Paramount Plus on DirecTV costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads

DirecTV offers Paramount Plus as an add-on channel package, not as a standalone streaming service. The price depends on which version you choose. The ad-supported tier runs $5.99 monthly; the ad-free tier costs $11.99 monthly. Both are billed directly to your DirecTV account, so there is no separate subscription to manage.

The channel appears in your guide as a linear feed, meaning you watch scheduled programming rather than choosing individual titles on demand. If you want the full Paramount Plus streaming app experience — where you pick what to watch whenever you want — you would need to subscribe separately outside of DirecTV, which costs the same amount but gives you access to the mobile app, web player, and offline downloads.

Key Takeaways

  • DirecTV's Paramount Plus add-on ($5.99 or $11.99 per month) is a linear channel, not the full streaming app.
  • The ad-free version costs $11.99 monthly and removes commercials from the channel feed.
  • If you want the streaming app instead, you can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly for the same price, separate from your DirecTV bill.
  • Both versions include the same content library; the difference is how you access it and whether ads play.

How to add Paramount Plus to your DirecTV account

Call DirecTV customer service at 1-800-531-5000 or log into your account online to add the channel. You can also add it through the DirecTV mobile app. The channel typically activates within 24 hours, though it often appears when ready.

When you call, have your account number ready. The representative will confirm which tier you want (with or without ads) and add it to your next bill. If you change your mind within the first month, most DirecTV plans allow you to remove it without penalty.

DirecTV Paramount Plus versus the standalone app

The DirecTV add-on gives you a live channel in your guide that shows Paramount programming on a fixed schedule. You tune in when the show airs, similar to traditional cable. The standalone Paramount Plus app lets you browse the full catalog and watch whenever you want, on any device with internet access.

The standalone app also includes features the DirecTV channel does not: the ability to read episodes to watch offline, simultaneous streams on multiple devices (depending on your plan), and access to Paramount Plus originals and movies. If you already have DirecTV and only want to watch a few shows, the add-on channel may be enough. If you want full control over what you watch and when, the standalone subscription is worth the same price.

What content is included

Both the DirecTV add-on and the standalone app include the same shows and movies: CBS series (current and archived), Paramount films, original series like Yellowstone and 1883, sports programming, and kids' content. The ad-supported tier shows commercials during playback; the ad-free tier does not.

New episodes of CBS shows typically appear on Paramount Plus the day after they air on television. Movies and originals rotate through the catalog, so not every Paramount film is available at all times. If there is a specific show you want to watch, check the Paramount Plus website or app first to confirm it is currently available.

Bundling Paramount Plus with other DirecTV packages

Some DirecTV plans include streaming services as part of the package, though Paramount Plus is not always one of them. Check your current plan details or call DirecTV to see whether Paramount Plus is already included. If it is, you will see it listed in your channel guide at no extra charge.

DirecTV also offers bundles that include other streaming services like HBO Max and Showtime. These bundles may cost less than adding services individually, so it is worth asking whether a bundle would save you money if you want multiple services.

Canceling Paramount Plus on DirecTV

To remove Paramount Plus from your DirecTV account, call customer service or log into your account online and remove it from your add-ons. The channel will disappear from your guide within 24 hours, and the charge will stop on your next billing cycle. There is no cancellation fee.

If you subscribed to the standalone Paramount Plus app separately (outside of DirecTV), you will need to cancel that subscription through Paramount Plus directly, not through DirecTV. Log into your Paramount Plus account, go to account settings, and select cancel subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus on my phone if I have it through DirecTV?

No. The DirecTV add-on is a linear channel only; it does not include the Paramount Plus app or mobile access. If you want to watch on your phone, you need to subscribe to Paramount Plus separately. The standalone app costs the same amount ($5.99 or $11.99 per month) and works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices.

Is Paramount Plus free with any DirecTV plan?

Paramount Plus is not automatically included in most DirecTV plans, but some premium packages may include it. Contact DirecTV to confirm whether your specific plan includes it. If it does, you will see it in your channel guide at no extra charge.

What is the difference between the $5.99 and $11.99 plans?

The $5.99 plan includes ads during shows and movies. The $11.99 plan removes all ads. Both plans have access to the same content library. Choose based on whether you are willing to watch commercials.

Can I try Paramount Plus before I commit to paying for it?

DirecTV does not offer a free trial of the add-on channel. However, you can sign up for the standalone Paramount Plus app directly and use a free trial if Paramount Plus is currently offering one. Check the Paramount Plus website to see current trial offers.

Will adding Paramount Plus increase my DirecTV bill?

Yes. The add-on costs $5.99 or $11.99 per month depending on which tier you choose, and this amount will be added to your DirecTV bill. There are no hidden fees or setup charges.