Paramount Plus Premium Does Not Include Ads
Paramount Plus Premium is the ad-free tier of Paramount Plus. When you pay for Premium, you watch movies, shows, and live TV without commercial interruptions. The lower-cost tier, called Essential, includes ads — Premium does not.
Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers. Essential costs less per month but shows ads during most content. Premium costs more but removes those ads from your viewing. If you choose Premium, you will not see advertisements before, during, or after episodes and films.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus Premium removes ads from all movies, shows, and live TV channels you watch on the service.
- The Essential tier (the cheaper option) includes ads, while Premium does not.
- Premium pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so check Paramount Plus directly for current rates.
- Some live TV channels on Premium may occasionally show ads during their broadcast feeds, even though the Paramount Plus app itself does not insert additional advertisements.
- Premium also includes early access to some movies and the ability to read content to watch offline.
How Premium Differs From Essential
The Essential tier is Paramount Plus's budget option. It costs less than Premium but includes advertisements. You will see ads at the start of episodes, between scenes, and sometimes at the end. The number and length of ads varies by content.
Premium removes this ad layer entirely. You pay more, but your viewing experience has no commercial breaks. Both tiers give you access to the same library of movies and shows — the difference is whether ads appear while you watch.
Premium also includes two features Essential does not: the ability to read episodes and films to your device for offline viewing, and early access to new movies (usually a few weeks before they appear on Essential).
What About Live TV Channels on Premium
Paramount Plus Premium includes access to live TV channels like CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, and others. These channels are broadcast feeds, meaning they carry the same advertisements that air on cable television. Premium does not remove those broadcast ads — they are part of the channel's actual programming.
The difference is that Paramount Plus itself does not insert extra ads on top of the broadcast feed. You see what airs on the channel, but the app does not add additional commercials the way it does on Essential tier content.
Premium Pricing and Where to Check Current Rates
Premium pricing varies by region and changes periodically. In the United States, Premium typically costs more than Essential, but the exact amount shifts based on promotions and service updates. Paramount Plus occasionally runs discounts for new subscribers or existing members.
To find the current price for your region, visit the Paramount Plus website or open the app and navigate to the subscription settings. You will see both tier options with their current rates side by side. Prices may also differ depending on whether you pay monthly or commit to an annual plan.
How to Switch to Premium or Confirm Your Current Tier
If you currently have Essential and want to remove ads, you can upgrade to Premium through your account settings. Open the Paramount Plus app or website, go to your account or subscription menu, and select the option to change your plan. The upgrade usually takes effect when ready.
To confirm which tier you currently have, check your account settings or look at your most recent billing email from Paramount Plus. It will state whether you are on Essential or Premium. If you are unsure, the app will show your current plan in the account section.
If you downgrade from Premium to Essential, ads will begin appearing on your next viewing session. Paramount Plus does not refund the difference mid-billing cycle, so plan any changes for the start of your next billing period if you want to avoid paying for unused Premium time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I see ads if I watch Paramount Plus Premium on multiple devices?
No. Premium removes ads across all devices where you watch — phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. Your subscription tier applies to your account, not to individual devices, so you will have an ad-free experience no matter which device you use to stream.
Do I have to pay extra to remove ads from live TV channels?
No. Premium includes live TV channels, and Paramount Plus does not add extra ads on top of the broadcast feed. However, the channels themselves carry their normal cable advertisements as part of their programming — those are not something Paramount Plus can remove.
Can I try Premium before paying for it?
Paramount Plus occasionally offers free trial periods for new subscribers, though the length and availability of trials change. Check the Paramount Plus website to see if a trial is currently available in your region. If you already have an Essential subscription, you may be able to upgrade to Premium for a short trial period.
What happens to my shows and watchlist if I downgrade from Premium to Essential?
Your shows, watchlist, and viewing history stay the same. Downgrading only changes whether ads appear — it does not delete your account data or remove content from your library. You can upgrade back to Premium at any time without losing anything.
Are there any shows or movies on Premium that are not available on Essential?
Both tiers have access to the same content library. The difference is not what you can watch, but whether ads appear while you watch it. Premium subscribers do get early access to new movies before they reach the Essential tier, usually by a few weeks.