramount Plus include NFL games, college football, UEFA Champions League soccer matches, and other events depending on the season.

This plan costs the most but is the only way to watch live sports through Paramount Plus. If you want to watch games live and also have ad-free on-demand content with multiple household members watching at once, Premium Plus is required.

How to change or cancel your plan

You can change your plan or cancel at any time through your Paramount Plus account. On the website, log in, go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select the option to change or cancel. On the mobile app, the same settings are usually in your profile menu.

If you cancel, you keep access until the end of your current billing period. If you downgrade to a cheaper plan, the change takes effect on your next billing date. There are no penalties for canceling or changing plans, and you can restart a subscription later if you want to return.

Bundling Paramount Plus with other services

Paramount Plus is sometimes bundled with other streaming services or offered as part of a larger package through cable or internet providers. These bundles may cost less than buying Paramount Plus alone, but they lock you into multiple services. Check whether you actually watch the other services included before committing to a bundle.

Some internet or phone providers offer Paramount Plus as a free or discounted add-on for existing customers. If you already subscribe to another service, it's worth asking your provider whether Paramount Plus is included or discounted as part of your plan.

Free trial periods and promotional offers

Paramount Plus occasionally offers free trial periods or discounted rates for new subscribers, but these promotions change frequently and vary by region. The trial period, if available, usually lasts one week to one month depending on the plan and current promotion. After the trial ends, you are charged the regular price unless you cancel before the trial expires.

Promotional pricing sometimes locks you into a lower rate for a set period, after which the price increases to the standard rate. Read the terms carefully before signing up to understand when your price will change and what you need to do to cancel if you don't want to continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus on multiple devices with the Essential plan?

No. The Essential plan allows streaming on one device at a time only. Essential Plus allows two simultaneous streams, and Premium Plus allows four. If you need multiple people watching at once, you need Essential Plus or higher.

Do I need Premium Plus to watch live sports?

Yes. Live sports like NFL games and UEFA Champions League are only available on the Premium Plus plan. The other three plans include the on-demand library but not live events.

Can I download shows to watch offline?

Only on Essential Plus and Premium Plus. The Essential and Premium plans do not include offline downloads. If you travel or want to watch without internet, you need one of the download-enabled plans.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

You keep access to your account until the end of your current billing period. After that date, you lose access to all content. You can restart your subscription anytime by logging back in and choosing a plan.

Is there a difference in the shows and movies available between plans?

No. All four plans have access to the same library of content. The difference is whether you see ads, how many devices can watch at once, whether you can download, and whether you can watch live sports.