Paramount+

Paramount+ is the official desktop application of the streaming service of Paramount, one of Hollywood’s largest film and television production studios which owns the live TV giant CBS, and numerous sports, music, entertainment, documentary, and variety platforms that have delighted audiences for decades.

Originally released to the public under the name “CBS All Access”, this streaming service recently received a top to bottom rebrand, in order to better facilitate the distribution of linear and on-demand content to customers from all around the world.



Itcan be installed on any modern Windows PC by simply visiting its official page on Microsoft Store and clicking on the “Get” button. After the app is downloaded and installed automatically, users will be welcomed with its main dashboard and logging prompt.

Only users with a valid account and a subscription license can enjoy the content offered by this streaming service.

It is important to note that the availability of content differs from region to region, depending on the distribution contracts for 3rd party material.

All content created by the Paramount Plus platform itself is available to all of its users, which includes a wide variety of popular theatrical films, an incredible back catalog of TV series, a new wave of popular TV series content (Star Trek, CSI), music and events (MTV, BET), documentaries (Smithsonian channel) and a wide array of sporting events from leagues such as NFL, UEFA Champions League, Serie A, PGA Tour, The Masters, and more.

The application easily handles streaming with several tiers of internet bandwidth (with smart changes to image quality depending on users' download speed), and a wide array of services such as HDR streaming, premium audio formats, live TV streaming, continuous play, downloadable content, user profiles and more.

Paramount+ streaming app can be accessed with several tiers of subscription. The entry-level “Essential” plan includes limited commercial interruptions, and “Premium” which removes commercials from streaming content (live TV programs may still show commercials).

These two tiers can be enhanced with additional payment for access to the SHOWTIME library of streaming content.

Features

Vast Content Library: It boasts an extensive library of content, including classic TV series, current shows, blockbuster movies, and exclusive original series like "Star Trek: Discovery" and "The Stand."

Live Sports: Sports enthusiasts can enjoy live NFL games, UEFA Champions League matches, and more with Paramount+. The service also offers dedicated sports coverage and analysis.

Offline Viewing: It allows you to download content for offline viewing, making it perfect for travel or areas with unreliable internet connections.

Multiple Profiles: Create separate user profiles for family members, ensuring a personalized viewing experience for everyone.

Ad-Supported and Ad-Free Plans: It offers both ad-supported and ad-free subscription plans, giving you the flexibility to choose an option that suits your budget.

User Interface

The platform user interface is intuitive and user-friendly. It features a clean design with easy navigation menus.

The homepage highlights trending content and provides quick access to your watchlist, recently watched items, and recommendations.

Search functionality is robust, making it easy to find specific shows or movies.

Installation and Setup

To use Paramount+, you'll need to sign up for an account on the official website.

Once you've subscribed to a plan, you can access the service via web browsers on your PC or by downloading the dedicated app for Windows

Installation is straightforward, and the app is lightweight, ensuring it doesn't bog down your system.

How to Use

• Sign Up: Create an account on the official website.
• Choose a Plan: Select between the ad-supported or ad-free plan.
• Download the App: If preferred, download and install the app on your PC.
• Log In: Use your credentials to log in to the app or website.
• Start Streaming: Browse the content library, choose a show or movie, and start streaming. You can also build your watchlist for easy access to your favorite content.

FAQ

How much does Paramount+ cost?
It offers two main plans - an ad-supported plan priced at $4.99 per month and an ad-free plan for $9.99 per month.

Can I watch live sports on Paramount+?
Yes, it offers live sports coverage, including NFL games and UEFA Champions League matches, depending on your location.

Are there parental controls on Paramount+?
Yes, you can set up parental controls to restrict access to content based on age appropriateness.

Can I watch Paramount+ on multiple devices?
Yes, it allows streaming on multiple devices, and you can create separate user profiles for family members.

Is offline viewing available on Paramount+?
Yes, you can download shows and movies for offline viewing on the Paramount+ app.

Alternatives

Amazon Prime Video: Offers a mix of movies, TV shows, and original content, including exclusive sports coverage.

Disney+: Features Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content, along with original series.

Netflix: Offers a vast library of movies and TV shows, including original content.

Hulu: Focuses on current TV episodes shortly after they air, along with a selection of movies and original content.

Pricing

Essential Plan

Cost: $7.99/month or $59.99/year

Features: Stream 40,000+ episodes and movies with limited commercials. NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League are available via separate live feeds. Does not include local live CBS station.

Paramount+ with SHOWTIME

Cost: $12.99/month or $119.99/year

Features: Enjoy 40,000+ episodes and movies commercial-free (except for live TV and select shows), live CBS station, and access to SHOWTIME content like Billions, The Chi, Dexter, and Yellowjackets. Download options included.

They also occasionally offer bundles with Showtime or other streaming services at different price points.

System Requirements

A compatible web browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) or the dedicated Paramount+ app for Windows 11/10.

A stable internet connection for streaming.

PROS

• Extensive content library
• Live sports coverage
• Downloadable content for offline viewing
• User-friendly interface
• Multiple user profiles
• Competitive pricing

CONS

• Limited international availability
• Some content may have ads on the lower-priced plan

Conclusion

It offers an attractive proposition for entertainment enthusiasts, with its rich content library, live sports coverage, and user-friendly interface. The choice between ad-supported and ad-free plans allows users to tailor their experience to their preferences and budget.

While it may face competition from other streaming giants, Paramount+ stands out with its exclusive content and is a compelling option for those seeking a diverse range of entertainment options.