Paramount Plus Pricing (2024) – How Much It Cost?
Here’s what you need to know upfront: Paramount+ starts at $7.99 monthly for the Essential plan and goes up to $12.99 for the premium tier with SHOWTIME.
But the real value depends on how you plan to use it. Are you looking to stream UEFA Champions League matches without cable? Want ad-free access to exclusive shows? Or do you need a family-friendly service with Nickelodeon content?
In this guide, I’ll cut through the confusion and help you understand exactly what you’ll get for your money. From comparing plans and features to uncovering lesser-known discounts, you’ll find everything you need to make an informed decision about Paramount+ in 2024.
Paramount+ Pricing Overview
Here’s a breakdown of the key pricing details and features of a Paramount+ subscription.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Plan Cost | $7.99/month (Essential) |
| Premium Plan Cost | $12.99/month (With SHOWTIME) |
| Annual Plan Savings | Up to $36/year |
| Free Trial Period | 7 days |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 devices |
| Video Quality | Up to 4K (Premium plan) |
| Content Library | 45,000+ titles |
| Live Sports | Yes (select events) |
Pros And Cons Of Paramount+
Before committing to a subscription, let’s weigh the strengths and limitations of Paramount+ to help you choose better.
Pros
- Extensive content library from multiple networks (CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, etc.)
- Competitive pricing compared to other streaming services
- Includes live sports coverage, especially UEFA Champions League
- A strong lineup of original content and exclusive shows
- Bundled SHOWTIME content in the premium tier
- Supports 4K HDR streaming on select content
Cons
- The essential plan includes unskippable ads
- Limited offline downloading (premium plan only)
- Smaller selection of original content compared to competitors
- Live TV features are limited to the premium tier
Which Paramount+ Plan To Choose?
Understanding the differences between Paramount+’s two subscription tiers is crucial for picking the right plan for your needs.
| Feature | Essential Plan | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $7.99 | $12.99 |
| Annual Price | $59.99 | $119.99 |
| Ad-Free Viewing | ❌ | ✓ |
| 4K HDR Content | ❌ | ✓ |
| Local CBS Live | ❌ | ✓ |
| Mobile Downloads | ❌ | ✓ |
| Live Sports | Limited | Full Access |
| SHOWTIME Content | ❌ | ✓ |
| Simultaneous Streams | ✓ (3) | ✓ (3) |
1. Essential Plan ($7.99/month or $59.99/year)
This entry-level plan offers access to over 45,000 titles, including CBS content, NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League matches, and original series.
While it includes ads during streaming, you get three simultaneous streams and HD-quality content. The main limitations are no offline downloads and no local CBS live streaming.
2. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME ($12.99/month or $119.99/year)
The premium tier removes most ads and bundles all SHOWTIME content alongside Paramount’s library. You get perks like 4K HDR streaming support, offline downloads for mobile viewing, and live local CBS channel access.
This plan also includes complete sports coverage with NCAA basketball, PGA Tour, and additional soccer content, making it ideal for sports fans.
Does Paramount+ Offer Discounts?
From student rates to military discounts, Paramount+ offers several ways to save on your subscription. Here’s every discount currently available.
Annual Subscription Savings – 23% OFF
For all subscribers, choosing annual billing over monthly payments can save subscribers up to $36:
- Essential Plan: $59.99/year (versus $95.88 if paying monthly)
- With SHOWTIME: $119.99/year (versus $155.88 if paying monthly)
Student Discount – 25% OFF
College students can enjoy a 25% discount on the Essential plan, bringing the monthly cost down to $5.99. Verification of current enrollment at an accredited institution is required through a third-party service.
Military Discount – 25% OFF
Active service members, veterans, and their families qualify for a 25% lifetime discount on any Paramount+ plan. The discount remains active as long as the subscription continues, requiring verification through SheerID.
Teacher Discount – 50% OFF
Educators can access a substantial 50% discount on Paramount+ subscriptions, bringing the premium plan down to $6.49/month. Verification of current employment at an educational institution is required.
Senior/AARP Discount – 10% OFF
AARP members receive a 10% discount on any Paramount+ plan for the lifetime of their subscription. This offer is available to both new and returning subscribers who can verify their AARP membership.
