As of October 2026, Paramount Plus costs $8.99 a month for Paramount+ Essential, which has ads, and $13.99 a month for Paramount+ Premium, which is ad free except for live TV. Both plans stream on 3 devices at once.
Paramount Plus keeps things simpler than most streaming apps, with just two plans. The difference between them isn't only ads, though. Premium also adds the full Showtime library, live CBS and downloads, which matters more than people expect. Here's what Paramount's own US page lists for each plan.
Paramount Plus plans and prices
| Feature | Paramount+ Essential | Paramount+ Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8.99 a month | $13.99 a month |
| Ads | Ad supported | Ad free, except live TV |
| Episodes and movies | 40,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Devices at once | 3 | 3 |
| NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League | Yes | Yes |
| All UFC live fights | Yes | Yes |
| Showtime | Select series | Showtime Originals and movies |
| Downloads | No | Yes, with restrictions |
| Live CBS, with more sports and events | No | Yes |
Paramount's page marks Premium as the most popular plan. Both plans come with profiles for the whole family, including kid friendly profiles.
The small print on ads
Ad free on Premium has two conditions. Paramount says live TV has ads, and that all plans include promotions about Paramount+ itself, plus trailers and similar content. So Premium removes the commercial breaks from on demand shows and films, but not from live broadcasts.
Showtime: the biggest difference
Showtime is now part of Paramount+, but how much of it you get depends on your plan. Paramount says you access Showtime originals and movies when you sign up for Premium. On Essential, you only get select series, and Paramount notes that series on Essential may not include all episodes.
If a Showtime drama is the reason you're subscribing, Essential could leave you halfway through a season. That alone makes Premium the safer choice for drama fans.
Sports on Paramount Plus
Both plans include the NFL on CBS, UFC, UEFA Champions League and Zuffa Boxing, according to Paramount's page. Paramount also says UFC fights now stream live and on demand with your subscription, with no more pay per view. Premium adds live CBS, which Paramount says brings even more sports on your local CBS station.
So a UFC fan can manage on Essential, but anyone who wants to watch their local CBS station live, including other games and events it carries, needs Premium.
Downloads and 4K
Only Premium lets you download movies and shows to watch offline, and Paramount says download restrictions apply. Premium also offers 4K UHD, Dolby Vision and HDR10, but only on select titles and depending on your internet service and device.
What you can watch
Paramount says both plans include 40,000+ episodes and movies. Its page highlights full episodes from BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1, family films and shows, and exclusive originals such as Tulsa King, MobLand, Lioness, Dutton Ranch and The Agency. The library itself is the same size on both plans; it's the extras around it that change with Premium.
Profiles and family use
Paramount's page says you can stream on up to 3 devices at the same time and create separate profiles for the whole family, including kid friendly profiles. For a family of four who rarely watch at the same moment, 3 streams is usually enough. If you're often watching on more than three screens at once, Paramount Plus won't stretch to that on either plan.
Because the device limit is the same on both plans, don't upgrade to Premium for more screens. Upgrade for Showtime, downloads or live CBS, because those are the features Premium adds on top of Essential.
Monthly or annual?
Paramount's page refers to an annual plan, charged at its regular annual price, as cheaper than paying 12 months at the regular monthly price. The annual price itself isn't printed in Paramount's plan comparison, so check it at sign up if you're planning to stay all year.
Thinking about family viewing as well? Look at our Disney+ plans guide.
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How to choose a Paramount Plus plan
- If you mainly want sports like UFC and the NFL on CBS, and don't mind ads, Essential covers it.
- If you want Showtime dramas with every episode, choose Premium.
- If you watch on trains or planes, Premium is the only plan with downloads.
- If you want your local CBS station live, choose Premium.
- Check the annual option at sign up if you'll keep it all year.
Comparing streaming services before you commit? My round up of Netflix alternatives puts Paramount Plus in context, and Roku vs Fire Stick helps you choose the device to watch on.
My verdict
For most households, Premium at $13.99 a month is worth the extra over Essential. You get the full Showtime library, downloads, live CBS and no ad breaks in on demand content. Essential at $8.99 is fine for a sports fan who mainly watches UFC or the NFL on CBS and doesn't care about Showtime. Just don't pick Essential for a Showtime series, because you may not get every episode, and that's the kind of surprise that makes people cancel in frustration.
The biggest name in streaming has its own set of tiers, laid out in our Netflix price guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Paramount Plus a month?
As of October 2026, Paramount+ Essential is $8.99 a month and Paramount+ Premium is $13.99 a month in the US.
Does Paramount Plus Premium have ads?
Paramount says Premium is ad free except for live TV, and all plans include promotions about Paramount+ and trailers.
Is Showtime included in Paramount Plus?
Premium includes Showtime originals and movies. Essential includes select series, which may not include all episodes.
Can I download shows on Paramount Plus Essential?
No. Paramount lists downloads on Premium only, with download restrictions.
How many devices can stream Paramount Plus at once?
Both plans let you stream on 3 devices at the same time.
Does Paramount Plus have 4K?
Premium offers 4K UHD, Dolby Vision and HDR10 on select titles, depending on your internet service and device.
Is there an annual Paramount Plus plan?
Paramount's page refers to an annual plan that costs less than 12 months at the regular monthly price. Check the annual price at sign up.
Can I watch live CBS on Paramount Plus Essential?
No. Paramount lists streaming CBS live, with more sports and events, as a Premium feature.
Is UFC on Paramount Plus?
Yes. Paramount says you can watch all UFC live fights on both plans, live and on demand.
