How Much Does Paramount Plus Cost?

Last Updated on February 4, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Paramount Plus offers a comprehensive content library of new and classic movies, TV shows, sports and more. But before signing up, it’s important to understand the subscription costs. Here is a detailed overview of Paramount Plus pricing in 2023.

Paramount Plus offers two main subscription plans: The premium, ad-free plan and the lower-cost Essential plan with ads. The plans give you access to the same content library but differ in features.

How Much Does Paramount Plus Cost?

The premium plan provides an ad-free viewing experience, allows you to download content for offline viewing, and includes access to your local CBS  station and Comedy Central. It costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (a 16% savings).

The lower-tier Essential plan includes the same library of movies and shows but has ads and does not allow downloads. It costs just $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year (also a 16% discount).

Paramount Plus offers great value with thousands of movies, shows, live sports, and news. The ad-supported plan keeps costs low while still providing extensive on-demand content. But the ad-free premium tier offers the best viewing experience if you can afford the higher monthly price.

According to Business Insider, Paramount Plus offers two plans: an ad-supported Essential plan for $6 a month ($60 a year) and an ad-free with Showtime plan for $12 a month ($120 a year).

Monthly vs. Annual Subscriptions

You can pay for Paramount Plus either monthly or annually. The annual plan provides a decent 16% discount, reducing the monthly cost to $8.25 per month for premium and $4.16 per month for the Essential plan.

Paying annually makes the most sense if you plan to keep the service long-term. However, a monthly subscription offers more flexibility if you just want Paramount Plus for a limited time or to watch a specific show. You can cancel anytime without paying an early termination fee.

Evaluate your personal viewing habits. Infrequent streamers may prefer paying monthly while frequent users can save with the annual rate.

Additional Costs and Fees

The published subscription rates are the primary cost for Paramount Plus. However, there are some additional considerations:

• Taxes – Sales tax is charged in certain states and varies by location.
• Premium channel add-ons – Specialty channels like Showtime can be added for $3-$10 per month extra.
• Streaming device fees – Accessing Paramount Plus on certain devices like Apple TV requires a separate subscription.

Besides taxes, Paramount Plus does not charge additional fees. You can stream on a wide range of devices without compatibility costs. Mobile apps are also free on Android and iOS.

Discounts and Promotional Offers

Paramount Plus offers discounts and deals to help lower the subscription cost including:

• Student discount – 25% off the regular prices for students of accredited institutions. Just $3.74/month for Essential or $7.49/month for the premium plan.
• Military discount – Eligible military personnel also receive 25% savings on subscriptions.
• Limited time promotions – Periodic deals like 50% off your first year may be offered for new subscribers.
• Bundle packages – Paramount Plus can be purchased together with Showtime and other Viacom services at a discount.

Look for coupons and promotions, especially around major holidays and pop culture events. Following Paramount Plus on social media is a good way to learn about upcoming deals.

Comparison with Other Streaming Services

How does Paramount Plus stack up against the pricing of competitors like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus?

Paramount Plus sits on the lower end of the pricing spectrum:

• Basic Netflix – $9.99 per month (same as Paramount Plus premium)
• Hulu – $6.99 per month with ads (more expensive than Paramount Essential)
• Disney Plus – $7.99 per month (does not include ads)

So Paramount Plus delivers a very competitive value. The Essential plan, in particular, stands out with an expansive on-demand library for just $4.99 monthly. Premium pricing matches top services but removes ads and opens up features.

You might also like our articles on the cost of Amazon Prime, Walmart Plus, or Costco memberships.

User Reviews and Value for Money

According to customer feedback, Paramount Plus earns positive marks for value:

• Great classic movie selection – Extensive catalog of older films at a reasonable price.
• Hits for sports fans – NFL games, PGA golf, UEFA Champions League. and more justify the cost for sports lovers.
• New originals – Upcoming series like the Halo adaptation appeal to sci-fi viewers.

Users say Paramount Plus offers substantial content depth relative to the affordable subscription rates. Between legacy shows and movies and original programming, it’s a cost-effective streaming package.

How to Sign Up, Payment Options and Free Trial

Ready to give Paramount Plus a try? Here is a quick step-by-step guide to signing up:

1. Go to ParamountPlus.com and click “TRY IT FREE”
2. Select your preferred plan (Paramount Plus Essential Plan or Premium Plan)
3. Create your Paramount Plus account
4. Enter your payment information. Options include:
   • Credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
   • PayPal
   • Verizon billing (for Fios customers)
5. Start watching! Access Paramount Plus on your mobile device, smart TV, or streaming player.

Sign up directly online for the easiest payment and account management. Use the free trial to evaluate Paramount Plus before paying.

Cancellation Policy and Refunds

Paramount Plus subscriptions can be canceled anytime online or through the mobile app. There is no cancellation fee for monthly members.

However, annual subscribers are not eligible for refunds. You’ll retain access until the end of your 12-month term before the renewal stops.

Downgrading from Premium to Essential is allowed but you will not receive a partial refund. Always double check your plan details before committing to a full year.

Conclusion

Paramount Plus offers flexible and affordable pricing for on-demand streaming. The ad-supported Essential plan starts at just $5.99 per month. Going premium at $11.99 monthly unlocks extras like live TV and downloads. Discounts and promotions also help lower the cost. Compare plans to find the right Paramount Plus subscription for your budget and viewing preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paramount Plus free with Amazon Prime?

No, Paramount Plus does not come free with an Amazon Prime subscription. An Amazon Prime membership only includes access to Amazon Prime Video.

Paramount Plus is an entirely separate streaming service that requires its own paid subscription. There is currently no bundling option that includes Paramount Plus for free with Prime. However, Paramount Plus does offer a free trial period so you can sample the service before paying.

What is the cheapest way to get Paramount Plus?

The cheapest way to get Paramount Plus is to subscribe to the Essential plan at $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. This entry-level option provides the full Paramount Plus on-demand library along with live news and sports.

However, it includes ads during programming. Going annual rather than monthly also brings the per month average down further. Students and military members can get 25% off these already low rates.

How to get Paramount Plus for free?

There are a couple options to access Paramount Plus for free:

• Take advantage of the 7-day free trial for new subscribers. No payment is required upfront.
• Sign up during special promotions where the service offers 1 month or longer free trials.
• Get Paramount Plus bundled free with certain mobile or internet plans. Some wireless carriers offer it as an incentive.
• Use reward points from credit cards or other loyalty programs to cover the subscription fee.

While Paramount Plus won’t always be free, leveraging these deals and offers is a great way to sample the service without paying initially. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue.