How much is a Paramount Plus subscription? If you're comparing streaming services in 2026, pricing is usually the first thing you want to know. Paramount+ remains one of the most affordable premium streaming platforms in the United States, offering blockbuster movies, original series, live sports, CBS programming, and SHOWTIME content without reaching the higher monthly costs seen across many major streaming brands. Current plans range from $8.99 to $13.99 per month, depending on the features you want.
Before choosing a paid plan, many viewers start with a Paramount+ streaming trial to test the service, browse the content library, and check streaming quality across their devices. This approach helps users decide whether the platform fits their entertainment needs before spending money on a monthly or annual subscription.
Paramount+ currently offers two subscription tiers in the United States.
Plan
Monthly Price
Annual Price
Ads
Live CBS
Downloads
Paramount+ Essential
$8.99/month
$89.99/year
Yes
No
No
Paramount+ Premium
$13.99/month
$139.99/year
Mostly Ad-Free
Yes
Yes
These rates became the standard U.S. pricing after the company's latest subscription adjustments. Annual plans lower the effective monthly cost for long-term subscribers.
The Essential plan costs $8.99 per month and serves as the entry-level option.
Subscribers get access to:
More than 40,000 movies and TV episodes
Paramount+ Originals
NFL on CBS
UEFA Champions League matches
UFC events
Nickelodeon content
MTV programming
Comedy Central shows
Three simultaneous streams
The tradeoff is that advertisements appear during much of the on-demand content. Live local CBS stations and offline downloads are not included.
For casual viewers who mainly want entertainment and sports without paying for premium extras, this plan often delivers the best value.
The Premium plan costs $13.99 per month or $139.99 annually.
This tier includes everything available in Essential plus several upgrades.
Mostly ad-free viewing
Live local CBS station access
Full SHOWTIME library
Offline downloads
4K UHD streaming on supported titles
Dolby Vision and HDR10 support on select content
Three simultaneous streams
Sports fans often choose this plan because it combines live CBS broadcasts with the platform's existing sports coverage. Movie fans appreciate the added SHOWTIME catalog and download option for offline viewing.
Many people ask whether Paramount+ provides enough content to justify another monthly streaming bill.
The answer depends on what you watch.
Paramount+ combines content from:
CBS
SHOWTIME
Nickelodeon
MTV
BET
Comedy Central
Smithsonian Channel
Paramount Pictures
Popular titles available in 2026 include:
Tulsa King
1923
Lioness
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Yellowjackets
Dexter: Resurrection
Survivor
NCIS
The service also streams major sporting events throughout the year, including NFL games, UEFA Champions League matches, NCAA sports, PGA Tour coverage, and UFC programming.
Many subscribers overlook the annual billing option.
Here's how the numbers compare.
Plan
Monthly Billing Cost Per Year
Annual Plan Cost
Annual Savings
Essential
$107.88
$89.99
$17.89
Premium
$167.88
$139.99
$27.89
If you plan to keep the service for a full year, annual billing reduces your total cost noticeably.
Streaming prices have increased across the industry during the last few years.
Research published in 2026 found that the average U.S. household spends approximately $278.50 per month on streaming services, subscriptions, rentals, and related entertainment expenses. Against that backdrop, Paramount+ remains one of the lower-priced premium streaming options available today.
This lower entry price explains why many budget-conscious viewers add Paramount+ alongside another streaming service instead of replacing everything with a single platform.
There are several ways to reduce your subscription cost.
Annual subscriptions offer built-in savings compared with monthly payments.
Paramount+ periodically runs discounts during major shopping events and sports seasons. Some recent offers reduced subscription costs for new and returning customers.
Many users begin with a Paramount+ streaming trial before committing to a full subscription. Testing the platform first can prevent paying for a service that doesn't match your viewing habits.
Not every streaming service becomes a permanent part of someone's monthly budget.
If you decide the platform isn't right for you after testing it, learning how to cancel Paramount+ free trial before the renewal date can help you avoid unwanted charges and keep your streaming expenses under control.
Most cancellations can be completed directly through the platform where you originally subscribed, whether that was Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple, Google Play, or another billing provider.
For the most accurate plan details and account information, use official sources:
Paramount+ Plans: https://www.paramountplus.com/account/signup/pickplan/
Paramount+ Help Center: https://help.paramountplus.com
CBS Network Information: https://www.cbs.com
SHOWTIME Programming: https://www.sho.com
How much is a Paramount+ subscription in 2026? The answer is straightforward. The Essential plan costs $8.99 per month, while the Premium plan costs $13.99 per month. Annual subscriptions lower the overall cost and provide better long-term value for regular viewers. With access to CBS programming, SHOWTIME content, live sports, movies, and original series, Paramount+ continues to offer one of the strongest content-to-price ratios among major streaming services. Before subscribing, take time to test the platform, compare the available plans, and choose the option that matches your viewing habits and budget.