Does Amazon Prime Include Paramount Plus? What You Actually Get

Paramount Plus is not included with Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime Video and Paramount Plus are separate streaming services run by different companies. Having an Amazon Prime membership does not give you access to Paramount Plus content. You need to pay for a Paramount Plus subscription on its own, either directly through Paramount or sometimes as an add-on channel through Amazon Prime Video.

The confusion happens because Amazon Prime Video does offer add-on channels — you can layer other services on top of your Prime membership through Amazon's interface. Paramount Plus is one of those channels you can add, but it costs extra money each month on top of your Prime bill.

Key Takeaways

Amazon Prime Video and Paramount Plus are completely separate services with different owners and different content libraries.
You can add Paramount Plus as a channel through Amazon Prime Video's app, but you pay Paramount Plus's monthly fee on top of your Prime subscription.
Paramount Plus offers its own subscription tiers, including an ad-supported version and an ad-free version, each with different monthly costs.
If you subscribe to Paramount Plus directly (not through Amazon), you do not need Prime Video to watch it.

How to add Paramount Plus through Amazon Prime Video

If you want to watch Paramount Plus content through your Prime Video app, you can add it as a channel. Open the Prime Video app on your device, go to the menu or account section, and look for "Channels" or "Add channels." Search for Paramount Plus, select it, and choose which subscription tier you want — usually an ad-supported plan or an ad-free plan.

Amazon will then charge you the Paramount Plus monthly fee on your Amazon bill instead of billing you separately. This is convenient if you want everything in one place, but the price you pay is the same as if you subscribed to Paramount Plus directly. You are not saving money by going through Amazon.

The advantage is purely organizational: one app, one bill, one login. If you already use Prime Video regularly and want to add Paramount Plus without managing another subscription separately, this route works well.

Subscribing to Paramount Plus directly instead

You can also go straight to Paramount Plus's website or app and subscribe without involving Amazon at all. This means a separate monthly charge on a separate bill, but you have the same content and the same subscription options. Some people prefer this because they do not have to log into Amazon or use the Prime Video app.

Direct subscription also means you can cancel Paramount Plus without touching your Prime membership. If you add it through Amazon and later want to stop paying for Paramount Plus, you remove it from your Prime channels — but your Prime membership stays active if you want it.

What content is actually on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus carries shows and movies from Paramount's studios and networks, including CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central. This includes current CBS shows, older sitcoms like Star Trek and The Good Wife, movies, sports events, and original series made for the service. The library changes monthly as Paramount adds and removes titles.

Amazon Prime Video has its own separate library of content, including original shows like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, movies, and licensed TV shows. The two services have almost no overlap — if you want to watch something specific, you need to know which service carries it.

Comparing the cost of both services

Amazon Prime membership costs around $15 per month or $139 per year if you pay annually. This includes Prime Video plus other Prime benefits like free shipping on Amazon purchases and Prime Music. Paramount Plus costs between $6 and $12 per month depending on which tier you choose — the cheaper tier includes ads, the more expensive tier does not.

If you want both services, you are looking at a combined cost of roughly $21 to $27 per month, or more if you pay for Prime annually. This is still less than cable, but it is important to know you are paying for two separate services, not one bundled package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus on my TV if I have Prime Video?

Yes, if you add Paramount Plus as a channel through Prime Video. You can then watch it on any device that has the Prime Video app — your smart TV, phone, tablet, or computer. If you subscribe to Paramount Plus directly instead, you can watch it on any device that has the Paramount Plus app.

What happens to Paramount Plus if I cancel my Amazon Prime membership?

If you added Paramount Plus through Prime Video and then cancel Prime, your Paramount Plus subscription through Amazon also stops. However, you can switch to a direct Paramount Plus subscription at any time and keep watching without Prime. The two are separate once you make that switch.

Is there a free trial for Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus occasionally offers free trial periods, but these change and are not always available. Check Paramount Plus's website directly to see if a trial is currently running. Trials are usually seven days to one month, depending on the offer.

Do I need Amazon Prime to watch Paramount Plus?

No. You can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly without having Amazon Prime at all. The only reason to go through Amazon is if you already have Prime and want to manage everything in one place.

Can I share my Paramount Plus account with family members?

Paramount Plus allows multiple profiles on one account, similar to Netflix. The exact rules about sharing across households depend on Paramount's current terms, which can change. Check Paramount Plus's website for their current policy on account sharing and simultaneous streams.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.