Paramount+ TV Streaming Services Review
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Plans and Trial Periods
Paramount+ offers two subscription levels. Each gives you access to the same content as the other. You can choose based on how many commercials you're willing to watch. You can sign up for a Limited Commercial Plan (though we're not sure how Paramount Plus defines "limited") for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Or you can choose Paramount+'s Premium plan for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year and enjoy a commercial-free experience. The company notes that there are exceptions to their commercial-free experience: "Live streams like your local CBS station still have commercials and, due to streaming rights, a few shows play with promotional interruptions." Paramount+ offers a free one-week trial with both plans.
Bundles and Customization
In addition to Paramount+, ViacomCBS also offers two sports-focused subscription services, SportsLine and 247Sports. If you're a sports lover and already subscribe to either of those services, you're in luck: a Paramount+ Premium membership is already included in your package. If you're not a subscriber to either of those services but would appreciate greater access to sports programming, you might want to look into bundling services under a SportsLine or 247Sports plan. Other than bundling, Paramount+ doesn't offer the opportunity to customize. While some may consider that a disadvantage, it makes Paramount+ plan pricing simple and transparent.
Library and Available Networks
With 30,000 TV episodes and films in its pocket, Paramount+ offers one of the larger libraries of the TV streaming services we've reviewed. The service connects you with various well-known networks in the ViacomCBS family of brands, including ComedyCentral, Showtime, BET, and Nickelodeon. Paramount+ is one way ViacomCBS maximizes revenue from existing properties. However, Paramount+ may not connect you to the shows and networks you most want to watch, such as CNN or ESPN. But if you are a fan of 60 Minutes or SpongeBob Squarepants, the variety of programming offered with Paramount+ may suit you to a tee. We should also point out that Paramount+ is among the least expensive services we've reviewed.
Supported Devices
A Paramount Plus subscription allows you to stream on three different devices simultaneously. While that's fewer than some services allow under their plans and may not be ideal for large families, the difference is reflected by Paramount+'s low subscription costs. You can get two Paramount+ subscriptions for the price of some other single subscriptions. Subscribers can set up an unlimited number of viewer profiles, however.
The company lists about 15 supported devices including Apple TV, iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, Playstation 4, Xbox, Roku, Vizio Smart TVs, and Fire TV.
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- Stream more than 30,000 episodes from popular networks
- Watch ShowTime, BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, The Smithsonian Channel, and more
- Over 1000 live sporting events broadcast each year
- Original content you won't find elsewhere
- Limited Commercial and Commercial Free plans
- Subscriptions starting at $4.99 per month