Paramount+: Stream Live Sports, Blockbusters & Exclusive Originals

Paramount+ is your home for live NFL on CBS and the only place to stream every single UEFA Champions League match. Beyond sports, it offers a mountain of entertainment, with its premium plan including the entire SHOWTIME library for a complete content package. Our guide breaks down its plans and explains why this bundle represents one of the best values in streaming.

What Exactly is Paramount+?

"Your Summit for NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, and The Masters."

Paramount+ offers a unique blend of live sports, exclusive original programming, and a vast on-demand library, making it a standout choice for viewers who want premium content without a premium price tag. It combines live events like NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League with a mountain of entertainment from Paramount's deep catalog.

With a Paramount+ subscription, you gain access to:

  • Your Live Sports Hub: Get exclusive access to NFL on CBS games, extensive UEFA club competitions (Champions League, Europa League), NWSL matches, and Women's Rugby.
  • Exclusive Originals & Hit Movies: Dive into a growing collection of Paramount+ Originals like Dexter: Resurrection and get access to new Paramount movies just 45 days after their theatrical release.
  • Live Local CBS Feed Included: In most markets, your subscription includes a live feed of your local CBS station, ensuring you don't miss local news, events, or live CBS programming.
  • Affordable Premium Streaming: Paramount+ offers a compelling content package at a more affordable price point, providing excellent value for sports fans and CBS viewers.

Paramount+ Plans & Pricing (July 2025)

Paramount+ offers a variety of subscription tiers to fit your viewing preferences and budget, with a 7-day free trial on most plans.

Paramount+ Essential

$7.99/mo

Or $59.99/year (Save $35.89)

  • Vast Library: Thousands of movies & episodes with limited ads
  • Live Sports: Includes NFL on CBS, The Masters, & more
  • Live News: 24/7 coverage with CBS News
Start 7-Day Free Trial
BEST VALUE

Paramount+ with SHOWTIME

$12.99/mo

Or $119.99/year (Save $35.89)

  • Everything in Essential, plus:
  • No Ads: Watch your on-demand library mostly ad-free
  • SHOWTIME: Access the entire library of hit series & movies
  • Live TV: Stream your local CBS station live
  • Downloads: Download shows to watch on the go
Start 7-Day Free Trial

Student Plan

$5.99/mo

(25% off the Essential monthly price)

  • Vast Library: Thousands of movies & episodes with limited ads
  • Live Sports: Includes NFL on CBS, The Masters, & more
  • Live News: 24/7 coverage with CBS News
  • Requires annual student verification.
Get Student Discount
Annual Savings: Pay annually to save on your subscription cost.

Comprehensive Sports Coverage on Paramount+

Paramount+ is a powerhouse for soccer fans and the home of the NFL on CBS, offering extensive live coverage of major leagues and tournaments included with your subscription.

Key Sports Leagues & Events:

NFL on CBS: Stream your local NFL on CBS games live, including key regular season matchups and the AFC playoffs.

Soccer Powerhouse: The exclusive U.S. home of UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Serie A. Also features NWSL and international rugby.

More Live Sports: Catch select PGA TOUR events, WNBA games, US Open Cup matches, and more action throughout the year.

Beyond Sports: Entertainment, Movies & Originals

Your subscription also unlocks a massive library of exclusive originals, hit movies, and beloved shows from the ViacomCBS family.

Content Highlights Included in Your Plan:

From blockbuster films to binge-worthy series, here's a look at what you can watch:

Paramount+ Originals: Discover exclusive series like $Dexter: Resurrection$, $Star \ Trek: \ Strange \ New \ Worlds$, and new seasons of $Big \ Brother$.

Hit Movies & Classics: Access new films just 45 days after their theatrical release, plus a deep library of movies from Paramount, including '90s and 2000s classics.

ViacomCBS Favorites: Enjoy a beefed-up on-demand catalog with popular shows from Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, and the Smithsonian Channel.

Live News: Stay informed with 24/7 live news content available directly within the platform.

Why Choose Paramount+?

Paramount+ offers a unique blend of live sports, exclusive original programming, and a vast on-demand library, making it a standout choice for viewers who want premium content without a premium price tag.

Your Live Sports Hub

A go-to destination for major live sports, including NFL on CBS games, extensive UEFA club competitions like the Champions League, NWSL matches, and more.

Exclusive Originals & Hit Movies

Dive into exclusive originals like $Dexter: \ Resurrection$, access new movies shortly after theaters, and explore a vast catalog from Nickelodeon, MTV, and Comedy Central.

Live Local CBS Feed Included

In most markets, your subscription includes a live feed of your local CBS station, so you won't miss local news, events, or primetime CBS programming.

Affordable Premium Streaming

Get a compelling package of live sports and premium entertainment at a highly competitive price point, providing excellent value for any budget.

Stream Anywhere, Anytime

Paramount+ is widely compatible, allowing you to watch your favorite content on most popular streaming platforms, from your TV to your tablet.

