Understanding Paramount+ Subscription Plans
Paramount+ offers multiple subscription tiers to suit different budgets and viewing preferences. Choosing the right plan means understanding what's included in each, what the differences are, and what's worth paying extra for. Here's a clear, straightforward breakdown.
Current Paramount+ Plan Tiers
Paramount+ generally offers two main tiers (plan names and pricing may change — always verify the latest at paramountplus.com):
| Feature | Essential (With Ads) | With SHOWTIME (Ad-Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | Lower tier | Higher tier |
| Ads during playback | Yes | No (most content) |
| Live CBS local stations | Yes | Yes |
| Live sports (NFL, March Madness) | Yes | Yes |
| Paramount+ originals | Yes | Yes |
| SHOWTIME content | No | Yes |
| Offline downloads | No | Yes |
| 4K streaming | Select content | Select content |
What's Included in the Essential Plan?
The Essential (ad-supported) plan gives you:
- Access to Paramount+ originals like Halo, Tulsa King, and Star Trek series
- Live CBS local station broadcasts (news, sports, primetime)
- NFL on CBS and other live sporting events
- Full CBS show libraries on demand
- A large library of movies from Paramount, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and Comedy Central
Ads appear during most on-demand content, but live CBS streams are generally uninterrupted by streaming ads (standard TV commercials still air).
What Does the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME Plan Add?
Upgrading to the premium tier adds:
- Ad-free viewing on the vast majority of on-demand content
- SHOWTIME's full library including original series and premium movies
- Offline downloads so you can watch on mobile without internet
- Early access to certain CBS episodes before they air on TV
Is a Free Trial Available?
Paramount+ occasionally offers free trials for new subscribers. Trial availability can vary by region and time of year. Check paramountplus.com directly for the current offer — promotional periods are most common around major sporting events or new season premieres.
How to Subscribe
- Visit paramountplus.com and click "Try It Free" or "Subscribe."
- Choose your preferred plan.
- Create an account with your email address.
- Enter payment details to complete sign-up.
- Use your new account credentials to activate CBS on your devices via CBS.com/activate.
Can You Cancel Anytime?
Yes. Paramount+ subscriptions are month-to-month with no long-term contract. You can cancel at any time from your account settings at paramountplus.com, and your access continues until the end of the current billing period.
Bundling Options
Paramount+ is available as part of certain bundle packages through providers like Apple One, Amazon Prime Video Channels, and select cable/satellite providers. Bundles can offer savings if you're already subscribed to other services in the package.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
- Choose Essential if you primarily want live CBS, sports, and Paramount+ originals on a budget and don't mind ads.
- Choose Paramount+ with SHOWTIME if you want an ad-free experience, SHOWTIME content, and the ability to download shows for offline viewing.