Paramount Plus offers two different subscription plans to choose from. The Essential plan is the cheaper option, but that also means it has fewer features. Here’s what you need to know:
What You Get with Paramount Plus Essential
- Huge library: Access tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, the Smithsonian Channel, and more.
- Paramount+ Originals: Enjoy exclusive shows and movies only available on Paramount Plus.
- Limited commercial interruptions: Most content will have some advertising breaks, but not as many as regular cable TV.
- No live CBS station: If you want to watch your local CBS news and sports you’ll need the more expensive Premium plan.
- Downloads for Offline Viewing: Not available on the Essential plan.
What’s Missing from the Essential Plan
- SHOWTIME: You won’t get any of the Showtime movies or series with the Essential plan.
- Live CBS: This feature is only included on the Premium plan.
- NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League: Available through the Premium plan, however, you can still access live feeds on the Essential plan.
- Fewer ads: The Premium plan is completely ad-free (except for live TV and a few select shows).
- Offline Downloads The Premium plan allows you to download shows and movies to watch when you don’t have an internet connection.
Price Comparison
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $5.99 | $59.99 |
| w/ Showtime | $11.99 | $119.99 |
Should You Choose Paramount Plus Essential?
If you’re on a budget and don’t care about Showtime content or your local CBS station, the Essential plan could be a great choice. It’s a good way to try Paramount Plus without spending too much.
Overview of Paramount Plus Essential Plan
The Paramount Plus Essential Plan is a budget-friendly option for those looking to subscribe to a vast library of content without a high price tag. This subscription offers access to over 30,000 movies and shows, catering to a range of viewers with various interests. Priced at $5.99 per month or a discounted rate of $59.99 per year, this plan is economical, allowing subscribers to save over 16% when opting for the annual payment.
Unlike the more expensive tiers, the Essential Plan is ad-supported, which means subscribers will encounter commercials. However, these are limited, ensuring that the viewing experience is still enjoyable. Although live TV streaming is not included in this plan, the breadth of on-demand content more than compensates for this.
Those interested in the Essential Plan may note that the cost-benefit balance has been carefully struck to provide maximum value. The plan’s affordability has proven attractive to subscribers who prefer a lower-cost service without sacrificing a comprehensive content catalog.
It’s important to mention that subscription changes and savings can occur periodically, so keeping an eye on the latest offers and promotions, such as free trial periods, could further enhance the value of this plan. The Essential Plan stands as a testament to Paramount+’s commitment to providing versatile viewing options to meet different needs and preferences.
Subscription Benefits
Choosing the Paramount Plus Essential plan unlocks a diverse selection of entertainment options.
Extensive Content Library
The Essential plan offers a vast library with over 30,000 episodes and movies. Subscribers enjoy a range of TV shows like NCIS and Young Sheldon, along with fan-favorite series such as Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard. For younger viewers, beloved series like SpongeBob SquarePants are readily available.
Live Sports and Events
Sports enthusiasts can catch live events, including every NFL on CBS game and the UEFA Champions League. These events are accessible through separate live feeds, ensuring fans don’t miss out on critical sports action.
Support and Compatibility
The service supports a broad array of devices, ensuring viewers can enjoy content on their preferred platforms. Here’s a quick list:
- Mobile: iOS, Android
- Smart TVs: LG, Vizio, Samsung
- Streaming devices: Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Others: Portal TV, Xfinity Flex
Content Quality and Viewing Experience
Subscribers can stream content up to 4K resolution where available, augmented with Dolby Vision and HDR for an enhanced visual experience. For audio, Dolby Atmos provides an immersive sound. Moreover, Paramount Plus supports offline viewing, allowing users to download shows and watch on the go.
Free Trial Offering
New users can start with a free trial, giving them a chance to test the service before committing to a subscription. This trial allows full access to the Essential plan’s benefits, giving an accurate idea of what the service delivers.
Plan Comparisons
In this section, we’ll look at Paramount Plus’s two main subscriptions and see how they stack up against competitors and how commercials fit into the picture.
Essential vs. Premium Plan
Paramount Plus Essential offers a budget-friendly choice at $4.99 per month, whereas the Premium Plan stands at $9.99 per month after a 7-day trial. Essential comes with limited commercial interruptions but gives users access to over 45,000 episodes and movies. The Premium Plan, on the other hand, is more costly but includes a commercial-free experience. Additionally, the Premium Plan often includes access to live CBS streams without ads.
Competitor Analysis
When lined up against alternatives like Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, Paramount Plus’s Essential Plan slides in with a competitive edge in cost. Hulu’s cheapest ad-supported plan is slightly more expensive, while HBO Max does not offer an ad-supported tier at a similar price point. Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ are commercial-free but often come at a premium cost compared to the Essential Plan. However, for sports enthusiasts, combining Disney+ with ESPN+ can offer a more comprehensive package, although at a higher price.
Ads and Interruptions
With the Essential Plan, viewers should be prepared for some level of interruptions in the form of ads, similar to what one may expect from a traditional televised broadcast. While they are described as limited commercials, this plan does not provide an ad-free viewing like the Premium plan does. The type and frequency of ads are controlled to ensure a balance between cost-saving and viewing experience.
In contrast, the Premium Plan offers an entirely commercial-free viewing of Paramount Plus’s on-demand library, but live TV may still include commercials due to broadcasting regulations.
