As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Paramount Plus has firmly established itself as a budget-friendly option for viewers seeking a diverse selection of content.
Formerly known as CBS All Access, Paramount Plus has undergone significant changes since its rebranding, offering not only on-demand TV shows and movies but also live sports and news, making it a strong competitor in the streaming market.
With access to popular networks like CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and more, Paramount Plus delivers a blend of nostalgia, fresh originals, and live TV options.
In 2025, Paramount Plus is gaining traction for its affordable pricing, especially when compared to other major streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+. While it may not boast the same extensive library of original programming, it offers great value for sports fans, families, and those looking for a mix of classic television and movies.
In this review, we’ll explore the key features, pricing plans, and content available on Paramount Plus, along with its pros and cons, to help you decide whether this streaming service is worth your time and money in 2025.
From its offerings in live sports to its exclusive original series, we’ll break down everything you need to know before subscribing.
Paramount+ at a Glance
Paramount Plus is a streaming service launched by ViacomCBS, offering a diverse selection of content across different genres.
The service has evolved since its rebranding in 2021, with a stronger focus on on-demand movies, series, and live content such as sports and news.
While it might not have the scale of Netflix or Disney+, Paramount Plus offers significant value for money, especially for fans of live TV and sports.
With a wide range of content from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and Paramount Pictures, Paramount Plus brings a combination of old favorites and fresh originals.
However, its true appeal lies in its affordability and flexibility, making it a solid choice for those looking for a diverse streaming package without the hefty price tag of its competitors.
Paramount+ Features
Let’s break down the key features of Paramount Plus that you should consider before subscribing.
1. Content
One of Paramount Plus’s biggest draws is its content library. The service houses an impressive range of movies, TV shows, and sports events that are a mix of older hits and newer releases.
- TV Shows and Movies: Paramount Plus boasts content from some of the most iconic TV networks and movie studios, including CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV. If you’re a fan of classic sitcoms, dramas, or reality shows, you’ll find a treasure trove of content here.
- Originals: While Paramount Plus’s original content isn’t as expansive as that of Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, it does feature a few standout series. “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Star Trek: Picard,” and “The Good Fight” are among the network’s most popular exclusives. The platform is also expanding its original offerings, so more shows are expected to arrive in the future.
- Live Sports and News: If you’re into live sports, Paramount Plus has an edge over many of its competitors. It offers access to live events like the NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, and a range of other sports, including college football and basketball, PGA golf, and more. There’s also live news coverage from CBS News.
- Movies: Paramount Plus has a strong movie catalog, featuring a mix of blockbuster hits, recent releases, and older films from the Paramount Pictures library. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed blockbusters or drama-filled thrillers, there’s plenty to choose from.
2. Affordability
Paramount Plus stands out in terms of pricing. The service offers one of the more affordable streaming options on the market, especially when you compare it to other major players like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+.
- Essential Plan: For $7.99 per month, the Essential plan gives you access to most of Paramount Plus’s on-demand library. This plan includes ads, but it’s a good choice if you don’t mind interruptions and are looking to save on the monthly fee.
- Premium Plan: If you want an ad-free experience, the Premium plan is available for $12.99 per month. It offers all the benefits of the Essential plan but with the added advantage of no ads on on-demand content. It also includes access to SHOWTIME and the ability to download content for offline viewing. The Premium plan is a great choice for those who want to experience Paramount Plus without interruptions, and it adds value by unlocking a broader selection of live content.
Overall, Paramount Plus is one of the most reasonably priced streaming services available, offering a lot of value for its price.
3. Add-Ons
While Paramount Plus doesn’t offer an extensive range of add-ons like some of its competitors, there are a few key options that enhance your streaming experience:
- SHOWTIME Add-On: For $10.99 per month, you can add Showtime to your Premium plan. This grants you access to a wide array of movies, original programming like “Billions” and “Dexter,” and exclusive documentaries. Showtime’s extensive movie library and hit shows can help make the Premium plan even more attractive for those who love premium cable content.
