Paramount Plus subscription plans and their monthly cost

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers in the United States: a plan with ads for $5.99 per month, and an ad-free plan for $11.99 per month. Both give you access to the same content library—the difference is whether you see commercials while you watch.

The pricing applies whether you pay month to month or commit to an annual plan. If you choose to pay yearly, the ad-supported plan costs $59.99 per year (about $5 per month if divided evenly), and the ad-free plan costs $119.99 per year (about $10 per month). The annual option saves you roughly $10 across the year on the ad-free tier, but requires paying the full amount upfront.

Paramount Plus occasionally runs promotional offers—discounted first months or free trial periods—but these are temporary and the regular monthly rate applies once the promotion ends. Prices can vary by region outside the United States, and Paramount has adjusted pricing in the past, so confirm the current rate on their website before subscribing.

Key Takeaways

  • The ad-supported Paramount Plus plan costs $5.99 per month, while the ad-free plan costs $11.99 per month.
  • Annual payment options ($59.99 for ads, $119.99 for ad-free) save money if you commit to a full year upfront.
  • Both plans include the same movies, TV shows, and original series—only the presence of advertisements differs.
  • Promotional offers like discounted first months appear periodically but revert to standard pricing after the offer period ends.

What's included in each plan

Both the $5.99 and $11.99 plans give you the full Paramount Plus library: movies from Paramount Pictures, series from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central, plus original shows and films made for the service. You can stream on multiple devices, though the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan—check Paramount's current terms, as this has changed.

The main practical difference is ad load. The cheaper plan shows ads during shows and movies, similar to cable television. The $11.99 plan removes most ads, though some content may still have brief ads at the start or end. If you watch several hours a week, the ad-free plan often feels worth the extra $6 monthly, but that depends on your tolerance for interruptions.

How to manage your subscription

You can change your plan tier at any time through your account settings on Paramount Plus's website or app. Downgrading from ad-free to ad-supported takes effect when ready and adjusts your next billing date. Upgrading to ad-free also takes effect right away.

To cancel your subscription, go to your account settings and select the cancellation option. You'll retain access through the end of your current billing period, then the subscription stops. If you signed up through a third-party platform like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video, you may need to cancel through that platform instead of directly through Paramount.

Bundling Paramount Plus with other services

Paramount offers a bundle that combines Paramount Plus (ad-supported tier) with Showtime and BET Plus. This bundle costs $14.99 per month and is cheaper than paying for each service separately. If you watch content from all three services, the bundle saves you money compared to individual subscriptions.

Some internet and phone providers also bundle Paramount Plus with their service packages, sometimes at a discount or included free for a limited time. Check with your provider to see if this option is available to you, though these offers typically expire after 12 months and revert to the standard monthly rate.

Free trial periods and promotional offers

Paramount Plus has offered free trial periods in the past, usually lasting 7 days, though the length and availability of trials change. These trials let you explore both plan tiers before committing to a paid subscription. If you start a trial and don't cancel before it ends, your payment method is charged for the plan you selected.

Promotional pricing—such as a discounted first month—appears occasionally through Paramount's website or through partner platforms. These offers are time-limited and clearly marked with an end date. After the promotional period, your subscription automatically renews at the regular monthly rate unless you cancel.

Comparing Paramount Plus to other streaming services

Paramount Plus sits in the middle of the streaming market by price. Netflix's basic plan starts at $6.99 per month (with ads) and goes up to $22.99 for their highest tier. Disney Plus costs $7.99 with ads or $10.99 without. Max (formerly HBO Max) costs $9.99 with ads or $19.99 ad-free. Paramount's $5.99 entry point is among the cheapest, though the ad-free tier at $11.99 is less expensive than Max's ad-free option.

The choice between services depends on what you want to watch. Paramount Plus emphasizes CBS shows, movies from Paramount Pictures, and originals like Halo and Yellowstone. If that content appeals to you, the lower price point makes it a budget-friendly option. If you want a broader range, you might subscribe to multiple services or rotate between them month to month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus on multiple devices at the same time?

The number of simultaneous streams varies by plan and has changed over time. Check your account settings or Paramount's current terms to confirm how many devices can stream at once on your specific plan. Generally, both tiers allow streaming on more than one device, but not unlimited simultaneous viewing.

Do I have to pay for a full year, or can I cancel anytime?

You can cancel anytime, whether you pay month to month or choose the annual plan. If you cancel a yearly subscription mid-year, Paramount does not refund the unused portion—you keep access through your paid period and then it stops. Month-to-month subscriptions end at the next billing date after you cancel.

What happens if I downgrade from ad-free to the cheaper plan?

Downgrading takes effect when ready, and your next billing date adjusts to reflect the lower price. You won't be refunded for the difference on your current billing cycle, but you'll pay the lower rate going forward. You can upgrade back to ad-free at any time.

Is Paramount Plus the same as Paramount Plus with Showtime?

No. Paramount Plus is the standalone service at $5.99 or $11.99 per month. Paramount Plus with Showtime is a bundle that adds Showtime and BET Plus for $14.99 per month. The bundle gives you three services in one subscription, but you're paying extra for the additional channels.