Paramount Plus has raised its prices multiple times since launch, and the pattern is likely to continue

Yes, Paramount Plus has gone up in price several times. The service started at $5.99 per month in 2021 for the ad-supported tier and $11.99 per month for ad-free viewing. By 2024, the ad-supported plan cost $5.99 per month (unchanged), but the ad-free plan had climbed to $13.99 per month. Paramount also introduced a premium tier called Paramount Plus with Showtime, which costs $19.99 per month for ad-free access to both services combined.

Price increases happen because streaming services need to cover the cost of producing original shows, licensing content from studios, and maintaining the platform. Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global, which produces much of its own content through CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and other divisions. When those production costs rise or when the company wants to invest in more shows, the subscription price often follows.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus raised its ad-free plan from $11.99 to $13.99 per month, while the ad-supported tier stayed at $5.99 per month.
  • The service introduced a Paramount Plus with Showtime bundle at $19.99 per month, combining two services into one subscription.
  • Price increases typically happen once per year or every 18 months, though the company has not announced a set schedule.
  • Streaming services raise prices to pay for original content production, licensing deals, and technology infrastructure.
  • You can lock in your current rate by staying on your plan, though some older grandfathered rates may eventually be phased out.

When Paramount Plus raised prices and by how much

Paramount Plus launched in March 2021 with two tiers: $5.99 per month with ads and $11.99 per month without ads. In June 2022, the ad-free plan jumped to $12.99 per month. In July 2023, it increased again to $13.99 per month. The ad-supported plan has remained at $5.99 since launch, making it the only tier that has not changed.

In 2023, Paramount also bundled Paramount Plus with Showtime (the premium cable channel) and priced it at $19.99 per month for ad-free access to both. This was positioned as an alternative to paying for Showtime separately, which costs $10.99 per month on its own. The bundle gives you access to Paramount Plus content plus Showtime's original series like Dexter, Yellowjackets, and The L Word: Generation Q.

Why streaming services raise prices regularly

Paramount Plus raises prices because the cost of running a streaming service keeps climbing. The company spends billions of dollars per year on original content — shows like Yellowstone, Star Trek: Discovery, The Offer, and Halo are expensive to produce. Licensing deals for older movies and TV shows also cost money, and those contracts renew at higher rates over time.

Technology infrastructure is another factor. Paramount Plus needs servers, data centers, and software engineers to stream video to millions of people simultaneously without buffering or crashes. As the user base grows, those costs scale up. The company also invests in marketing to compete with Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and other services, all of which are raising prices too.

Paramount Global, the parent company, is also under pressure to show profit growth to shareholders. Raising subscription prices is one way to increase revenue without spending more on content or technology. This is why most major streaming services have raised prices at least once in the past two years.

How to keep your current price or find a cheaper option

If you are already paying $11.99 per month for the ad-free plan, Paramount Plus may not force you to pay $13.99 when ready. Some subscribers have kept their old rates for months or longer, though the company eventually phases out grandfathered pricing. To know whether you are grandfathered in, check your account settings or billing page — it will show your current rate.

If you want to avoid a price increase, the ad-supported tier at $5.99 per month is your cheapest option. You will see ads before and during shows, but the content library is the same. Many people find the ad load acceptable for the savings, especially if you watch casually rather than binge-watching.

You can also pause your subscription temporarily if you are not actively watching. Paramount Plus lets you put your account on hold for up to three months without being charged. When you return, you keep your profile and watch history. This works well if you subscribe for a few months to watch a specific show, then pause until new seasons arrive.

Comparing Paramount Plus to other streaming services

Paramount Plus is not the only service raising prices. Netflix's ad-free plan costs $15.49 per month (or $22.99 per month for the premium tier with 4K video). Disney Plus costs $10.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without ads. Amazon Prime Video costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and includes free shipping on Amazon purchases. HBO Max (now called Max) costs $9.99 per month with ads or $19.99 per month without ads.

When you compare the prices, Paramount Plus at $13.99 per month for ad-free access is in the middle of the pack. It is cheaper than Netflix's premium tiers but more expensive than Disney Plus without ads. The value depends on what you want to watch — if you watch a lot of CBS shows, Star Trek series, or Paramount movies, Paramount Plus makes sense. If you prefer Marvel and Disney content, Disney Plus is a better fit.

What to expect from future price increases

Paramount Plus has not announced a schedule for future price increases, but the pattern suggests they happen roughly every 18 months to two years. If that continues, the next increase could come sometime in 2025 or 2026, though the company may wait longer depending on subscriber growth and competition.

Streaming services are also experimenting with new ways to make money beyond subscriptions. Paramount Plus has added an ad-supported tier and is testing password-sharing restrictions (like Netflix did). These moves suggest the company wants to push more people toward the cheaper ad-supported plan or charge extra for features like simultaneous streams on multiple devices. Any of these changes could affect your bill in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Paramount Plus lock me into a price if I sign up now?

Not permanently. Paramount Plus can raise your price at any time, though the company usually gives subscribers 30 days' notice before a price increase takes effect. Some older subscribers have kept grandfathered rates for extended periods, but there is no may provide yours will stay the same forever.

Is the ad-supported plan worth it to save money?

That depends on how much ads bother you. The ad-supported tier at $5.99 per month has the same content library as the $13.99 ad-free plan. You will see ads before and during episodes, but the savings are significant if you watch regularly. Many people find it acceptable for casual viewing.

Does the Paramount Plus with Showtime bundle save money?

Yes, if you want both services. Paramount Plus alone costs $13.99 per month ad-free, and Showtime costs $10.99 per month separately, totaling $24.98. The bundle at $19.99 per month saves you about $5 per month. However, if you only want Paramount Plus, the bundle is not worth it.

Can I get Paramount Plus cheaper through another provider?

Sometimes. Paramount Plus is occasionally bundled with other services or offered at a discount through third-party platforms like Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video Channels. These bundles may cost less than subscribing directly, but they often come with restrictions on features or billing flexibility. Check the terms before signing up.

What happens if I cancel and rejoin later?

You will likely pay the current price when you rejoin, not your old rate. If you cancel during a price increase, you will not be charged the new price while you are inactive. However, when you resubscribe, you will see the current pricing. Your watch history and profiles will still be there if you rejoin within a reasonable time frame.