How Much Is Paramount Plus? Plans and Pricing in 2026

How much is Paramount Plus? US pricing checked in July 2026 was $8.99 per month for Essential and $13.99 per month for Premium. Annual billing lowered the full-year cost to $89.99 for Essential and $139.99 for Premium.

The cheaper plan is suitable for viewers who are comfortable with advertising, while Premium adds features such as live local CBS where available, offline downloads, selected 4K content and broader access to Showtime. The best option depends on what you watch, which features you use and how many months you expect to remain subscribed.

How much is Paramount Plus?#

Paramount+ Essential costs $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year. Paramount+ Premium costs $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year.

Essential is the lower-priced, ad-supported plan. It includes the main Paramount+ streaming library, selected Showtime programming and access to supported live sports. Premium adds live local CBS in eligible locations, offline downloads, selected 4K playback and the fuller Showtime catalog.

Prices were checked in July 2026. Taxes, promotions, sports rights, local-channel availability and plan features can change, so confirm the final amount and current terms at checkout.

Paramount Plus plans explained#

Paramount+ Essential#

Essential is the cheapest Paramount Plus plan. It is designed for viewers who want access to the streaming catalog without paying for the additional Premium features.

The plan includes advertising during on-demand viewing. It also provides access to supported sports programming, including selected events carried through CBS and Paramount+.

Essential is likely to be enough when you mainly want Paramount movies, original series, selected Showtime programming or sports and do not need offline downloads or live local CBS.

Paramount+ Premium#

Premium costs $5 more per month than Essential. In return, it adds live local CBS where available, offline downloads on supported devices, selected titles in 4K and the fuller Showtime catalog.

Premium removes most advertising from on-demand content, although live television and live sports can still contain commercial breaks.

The upgrade is most useful for households that regularly watch CBS, travel with downloaded content or want access to the complete Showtime selection available through Paramount+.

Monthly versus annual billing#

Monthly billing provides the most flexibility. It works well when you are subscribing for one series, a specific sports period or only a few months of viewing.

Annual billing reduces the total Paramount Plus price when you expect to keep the service for most of the year.

The annual option saves roughly the equivalent of two monthly payments. However, monthly billing can still cost less when you plan to watch Paramount+ for fewer than about ten months.

Bundles and partner billing#

Paramount+ may also be available through mobile providers, television platforms, app stores or other subscription bundles. These offers can have different trial periods, billing arrangements and account-management rules.

Before choosing a partner offer, confirm whether it provides Essential or Premium, whether live CBS is included and where the subscription must be cancelled.

Which Paramount Plus plan should you choose?#

Choose Essential if you want the lowest price#

Essential is the better choice when price is the main priority and you are comfortable watching advertisements. It provides the core Paramount+ catalog without charging for Premium features you may not use.

It is also a sensible monthly option when you only want to watch one series, a limited number of films or a short sports schedule.

Choose Premium if you want live CBS and downloads#

Premium makes more sense when you regularly watch your local CBS station, need offline viewing or want the complete Showtime catalog included with Paramount+.

Premium may also be worthwhile for viewers with compatible equipment who want access to selected 4K titles. Not every program is available in 4K, so check the specific content you plan to watch.

Choose monthly billing for temporary viewing#

Monthly billing is usually best when you are joining for one show, one sports season or a short viewing period. You can cancel before the next charge while normally retaining access until the current paid period ends.

This approach also works well when you rotate between streaming services instead of keeping several active throughout the year.

Choose annual billing for year-round use#

The annual plan is more economical when Paramount+ is used consistently for most of the year. It reduces the overall Paramount Plus cost but requires a larger upfront payment and a longer commitment.

Review the catalog, sports schedule and household viewing habits before paying annually. A discounted subscription still wastes money when it is rarely opened.

How to pay less for Paramount Plus#

Start by comparing the current monthly and annual prices directly. The annual plan offers the clearest standard saving, but it is not automatically the cheapest choice for every viewer.

• Choose Essential unless you need a specific Premium feature.
• Use monthly billing for one series or a short sports period.
• Choose annual billing only for regular year-round viewing.
• Check whether Paramount+ is already included through another provider or bundle.
• Look for an eligible trial or student offer before subscribing.
• Set a reminder before a trial, promotional period or annual renewal ends.

Do not count an included service as a saving unless you would otherwise pay for it. A larger bundle can cost more overall even when its advertised value appears higher.

