A Plus is an ad-free viewing tier on Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus with ads is the standard subscription tier. Paramount Plus with a Plus (sometimes called "Premium" or shown as "with a Plus") removes those ads and adds a small number of features that the ad-supported version does not have. The main difference is straightforward: you pay more per month and see no commercials during shows and movies.
The exact name and what it includes has shifted as Paramount reorganized its streaming service. What matters is that when you see "Plus" or "Premium" as an option during sign-up or in your account settings, you are looking at the tier that costs more and has no ads.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus with a Plus removes all ads from movies, shows, and live TV, while the standard tier shows commercials throughout.
- The Plus tier costs more per month than the ad-supported version, though the exact price varies by region and changes periodically.
- Some live TV channels and sports events may still show ads even on the Plus tier, depending on the broadcast rights for that content.
- You can switch between the standard tier and Plus tier at any time through your account settings without losing your watch history or saved shows.
What you get with Plus versus the standard tier
The standard Paramount Plus subscription shows ads before, during, and after content. The Plus tier removes those ads entirely from on-demand movies and TV shows. You will not see a commercial break in the middle of an episode or movie you are watching.
The Plus tier also typically includes the ability to read episodes and movies to watch offline, and it may allow you to stream on more devices at the same time. Some versions of Plus also unlock early access to certain movies or exclusive content, though this varies depending on when you signed up and what region you are in.
Live TV channels and sports broadcasts sometimes show ads even on the Plus tier, because those ads are part of the broadcast itself and not inserted by Paramount. This is true for most streaming services and depends on the rights agreement for that particular channel or event.
How much the Plus tier costs
Paramount Plus with a Plus costs more per month than the standard ad-supported tier. The exact price varies by region and Paramount adjusts it periodically, so the best way to see the current cost is to check your account settings or visit the Paramount Plus website directly.
Paramount sometimes offers discounts for annual plans, where you pay for a full year upfront and save money compared to paying month to month. These offers change, so if you are considering switching to Plus, check whether an annual discount is available right now.
Switching to Plus or downgrading back
You can change your subscription tier at any time through your account settings. Log into your Paramount Plus account, go to your subscription or billing section, and look for the option to upgrade or change your plan. The change usually takes effect when ready or at the start of your next billing cycle, depending on when in the month you make the switch.
Your watch history, saved shows, and profile settings stay with you if you switch tiers. You will not lose anything by upgrading to Plus or downgrading back to the standard tier later.
When ads still appear on Plus
Even with Plus, you may see ads in a few specific situations. Live TV broadcasts and sports events sometimes include ads that are part of the original broadcast, not ads inserted by Paramount. These are beyond Paramount's control because they are part of the licensing agreement with the network or sports league.
Some movies or shows may also have ads at the very beginning or end, depending on how Paramount licensed that content. If you notice ads appearing consistently on on-demand content, contact Paramount Plus support to report it, because that would be unusual for the Plus tier.
Comparing Plus to other streaming ad-free options
Most major streaming services offer both an ad-supported and an ad-free tier. Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and others follow the same model: pay less and see ads, or pay more and see none. The price difference and what features come with each tier vary by service.
If you watch Paramount Plus frequently, the Plus tier may save you time by removing ad breaks. If you watch occasionally or do not mind ads, the standard tier is cheaper. The choice depends on how much you use the service and whether the ad-free experience is worth the extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try Plus for free before I pay for it?
Paramount Plus occasionally offers free trial periods for new subscribers, but these trials may be for the standard tier or the Plus tier depending on the promotion running at that time. Check the Paramount Plus website to see what trial offer is available right now, or contact their support team.
Do I lose my shows and watch history if I downgrade from Plus?
No. Your watch history, saved shows, and profiles remain on your account no matter which tier you are on. You can switch back and forth between tiers without losing anything.
Why am I still seeing ads on Plus?
Live TV channels and sports broadcasts may show ads as part of the original broadcast. If you are seeing ads on regular on-demand shows or movies, that is unusual for Plus. Contact Paramount Plus support with the name of the show or movie where you saw ads, and they can investigate.
Can I share my Plus account with family members?
Paramount Plus allows multiple user profiles on one account, and the Plus tier typically allows streaming on more devices at once than the standard tier. Check your account settings to see how many simultaneous streams your current tier allows, or contact support for details on sharing.