Supported Platforms Include:

Mobile Platforms:

Android and iOS devices (smartphones and tablets).

Media Streaming Devices:

Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku players & TVs.

Smart TVs:

LG Smart TVs (2018+ models) and Samsung Smart TVs (2017+ models).

Game Consoles:

PlayStation 5.

Web Browsers:

Watch directly through a web browser on your computer.

Note: Check the official Paramount+ website for the most current list of supported devices, as compatibility may change.

Global Access & Enhanced Privacy: Stream with a VPN

While Paramount+ is geo-restricted to the United States due to licensing agreements, your viewing doesn't have to stop when you travel abroad.

Why Use a VPN with Paramount+?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and allows you to obtain a US IP address, making it appear as if you're Browse from home. This enables you to bypass geo-restrictions and enhances everyone's online security.

Watch from Anywhere:

Bypass geo-restrictions to watch every game, show, and movie from your Paramount+ subscription, even when you're overseas.

Improve Security & Privacy:

Encrypt your connection to protect your personal data from third parties and enhance your overall online privacy.

Avoid ISP Throttling:

A VPN can help prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from slowing down your connection during high-bandwidth activities like live sports streaming.

Recommended VPN Providers:

When choosing a VPN, select a reliable provider known for working with streaming services. Top options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and Bitdefender.

Paramount+ at a Glance: Pros & Cons

A balanced look at Paramount+'s strengths and areas for consideration to help you decide if it's the right service for you.

Pros

  • Strong Live Sports Coverage: Excellent for fans of the NFL on CBS, UEFA soccer, and the NWSL.
  • Valuable Content Library: A deep on-demand catalog from ViacomCBS properties plus new Paramount movies.
  • Exclusive Originals: Home to a growing collection of compelling original series you can't find elsewhere.
  • SHOWTIME Included: The Premium plan bundles the full SHOWTIME library, adding significant value.
  • Live Local CBS Feed: Access your local CBS station in most markets with the Premium plan.
  • Affordable Entry Price: Highly competitive pricing, offering significant content for a low monthly cost.

Cons

  • Ads on Essential Tier: The lower-priced plan includes commercials, which can interrupt on-demand viewing.
  • Lacks Some UI Features: Missing some basic quality-of-life features found on other services, like a dedicated watchlist.
  • Delayed Theatrical Releases: New Paramount movies typically arrive 45 days after their theatrical debut.
  • Limited Breakout Originals: May lack the sheer volume of "must-see" originals compared to larger competitors like Netflix.
  • Live Stream Delay: As with most streaming services, live TV feeds may have a slight delay compared to cable.

Paramount+ Alternatives: How Does it Stack Up?

When considering Paramount+, it's helpful to see how it compares to other streaming services that offer a significant amount of live sports and entertainment.

1. Paramount+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • CBS Sports Content: Exclusive access to NFL on CBS.
  • SEC football, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, NWSL.
  • Showtime originals (with Showtime plan).

Plans & Pricing:

  • Essential (with ads): $7.99/mo. or $59.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • with Showtime (ad-free, downloads): $12.99/mo. or $119.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • Student Discount: 50% off for 12 months (Get Discount)
  • Senior Discount (AARP): 10% off (Get Discount)
  • Price Change Effective: August 20 (New) / September 20 (Existing for With Showtime) (Details)

Our Take: Essential for fans of CBS Sports, especially European soccer and NWSL, with valuable student and senior discounts available.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

2. FuboTV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Broad Live Sports: 200+ channels including ESPN, NFL Network, FS1, many RSNs.
  • Strong for: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR, 10 simultaneous streams, 4K streaming (Elite plan).

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: FuboTV is ideal for comprehensive live TV with a strong sports focus, including RSNs, but consider the additional RSN fee.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

3. ESPN+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive UFC Fight Nights, out-of-market NHL, 6,000+ NCAA games.
  • Top international soccer (La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup).
  • Complements: Does NOT include linear ESPN channels.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Best for dedicated fans of specific sports not found on linear TV, especially when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.

Get ESPN+

4. YouTube TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Extensive Channels: 100+ channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, major networks.
  • Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record all your favorite sports.
  • 4K Plus add-on available. NFL Sunday Ticket add-on.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Excellent for broad channel selection and unlimited DVR, covering most major sports, with varying free trial lengths.

Try Free (2-21 days)

5. Hulu + Live TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Bundle Value: 100+ channels, includes Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
  • Unlimited cloud DVR. Live sports (NHL, Soccer, MLB, Auto Racing, NFL, College Football, PGA, Tennis).

Plans & Pricing:

  • Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $95.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Live TV Only: $81.99/mo. (Visit Website)
  • Legacy Bundle ($87.99/mo.): No longer available for new purchase (Learn More)

Our Take: Combines live TV (including ESPN) with a vast on-demand library and ESPN+ exclusives, but be aware of legacy plan availability.

Try 3-Day Free Trial

6. DIRECTV STREAM

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Premium Sports: Strongest offering for RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) from Choice plan upwards.
  • Dedicated league channels (MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network on higher tiers).
  • Unlimited cloud DVR, up to 20 simultaneous streams in-home.