Sports, CBS and Showtime availability#

Sports rights can change by competition, season and region. Paramount+ may show NFL games carried by CBS, UEFA competitions and other supported live events, but availability should be checked against the specific event you want to watch.

Live local CBS is a Premium feature and depends on station availability in your area. Enter your location or review the live-channel information before subscribing specifically for CBS.

Showtime content is incorporated into the Paramount+ plans, but Premium offers the fuller Showtime experience. Confirm that the particular series, film or live programming you want is included with your chosen tier.

Streams, downloads and video quality#

Consider how the household watches before selecting a plan. Check the current simultaneous-stream limit when several people may watch at the same time.

Offline downloads are a Premium feature. They can be useful during travel or when internet access is unreliable, but download availability can depend on the title and device.

Selected Premium content may be available in 4K, HDR or other enhanced formats. The exact playback quality depends on the title, device, application and internet connection.

Cancellation and renewal#

Paramount+ subscriptions normally renew automatically until cancelled. The cancellation location depends on where the subscription was purchased.

• Subscriptions purchased directly should normally be managed through the Paramount+ account.
• Apple-billed subscriptions must normally be managed through Apple.
• Google Play subscriptions must normally be managed through Google Play.
• Carrier, television-provider and partner subscriptions may need to be cancelled through that provider.

Save the confirmation after cancelling and check the final access date. Cancellation commonly stops the next renewal while allowing viewing until the current paid period ends, but the applicable terms should be confirmed in the account.

For an annual subscription, set a reminder several weeks before renewal. This provides time to review the current price, upcoming catalog and expected viewing before another yearly payment is taken.

Paramount Plus alternatives#

Paramount+ competes with services such as Peacock, Hulu, Netflix, Max and Disney+. The best alternative depends on the particular programs, films, sports or live channels you want.

A larger catalog does not necessarily provide better value. A cheaper service carrying the exact series or sporting event you plan to watch can be the more useful choice.

Rotating streaming services can also reduce the total cost. Keep the service with an active watchlist and cancel subscriptions that are not currently being used.

For a broader approach, read our guide on how to save money on subscriptions. You can also review current subscription and software deals before adding another recurring payment.

Paramount Plus checklist before subscribing#

• Confirm whether you need Essential or Premium.
• Check the exact monthly or annual amount charged at checkout.
• Verify local CBS availability when it is important to you.
• Confirm that the sport, series or Showtime title you want is included.
• Check simultaneous streams and supported devices.
• Confirm whether downloads or 4K playback are required.
• Check whether Paramount+ is already included in another bundle.
• Record the trial end date or next renewal date.
• Confirm where the subscription must be cancelled.

Frequently asked questions#

How much is Paramount Plus per month?#

Paramount+ Essential was $8.99 per month and Premium was $13.99 per month in the United States when checked in July 2026.

How much is Paramount Plus for a year?#

Essential was $89.99 per year and Premium was $139.99 per year. The annual prices cost less than twelve separate monthly payments.

What is the cheapest Paramount Plus plan?#

Essential is the cheapest paid Paramount+ plan. It costs $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year under the checked US pricing.

Does Paramount Plus have ads?#

Essential includes advertising. Premium removes most advertisements from on-demand content, although live television and sports can still contain commercial breaks.

Does Paramount Plus include Showtime?#

Paramount+ includes Showtime programming, with the broader Showtime experience available through Premium. Confirm that the specific title you want is included with the chosen plan.

Can I watch live CBS on Paramount Plus?#

Live local CBS is included with Premium where a supported local station is available. Check local availability before subscribing.

Can I download Paramount Plus shows?#

Offline downloads are available with Premium on supported devices and eligible titles.

Is the Paramount Plus annual plan worth it?#

The annual plan is worthwhile when you expect to use Paramount+ for most of the year. Monthly billing is generally better for short-term or seasonal viewing.

Bottom line on Paramount Plus pricing#

Paramount Plus costs $8.99 per month for Essential or $13.99 per month for Premium under the checked US prices. Annual plans cost $89.99 and $139.99 respectively.

Essential is the better-value option for viewers who want the lowest price and do not mind ads. Premium is worth considering when live local CBS, offline downloads, selected 4K content or the fuller Showtime catalog are important.

Choose monthly billing for temporary viewing and annual billing only when you expect to use Paramount+ throughout most of the year.

Pricing and plan details were checked in July 2026. Availability, taxes, promotions, sports rights, local channels, feature limits and renewal terms can change. Verify the current checkout before subscribing.