Paramount+ is not included free with Amazon Prime
Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video are separate streaming services with separate subscription costs. Amazon Prime membership does not come with Paramount+ access. If you want to watch Paramount+ content, you need to pay for a Paramount+ subscription in addition to any Amazon Prime membership you have.
That said, there is one limited way the two services connect: you can add a Paramount+ subscription through Amazon Prime Video's add-on feature. This means you pay Paramount+ directly, but you manage the subscription and watch the content inside the Prime Video app instead of downloading the standalone Paramount+ app. The price you pay is the same either way.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ does not come free with Amazon Prime membership under any plan or tier.
- You can add Paramount+ as a paid add-on through Amazon Prime Video, which lets you watch it in the Prime app instead of a separate app.
- The monthly cost of Paramount+ is the same whether you subscribe directly or through Amazon Prime Video.
- Some cable or internet providers bundle Paramount+ with their service, which is separate from both Amazon Prime and Prime Video.
How the Amazon Prime Video add-on works
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can browse add-on channels inside the Prime Video app. Paramount+ appears as one option. Clicking it takes you through a purchase flow where you enter payment information and confirm the monthly charge.
Once you subscribe this way, Paramount+ content shows up in your Prime Video app alongside other Prime Video movies and shows. You do not need to read or log into the separate Paramount+ app, though you can if you prefer. The add-on subscription renews automatically each month until you cancel it.
Canceling a Paramount+ add-on through Prime Video is done in your Amazon account settings under "Memberships and Subscriptions," not in the Paramount+ app itself. This can confuse people who expect to manage it the way they would a standalone subscription.
The difference between Prime Video and Paramount+
Amazon Prime Video is the streaming service included with Amazon Prime membership. It has movies, TV shows, and original series produced by Amazon Studios. Paramount+ is owned by Paramount Global and has content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the Paramount film library.
The two services have almost no content overlap. If you want to watch shows like Star Trek: Discovery or The Offer, those are only on Paramount+. If you want The Boys or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, those are only on Prime Video. Many households subscribe to both because the content libraries are so different.
What Paramount+ costs
Paramount+ offers two subscription tiers. The ad-supported plan costs less per month but shows advertisements during shows and movies. The ad-free plan costs more but has no ads. The exact prices vary by region and change periodically, so check the Paramount+ website or the add-on listing in Prime Video for current rates.
If you subscribe through Amazon Prime Video's add-on feature, you pay the same price as a direct Paramount+ subscription. Amazon does not charge extra for managing the subscription through Prime Video, and you do not get a discount for being a Prime member.
Other ways to get Paramount+ bundled
Some internet service providers and cable companies include Paramount+ with their packages. Verizon Fios, for example, offers Paramount+ to certain plan holders. If you have a may have access to plan with one of these providers, you may be able to watch Paramount+ at no extra cost through your existing service.
This is different from Amazon Prime. Your cable or internet bill and your Amazon Prime membership are separate accounts. Check your provider's website or call their customer service to see whether Paramount+ is included in your current plan.
How to watch Paramount+ if you have Prime membership
Open the Prime Video app on your device. Look for the menu or account section and find "Channels" or "Add-ons." Search for Paramount+ and select it. You will be asked to confirm your payment method and the monthly charge. Once confirmed, Paramount+ content becomes available in your Prime Video app when ready.
Alternatively, you can visit the Paramount+ website directly and subscribe there. You will then log in with the same account on any device. Both methods cost the same and give you access to the full Paramount+ library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon Prime membership include any streaming services for free?
Amazon Prime membership includes Prime Video, which has movies and TV shows. It does not include Paramount+, Netflix, Disney+, or other third-party streaming services. You can add some of these as paid add-ons through Prime Video, but they are not free.
Can I watch Paramount+ on my Prime Video app?
Yes, if you subscribe to Paramount+ through the add-on feature in Prime Video. You will see Paramount+ content mixed in with your Prime Video library. If you subscribe directly to Paramount+ instead, you need to use the separate Paramount+ app or website.
What happens if I cancel my Amazon Prime membership but have Paramount+ as an add-on?
Your Paramount+ subscription continues separately. You will need to cancel it through your Amazon account settings or contact Paramount+ directly. Losing Prime membership does not automatically cancel add-on subscriptions.
Is Paramount+ cheaper if I subscribe through Amazon instead of directly?
No. The monthly price is identical whether you subscribe through Amazon Prime Video's add-on feature or directly through Paramount+. Amazon does not offer a discount for bundling.