Paramount Plus vs Paramount Plus Premium: Which Is Best?
Are you a streaming enthusiast looking for your next binge-worthy experience? With the ever-expanding world of streaming services, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Today, we’re diving deep into the Paramount+ universe to help you make an informed decision.
We’re putting two of Paramount+’s offerings head-to-head: Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus Premium. Both promise access to a vast library of content, but they differ in key areas. This comparison will break down the features, benefits, and costs to determine which plan best suits your needs.
From exclusive originals to live sports and on-demand movies, there’s a lot to consider. We’ll explore the nuances of each plan, including ad-free viewing options, and any other extra perks. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the differences between Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus Premium, empowering you to choose the perfect streaming experience.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Paramount+ | Paramount+ Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Library | Yes | Yes |
| Original Series | Yes | Yes |
| Movies | Yes | Yes |
| Live TV | Yes | Yes |
| CBS Live | Yes | Yes |
| Sports | Yes | Yes |
| Commercials | Limited | None |
| Download for Offline Viewing | Yes | Yes |
| 4K UHD Streaming | No | Yes |
| Number of Profiles | Up to 6 | Up to 6 |
| Parental Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Supported Devices | Various | Various |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Content Library
- Paramount Plus: Offers a vast library of content, including original series, movies, and live TV. However, some newer releases and on-demand content may have a delay compared to the premium tier. This is a good value for casual viewers.
- Paramount Plus Premium: Provides the same extensive content library as the base tier, but with additional benefits. You get access to the latest releases and on-demand content sooner. This is ideal for those who want immediate access to new content.
- Winner: Premium
Live TV Access
- Paramount Plus: Includes access to live TV, but the channels available might be limited. The selection is dependent on your region. This is suitable for viewers who occasionally want live content.
- Paramount Plus Premium: Offers live TV access, including your local CBS station, and other channels. It provides a more comprehensive live TV experience. This is a great perk for news and sports fans.
- Winner: Premium
Commercials
- Paramount Plus: Includes commercials during on-demand content and live TV. This can interrupt the viewing experience. This is the trade-off for a lower price.
- Paramount Plus Premium: Offers a commercial-free experience for on-demand content. Live TV still includes commercials. This is a significant advantage for those who dislike interruptions.
- Winner: Premium
Download Capabilities
- Paramount Plus: Allows downloading of some content for offline viewing. This is useful for watching on the go. However, the download selection may be limited.
- Paramount Plus Premium: Permits downloads for offline viewing of a wider selection of content. This feature is great for travel or areas with limited internet.
- Winner: Premium
Video Quality
- Paramount Plus: Streams content in up to 1080p Full HD. This provides a good viewing experience. However, it does not support 4K resolution.
- Paramount Plus Premium: Streams content in up to 4K UHD and HDR, where available. This provides a superior visual experience. This is best for those with compatible displays.
- Winner: Premium
CBS Local Access
- Paramount Plus: Does not include access to your local CBS station. This means you will not be able to watch local news or sports. This is a significant disadvantage for local viewers.
- Paramount Plus Premium: Includes access to your local CBS station live. This is a major benefit for viewers who want to stay informed about local news and events.
- Winner: Premium
Sports Content
- Paramount Plus: Offers a selection of live sports, but the availability and breadth might be limited. The offering depends on your region.
- Paramount Plus Premium: Provides a wider selection of live sports, including NFL on CBS, Champions League, and other premium sports events. This is a great choice for sports enthusiasts.
- Winner: Premium
Pricing
- Paramount Plus: Is the more affordable option. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious viewers. However, it comes with the trade-off of ads and fewer features.
- Paramount Plus Premium: Costs more than the base plan, but it provides significantly more features and a better viewing experience. The price is justified for many users.
- Winner: Depends on Budget
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | Paramount+ |
| Ad-Free Experience | Paramount+ Premium |
| 4K UHD Streaming | Paramount+ Premium |
| Live TV | Tie |
| Content Library | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Streaming Library: Both subscriptions offer access to Paramount+’s extensive library of movies, original series, and classic TV shows, providing a vast selection of entertainment options.
- Original Series: Both plans include access to all of Paramount+’s original series, allowing subscribers to enjoy exclusive content like “Star Trek: Picard” and “1883.”
- Movies: Subscribers of both plans get access to a wide array of movies, including theatrical releases and Paramount Pictures’ back catalog.
- Live TV: Both plans offer live TV streaming, including access to CBS live, allowing subscribers to watch news, sports, and other live programming as it airs.
- Sports: Both plans include access to live sports content, including NFL games, college basketball, and other sporting events, making it a great option for sports fans.
