Paramount+ was good in 2025, but it was not essential for most households. It offered an unusually useful mix of CBS shows and selected local live stations, NFL on CBS, UEFA soccer, Nickelodeon, Star Trek, Paramount movies and SHOWTIME on its upper tier. That made it a strong niche-value service for particular viewers, but a less convincing year-round replacement for Netflix, Disney+, Max or Prime Video.
For many subscribers, the smartest approach was to join for a specific show, tournament, movie or SHOWTIME season, then cancel when the reason for subscribing was finished.
Paramount+ in 2025: quick rating
| Category | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Price | Good for a U.S. entry-level streamer |
| Content variety | Broad brands, but uneven usable depth |
| Original programming | Mixed; strong individual titles, irregular flow |
| Sports | Strong for selected rights, not a complete sports replacement |
| Family content | Strong, especially with Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. |
| Movies | Moderate rather than best-in-class |
| App experience | Generally understandable, with uneven reliability reports |
| Premium and SHOWTIME value | Strong for viewers who will use them |
| Overall | Worth it selectively; less compelling as a sole service |
Tom’s Guide reached a similar conclusion in its 2025 streaming grading: Paramount+ had solid shows and sports, but not enough consistently must-watch programming for many people to keep it continuously. Read that assessment.
What Paramount+ was in 2025
In the United States, Paramount+ brought together programming associated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, SHOWTIME, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, MTV, BET, Smithsonian Channel, CBS News and CBS Sports. That combination gave it a distinctive identity: part broadcast-TV library, part family service, part sports add-on and part premium-drama platform.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
It was not a complete replacement for Paramount Network. Paramount+ and Paramount Network were separate products, and licensing affected where major titles appeared. Yellowstone, for example, was not available on Paramount+ in the relevant U.S. review period despite its Paramount Network connection. CableTV.com explains the distinction.
The top plan also changed names. The tier formerly called Paramount+ with SHOWTIME became Paramount+ Premium in June 2025. The rebrand did not materially change its core benefits, including SHOWTIME access. See the 2025 Premium materials.
2025 plans and prices
The following were U.S. direct-subscription prices during the 2025 review period. Apple, Amazon, Roku, cable providers, mobile carriers, bundles and promotions could show different prices or billing terms.
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $7.99 | About $59.99 | Ads, on-demand catalog, selected live sports and CBS feeds |
| Premium | $12.99 | About $119–$119.99 | Mostly ad-free on demand, SHOWTIME, eligible local live CBS, downloads and selected 4K/HDR |
Paramount announced the $7.99 ad-supported price and $12.99 SHOWTIME-tier price in 2024, and those rates carried into 2025. See Paramount’s announcement. TV Guide listed the same monthly prices and annual figures for the 2025 plans. Check its plan review.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteParamount later announced a further $1 increase beginning January 15, 2026. That is why a current checkout page may not match this historical 2025 review; 2026 prices should not be substituted for the figures above.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
What Essential included
- Ad-supported Paramount+ on-demand shows and movies.
- Selected live sports, including NFL games carried by CBS and UEFA Champions League coverage.
- CBS News and other live feeds where available.
- Nickelodeon, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, BET and Paramount programming in the main catalog.
Essential was the logical starting point for viewers who accepted ads and did not need SHOWTIME, downloads or the full set of Premium live-TV benefits. Live programs could contain advertising regardless of plan.
What Premium added
- The full SHOWTIME library, including titles such as Yellowjackets.
- Mostly ad-free on-demand viewing. “Mostly” matters: live television, sports, news, promos and particular programming can still contain interruptions.
- Local live CBS access in eligible markets.
- Downloads for offline viewing.
- Additional sports availability where rights were restricted to the higher tier.
- Select 4K UHD, Dolby Vision and HDR10 titles on supported devices.
- Up to three concurrent streams, according to the 2025 Premium materials.
Paramount’s plan materials described more than 40,000 episodes and movies; that is a company-provided count, not an independently audited catalog total. View the cited Premium details.
What could you watch?
Star Trek
Paramount+ was a major home for Star Trek television, combining classic series with originals such as Discovery, Picard, Lower Decks and Prodigy. For committed Trek viewers, that concentration alone could justify several months of subscription. Tom’s Guide surveys the catalog.
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NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI and related CBS programming gave the service a deep procedural identity. It was particularly useful for viewers who wanted familiar network television alongside streaming originals.
Reality and unscripted television
Survivor, Big Brother, Teen Mom, RuPaul’s Drag Race and MTV-related programming supplied substantial unscripted viewing.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Children’s programming
Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. titles such as SpongeBob SquarePants, iCarly and Paw Patrol made Paramount+ unusually useful for families. Profiles and parental controls helped, although Essential’s advertising reduced its appeal for some parents.
SHOWTIME
Premium added SHOWTIME originals and its broader library. This was the clearest reason to upgrade when adults in the household would actually watch those programs.
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Paramount movies
The service benefited from Paramount’s film catalog and 2025 releases including Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Gladiator II and Smile 2. Streaming windows and regional rights varied by title, so a Paramount theatrical release was not a guarantee of immediate or permanent availability.
