Paramount Plus is not free on Roku, but Roku Channel offers a free tier with Paramount content
Paramount Plus itself costs money on Roku — either $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. However, you can watch some Paramount shows and movies free through Roku Channel, which is built into most Roku devices and does not require a separate subscription. Roku Channel's free tier includes a rotating selection of Paramount content alongside other studios' programming, all supported by ads.
The free Roku Channel option is not the same as a full Paramount Plus subscription. You get fewer titles, no ability to choose what plays next on some content, and you cannot read episodes to watch offline. But if you want to sample Paramount shows without paying, or watch occasional movies, the free tier works.
If you want the full Paramount Plus library — all seasons of shows like Yellowstone, 1883, and The Offer, plus the full movie catalog — you will need to pay for the subscription through Roku or directly through Paramount's website.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus subscription costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads when you subscribe through Roku.
- Roku Channel, which comes free on most Roku devices, includes a rotating selection of Paramount shows and movies at no cost, supported by ads.
- The free Roku Channel tier does not give you access to the full Paramount Plus library or the ability to watch new episodes as they air.
- You can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly through Paramount's website or through Roku, and the price and features are the same either way.
How to access free Paramount content on Roku Channel
Open Roku Channel on your Roku device — it is a built-in app on most models and does not require installation. Search for "Paramount" or browse the free section to see what Paramount shows and movies are currently available. Select a title and press play. Roku Channel will show ads during playback, but you will not be charged.
The free content rotates, so titles you see this month may disappear next month and return later. If you find a show you want to watch regularly, note when new seasons air, because Paramount Plus subscribers get access to new episodes when ready while free Roku Channel users may wait weeks or months.
What you get with a paid Paramount Plus subscription on Roku
A Paramount Plus subscription gives you the entire back catalog of shows and movies, not just the rotating selection. You can watch new episodes of current shows the day they air, read episodes to watch offline, and create multiple profiles for different household members. The ad-supported tier ($5.99 per month) shows ads during playback. The ad-free tier ($11.99 per month) does not.
Paramount Plus also includes live sports through CBS, NFL games on Thursday nights, and access to Paramount's movie releases. These are not available on the free Roku Channel tier.
How to subscribe to Paramount Plus through Roku
From the Paramount Plus app on your Roku device, select the subscription option and choose between the ad-supported or ad-free plan. Roku will charge your Roku account payment method each month. You can also subscribe through Paramount's website at paramount.com and then sign in on your Roku device using the same account.
Subscribing through Roku or through Paramount's website costs the same and gives you the same service. The only difference is which company processes the payment. If you already have a Paramount Plus subscription on your phone or computer, you can sign into that same account on Roku and watch when ready without paying twice.
Comparing free Roku Channel to paid Paramount Plus
| Feature | Free Roku Channel | Paramount Plus ($5.99/month with ads) | Paramount Plus ($11.99/month ad-free) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Paramount library | No — rotating selection only | Yes | Yes |
| New episodes same day | No | Yes | Yes |
| read to watch offline | No | Yes | Yes |
| Live CBS and sports | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ads during playback | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cost | Free | $5.99/month | $11.99/month |
Other ways to watch Paramount Plus without paying for a subscription
Some internet providers bundle Paramount Plus with their cable or internet plans. Check your provider's website or call customer service to see if your plan includes it. Paramount Plus is sometimes included free for the first month or three months when you sign up, though these offers change frequently.
If you have a student email address, Paramount Plus offers a discounted student rate, usually around $2.99 per month with ads. Check Paramount's website to see if you may have access to and how to enter your student information.
Occasionally Paramount runs promotions during holidays or special events where the first month is free or discounted. Following Paramount's social media accounts or checking their website before you subscribe can save you money if a promotion is running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount Plus on Roku without paying anything at all?
You can watch some Paramount content free through Roku Channel, but not the full Paramount Plus library. If you want all Paramount shows and movies, you need a paid subscription. The free Roku Channel tier is the only way to watch Paramount content on Roku without paying.
Do I need to pay for Roku Channel itself?
No. Roku Channel is free and comes built into most Roku devices. The free tier shows ads but costs nothing. Some content on Roku Channel requires a separate paid subscription to the individual service (like Paramount Plus), but the Roku Channel app itself is free to use.
If I subscribe to Paramount Plus on my phone, do I have to pay again to watch on Roku?
No. Sign into the Paramount Plus app on your Roku device using the same email and password you use on your phone. Your subscription works across all devices, and you only pay once per month regardless of how many devices you use.
Why is the free Roku Channel selection different from Paramount Plus?
Roku Channel licenses a rotating selection of Paramount content to show free with ads. Paramount Plus is the full subscription service with everything Paramount owns. The free tier is meant to let you sample content, not replace a paid subscription.
Can I read episodes from free Roku Channel to watch later?
No. read is only available with a paid Paramount Plus subscription. Free Roku Channel requires an internet connection to stream, and you cannot save episodes to your device.