- Sports Packages: Depending on your region, Paramount Plus offers additional sports packages, including the ability to stream local NFL games, NCAA events, and more. These add-ons may cost extra, but they’re essential for sports fans who want to catch live games.
4. Flexibility
Paramount Plus offers a great deal of flexibility when it comes to how and where you watch content. The service works across a wide range of devices, including:
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, and more)
- Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast)
- Web browsers
You can also stream on multiple devices simultaneously, making it a good option for families or households where multiple people are watching at the same time. The interface is intuitive, with a clear layout for browsing, searching, and discovering new content.
5. Multiple Screens
The ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously is another key feature of Paramount Plus. With the Essential plan, you can stream on up to three devices at once.
This makes it an ideal option for families or roommates who want to enjoy different content on their own devices without having to worry about conflicts.
Paramount+ Pricing
In terms of pricing, Paramount Plus offers competitive rates for the value it provides. Here’s a breakdown of the two primary plans available in 2025:
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $7.99 | On-demand library, live sports (limited), ads |
| Premium | $12.99 | Ad-free, access to Showtime, live sports, offline downloads, 3 simultaneous streams |
For the most part, these prices are on par with other streaming services, and the inclusion of live sports and Showtime in the Premium plan offers real value for those looking to enhance their streaming experience.
Optional Add-Ons
- SHOWTIME: As mentioned earlier, for an additional $10.99 per month, you can add SHOWTIME to your Premium plan. This gives you access to SHOWTIME’s entire library of films and original series.
- Sports Packages: If you’re a sports fan, you can add more sports content depending on your region. These add-ons are usually tailored to specific events or sports leagues.
Paramount+ Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable: Paramount Plus offers a lot of value for its price, especially with the Premium plan. You get access to a range of content, including live sports and exclusive shows, at a fraction of the cost of services like Netflix or Hulu.
- Live Sports and News: With access to live sports such as the NFL and UEFA Champions League, Paramount Plus is a great option for sports enthusiasts who don’t want to pay for a cable subscription.
- Great for Families: With a library of children’s programming from Nickelodeon, as well as family-friendly shows, Paramount Plus is a solid choice for households with kids.
- Solid Movie Library: Paramount Plus’s movie catalog includes everything from recent blockbusters to timeless classics, offering a great mix for movie lovers.
- Multiple Device Support: The ability to stream on multiple devices at once and across a range of devices (smartphones, smart TVs, streaming devices) makes it a flexible choice for many users.
Cons
- Limited Original Content: While Paramount Plus does offer some original programming, its library isn’t as extensive as those of Netflix or Disney+. This may be a turn-off for viewers who prefer to watch fresh content that can’t be found elsewhere.
- Ads in the Essential Plan: If you choose the Essential plan, you’ll have to endure ads during content. This can be frustrating for users who prefer uninterrupted viewing, especially when compared to the ad-free experience offered by other services.
- Streaming Issues: Some users report buffering, slow load times, or freezes, particularly when streaming during peak hours or using older devices. The app’s reliability isn’t always consistent, and this can be a downside for those who value a smooth streaming experience.
- No Offline Sports Streaming: While the Premium plan includes offline downloads for movies and shows, live sports events cannot be downloaded for offline viewing.
Top Paramount+ Reviews
The consensus from top reviewers in 2025 paints Paramount Plus as a solid streaming service, especially for its affordable pricing and its robust selection of content from CBS and other ViacomCBS networks.
- Positive: Many users praise the service’s live sports coverage, the inclusion of Showtime in the Premium plan, and its strong children’s programming lineup. The general affordability also earns it a lot of favor, with many feeling it’s a good secondary service to complement Netflix or Disney+.
- Negative: Some users complain about the limited catalog of originals and frequent buffering or lag during playback. While these issues don’t seem to affect everyone, they’re notable enough to be a concern for potential subscribers.
How Do I Know I Can Trust This Paramount+ Review?
This review is based on recent feedback and analysis from multiple sources, including industry reviews and user reviews. I’ve taken a balanced approach by considering both the positive aspects of the service and the common issues reported by users.
Additionally, I’ve cross-checked facts such as pricing and features to ensure accuracy in representing Paramount Plus as it stands in 2025.
