Owned by Paramount Global, Paramount Plus is a paid video service available in the USA. Most of the service’s content comes from the archives of CBS Media Ventures (which includes CBS Studios), Paramount Pictures and Paramount Media Networks (previously Viacom Media Networks and ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks). However, the service also offers original films and television programs, live sports coverage, and American-made content. On October 28, 2014, the service made it’s debut in the US, with a primary focus on live streaming of CBS programming from it’s local affiliates as well as on-demand access to library content and CBS programs. Beginning with spin-offs of CBS shows like Big Brother, The Good Fight, and Star Trek: Discovery (the newest Star Trek television series), the service started to offer original programming in 2016. Additionally, the service started to enter new markets, such as Canada and Australia.
For choosy consumers, there are many excellent streaming services to pick from, including Paramount Plus. However, it has a useful feature that helps it stand out from the competition. In order to guarantee you have the best experience within your budget, the service also provides two payment methods. For those who don’t know, Paramount Plus has two levels of membership: Essential and Premium. The 30,000 movies and TV shows available on the Paramount Plus Essential plan are identical to those on the Premium plan, but it is significantly less expensive. Despite many similarities, the Paramount Plus Essential and Premium plans also have enough distinctions to allow easier comparison shopping. Individuals and households shouldn’t have too much trouble deciding which plan is best for their unique needs, given the variations in monthly cost, advertisements, and even the content available. So stick around and follow this guide to know about your best options between Paramount Plus Essential vs. Premium Plan.
Paramount Plus Essential vs. Premium:
1. Pricing
Paramount Plus Essential:-
The most affordable Paramount subscription package is Paramount Plus Essential, which is even less expensive than the earlier base package that was later discontinued. Therefore, Paramount Plus Essential, which costs $4.99 per month, is the less expensive of the two subscription plans. Additionally, subscribers have the option to save money by committing to Paramount Plus Essential for a whole year; a full year of service costs $49.99.
Although you should be aware that this tier does not grant you access to the local live CBS channel. And, if commercials aren’t your thing, don’t bother with this plan. The key plan’s advantages include the following:-
- 40,000+ TV series, movies, and originals
- Limited Ads
- Live coverage of NFL and Champions League
- 24×7 national news
Paramount Plus Premium:-
On the other hand, Paramount Plus Premium is likewise offered on a monthly and annual basis and costs $9.99 per month and $99.99 for a full year. Of course, it has some excellent conveniences, like:-
- 40,000+ TV series, movies, and originals
- Live coverage of NFL and Champions League
- 24×7 national and local news
- No Ads
- Download shows or movies for offline watching
Now, regarding the winner between Paramount Plus Essential vs. Premium Plan to choose from, the benefits and amount of content that are available to view on the Premium Plan make it clear that this is the better choice. However, due to it’s cost, the Essential plan may be the smart choice in the long haul. However, regardless of the selected plan, both offer a risk-free trial, and customers can sign up for one of the annual plans to save 16% on the total cost. Try them both, then decide which best meets your needs.
2. CBS Content
Since both the Paramount Plus Essential and Paramount Plus Premium plans have access to CBS content, either one will suffice if watching popular CBS shows a priority. The same CBS on-demand programming is also included on Essential as it is in the Premium plan. But when it comes to the live CBS content, they do diverge, though.
One of the main distinctions between the Paramount Plus Essential vs. Premium Plan is that Paramount Plus gives Premium subscribers the option to watch their local live CBS station.
Accordingly, the Premium plan will be the most suitable choice if an individual or family wants to watch CBS live on their devices. Although, the Live Channels trait, which Paramount Plus recently unveiled, does add some live programming to both plans. These channels, though, are not your typical live TV ones; instead, they are assembled.
As a point of reference, the Essential plan has since taken the place of Paramount Plus’s former “Limited Commercial” plan. The Limited Commercials subscription included access to regional live CBS stations despite costing just $1 more than the Essential plan. As long as they keep their Paramount Plus subscription active, those who still subscribe to the Limited Commercials plan continue to have access to their local live channel. However, all new customers are currently required to pick between the two plans when joining if they want to acquire local live CBS.
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Content Quality
When comparing the streaming quality of the Paramount Plus Essential vs Premium Plan, it should be noted that the Paramount Plus Essential plan does not support HDR10 Media Profile or 4K streaming. Furthermore, it isn’t even compatible with Dolby Vision media.
But on the other hand, you will get all of the facilities with the Premium subscription, which includes HDR10 Media Profile or 4K streaming, Dolby Vision media, etc. You should only be concerned with having an extremely reliable internet connection to stream 4K videos flawlessly.
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Ads
Since the Premium plan is currently the only way to access Paramount Plus without being interrupted by advertisements, this is likely one of the primary factors that will cause many users to choose the more expensive subscriptions. The Premium plan, which costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually, is the only option for people or households who want to skip the commercials. Nevertheless, despite having a Premium plan, Paramount Plus does not provide an entirely ad-free experience. There are two main causes for this.
- There is no way to skip the ads because local CBS is accessible through the Premium plan, and these stations are broadcasted live. Local CBS channels and their associated advertisements are streamed live even though the user is paying for an ad-free experience with the Paramount Plus Premium plan.
- The second justification might be a little more difficult to comprehend, especially because the subscriber is paying for an experience that is free of advertisements. The service does not clarify why it presents these interruptions to ad-free subscribers, but it notes that they are intended to promote “new and upcoming Paramount+ programming.” While watching TV series and movies, Paramount Plus Premium subscribers are forced to watch “brief promotional interruptions,” as categorized by Paramount Plus. As a result, while a viewer may not always see advertisements for other merchandise and services, they’ll probably see advertisements related to Paramount Plus.
FAQs
What is the big difference between the Essential and the Premium plan?
The most viable difference when talking about Paramount Plus Essential vs. Premium Plan is the commercial-free aspect. While Premium has no commercials, Essential has limited commercial interferences.
What is included in the Paramount Plus Essential + Showtime package?
Additionally, you will have the choice of expanding your Paramount Plus subscription. It will give you access to several popular Showtime programs such as Dexter, Yellowjackets, The First Lady, etc. Therefore, the only difference between this version of the Essential Plan and the typical Essential Plan is access to Showtime programming. The Essential Plan + Showtime plan costs $11.99 monthly and $119.99 yearly.
What if you previously purchased the discontinued $5.99 Paramount Plus plan?
A $5.99 per month “Limited Commercials” plan, which has since been discontinued, was purchased by numerous Paramount Plus subscribers. Therefore, if you initially subscribed to it when it was being offered and your account is still active, you will continue to have access to all the aspects of this plan until you determine whether to abandon and re-subscribe for it or alter your plan.
Is the Paramount Plus Essential plan available in the UK?
There is no Essential or Premium subscription plan for UK users because Paramount Plus UK only offers one subscription plan for £6.99 from it’s launch in June 2022.
Closing Thoughts
Looking at the contrast between the Paramount Plus Essential vs Premium Plan, it is obvious that the quantity of content and ad-free streaming are the main differences between the two plans. However, picking a plan would involve making personal decisions. There is no need to pay more than $4.99 per month for the Paramount Plus Essential subscription if you want to keep the price as low as possible and don’t need access to your local live CBS channel. Ads are also included in the less expensive plan, but then again, even the Premium subscribers receive advertisements occasionally. That being said, the Premium plan is the best choice for those who want the best experience and to enjoy Paramount Plus’ to it’s full potential. Hopefully, this guide will assist you in making an informed decision about your ideal subscription plan. All the best!
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