Paramount Plus vs Paramount Plus with Showtime: Which Wins?
Tired of endless streaming options? You’re not alone. Choosing the right service can feel overwhelming, especially when two similar-sounding platforms promise access to your favorite shows and movies. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of streaming to unravel the key differences between Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME.
Both services offer a vast library of content, including original series, blockbuster movies, and live sports. However, the addition of SHOWTIME significantly alters the landscape. This comparison will help you decide which option best suits your entertainment needs and budget. We’ll explore the content, pricing, and features of each, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated binge-watcher, understanding the distinctions between Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME is crucial. Get ready to discover which streaming service reigns supreme and delivers the ultimate viewing experience. Let’s find out which plan is the perfect fit for you.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Paramount+ | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME |
|---|---|---|
| Live TV | Yes | Yes |
| Original Series | Yes | Yes |
| Movies | Yes | Yes |
| Sports | Yes | Yes |
| Kids & Family Content | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Downloads | Yes | Yes |
| Ad-Supported Option | Yes | Yes |
| Showtime Content | No | Yes |
| Commercial-Free Viewing | Yes (with premium plan) | Yes |
| Access to Local CBS Stations | Yes (with premium plan) | Yes |
| Number of Simultaneous Streams | 3 | 3 |
| CBS News Streaming | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Content Library
- Paramount Plus: Offers a vast library of Paramount+ originals, classic TV shows, and movies. Includes live sports and news. The content is substantial, but may lack some of the premium content found elsewhere.
- Paramount Plus with Showtime: Includes the entire Paramount+ content library PLUS access to a curated selection of Showtime movies and original series. Provides a significantly expanded and premium content selection.
- Winner: P2
Original Series Access
- Paramount Plus: Provides access to Paramount+ original series, such as Star Trek: Discovery, 1923, and Mayor of Kingstown. A good selection of new and returning original programming.
- Paramount Plus with Showtime: Provides access to the Paramount+ original series AND Showtime original series, such as Yellowjackets and Billions. Offers a wider range of high-quality original content.
- Winner: P2
Movie Selection
- Paramount Plus: Features a rotating selection of movies, including theatrical releases and films from the Paramount Pictures library. New movies are added, but the selection can be somewhat limited compared to other services.
- Paramount Plus with Showtime: Includes the Paramount+ movie library PLUS a curated selection of movies from Showtime, including some critically acclaimed and award-winning films. Offers a broader and more premium movie selection.
- Winner: P2
Live TV Channels
- Paramount Plus: Provides access to live TV channels, including CBS local stations (in select markets), CBS News, and CBS Sports HQ. Offers live news and sports coverage.
- Paramount Plus with Showtime: Provides access to live TV channels, including CBS local stations (in select markets), CBS News, CBS Sports HQ, and also Showtime’s live channels. Adds access to Showtime’s live programming.
- Winner: P2
Showtime Content
- Paramount Plus: Does not include access to Showtime’s content library.
- Paramount Plus with Showtime: Provides full access to Showtime’s extensive library of original series, movies, and documentaries. Offers a substantial addition of premium content.
- Winner: P2
Pricing
- Paramount Plus: Offers a lower monthly subscription price. More affordable for budget-conscious viewers.
- Paramount Plus with Showtime: Comes with a higher monthly subscription price due to the added Showtime content. Provides more value but at a higher cost.
- Winner: P1
Commercials
- Paramount Plus: Offers a cheaper plan with limited commercials, and a more expensive plan with no commercials.
- Paramount Plus with Showtime: Offers a cheaper plan with limited commercials, and a more expensive plan with no commercials.
- Winner: Tie
Bundle Options
- Paramount Plus: May be bundled with other services, but primarily focuses on its standalone offerings.
- Paramount Plus with Showtime: Is a bundle in itself, offering both Paramount+ and Showtime content. May also be part of other bundles.
- Winner: P2
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Content Variety | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME |
| Overall Value | Paramount+ (for budget-conscious viewers) |
| SHOWTIME Content | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME |
| Commercial-Free Viewing | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME |
| Live Sports | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Live TV: Both Paramount+ plans offer access to live TV, including news, sports, and entertainment. This allows subscribers to watch content as it airs.
- Original Series: Both plans include access to Paramount+ original series, such as “Star Trek: Picard” and “1883”. New episodes are released regularly.
- Movies: Subscribers of both plans can watch a wide selection of movies, including theatrical releases and Paramount+ originals. The selection is regularly updated.
- Sports: Both plans offer live sports coverage, including NFL games, Champions League soccer, and more. This is a key feature for sports fans.
- Kids & Family Content: Both plans provide a range of kids and family-friendly content, ensuring there’s something for all ages. This includes popular shows and movies.
Paramount Plus vs Paramount Plus With Showtime Buying Guide
Content Library and Original Shows
Paramount Plus offers a vast library of content, including movies from Paramount Pictures, CBS shows, and original series. You’ll find popular franchises like Star Trek, Yellowstone (via streaming), and a growing slate of original programming. However, the selection is slightly more limited compared to the bundle. Paramount Plus with Showtime expands this considerably by adding access to Showtime’s original series, critically acclaimed movies, and a broader range of documentaries and sports programming, significantly increasing the viewing options available.
