Most streaming services have raised their prices in the past year—some more confusingly than others. Back in June, Paramount+ merged with Showtime, and, as a result, its pricing increased—but not only for people interested in actually watching Showtime content. Both Paramount+ pricing tiers—ad-free with Showtime and ad-supported without Showtime—are now more expensive, even though only one of these tiers actually offers more content.
The cheapest Paramount+ plan costs more than ever
The most affordable Paramount+ subscription has ads, and does not include Showtime content. It’s called Paramount+ Essential, and it will now cost you $5.99/month, up from $4.99 before the merger. If you prefer paying for a year upfront, then you’ll be shelling out $59.99/year—an increase of $10 to the annual fee. Note that these prices don’t include local taxes, which may or may not apply to you depending on where in the U.S. you live.
This plan does not include a live stream of your local CBS station. You will, however, be able to access NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League soccer matches through separate live feeds.
Paramount+ With Showtime pricing
For those who want Showtime and an ad-free experience, the Paramount+ with Showtime plan is the one to choose. It costs $11.99/month, or $119.99/year, excluding taxes. This includes all the content available on both these streaming services, now merged into one.
This plan does cost $2 more per month when compared to the old Paramount+ only model, but you do get more content with this increase. If you subscribed for the year prior to the merger, you’ll be grandfathered in until it’s time for your next billing cycle. Once that time comes, however, you will be charged at the new rate.
