Paramount Plus has emerged as a competitor in the crowded field of streaming services. It presents a mix of live sports, CBS shows, movies, and exclusive content. With different pricing tiers, consumers can choose the level of access and perks they prefer.
The service stands out for offering live NFL games and Champions League soccer, making it appealing for sports fans. Paramount Plus also includes access to popular original shows and a library of classics for those after a trip down memory lane.
Content Library
Paramount+ has been around for a few years now, and in 2025 it continues to compete in an increasingly crowded streaming market. With Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Peacock, and others fighting for attention, is Paramount+ still worth your subscription money? Let’s break it down.
One of Paramount+’s biggest strengths is its diverse catalog. It pulls from all of Paramount Global’s brands, including:
- CBS (current shows, next-day episodes, and classics)
- Paramount Pictures (blockbuster films, new releases, and a growing back catalog)
- Nickelodeon (family-friendly hits, both classic and new)
- MTV & Comedy Central (reality shows, comedy specials, and animated favorites)
- Showtime (now bundled into the premium tier, with acclaimed dramas and documentaries)
In addition, Paramount+ has invested heavily in originals like Star Trek spinoffs, Halo, and new exclusive films.
Live sports remain a major draw:
- NFL on CBS
- UEFA Champions League
- March Madness
- PGA Tour events
This makes Paramount+ one of the few streamers that blends on-demand entertainment with live sports and news.
💰 Pricing in 2025
According to the latest updates (TV Guide):
- Essential Plan (with ads): $7.99/month
- Paramount+ with Showtime (ad-free): $12.99/month
- Annual discounts are available, saving about 16–20% if you pay upfront.
Compared to Netflix or Max, Paramount+ remains one of the more affordable premium services, especially when factoring in Showtime.
✅ Pros
- Strong library: Movies, shows, kids’ programming, and live sports.
- Affordable pricing compared to competitors.
- Bundled Showtime content in the premium tier.
- Live CBS access (local channels for premium subscribers).
- Wide device support (smart TVs, consoles, mobile, streaming sticks).
❌ Cons
- Interface & discovery: Navigation is still clunkier than Netflix or Disney+.
- Regional limitations: Some content varies outside the U.S.
- Originals hit-or-miss: While Star Trek and Halo perform well, other originals haven’t gained much traction.
- Ads in Essential Plan can feel repetitive and intrusive.
Who Is Paramount+ Best For?
- Sports fans who want NFL, soccer, and CBS coverage.
- Families looking for Nickelodeon and kids’ content.
- Trekkies & sci-fi fans who enjoy the Star Trek universe.
- Budget-conscious streamers who want movies + TV + sports without paying Netflix-level prices.
Paramount+ vs. Competitors (2025)
| Feature / Service | Paramount+ | Netflix | Disney+ | Max (HBO) | Apple TV+ | Peacock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (monthly) | $7.99 (ads) / $12.99 (ad-free w/ Showtime) | $15.49 (Standard, ad-free) / $6.99 (ads) | $9.99 (ads) / $13.99 (ad-free) | $9.99 (ads) / $16.99 (ad-free) | $9.99 (single plan) | $5.99 (ads) / $11.99 (ad-free) |
| Annual Plan Savings | Yes (16–20%) | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Original Content | Growing (Star Trek, Halo) | Very strong (Stranger Things, Wednesday) | Strong (Star Wars, Marvel) | Strong (House of the Dragon, The Last of Us) | Select but high-quality (Severance, Ted Lasso) | Moderate (The Office spinoffs, WWE content) |
| Movies | Paramount Pictures library + new releases | Wide but rotating | Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars | Warner Bros. + DC + HBO films | Small but curated | Universal Pictures films |
| Live Sports | NFL, UEFA, March Madness, PGA | ❌ | Limited (ESPN+ bundle only) | ❌ | ❌ | Premier League, NFL (Sunday Night Football), Olympics |
| News / Live TV | CBS News + local CBS (premium tier) | ❌ | ❌ | CNN Max (streaming version) | ❌ | NBC News + local NBC |
| Kids Content | Nickelodeon | Some originals | Disney & Pixar | Looney Tunes, Cartoon Network | Limited | DreamWorks, Universal Kids |
| Offline Downloads | Premium only | Yes (ad-free) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Premium only |
| Global Availability | Limited (U.S.-focused, some regions) | Wide (190+ countries) | Wide | Wide | Wide | Limited (U.S.-centric) |
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+: Best for sports + CBS fans + families who want Nickelodeon and Showtime content at a lower price.
- Netflix: Still the king of originals, but pricier.
- Disney+: Family-friendly powerhouse with Marvel + Star Wars.
- Max (HBO): Prestige dramas, Warner Bros. films, and a growing sports push.
- Apple TV+: Small library but critically acclaimed originals.
- Peacock: Cheapest option with NBC shows, Universal movies, and Premier League soccer.
Final Verdict: Is Paramount+ Worth It in 2025?
Yes — if you value sports, CBS content, and Showtime exclusives, Paramount+ offers excellent value at a lower price point than most competitors. However, if you’re mainly after prestige originals or a slicker user interface, you might find Netflix, Max, or Apple TV+ more appealing.
Overall, Paramount+ in 2025 is a well-rounded, affordable streaming service that continues to carve out a niche by blending live sports, movies, and TV classics under one roof.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus provides a selection of live sports, original shows, and classic content.
- Different subscription options cater to varied viewer preferences and budgets.
- The service is tailored to fans of CBS programming and major sports events.
Service Overview
Paramount Plus stands out in the crowded streaming landscape, offering a diverse array of content, crystal-clear streaming quality, and easy access across various devices, all packaged within a value-oriented pricing structure. It caters to a wide audience through its extensive library and additional services.
Content Library
Paramount Plus boasts a vast library that includes a mix of movies, TV shows, and original series. This service provides access to popular networks such as CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, and the Smithsonian Channel. Subscribers can watch hit series like NCIS, SpongeBob SquarePants, and iCarly, as well as renowned originals like Star Trek: Discovery, The Good Fight, and Yellowstone. For the younger audience, shows such as PAW Patrol and Kamp Koral make it a family-friendly choice.
Stream Quality and User Interface
The streaming service delivers content predominantly in 1080p resolution, assuring good picture quality for viewers. The user interface (UI) is straightforward, with an intuitive navigation system. The “My List” feature helps keep track of favored shows. Paramount Plus is compatible with various devices including Android, iPhone, iPad, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Roku, ensuring users can watch their preferred content with ease.
Availability and Accessibility
Availability of Paramount Plus spans a wide range of devices, providing easy access to its content. Subscribers can stream on mobile devices like phones and tablets that run on Android or iOS platforms. Paramount Plus also integrates well with streaming sticks and boxes like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Subscription and Pricing
Paramount Plus offers two main subscription plans. The Essential Plan costs $5.99 per month and includes a variety of TV series and movies, but it contains advertisements. The go-to option for an ad-free experience is the Premium Plan. Both plans often come with a free trial, allowing new subscribers to experience the service before committing.
Additional Features and Services
Subscribers to Paramount Plus’s premium tier also gain access to live sports broadcasts, including NFL games, UEFA Champions League matches, and PGA Tour events. Sports fans can make the most of additional features like CBS Sports HQ and ET Live. Moreover, the service provides live TV, which encompasses not only sports but also breaking news and more.
