Amazon Prime Video does not include Paramount Plus
Amazon Prime Video and Paramount Plus are separate streaming services. A Prime membership covers Prime Video content, but Paramount Plus requires its own subscription. You cannot watch Paramount Plus shows or movies through a standard Amazon Prime membership.
However, Amazon does offer a way to bundle them. You can add Paramount Plus as a channel through Prime Video, which means you pay for both services but manage them in one place. The Paramount Plus add-on costs extra on top of your Prime membership — it is not included in the base price.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Prime Video and Paramount Plus are two different services; Prime membership alone does not give you access to Paramount Plus content.
- You can add Paramount Plus as a channel within Prime Video for an additional monthly fee, letting you watch both services from one app.
- The Paramount Plus add-on through Prime Video costs the same as a standalone Paramount Plus subscription.
- If you want both services, you can subscribe to Paramount Plus independently instead of through Prime, and the total cost is identical either way.
How the Paramount Plus add-on works through Prime Video
When you add Paramount Plus as a channel in Prime Video, you see Paramount content mixed into your Prime Video app. You do not need to switch between two separate apps or log into two accounts. The billing goes through your Amazon account, and the charge appears on your Prime bill each month.
The add-on subscription is month-to-month, so you can cancel it anytime without affecting your Prime membership. If you cancel, you lose access to Paramount Plus when ready, but your Prime Video access stays the same.
What content you get with each service
Prime Video includes movies, TV shows, and original series like The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Fallout. The library changes monthly as titles rotate in and out. Some content requires an additional rental or purchase fee even with Prime membership.
Paramount Plus includes CBS shows, movies from the Paramount film library, and originals like Star Trek: Discovery and Halo. It also carries live sports events and news from CBS. The content available varies depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free tier.
Comparing the cost of bundling versus separate subscriptions
Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Adding Paramount Plus as a channel costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. That brings your total to between $20.98 and $26.98 per month if you bundle.
If you subscribe to Paramount Plus directly instead of through Prime Video, the cost is identical — $5.99 or $11.99 per month depending on the tier. The only difference is where you manage the subscription and which app you use to watch. Bundling through Prime does not save you money; it only consolidates billing and access into one place.
When bundling makes sense versus keeping them separate
Bundling through Prime Video works best if you already have Prime membership and want to reduce the number of apps on your device. Managing both services through one account and one bill can feel simpler than juggling two separate subscriptions.
Keeping Paramount Plus separate makes sense if you do not have Prime membership or if you prefer to manage streaming services independently. Some people find it easier to cancel one service without touching the others. There is no performance or content difference — you get the same shows and movies either way.
Other streaming services available through Prime Video channels
Paramount Plus is one of many services you can add to Prime Video. Others include Max (formerly HBO Max), Showtime, Starz, and Apple TV Plus. Each has its own monthly fee, and you can add or remove them individually without affecting your Prime membership.
This channel system lets you customize your streaming setup. You might add Paramount Plus for one month to watch a specific show, then remove it and add Max the next month. Each add-on works the same way: separate billing, month-to-month terms, and when ready cancellation.
How to add or remove Paramount Plus from your Prime account
To add Paramount Plus, open Prime Video on your device or at amazon.com. Look for the Channels section or search for Paramount Plus directly. Select the subscription tier you want (with ads or ad-free), confirm your payment method, and the service activates when ready.
To remove it, go to your Prime Video settings or account page, find the Channels section, and select Manage Your Subscriptions. Click the option to cancel Paramount Plus. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle, not when ready — you can still watch until that date passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount Plus shows on Prime Video without paying extra?
No. Paramount Plus content is not included with a standard Prime membership. You must either add Paramount Plus as a Prime Video channel or subscribe to it separately to watch that content.
Is the Paramount Plus add-on cheaper than a standalone subscription?
No, the price is the same. Adding it through Prime Video costs $5.99 or $11.99 per month depending on the ad tier, which is identical to subscribing directly. You pay the same amount either way.
What happens to my Prime membership if I cancel Paramount Plus?
Nothing. Canceling Paramount Plus only removes that service. Your Prime membership and Prime Video access continue unchanged. The two subscriptions are completely separate.
Can I share a Paramount Plus add-on with other Prime members in my household?
Sharing depends on your Prime Video account setup. If multiple people use the same Prime account, they all see the Paramount Plus channel. If you have separate Prime accounts, each person needs their own Paramount Plus subscription.
Do I need Prime membership to add Paramount Plus as a channel?
Yes. The channel system only works within Prime Video, so you must have an active Prime membership to use it. You can subscribe to Paramount Plus independently without Prime if you prefer.