Major streaming services are getting more expensive every year. Data shows the average American now spends over $3,300 annually on streaming services, and in 2026, streaming platforms including Paramount+ have already rolled out another wave of price increases, pushing costs even higher.
Starting January 15, 2026, Paramount+ raised prices by $1 for new subscribers across both its ad-supported and ad-free plans.
Despite the hike, I can't quit Paramount+ yet. I'm hooked on School Spirits, and Paramount+ has too much to offer—Hollywood blockbusters, Showtime originals, live UFC, and Champions League all in one place.
Fortunately, I'm not paying full price. After digging around, I've found legitimate ways to slash your Paramount+ costs by up to 60%. In this guide, I'll walk you through the latest Paramount+ pricing and share the best deals I've discovered to keep your subscription affordable.
Paramount Plus Plans and Price: Which One's Right for You?
With streaming prices rising across the board, it's important to understand what each Paramount Plus subscription offers.
As of January 15, 2026, Paramount Plus has two tiers: Essential at $8.99/month (with ads) and Premium at $13.99/month (ad-free with Showtime).Here's how Essential and Premium compare.
2026 Paramount Plus Subscription Plans
Your choice between Essential and Premium depends on viewing habits and budget. Compare Paramount Plus plans below to see which tier offers the content and features you need.
| Essential Plan | Premium Plan (with Showtime) | |
| Monthly Cost | $8.99 | $13.99 |
| Annual Subscription | $89.99 | $139.99 |
| Ads | Limited commercials | Ad-free (except live TV) |
| Live Sports | NFL on CBS, Champions League | NFL, UEFA, PGA, UFC, local sports |
| Showtime | Not included | Full library included |
| Local CBS | No | 24/7 live access |
| Video Quality | HD (1080p) | 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
| Downloads | No | Yes (mobile) |
| Streams | 3 screens | 3 screens |
1.Paramount Plus Essential Plan
- Best for: Budget viewers and NFL fans.
The Essential plan gives you Paramount's full library of 40,000+ episodes and movies, plus live sports. On-demand shows include ad breaks, but they're shorter than traditional TV. But you can't watch local CBS stations live, but you can stream nationally broadcast NFL and Champions League games through the app.
2.Paramount Plus Premium
- Best for: Movie fans, 4K TV owners, local news viewers.
The Premium tier adds Showtime's complete catalog (Yellowjackets, Dexter, Billions) directly in the app. Most content is ad-free, you can download shows offline, and you get 24/7 access to your local CBS affiliate for news and regional sports.
If you stream occasionally and don't mind ads, the $8.99 Essential plan works fine. If you watch regularly, want Showtime content, hate ads, and need offline downloads, paramount plus premium at $13.99 monthly offers better value.
Does Paramount Plus Offer Free Trials?
As of January 2026, Paramount Plus has discontinued its direct free trial. However, you can still access it free through bundled services like Walmart+. For more methods to try Paramount Plus without paying, check our complete Paramount free trial guide.
Paramount Plus Price History
Paramount Plus has raised prices multiple times due to the Showtime merger and increased content investment. Here's how Essential and Premium pricing has evolved:
| Essential Plan (With Ads) | Premium with Showtime (Ad-Free) | Key Event | |
| January 2026 | $8.99/mo ($89.99/yr) | $13.99/mo ($139.99/yr) | Major price increase (annual fees surged) |
| August 2024 | $7.99/mo ($59.99/yr) | $12.99/mo ($119.99/yr) | Summer price adjustment (new users) |
| June 2023 | $5.99/mo ($59.99/yr) | $11.99/mo ($119.99/yr) | Showtime merger & rebrand |
| Before 2023 | $4.99/mo | $9.99/mo | Legacy pricing |
Paramount said the change reflected higher investment in original shows, live sports such as the NFL and Champions League, and overall operating costs.
But for subscribers, it means paying more each year for the same service. That's why finding Paramount Plus deals matters more than ever.
6 Ways to Save on Paramount Plus in 2026
Although Paramount+ is already one of the more affordable major streaming services, saving extra is always welcome. Beyond the annual plan, there are other ways to pay less for the same content, such as limited promotions, bundle deals, or discounts through partner platforms. Here are some reliable ways to get Paramount+ for less.
1.Cheapest Way to Get Paramount Plus: GamsGo
If you, like me, want the full ad-free version of Paramount+ Premium at a better price, GamsGo’s sharing option is worth a look.
On GamsGo, you can join a shared paramount plus account for about $45 per year, which is more than 60% cheaper than subscribing directly through the official site.