Plans & Pricing:

  • Entertainment: $84.99/mo. (90+ channels, no RSNs) (Visit Website)
  • Choice: $89.99/mo. (First month $59.99, includes RSNs) (Visit Website)
  • Ultimate: $119.99/mo. (First month $89.99) (Visit Website)
  • Premier: $164.99/mo. (Includes all premium networks) (Visit Website)

Our Take: Ideal for extensive channels, especially if RSNs are crucial for local team coverage, with a robust simultaneous streaming capability.

Try 5-Day Free Trial

7. Sling TV

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Budget-Friendly: Customizable packages.
  • Orange includes ESPN; Blue includes NFL Network.
  • 50 hours DVR.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Most affordable option to get live ESPN or NFL Network, with customizable add-ons and a significant first-month discount.

Get 50% Off First Month

8. Peacock Premium

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Niche Sports: Exclusive Premier League matches.
  • Big Ten sports, IndyCar, and simulcasts of Sunday Night Football.
  • Current seasons of NBC and Bravo programming.

Plans & Pricing:

  • Premium (with ads): $10.99/mo. or $109.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • Premium Plus (ad-free, downloads): $16.99/mo. or $169.99/yr. (Visit Website)
  • New "Select" Tier: $7.99/mo. or $79.99/yr. (No sports content) (Learn More)
  • Price Change Effective: July 23, 2025 (New/Returning) / August 22, 2025 (Existing) (Details)

Our Take: Best for Premier League soccer and Big Ten fans on a budget, with tiered options and recent price adjustments.

Start Free Trial

9. Amazon Prime Video

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive NFL: Home of Thursday Night Football.
  • New for 2025: NBA games (66 regular season games, playoffs), NASCAR.
  • Features WNBA games, NWSL, Premier Boxing Champions, ONE Championship.

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Great for NFL fans who also use Prime for shopping and other content, with a rapidly expanding live sports portfolio.

Try 30-Day Free Trial

10. Apple TV+

Key Features & Sports Coverage:

  • Exclusive Soccer & Baseball: Home to MLS Season Pass (additional cost).
  • Friday Night Baseball.
  • Superior streaming quality (4K HDR, Dolby Atmos).

Plans & Pricing:

Our Take: Highly specific for dedicated MLS fans and a good add-on for baseball, best value when integrated into Apple One bundles.

Try 7-Day Free Trial

Key Difference Summary

While FuboTV excels in broad live sports and RSN coverage, other services offer unique value propositions. ESPN+ focuses on exclusive niche sports, YouTube TV provides unlimited DVR and a wide channel selection, Hulu + Live TV bundles entertainment with live TV, DIRECTV STREAM offers premium RSN access and multiple streams, Sling TV is highly customizable and budget-friendly, and services like Peacock, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ cater to specific sports leagues or content types, often with unique bundling opportunities.

Real Fans, Real Entertainment: What Our Users Say

Hear directly from users who love Paramount+'s unique content mix.

"Paramount+ is a sneaky good service! I signed up for the NFL games, but I'm hooked on the originals and having SHOWTIME included is a huge bonus. Great value for the price."

- Alex P., Sports & Series Fan

"I love getting my local CBS live feed and all the UEFA matches in one place. The movie library is solid too. It's a fantastic option if you're a CBS fan and love soccer."

- Maria G., Soccer Enthusiast

"The kids are obsessed with the Nickelodeon content, and I can catch up on all the Star Trek shows. The Paramount+ with SHOWTIME bundle is perfect for our whole family."

- David L., Dad & Sci-Fi Lover

"Honestly, it's the best value in streaming. For less than a movie ticket, I get live sports, new movies, and a huge library of shows. Can't beat it."

- Chloe B., Budget Streamer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Paramount+

Does Paramount+ offer a free trial?

Yes, Paramount+ typically offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers on both the Essential and Premium plans, allowing you to explore the service before committing.

What's the difference between Essential and Premium?

The Essential plan includes the full on-demand library and live sports with limited ads. The Premium plan offers everything in Essential (mostly ad-free), adds the entire SHOWTIME library, your local live CBS station, and the ability to download shows.

Can I watch my local CBS station live?

Yes, a live feed of your local CBS station is included with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan in most U.S. markets.

How soon do new movies come to Paramount+?

New movies from Paramount Pictures typically arrive on the service approximately 45 days after their theatrical release.

Can I watch Paramount+ when traveling internationally?

Paramount+ is geo-restricted to its licensed regions. To access your US-based subscription while traveling abroad, you will need to use a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) with US servers.

Ready for A Mountain of Entertainment?

Paramount+ delivers an incredible mix of live sports, exclusive originals, hit movies, and beloved shows. From the NFL and UEFA Champions League to Star Trek and SHOWTIME, it's premium content without the premium price.

Choose your plan and start your 7-day free trial today to unlock it all!

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