Is Paramount+ Safe and Reliable?
Paramount Plus is a legitimate service operated by a major media company, ViacomCBS. It is safe to use in terms of data security, and there have been no reports of major security concerns.
However, its reliability can be inconsistent, particularly regarding streaming performance. Some users report issues with buffering and app crashes, but these problems seem to vary depending on device and network conditions.
How Paramount+ Works
Using Paramount+ is simple and user-friendly. After subscribing, you can access the service through its app or website on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, and web browsers.
Once you’re signed in, the main screen shows you different sections like “Shows,” “Movies,” and “Live TV.”
You can browse and select content from the on-demand library. Simply pick a movie or TV show, hit play, and it begins streaming almost instantly, as long as your internet connection is stable.
If you have a plan that supports live TV, you can switch to the “Live TV” section to watch events like sports, news, and other live programming depending on your region.
For Premium subscribers, you’ll get an ad-free experience, while those on other plans may encounter ads during playback.
Paramount+ Customer Support
While Paramount+ offers a wide array of content and features, its customer support has received mixed reviews. Many users report frustration when dealing with issues such as account problems, streaming errors, and billing inquiries.
One of the most common complaints revolves around slow response times. Customers often report long wait times before receiving assistance, especially when using chat support or email.
Additionally, the quality of support seems inconsistent. Some users have reported helpful and knowledgeable support agents, while others have described interactions as unhelpful, with agents unable to resolve problems effectively.
Issues such as buffering, app crashes, and difficulty canceling subscriptions seem to go unresolved for extended periods, contributing to customer dissatisfaction.
On the positive side, Paramount+ does offer a range of support options, including a comprehensive FAQ section and troubleshooting guides.
However, these self-help resources often leave users with unresolved issues, leading them to contact customer support in the first place.
In short, while Paramount+ provides basic support channels, the overall customer service experience tends to be hit or miss. If you encounter problems with your account or streaming quality, be prepared for potential delays or a less-than-satisfactory resolution.
Is There a Paramount+ App?
Yes, Paramount+ has an app available across a variety of devices. You can download it on smartphones and tablets running iOS or Android, allowing you to stream content anywhere.
For larger screens, the app is compatible with smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and Vizio, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast. It’s also available on gaming consoles and computers.
The app is designed for ease of use, providing access to Paramount+’s on-demand library, live TV, and sports content (where available). You can sign in on multiple devices, making it convenient for families or users who like to switch between screens.
Whether you’re watching on a mobile device or a big TV, the app ensures flexibility and is accessible on most major platforms.
Our Verdict
Our verdict on Paramount+ is that it offers strong value for specific types of viewers, though with some limitations. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a mix of network TV classics, a handful of original series, live sports, and on-demand movies — all at a competitive price.
The lower-cost Essential plan provides good access, and the Premium plan offers ad-free viewing, additional content, and perks like offline downloads.
For casual streamers, families, or sports fans, Paramount+ hits the right notes. It’s especially useful as a supplementary service alongside other platforms, offering a variety of content at a reasonable price.
However, it’s not perfect. The selection of original content is still growing but doesn’t yet match the depth of giants like Netflix or Disney+.
Some users have experienced issues with buffering, playback, and the inability to pause or rewind live TV, which can be a dealbreaker for some.
Overall, Paramount+ is worth trying, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with live TV and sports. But it’s better viewed as a complementary service, not a replacement for more premium, all-in-one streaming platforms.
FAQs
Does Paramount+ offer a free trial?
Yes, Paramount Plus offers a 7-day free trial, allowing new users to test the service before committing.
Can I watch sports on Paramount+?
Yes, Paramount Plus provides access to a range of live sports, including the NFL, UEFA Champions League, and college football.
Is the Premium (SHOWTIME) plan worth the extra money?
For many users, yes. The Premium plan adds value with ad-free content, Showtime’s library, offline downloads, and additional live events.
Does Paramount+ work across devices?
Yes, it works on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.
Are there complaints about buffering or app issues?
Some users have reported buffering, freezing, and other performance issues, especially during peak usage times.
