Paramount+ shows ads on its standard plan, but you can pay more to remove them
Paramount+ offers two subscription tiers: one with ads and one without. The With Ads plan includes commercials during shows and movies. The Essential plan (formerly called Premium) removes ads entirely. Which plan you choose depends on your budget and how much you mind interruptions—there is no third option or way to skip ads on the lower tier.
The ad experience varies by content. Most shows and movies on the With Ads plan display ads at the beginning, middle, and end of playback. Some newer or exclusive content may have fewer ad breaks, but you should expect interruptions on nearly everything you watch. The Essential plan has zero ads across the entire catalog.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ With Ads includes commercial breaks during most shows and movies; the Essential plan removes all ads.
- The With Ads plan costs less per month but interrupts your viewing multiple times per episode or film.
- You can switch between plans at any time, and the change takes effect when ready or at your next billing cycle depending on when you make the change.
- Some live sports and events on Paramount+ may have ads even on the ad-free plan, though this is rare.
How many ads you will see on the With Ads plan
The With Ads plan typically shows 4 to 8 minutes of commercials per hour of content. This breaks down to roughly one ad break every 15 to 20 minutes during a show. A typical one-hour episode will have two or three ad breaks; a two-hour movie will have three or four. The exact number depends on the content and when it was added to the service.
Ad breaks are not skippable. Once an ad starts, you must watch it through to completion before the show resumes. Paramount+ does not offer a fast-forward option during commercials, and there is no way to reduce the number of ads on this plan short of upgrading to Essential.
Pricing difference between the two plans
The With Ads plan costs less than the Essential plan, though the exact price varies by region and changes periodically. As of now, the With Ads plan is the cheaper option, and the Essential plan costs several dollars more per month. Both plans include access to the same catalog of shows, movies, and live sports—the only difference is the presence of ads.
Paramount+ occasionally runs promotional offers for both plans, such as discounted rates for the first few months. Check the Paramount+ website directly for current pricing in your area, as rates differ by country and subscription length (monthly versus annual).
Switching between plans or removing ads later
You can change from With Ads to Essential at any time through your account settings. Log into your Paramount+ account, go to your subscription or billing section, and select the option to upgrade or change your plan. The change usually takes effect when ready, though some account changes process at the next billing cycle.
If you switch mid-month, Paramount+ will typically prorate the difference—meaning you pay only for the days remaining on your current plan at the new rate. The exact calculation depends on your billing date and when you make the change. Contact Paramount+ support if you are unsure how the charge will appear on your next bill.
What content has ads even on the Essential plan
The Essential plan removes ads from nearly all on-demand shows and movies. However, some live sports events and premium live broadcasts may include ads even on the ad-free plan. This is uncommon, but it does happen with certain sporting events or special broadcasts that carry their own advertising agreements.
If you encounter ads on the Essential plan, it is almost certainly during a live event. On-demand content—anything you can pause and rewatch—should be ad-free. If you see ads during regular on-demand shows or movies on Essential, contact Paramount+ support to report the issue.
Ads on Paramount+ versus other streaming services
Most major streaming services now offer an ad-supported tier at a lower price. Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video all have similar models: a cheaper plan with ads and a more expensive plan without. Paramount+ follows the same pattern. The amount of ad time per hour is roughly comparable across these services, though the exact number of breaks varies.
If you are comparing services, the key difference is not the ads themselves but the content library and what you actually want to watch. Some people find the ad-supported tier worth the savings; others prefer to pay for ad-free viewing. Your choice depends on your tolerance for interruptions and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an ad blocker to remove ads on Paramount+?
Ad blockers do not work on Paramount+ because the ads are delivered as part of the video stream itself, not as separate web elements. Paramount+ detects ad-blocking software and may prevent you from watching if a blocker is active. The only way to remove ads is to upgrade to the Essential plan.
Do I have to watch the same ads every time?
No. Paramount+ rotates ads, so you will see different commercials on different viewing sessions. You may see the same ad occasionally, but the service does not repeat the same ad block every time you watch something.
What happens to my plan if I pause my subscription?
If you pause your Paramount+ subscription, your plan choice is saved. When you resume, you will return to whichever plan you were on before the pause. You do not need to choose a plan again unless you want to change it.
Are there any free ways to watch Paramount+ without ads?
Paramount+ does not offer a free tier. You must pay for either the With Ads plan or the Essential plan. Some cable or internet providers bundle Paramount+ into their packages, and those bundles may include the ad-free version, but there is no free option directly from Paramount+.
Do ads play during credits or between episodes?
Yes. Ads can appear during opening credits, closing credits, and between episodes if you are binge-watching a series. The With Ads plan does not exempt any part of the viewing experience from commercials.