Paramount+ Premium Plan
Premium is THE complete version of Paramount+. For $13.99/mo, it includes the core Paramount+ library, all of SHOWTIME®, live CBS, downloads, select 4K/HDR streaming and a mostly ad-free experience. It's still not a full cable replacement but does a ton of niche stuff exceedingly well.
The main tradeoff is price - Premium costs $5/mo more than Essential so it isn't the right pick if you want the cheapest way to watch Paramount+ originals or a few sports events. Let's dig into the details...
- 40,000 episodes and movies
- Mostly ad-free on-demand streaming
- Your local live CBS station
- NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, UFC and more
- All of SHOWTIME®
- Select 4K UHD, Dolby Vision or HDR10 streaming
- Offline downloads for movies and shows
- Up to 3 simultaneous streams
- Up to 6 individual profiles
- 100% contract-free
ProviderCheck Verdict
4.6/5 - Best Paramount+ Experience. Premium is the best Paramount+ plan for folks that want the service's full library and features. It adds all of SHOWTIME, live CBS, sports, downloads and select 4K/HDR streaming.
Speaking of sports, that's one of biggest draws here. Paramount+ includes two huge leagues: NFL on CBS and the UEFA Champions League. You won't get all the games but a solid enough chunk to satisfy most fans.
PERFECT FOR: Paramount+ regulars, SHOWTIME fans, CBS viewers, sports junkies and families that want fewer ads.
SKIP IT IF: you only want the cheapest way to watch Paramount+ originals, kids shows and select live sports.
BOTTOM LINE: Premium is the plan to grab if everyone falls in love with Paramount+. Essential is cheaper, but Premium is always the more complete and entertaining option.
Paramount+ Premium Snapshot
Here's the quick version before we get into the fine print:
Where to get this package
Head over to the Paramount+ official site for the latest prices and trial offers. If Premium feels like more than you need, a lot of folks go with Essential first, then re-assess after a few weeks.
- Epis/Movies: 40,000+
- Best price: $8.99/mo
- Year discounts
Visit Paramount+The Fine Print
Here at Provider Check, our motto is to "always check the fine print". With Paramount+ Premium, the good news is the fine print is mostly about feature limits instead of surprise fees. There's never a contract, equipment charge or regional sports fee.
Annual savings: With an annual plan charged at its regular annual price compared to paying 12 months of the regular monthly plan price. Plans include trailers & - Full Price Disclosure
- Base Price: $13.99/mo
- Added fees (required): none
- Actual Price: $13.99
- Contract term: none
- Transparency: after an exhaustive review of the terms and conditions, no hidden fees found
- ProviderCheck Approved
The important stuff is still feature-related. Premium is mostly ad-free but live TV, sponsorships and similar promos can still include ads. Select 4K UHD (Dolby Vision or HDR10) streaming depend on the title, your device and internet connection. Download rules vary by content and device.
Premium Plan: Costs, Fees and Taxes
With respect to your bill, Paramount+ Premium is super simple. The plan is $13.99/mo before applicable tax, or $139.99/yr if you pay annually. Paying by year saves you close to 20% so even if you're a couple months into a monthly plan, you can still opt for the yearly and lock in those savings. Finally, there's never a receiver, broadcast surcharge or RSN fee.
Taxes vary by state/local regulations and promos change pretty often. It's best to treat $13.99/mo as the regular price and consider any trial or limited-time deal as a bit of a bonus.
Premium vs Essential
Premium is the better pick if you care about live CBS, downloads, 4K/HDR or the full SHOWTIME library. Essential is still the better option if you mostly want Paramount+ shows, kids programming and sports feeds at the lowest possible price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paramount+ Premium worth it?
Yes, Paramount+ Premium is worth it if you regularly watch Paramount+, want all of SHOWTIME, need live CBS or use downloads when traveling. It's less compelling if you only want the cheapest way to watch the Paramount+ basics.
Does Paramount+ Premium include local CBS?
Sure does. Paramount+ Premium includes the continuous livestream of your local CBS station in supported markets. That makes Premium the better choice if live CBS, local news or CBS sports are a big motivator for ya.
Does Paramount+ Premium have ads?
Paramount+ Premium is mostly ad-free for on-demand viewing but it isn't 100% ad-free. Live TV, event feeds and sponsorships sometimes still include ads.
Can I download shows with Paramount+ Premium?
Yep. Paramount+ Premium includes downloads for eligible movies and shows on supported mobile devices. Availability varies by title, device and account rules, so it's best to confirm well ahead of a long trip.
What does Paramount+ Premium add over Essential?
Paramount+ Premium adds all of SHOWTIME, live CBS, offline downloads, select 4K UHD and a mostly ad-free experience. Essential is cheaper but Premium is the more complete Paramount+ plan.
