Paramount+ subscription costs between $5.99 and $12.99 per month depending on the plan you choose

Paramount+ offers three tiers. The Essential plan costs $5.99 per month and includes ads. The Plus plan costs $11.99 per month and removes most ads. The Premium plan costs $12.99 per month and includes ad-free viewing plus the ability to download content to watch offline. All three plans give you access to the same library of shows, movies, and live sports — the difference is how many ads you see and whether you can download.

Paramount+ also offers annual billing for the Essential and Plus plans. If you pay yearly instead of monthly, you save money: Essential is $59.99 per year (about $5 per month), and Plus is $119.99 per year (about $10 per month). The Premium plan does not have an annual option and bills monthly only.

Prices can change, and Paramount has adjusted them several times since the service launched. The amounts listed here were current as of early 2024, but you should confirm the current price on the Paramount+ website before you subscribe.

Key Takeaways

  • Essential plan at $5.99 per month includes ads but costs the least; paying yearly brings it to about $5 per month.
  • Plus plan at $11.99 per month removes most ads and also has a yearly option at $119.99 per year.
  • Premium plan at $12.99 per month removes all ads and lets you download shows and movies to watch offline.
  • All three plans access the same content library — the choice depends on whether you want ads and whether you need offline viewing.

What each plan includes and what it leaves out

The Essential plan shows ads before and during content. You can stream on one device at a time, and you cannot download anything to watch later. This plan works if you do not mind ads and watch on one screen in your home.

The Plus plan removes most ads — you may still see a few at the start of some shows — and lets you stream on two devices at the same time. You still cannot download. This plan suits people in a household with two people who watch at different times, or one person who watches on a phone and a TV.

The Premium plan removes all ads, lets you stream on four devices at once, and includes offline downloads. You can download a show to your phone and watch it on a plane or during a commute without using data. This plan costs the most but gives you the most flexibility.

How to pay and when billing happens

Paramount+ takes payment through a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. When you sign up, you choose whether to pay monthly or yearly (for Essential and Plus only). Your first charge happens immediately, and then you are charged on the same day each month or year.

You can change your plan or cancel anytime. If you upgrade from Essential to Plus mid-month, Paramount+ prorates the difference — you pay only for the days you use the higher tier. If you downgrade, the change takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle.

Bundled pricing with other services

Paramount offers a bundle that includes Paramount+, Showtime, and the Paramount+ Premium plan (ad-free with downloads). The bundle costs $19.99 per month. If you already subscribe to Showtime separately, or if you want both services, the bundle saves money compared to paying for each one alone.

Some internet or phone providers also offer Paramount+ as part of their package. If you subscribe to certain carriers or internet plans, you may get a free or discounted Paramount+ subscription. Check with your provider to see whether this benefit is included in your plan.

Free trials and promotional offers

Paramount+ occasionally runs free trial periods, usually seven days, though the length and availability change. A free trial lets you test the service before you pay. During the trial, you can watch the full library and switch between plans to see which one fits your needs.

The trial period ends automatically, and your subscription begins to bill unless you cancel before the trial ends. Set a reminder on your calendar so you do not forget to cancel if you decide not to keep the service.

Comparing Paramount+ to other streaming services

Paramount+ is one of several streaming options. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and Apple TV+ each have their own pricing and content. Paramount+ focuses on CBS shows, movies from the Paramount film studio, live sports including NFL and college football, and reality TV. If you watch mostly those types of content, Paramount+ may be worth the cost. If you prefer other studios' shows or movies, a different service might suit you better.

Many people subscribe to multiple services. Some use a bundle like the Paramount, Showtime, and Paramount+ package to reduce the total cost. Others rotate subscriptions — subscribing to one service for a few months, then pausing it and subscribing to another. This approach lets you watch what you want without paying for everything at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Paramount+ account with people outside my household?

Paramount+ allows you to stream on multiple devices at once depending on your plan — two devices for Plus, four for Premium. However, the service is meant for household members. Paramount has been cracking down on account sharing outside the home and may require you to verify your location or sign in periodically.

What happens if I cancel and want to come back later?

You can cancel anytime and restart whenever you want. Your account information stays on file, so you can log back in with the same email and password. You will not lose your watchlist or viewing history. When you restart, you pay the current price for the plan you choose.

Does Paramount+ charge tax on top of the subscription price?

Tax rules vary by state and country. Some states charge sales tax on streaming subscriptions, and others do not. Paramount+ will show you the total amount including tax before you complete your purchase, so you know the exact charge before you confirm.

Is there a student discount for Paramount+?

Paramount+ does not currently offer a student discount. However, some student phone plans or internet packages include Paramount+ as a perk. Check whether your carrier or internet provider bundles it with your plan.