Pricing and Value
The standard Paramount Plus plan is generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for streaming. It provides good value for the content offered, especially if you enjoy CBS programming and Paramount movies. The bundle, Paramount Plus with Showtime, naturally costs more. However, the price difference is often justified by the additional content from Showtime, including premium original series and a wider variety of movies, offering a more comprehensive entertainment experience for a higher price.
Showtime Content Availability
Showtime is the major differentiator. Paramount Plus alone provides access to a good library of content, but you do not get access to any Showtime content. Paramount Plus with Showtime gives you access to the entire Showtime library, including popular shows like “Yellowjackets,” “Billions,” and a range of original movies and documentaries. This expanded content offering makes the bundle a compelling choice for those seeking a wider variety of premium entertainment and the content Showtime offers.
Live TV and Sports Streaming
Both plans offer live TV streaming, including local CBS affiliates, live news, and some sports. The access to live sports is a key feature, especially for NFL games and other sporting events. However, Paramount Plus with Showtime may provide additional sports content due to Showtime’s sports programming. If live sports are a priority, comparing the specific sports offerings of each plan in your region is important to determine which best suits your needs.
Commercials and Ad-Free Options
Paramount Plus offers both ad-supported and ad-free tiers. The ad-supported tier is the most affordable, but you’ll experience commercials during on-demand content. The ad-free tier eliminates commercials for most on-demand content, providing a more seamless viewing experience. The Paramount Plus with Showtime bundle often offers an ad-free experience for the Paramount Plus content, but may still include ads for some live programming, depending on the specific plan chosen.
User Experience and Features
Both plans provide a similar user experience with features like profiles, parental controls, and offline downloads. The streaming quality is generally consistent across both plans, with support for HD and, in some cases, 4K resolution. The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The difference in user experience is minimal, and the choice mainly depends on the content preferences. Both platforms provide a good user experience on a variety of devices.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Paramount+ If…
- You want a streaming service with live TV, original series, movies, and sports at a lower price point.
- You are not particularly interested in SHOWTIME content.
- You are looking for a more affordable streaming option.
Buy Paramount+ with SHOWTIME If…
- You want access to the SHOWTIME library, including original series and movies.
- You want a comprehensive streaming package with a wider variety of content.
- You prioritize commercial-free viewing, as this is included in the plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus with Showtime?
The primary difference is the inclusion of Showtime content. Paramount Plus provides access to the Paramount Pictures library, CBS shows, and original series. Paramount Plus with Showtime bundles this content with Showtime’s original series, movies, and sports, creating a much larger and more diverse library of content, including award-winning shows like “Dexter” and “Homeland,” enhancing the viewing experience.
Does Paramount Plus with Showtime include live TV?
Yes, both Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus with Showtime offer live TV streaming. This includes access to local CBS affiliates and live news channels. The bundle may include additional live sports programming through Showtime, and the specific channel availability will depend on your region and the plan you choose. Check the specific plan details.
Is there an ad-free option for both plans?
Yes, both plans offer ad-free options. Paramount Plus has ad-supported and ad-free tiers. The bundle, Paramount Plus with Showtime, usually includes the ad-free version of Paramount Plus. However, it is important to confirm the ad-free availability for all content, as some live programming may still include commercials depending on the specific package.
Can I watch Showtime content on the Paramount Plus app?
Yes, with the Paramount Plus with Showtime bundle, you can access Showtime content directly within the Paramount Plus app. This simplifies the user experience, allowing you to seamlessly switch between Paramount Plus and Showtime programming without needing a separate app or login, providing convenience.
What devices are compatible with Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus with Showtime?
Both plans are compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, mobile devices (iOS and Android), web browsers, and gaming consoles. This widespread compatibility ensures you can stream your favorite content on your preferred devices, wherever you are.
How much does Paramount Plus with Showtime cost compared to Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus with Showtime is more expensive than the basic Paramount Plus plan. The exact price difference depends on the specific plans and any promotions offered. The bundle’s higher cost reflects the expanded content library, which provides access to both Paramount Plus and Showtime’s extensive range of original series, movies, and sports programming.
Is Paramount Plus with Showtime worth the extra cost?
Whether Paramount Plus with Showtime is worth the extra cost depends on your viewing preferences. If you enjoy Showtime’s original series, movies, and sports, the bundle offers excellent value. If you are primarily interested in Paramount Plus content, the standard plan may be sufficient. Consider your viewing habits.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Paramount Plus and Paramount Plus with Showtime depends on your entertainment needs. While Paramount Plus offers a good selection of content at a lower price, the bundle’s inclusion of Showtime provides access to significantly more premium content, including critically acclaimed series, movies, and sports. For a comprehensive entertainment experience, the bundle is the superior choice.
Winner: Paramount Plus with Showtime