Paramount Plus Vs Paramount Plus Premium Buying Guide
Understanding the Core Differences
Paramount Plus offers a basic streaming experience, providing access to a vast library of content, including original series, movies, and live sports. The core difference lies in the absence of commercials and the inclusion of your local live CBS station with the Premium plan. Both plans grant access to the same extensive on-demand library. Subscribers can enjoy hit shows such as “Star Trek: Discovery” and “1883”. However, the overall viewing experience is significantly altered by the presence or absence of advertisements.
Content Availability and Library Size
Both plans provide the same access to the entire Paramount Plus content library. This includes a wide array of movies, original series, and classic TV shows from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more. Subscribers can watch new episodes of their favorite shows and enjoy a curated selection of films. The content is regularly updated, ensuring fresh viewing options. The library is consistently updated with new content, ensuring a diverse range of viewing choices for all subscribers.
Commercial Interruptions: A Key Consideration
The primary distinction between the two plans involves commercial breaks. The standard Paramount Plus plan includes advertisements throughout on-demand content. These interruptions can disrupt the flow of viewing, particularly during movies or longer episodes. The Premium plan eliminates these commercials, offering a seamless viewing experience. This is a crucial factor for viewers who prioritize an uninterrupted streaming experience. This difference significantly impacts overall viewing enjoyment.
Live TV Streaming Options and Local Channels
The Premium plan provides access to live TV streams, including your local CBS station. This is a significant advantage for viewers who want to watch live news, sports, and other programming. The standard plan does not include this feature. Therefore, users who want to watch live tv, especially local stations, need to consider this feature. This is a very important difference between the two plans.
Pricing and Value Proposition Analysis
The Premium plan costs more than the standard plan. The additional cost is justified by the absence of commercials and the inclusion of live TV streaming. The value of the Premium plan depends on individual viewing habits and preferences. If you watch a lot of content and value an ad-free experience, the Premium plan offers excellent value. However, if you are not bothered by ads or don’t watch live TV, the standard plan is a more economical choice.
Device Compatibility and Streaming Quality
Both Paramount Plus plans support the same range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices. The streaming quality is also the same across both plans, with content available in HD and, in some cases, 4K resolution. The user experience is consistent across all devices, ensuring accessibility. The user experience is consistent across all devices, ensuring accessibility and ease of use. Both plans offer a similar streaming quality, ensuring a high-definition viewing experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Paramount+ If…
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly streaming option.
- You don’t mind occasional commercials during on-demand content.
- You primarily watch content on your own time and are less concerned with live TV.
- You want access to a large library of shows and movies.
Buy Paramount+ Premium If…
- You want an ad-free viewing experience for on-demand content.
- You want access to 4K UHD streaming.
- You watch a lot of live TV and want the best possible picture quality.
- You want to support the service at a higher level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus Premium?
The primary difference is the presence of commercials. The standard plan includes ads during on-demand content, while the Premium plan offers an ad-free experience. The Premium plan also includes access to your local CBS station live, a feature unavailable in the standard plan. Both plans offer the same on-demand library of movies and shows.
Does Paramount Plus Premium offer 4K streaming?
Yes, Paramount Plus Premium offers 4K Ultra HD streaming for select titles. The availability of 4K content depends on the specific title and your device’s capabilities. The service supports high-quality streaming to offer the best visual experience possible. The Premium plan is optimized for the best viewing experience.
Can I download content to watch offline with either plan?
Yes, both Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus Premium allow you to download select content for offline viewing. This feature is particularly useful for watching shows and movies on the go, such as during travel or commutes, where internet access is unreliable. This feature is available for both plans.
Are live sports included in Paramount Plus?
Yes, live sports are available on both plans, but the availability of specific events may vary. The Premium plan enhances your live sports experience with the inclusion of your local CBS station, providing access to more live games and events. The Premium plan is optimized for the best sports viewing experience.
What devices are compatible with Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs (Samsung, LG, etc.), smartphones (iOS and Android), tablets, streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV), game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), and web browsers. This wide compatibility ensures that you can watch Paramount Plus on your preferred devices.
Can I share my Paramount Plus subscription with family members?
Yes, Paramount Plus allows you to share your subscription with family members. You can create multiple profiles within your account, allowing each person to have their own personalized viewing experience and recommendations. This feature is available for both plans.
What happens if I cancel my Paramount Plus subscription?
If you cancel your Paramount Plus subscription, you will lose access to all the content available on the service at the end of your current billing cycle. You will no longer be able to stream movies, shows, or access live TV (if you have the Premium plan). However, any downloaded content will also become unavailable.
Final Verdict
Paramount Plus Premium emerges as the superior choice due to its ad-free viewing and live CBS access. While the standard plan offers a lower price, the Premium plan provides a significantly enhanced viewing experience. For those who value uninterrupted entertainment and live TV, the Premium plan’s advantages outweigh the cost.
Winner: Paramount Plus Premium