What was missing
Brand breadth did not always translate into weekly depth. The catalog could feel thinner than Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ or Max, and major originals arrived in bursts rather than at a consistently strong pace. Famous Paramount-associated shows could also be elsewhere because of licensing.
Live sports and CBS access
Sports were among Paramount+’s strongest differentiators, but the service was not a universal sports pass.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
- NFL games carried by CBS.
- UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League soccer.
- Some college sports and March Madness-related CBS coverage.
- PGA and other CBS Sports programming.
- CBS Sports HQ and sports news.
Eligibility depended on the competition, plan and market. Tom’s Guide noted that NFL on CBS could be available on Essential, while some March Madness, SEC, The Masters and selected PGA coverage could require Premium. See its sports breakdown.
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Before subscribing for an event, check four things: whether it is live or replay-only, which plan carries it, whether your local CBS station is eligible, and whether regional restrictions or blackouts apply. Paramount+ alone may not replace a broader live-TV service.
App, streaming quality and devices
Interface and useful features
The app organized programming through brand hubs for CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and Smithsonian. Sections for Shows, Movies, Live TV, News, Brands and My List, along with A–Z listings and a cable-style live grid, made browsing relatively straightforward. Profiles, parental controls and up to three simultaneous streams were practical household features. Tom’s Guide reviews the interface.
Quality and downloads
Most on-demand viewing was HD. CableTV.com described on-demand video as primarily 1080p, with live television often at a lower resolution and 4K limited to selected titles and supported equipment. Premium downloads and select Dolby Vision or HDR10 streams were not universal guarantees. Read CableTV.com’s quality notes.
Reliability reports
Some users and reviewers reported buffering, crashes, slow quality ramp-up or device-specific problems. These are complaints and third-party observations, not a standardized measurement proving that the service failed for everyone. Performance can vary with device, operating system, app version, network and billing platform.
Best Value
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- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Major browsers, Apple devices, Android TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Samsung, Vizio, LG, Xbox, PlayStation and some cable-provider platforms were listed in third-party coverage. Device support changes, so verify your exact model before paying. Older reviews may contain conflicting platform information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Premium and SHOWTIME worth the upgrade?
Upgrade when
- You will watch several SHOWTIME series or films.
- Mostly ad-free on-demand viewing matters.
- You need downloads for travel.
- Your market’s live CBS station is important.
- Your preferred sports events require Premium.
- Several people will use the service frequently.
Stay with Essential when
- You mainly want CBS shows, Nickelodeon, Star Trek or occasional sports.
- Ads are acceptable.
- SHOWTIME is not part of your viewing plans.
- You do not need downloads or Premium-only live access.
The upgrade was valuable because of specific benefits, not simply because Premium was the “better” plan. If you would not use SHOWTIME, downloads, local CBS or Premium sports, the additional monthly cost was harder to justify.
Paramount+ compared with other services
| Service | Where it generally had the edge | Why Paramount+ could still win |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Broader general-entertainment depth and frequent originals | CBS, selected sports, Nickelodeon and Star Trek |
| Disney+ | Stronger Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and family identity | CBS, live sports and SHOWTIME |
| Max | Prestige television and premium drama | Broadcast shows, soccer, children’s programming and lower entry price |
| Peacock | NBC programming and its own sports proposition | NFL on CBS, Champions League and Paramount franchises |
| Prime Video | Broader Amazon ecosystem and mixed subscription/rental catalog | A more focused CBS, Nickelodeon, Star Trek and SHOWTIME package |
| Apple TV+ | Smaller catalog concentrated around prominent originals | A larger back catalog and live broadcast-related programming |
These are audience-positioning comparisons, not claims that one service is universally better. A Champions League viewer, a Nickelodeon household and a prestige-drama fan can reach different conclusions.
Who should subscribe?
Choose Essential if
- You want the lowest direct price.
- You mainly watch Paramount+ originals, CBS on-demand programs, Nickelodeon or selected sports.
- You can tolerate advertising.
- You do not need SHOWTIME, downloads or Premium-only events.
Choose Premium if
- You will use SHOWTIME.
- Mostly ad-free on-demand viewing is important.
- You need eligible local live CBS access, downloads or Premium sports.
Subscribe temporarily if
- You are following one season or a particular original.
- A tournament, NFL stretch or movie is your main reason for joining.
- You already pay for several other services.
Skip Paramount+ if
- You want one all-purpose streaming replacement.
- Your household does not watch CBS, Nickelodeon, Star Trek, relevant sports or SHOWTIME.
- You expect a constantly refreshed blockbuster-movie library.
- You are specifically looking for Yellowstone itself.
- Reported app variability is unacceptable on your device.
Trials, bundles and cancellation
TV Guide and CableTV.com reported a seven-day trial during their 2025 review periods, but promotional terms can change. TV Guide’s review and CableTV.com’s review provide that period’s details.
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Final verdict
Paramount+ was worth paying for in 2025 when its specific strengths matched your household: CBS, NFL on CBS, Champions League soccer, Nickelodeon, Star Trek, Paramount movies or SHOWTIME. It was one of the better low-cost add-ons for those audiences, but its uneven original flow, moderate movie depth and reported app frustrations made it less persuasive as a permanent, all-purpose subscription.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
