Paramount+ is not included with a standard Amazon Prime membership

Paramount+ is a separate streaming service you pay for on its own. Amazon Prime Video does not bundle it automatically, even if you pay for Prime membership. You can add Paramount+ as an add-on channel through Prime Video, but that costs extra — currently $13 per month for ad-free or $6 per month with ads.

The confusion happens because Amazon Prime Video lets you layer other services on top of your membership. You can add Paramount+, Apple TV+, Peacock, and others directly through the Prime Video app without switching between apps. But each one is a separate charge on your Prime bill.

If you want Paramount+ without going through Prime, you can also subscribe to it directly through the Paramount+ app or website at the same price. The only real difference is convenience — adding it through Prime keeps everything in one place.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ costs $6 per month with ads or $13 per month without ads, whether you buy it standalone or add it through Prime Video.
  • Amazon Prime membership does not include Paramount+ — you must pay for it separately.
  • Adding Paramount+ through Prime Video is optional and purely for convenience; the price and content are identical to a direct subscription.
  • Prime Video's add-on system lets you stack multiple services (Paramount+, Apple TV+, Peacock) and manage them all in one app.

How to add Paramount+ through Prime Video

Open the Prime Video app on your device. Go to the menu or settings, then look for "Channels" or "Add-ons" — the exact wording depends on your device. Search for Paramount+ in the list and select it.

You will see two subscription options: the ad-supported plan at $6 per month or the ad-free plan at $13 per month. Choose which one you want, confirm your payment method, and the subscription starts when ready. The charge appears on your Amazon bill the next billing cycle.

Once added, Paramount+ content shows up in your Prime Video app alongside Prime's own shows and movies. You do not need to switch apps or log in separately — it integrates directly into your library.

Paramount+ pricing and what each plan includes

The ad-supported plan at $6 per month gives you access to all Paramount+ shows and movies, but you see ads during playback. The ads are similar to what you see on cable — roughly 4 to 5 minutes per hour. This plan works on phones, tablets, computers, and most streaming devices.

The ad-free plan at $13 per month removes all ads and is otherwise identical in content. Both plans let you stream on one device at a time. If you want to watch on multiple devices simultaneously, Paramount+ offers a higher tier called Paramount+ with Showtime for $20 per month (ad-free only), which allows two simultaneous streams and includes Showtime channels.

Neither plan is included with Prime, and neither plan is cheaper than subscribing directly. The only advantage to adding it through Prime is that you manage one bill and one app instead of two.

What shows and movies are on Paramount+

Paramount+ owns content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and the Paramount film studio. That means you get access to current and past seasons of shows like Star Trek: Discovery, Yellowstone, The Good Fight, Halo, and Rugrats. The service also streams Paramount movies, including recent theatrical releases after they leave cinemas.

The library changes monthly as new content is added and older titles rotate off. Paramount+ does not publish a full list of what is available, so the best way to check is to search for specific shows or movies you want to watch. If they are on the service, you can start watching when ready with either subscription tier.

Comparing Prime Video, Paramount+, and other streaming options

If you already have Prime membership, you get Prime Video's own content — shows like The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Prime Video costs $15 per month or $139 per year as a standalone service, though most people get it as part of the full Amazon Prime membership ($15 per month or $139 per year), which also includes free shipping and other benefits.

Adding Paramount+ on top brings CBS shows, Nickelodeon content, and Paramount movies into the same app. If you want both services, the total is $21 to $28 per month depending on which Paramount+ plan you choose. Alternatively, you could subscribe to Paramount+ directly and keep Prime Video separate — the cost is the same, just managed through two different apps and bills.

Other streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Apple TV+ are not available as Prime add-ons. You must subscribe to those separately through their own apps.

When Paramount+ might be bundled with other services

Paramount+ sometimes appears in bundles with other services, but not through Prime Video. For example, Paramount occasionally offers discounts when you sign up for a longer commitment, or it bundles with Showtime at a reduced rate. These deals change throughout the year and are promoted directly on the Paramount+ website or app.

Some phone carriers and internet providers occasionally offer Paramount+ as a promotional add-on for new customers, but this is not standard and varies by provider and region. If you have a newer phone plan or internet service, check your account to see if Paramount+ is listed as a complimentary service.

The most common way to get Paramount+ at a discount is to watch for sales during major shopping events like Black Friday or to sign up for the annual plan if Paramount offers one — though as of now, the service only offers monthly billing.

How to cancel Paramount+ if you add it through Prime

Open the Prime Video app and go to the Channels or Add-ons section. Find Paramount+ in your active subscriptions and select "Manage" or "Cancel." Confirm the cancellation. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle, and you will not be charged again.

If you subscribed to Paramount+ directly instead of through Prime, you cancel through the Paramount+ app or website. Log in, go to Account Settings, and select Cancel Subscription. The process is the same — your access continues until the end of your current month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount+ on my TV if I add it through Prime Video?

Yes. Paramount+ works on all devices that support Prime Video — smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and others. The add-on integrates directly into the Prime Video app on each device, so you do not need a separate Paramount+ app unless you prefer it.

Do I get Paramount+ free with any Amazon membership tier?

No. Standard Prime, Prime Video-only, and Prime Student memberships do not include Paramount+. You must add it as a paid channel, regardless of which Prime tier you have.

Is the Paramount+ content different if I add it through Prime versus subscribing directly?

No. The shows, movies, and pricing are identical. The only difference is where you manage the subscription and how the bill appears — through Amazon or directly from Paramount.

What happens if I cancel Prime but keep Paramount+ as an add-on?

You cannot keep Paramount+ as an add-on without an active Prime membership. If you cancel Prime, any add-on channels are automatically removed. You would need to subscribe to Paramount+ directly through its own app to continue watching.

Can I share my Paramount+ subscription with family members?

The standard Paramount+ plan allows one simultaneous stream, so only one person can watch at a time. The Paramount+ with Showtime tier ($20 per month) allows two simultaneous streams. Neither plan officially supports household sharing the way some other services do, so check Paramount's current terms if you plan to share access.