The experience has no compromises. You still get the full Showtime library, live CBS channels, support for 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos, multiple device logins, and the ability to download movies and shows for offline viewing, exactly the same as the official Premium.
The sign-up process is simple. After you place an order, GamsGo sends you a ready-to-use Paramount+ account. Just enter the details to start, with no need to link your own email and no risk of exposing payment information.
Their service also has a good reputation, with 24/7 support ready to help at any time. A friend of mine tried it once and became a long-term user thanks to the affordable price and stable streaming.

If you love movies, series, or live sports, GamsGo is one of the best value ways to get Paramount+ Premium. Whether it’s catching new Showtime hits or watching CBS NFL games, it’s well worth it.
2.Paramount Plus Discount Programs
Paramount Plus offers exclusive discount programs for specific groups, making streaming more affordable. Here's what's available and who qualifies:
- Student Discount:Eligible students can save 50% on any plan for the first 12 months. This offer is available to US residents aged 18 and above with valid student status.
- Military Discount:Active duty service members, reservists, veterans, and their spouses receive 50% off all subscription plans with no time limit. This ongoing discount applies to all available tiers.
- Senior Discount:Please note that the AARP member discount for Paramount Plus ended on December 1, 2025, and is no longer available for new subscriptions. If you subscribed before this date, your discount will remain active until your current billing period ends.
How to Apply for Discounts
- For Student Discounts: Visit the Paramount Plus website and select the student discount option. You'll need to verify your student status through SheerID or a similar verification platform by submitting proof of enrollment, such as a student ID or registration documents.
- For Military Discounts: Go to the military discount page on the Paramount Plus website. Complete identity verification through ID.me by uploading military credentials, including your military ID, discharge papers, or spouse relationship documentation.
3.Third-Party Bundle Deals
Beyond direct subscriptions, Paramount Plus offers bundle packages through multiple partners, allowing you to get streaming access for free or at a discount while enjoying other everyday services. Here are the most valuable bundle options currently available:
Walmart+ Membership Bundle:With a Walmart+ membership (approximately $98 per year), you can choose between Paramount+ Essential or Peacock Premium at no extra cost, and switch your selection every 90 days. If you already use Walmart+ for grocery delivery and other perks, this essentially gives you a free streaming service as an added bonus.
T-Mobile Home Internet Package:Subscribers to T-Mobile's All-In home internet plan typically receive Paramount+ Essential for free. Simply log into your T-Life app or T-Mobile account and activate the service under Manage Add-Ons to start streaming.
Amazon Prime Video Channels:Subscribing through Prime Video Channels lets you manage multiple streaming services like Showtime and HBO Max under one bill for added convenience. While regular pricing matches direct subscriptions, Amazon frequently runs limited-time promotions during major sales events like Prime Day, offering deals such as two months for just 99 cents.
These bundle packages help you save on Paramount+ while giving you access to additional benefits from partner platforms. Before signing up, carefully review eligibility requirements and promotional periods to find the option that best fits your needs and offers the greatest value.
4.Credit Card Rewards for Streaming
Premium credit cards offer streaming subscription benefits that can significantly reduce or eliminate your Paramount Plus costs. Here are the main credit card reward programs worth considering:
Amex Platinum Digital Entertainment Credit
The American Express Platinum Card provides a $25 monthly digital entertainment credit that can be applied directly to your Paramount Plus Premium subscription ($13.99/month). After covering your Paramount Plus cost, you'll have approximately $11 remaining to use toward other streaming services like Disney Plus or Hulu.
Additionally, this card offers a Walmart Plus membership credit. If you use the Walmart Plus credit to get free membership (which includes Paramount Plus Essential), you can allocate the full $25 entertainment credit to other streaming apps, maximizing your savings across multiple platforms.
Chase Card Cash Back Offers
Chase Bank regularly runs limited-time cash back promotions for cardholders, such as "spend $9.99 on Paramount Plus, get $5 back." These offers typically appear in the Offers tab of your Chase mobile app.
To take advantage of these deals, check your app monthly for available promotions and click Add to Card before your subscription renews. The cash back will automatically apply to your statement, helping you save money on your streaming costs.
If you already hold one of these cards, make sure to activate and fully utilize these perks.
5.Seasonal Promotions
If you're not in a rush to subscribe immediately, waiting for promotional seasons can help you secure a full year of service at significantly lower prices. Here are the best times to watch for deals:
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Based on historical trends, late November's Black Friday and Cyber Monday events are the best times to subscribe to Paramount Plus. During this period, the platform typically offers annual plan discounts of up to 50%, with past promotions featuring Essential plans for as low as $29.99 per year.