Seasonal Promotions
Paramount+ strategically rolls out special pricing promotions yearly to attract new subscribers. The most significant discounts typically appear as Paramount+ Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where subscribers can often save up to 50% on annual plans.
Note: To read more about all these Paramount+ deals and some exclusive partnered deals that Paramount Plus offers, check out our guide on Paramount Plus 2024 deals.
Can You Get A Free Trial On Paramount+?
Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. The trial provides full access to either the Essential or Paramount+ with the SHOWTIME plan.
Users can cancel anytime during the trial period to avoid charges. Credit card information is required to sign up, but you won’t be charged until the trial ends.
Paramount+ Refund Policy
Paramount+ operates on a no-refund policy for subscription payments except for some unspecified exceptions. Cancellations take effect at the end of your billing period, and you’ll maintain access until then.
No partial refunds are provided for unused portions of your subscription. Click the attached link to learn more about the Paramount+ refund terms further.
Paramount+ Features
Beyond just content, Paramount+ offers several technical features that enhance your streaming experience. Let’s explore what sets it apart.
- Multi-Device Streaming
Stream simultaneously on up to three devices, perfect for families or shared accounts.
- Premium Video Quality
Access to 4K HDR and Dolby Vision content on the premium tier enhances the viewing experience.
- Live Sports Coverage
Extensive sports programming, including NFL games, UEFA Champions League, and college sports.
- Cross-Platform Availability
Available across multiple devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and web browsers.
- Custom Profiles
Create multiple user profiles with personalized recommendations and watchlists.
What Can You Watch On Paramount+?
From blockbuster movies to exclusive originals, here’s a comprehensive look at the content library available with your Paramount+ subscription
Movies
- Recent theatrical releases like “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning.”
- Classic Paramount Pictures films
- SHOWTIME movies (premium tier)
- Exclusive Paramount+ original films
- Family-friendly animated features
TV Shows
- CBS network shows
- MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central content
- SHOWTIME series (premium tier)
- International programming
- Reality TV favorites
- News and sports coverage
Originals
- Star Trek series (Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds)
- 1883 and other Taylor Sheridan productions
- Criminal Minds: Evolution
- Mayor of Kingstown
- Evil
- The Good Fight
Read this Paramount+ channel list further to understand the inclusions with Paramount Plus subscription plans.
Paramount+ Alternatives
Paramount Plus is slightly better when it comes to affordability than most of its competitors. Let’s compare features, pricing, and content libraries for the most popular options that people usually consider.
| Service | Monthly Price | Key Features | Content Library |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $6.99-$22.99 | Largest original content library, No ads on standard plans | 5,000+ titles |
| Disney+ | $9.99-$15.99 | Marvel, Star Wars, Disney content, Bundle options | 7,500+ titles |
| Hulu | $9.99-$18.99 | Next-day TV episodes, Original content | 4,000+ titles |
Is Paramount+ Worth It?
After thorough analysis, Paramount+ is a compelling choice for specific audience segments. The service particularly shines for CBS enthusiasts seeking immediate access to network content and sports fans craving UEFA Champions League coverage.
Families will find exceptional value in Nickelodeon’s extensive children’s programming, while movie enthusiasts can enjoy both contemporary releases and classic films. The SHOWTIME bundle adds significant value for premium content seekers.
The verdict? Paramount+ offers substantial value if its specific content mix aligns with your viewing preferences, but it may serve better as a complementary service than your primary streaming platform.
Check out the linked article for more elaborate opinions and a complete Paramount Plus review.
Conclusion: Paramount Plus Price Starts From $7.99/mo
Paramount+ offers competitive pricing in the streaming landscape, with plans catering to different viewing preferences and budgets.
The Essential plan at $7.99 provides good value for casual viewers. At the same time, the premium tier at $12.99 with SHOWTIME integration presents an attractive option for those seeking ad-free viewing and expanded content.
Remember that your choice of streaming plan will also depend on your viewing habits and content preferences. Paramount+ excels in certain areas, like sports coverage and network content, and can make a worthy addition to your streaming lineup if these align with your entertainment needs.