Accessibility Features
Paramount+ takes pride in providing accessibility features that ensure all subscribers can fully enjoy their favorite content. Below are the specifics on how Paramount+ supports various devices and accommodates user account management for ease of access.
Device Support
Paramount+ is compatible with a wide array of devices and TVs, meaning users can enjoy their content on many different platforms. Whether one prefers to watch on a computer, a mobile device, or a TV like Apple TV, Android TV or Fire TV, accessibility features such as closed captions and audio descriptions are available. These features can be easily managed and turned on to meet individual accessibility needs.
User Account Management
To manage accessibility features, a user must simply access their account settings. Paramount+ has designed the account interface to be intuitive and straightforward. By logging in using their email address, users can quickly navigate to the necessary options and make the desired updates. Regular updates ensure that accessibility and user support remain consistent and reliable for a seamless viewing experience.
Content Offerings
Paramount+ Essential Plan brings a diverse range of entertainment, including extensive CBS programming, exclusive series, kids’ shows, and sports action. Subscribers have access to a vast library of content for all ages and interests.
CBS Network Programming
Paramount+ Essential includes a wide array of TV shows from CBS. Viewers can catch up with popular series such as 60 Minutes, as well as access content from their local CBS station or affiliate.
Original Series and Exclusives
Subscribers to Paramount+ can enjoy exclusive originals like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. This lineup is constantly updated with new content that you cannot find anywhere else.
Brands and Partnerships
Through its ownership by ViacomCBS, Paramount+ boasts content from various networks and brands. This includes favorites from BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, and the Smithsonian Channel.
Sports Programming
Sports fans can rejoice with live sports coverage, including NFL on CBS, and soccer matches from the UEFA Champions League. Live and on-demand sports ensure fans never miss a moment of the action.
Children’s Programming
Nickelodeon, part of the Paramount+ Essential Plan, ensures that young viewers get their fill of child-friendly programming, including animated hits and educational shows that keep kids engaged and entertained.
Pricing and Subscriptions
Navigating the subscription options for Paramount Plus is straightforward. They offer two core plans: Essential and Premium, each with distinct features and costs.
Subscription Costs
The Essential Plan allows streaming with limited ads and is priced at:
- Monthly: $5.99
- Annually: $59.99 (savings of over 16%)
The Premium Plan steps it up by including Showtime and offering an ad-free experience at:
- Monthly: $11.99
- Annually: $119.99
Billing and Payment Options
Subscribers can choose to be billed monthly or annually. Payment methods include major credit cards and PayPal. Opting for an annual subscription with either plan provides savings compared to the monthly billing cycle.
Subscription Management
Subscribers can manage their Paramount Plus subscription through their account settings. This includes the ability to:
- Upgrade or downgrade between the Essential and Premium plans
- Review billing history
- Update payment information
- Cancel the subscription at any time
Managing your subscription is user-friendly and can be done with a few clicks.
Technical Specifications and Requirements
When diving into Paramount+ Essential, users should be mindful of the technical specifications and requirements to ensure a seamless streaming experience. Here’s what they need to know.
Download Capabilities
Paramount+ allows users to download their favorite shows for offline viewing, which comes in handy when they don’t have access to the internet. To use this feature, subscribers must have a device that supports the Paramount+ application. This download option is a lifesaver for keeping entertainment on hand during long trips or when facing unreliable internet connections.
Supported Resolutions
The streaming service provides content in various resolutions, including standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), and in some cases, 4K resolution. However, it is important to note that not all content is available in 4K. Users with HD-capable screens will enjoy a vast majority of shows and movies in high definition, while those with 4K devices and specific content can experience the sharpness of 4K resolution.
Required Internet Speeds
A reliable high-speed broadband internet connection is needed for the best streaming quality on Paramount+. For SD streaming, speeds of at least 3 Mbps are recommended. HD content typically requires at least 5 Mbps, and for those streaming in 4K resolution (when available), a minimum of 25 Mbps is ideal to take advantage of the higher quality without interruptions. Users should check their internet speeds to match these requirements for a smooth streaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Paramount Plus Essential plan is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a broad mix of entertainment without breaking the bank. Here, we answer the most commonly asked questions about this subscription tier.
What content is included in the Paramount Plus Essential plan?
The Essential plan offers subscribers access to a wide range of content, including original series, movies, and episodes from CBS, Showtime, and Nickelodeon, as well as live sports and news.
How does the Essential plan differ from other Paramount Plus subscriptions?
Unlike the Premium plan, the Essential plan includes advertisements and has a slightly more limited content library. It does not include local live CBS station programming but still offers a vast selection of on-demand content.
What is the monthly cost of the Paramount Plus Essential plan?
As of the latest update, subscribing to the Essential plan costs $5.99 per month, with an annual subscription available at $59.99, offering a savings compared to the monthly subscription.
Are local channels available with the Paramount Plus Essential plan?
No, the Essential plan does not provide access to local live CBS channels. For that access, subscribers need to opt for the higher-tier Premium plan.
Can you provide a breakdown of the Paramount Plus channel offerings?
Paramount Plus features content from channels such as CBS, Showtime, and Nickelodeon. It also includes exclusive originals and offers live TV for events like sports and award shows.
How many simultaneous streams are allowed with the Paramount Plus Essential plan?
Subscribers to the Essential plan can watch on up to three devices at the same time, making it a convenient option for families and shared households.