It's important to note that these limited-time flash sales are usually available only to new subscribers and returning users. If you want to learn about specific discount rates and historical promotion trends, check out Paramount Plus Black Friday deal guides to prepare for the next major sale event.
Other Key Promotional Periods
Beyond Black Friday, you may find limited-time discounts during Prime Day, back-to-school season, and major holidays. If you have flexibility in your subscription timing, waiting for seasonal promotions is the most cost-effective approach.
6.Paramount Plus Promo Code Deals
Paramount Plus periodically releases promo codes that extend the trial period from the standard 7 days to 30 days or even longer. These codes are typically launched during major content premieres, sporting events, or holiday periods, giving users extended free viewing experiences.
Super Bowl Special Promotions: Since Paramount Plus streams Super Bowl games broadcast on CBS, the platform usually releases free one month promo codes in early February during the playoffs and Super Bowl period, specifically targeting football fans. If you're a sports enthusiast, this is an excellent opportunity to experience the service for free.
Currently known codes include 1923, TULSAKING, LIONESS, and general codes like STREAM30 and ADVANCE. However, all of these codes have now expired.
I will continue monitoring Paramount Plus promotional updates. Once the platform releases new valid promo codes, this page will be updated immediately.
2026 Paramount + Price vs Other Streaming Services
To make the comparison clearer, I’ve put together a table showing the subscription prices of the major streaming platforms in the United States so you can see where Paramount+ stands among them.
| Platform | Entry | Standard | Premium |
| Paramount+ | $8.99 | — | $13.99 |
| Netflix | $7.99 | $17.99 | $24.99 |
| Max | $10.99 | $18.49 | $22.99 |
| Peacock | $7.99 | $10.99 | $16.99 |
| Disney+ | $11.99 | — | $18.99 |
| Apple TV+ | — | $12.99 | — |
| Prime Video | — | $8.99 | $14.99 |
Paramount+ positions itself competitively on price. At $8.99 for the ad-supported tier and $13.99 for Premium, it's one of the more affordable options among major streaming platforms.
The real value shows in the Premium tier. At $13.99, Paramount+ undercuts most competitors significantly. Netflix Premium compared to Standard costs $17.99 and $24.99 respectively—both considerably higher. Max and Disney Plus subscription plans follow similar patterns, with their top tiers reaching $22.99 and $18.99.
Only Apple TV+ comes close at $12.99, though it provides a much smaller content library. For budget-conscious viewers who still want extensive content variety, Paramount+ delivers the best balance between cost and selection.
What to Watch on Paramount+ in 2026?
Paramount+ continues to expand its library in 2026, combining blockbuster movies, must-watch originals, and exclusive live sports into one platform.
- Live Sports: Exclusive coverage of the UEFA Champions League, making it one of the best platforms to watch football live, plus NFL on CBS and the new UFC Fight Nights.
- The “Sheridan” Universe: New seasons of 1923 and Tulsa King, along with highly anticipated 2026 releases like Landman and The Madison.
- Must-See Originals: The premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and the return of popular series such as School Spirits.
- Blockbuster Movies: Stream major film franchises in smooth 4K, including Top Gun: Maverick, the Mission: Impossible series, and the Scream franchise.
f you want a single streaming service that balances live sports, prestige TV, and blockbuster movies in 2026, Paramount+ is one of the most well-rounded choices available.
Final Verdict: Is Paramount Plus Worth It?
In 2026, Paramount+ remains one of the most affordable mainstream streaming options. While its library is smaller than Netflix or Prime Video, it combines on-demand shows, live TV, sports and exclusive Showtime content. With frequent promotions and bundle deals, its overall value stays high.
If you want to enjoy the full Paramount+ Premium experience at a lower cost, consider GamsGo subscription service. GamsGo offers verified shared accounts with the same features as the official plan but at a much lower price, giving you the complete viewing experience for less.
FAQ
Which Paramount Plus subscription is better?
For the full experience, Premium is the best choice as it offers ad-free streaming, Showtime content, and live sports. If you're looking to save on Premium, consider using GamsGo for a shared subscription at a reduced price.
What is the cheapest way to get Paramount Plus?
The most affordable option is the Essential plan, which includes ads. Alternatively, you can save on the Premium plan by using GamsGo for a shared subscription at a much lower cost.
What devices support Paramount Plus?
Paramount+ works on most major platforms, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. It is also available on Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, Android TV), gaming consoles (PS4/5, Xbox), mobile devices (iOS, Android), and web browsers on PC and Mac.
Related Articles


