Paramount Plus is not automatically included with Amazon Prime
Paramount Plus is a separate streaming service that you must pay for on its own. Amazon Prime Video and Paramount Plus are two different subscriptions, even though both are available through Amazon's ecosystem. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you do not automatically get Paramount Plus — you need to add it as an extra monthly cost.
However, Amazon does make it straightforward to add Paramount Plus to your Prime account if you want both services. You can bundle them together for convenience, but the subscription fees remain separate. Paramount Plus costs between $5.99 per month (with ads) or $11.99 per month (ad-free), depending on which plan you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus requires its own paid subscription and does not come with Amazon Prime Video membership.
- You can add Paramount Plus through Amazon's Prime Video app or website, but you will be charged separately each month.
- Paramount Plus offers two pricing tiers: a lower-cost ad-supported plan and a higher-cost ad-free plan.
- Some third-party services like Costco or Apple One bundles may include Paramount Plus at a discounted rate, depending on your membership.
How to add Paramount Plus through Amazon Prime
If you want to subscribe to Paramount Plus, you can add it directly from within your Prime Video app or account. Open Prime Video on your device or at primevideo.com, go to your account settings, and look for the "Channels" or "Add-ons" section. Search for Paramount Plus and select it to start your subscription.
When you add Paramount Plus this way, the charge appears on your Amazon billing statement along with your other Prime charges. This does not mean it is part of Prime — it is straightforward a convenience feature that lets you manage multiple subscriptions in one place. You can cancel Paramount Plus anytime without affecting your Prime membership.
What comes with Amazon Prime Video instead
Amazon Prime Video includes thousands of movies and TV shows at no extra cost beyond your Prime membership. You get access to original series like The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Rings of Power, plus a rotating library of licensed content. Prime Video also lets you rent or buy newer movies that are not included with the subscription.
If you are looking for Paramount content specifically, some shows and movies from Paramount's library appear on Prime Video, but the full Paramount Plus catalog — which includes current CBS broadcasts, exclusive originals, and the complete back catalog of shows like Star Trek and Yellowstone — requires a separate Paramount Plus subscription.
Paramount Plus bundles and discounts
While Paramount Plus does not come with Prime, you may find it bundled with other services. Costco members can sometimes purchase a discounted Paramount Plus subscription through their membership. Apple One bundles (available to Apple device users) can include Paramount Plus along with Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, and iCloud storage at a combined price.
These bundles are separate from Amazon Prime and offer different savings depending on which services you already use. Check the current bundle options on Paramount's website or through the service you subscribe to, since bundle availability and pricing change periodically.
The difference between Prime Video and Paramount Plus content
Prime Video and Paramount Plus have different content libraries because they are owned by different companies. Amazon Studios produces content for Prime Video, while Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global and focuses on content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures. If you want to watch shows that air on CBS or movies from Paramount Pictures' theatrical releases, Paramount Plus is where you will find them.
Some shows appear on both services, but usually at different times or with different availability windows. For example, a Paramount movie might premiere on Paramount Plus before appearing on Prime Video months later. Checking both services is the best way to find where a specific show or movie is available right now.
Managing multiple streaming subscriptions
If you decide to subscribe to both Prime Video and Paramount Plus, you can track both charges through your Amazon account. Set a reminder to review your subscriptions monthly so you know exactly what you are paying for. Many people subscribe to multiple services but only use a few regularly, so checking your account every few months helps you decide which ones are worth keeping.
You can pause or cancel Paramount Plus at any time without penalty. If you add it through Amazon, you can manage the cancellation from your Prime Video account settings. If you subscribed directly through Paramount's website, you will need to cancel through Paramount instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Prime membership to subscribe to Paramount Plus?
No. You can subscribe to Paramount Plus independently without having Amazon Prime at all. Adding it through Prime Video is optional and just a convenience feature for managing subscriptions in one place.
Can I watch Paramount Plus on my Prime Video app?
Yes, if you add Paramount Plus as a channel through Prime Video, you can watch it within the Prime Video app on most devices. This is a convenience feature — the subscription itself is still separate from Prime.
What if I only want Paramount Plus and not Prime Video?
You can subscribe to Paramount Plus on its own without any Amazon Prime membership. Visit paramountplus.com directly to sign up for the plan that works for you.
Is Paramount Plus cheaper if I have Prime membership?
No. The price of Paramount Plus is the same whether you have Prime or not. Adding it through Amazon does not give you a discount — it is just a way to manage the subscription alongside other services.
What happens to Paramount Plus if I cancel my Prime membership?
If you subscribed to Paramount Plus through Prime Video, canceling Prime does not automatically cancel Paramount Plus. You will need to cancel Paramount Plus separately to stop being charged for it.