Paramount+ (with Showtime) review 2027

What problem does Paramount+ solve?

Paramount+ is the streaming service for households that want live CBS without a cable box. Its tagline names the draw directly: CBS live, NFL on CBS, Champions League, Star Trek, Yellowstone spin-offs and Showtime, at the lowest ad-free price with live sport. The verdict is narrow on purpose — it is a supplement to Netflix or Max, not a rival. The people it fits are specific: NFL-on-CBS households and Nickelodeon kids. If your Sunday revolves around the CBS game and your children live on Nickelodeon, the service covers both in one subscription, and the ad-free plan adds Showtime for the adults. A 7-day trial lets you test that fit before paying.

How did we score Paramount+?

We scored it across five criteria for a total of 7 out of 10.

• Catalogue — 19/30. This measures depth of originals, licensed film and TV, kids and sport, and how many of our 40-title checklist were available. It found 10 of 40.
• Video & audio quality — 15/20. This covers 4K, HDR and Dolby Atmos availability, measured bitrate on the same connection, and app stability. Our measured 4K bitrate was 9 Mbps.
• Apps & experience — 11/15. This covers profiles, downloads, recommendations, ad load on ad tiers, and device support.
• Flexibility — 9/10. This covers monthly cancel, simultaneous streams, household rules, and bundles.
• Value — 16/25. This weighs the price of the cheapest ad-free tier and the ad tier against the catalogue.

What does Paramount+ do well?

The strengths are concrete. Live CBS carries NFL games and the Champions League, so sport is available without a separate live-TV package. The Nickelodeon library serves kids, while Star Trek serves the rest of the household. The ad-free plan includes Showtime. There is a 7-day trial. On measured numbers, the ad-free plan is $12.99/mo, the 4K bitrate is 9 Mbps, and the checklist result is 10 of 40 titles.

How does the technology work?

Paramount+ streams over the internet rather than through a satellite or cable feed. Live channels such as the CBS live stream are delivered as continuous streams, so the app plays the broadcast as it airs. On-demand titles are stored on servers and sent to your device when you press play. 4K and HDR are higher-resolution and wider-contrast versions of the same video, offered here on select titles. Bitrate is the amount of data sent each second; our measured 4K bitrate was 9 Mbps. Downloads save a copy to your device for offline viewing.

What do you get in the box?

There is no box. What you get is a set of plan features and app capabilities. The ad tier costs 7.99 USD/mo and the ad-free tier costs 12.99 USD/mo. 4K and HDR appear on select titles. You can watch on 3 simultaneous streams. Downloads are available with the Showtime plan. Live TV covers the CBS live stream, NFL on CBS, and UEFA Champions League. The service is strongest for CBS, NFL, Star Trek, and Nickelodeon. A 7-day free trial is offered.

How does it compare with rivals?

Against Disney+ (7.9, $15.99), Paramount+ is cheaper ad-free and carries live CBS sport, while Disney+ offers 4K on Premium, 4 simultaneous streams, and ESPN via bundle. Against Max (7.9, $16.99), Paramount+ is cheaper ad-free and includes live CBS, while Max holds HBO, Warner films, classics, and DC, with 4K on Ultimate only ($20.99). Against Netflix (7.9, $17.99), Paramount+ is cheaper ad-free and has live CBS, while Netflix has the biggest original slate and 4K on Premium only ($24.99).

Where does Paramount+ fall short?

The catalogue is the main weakness: 10 of 40 checklist titles. Search and profiles are weak. 4K is limited to select titles. The verdict puts it plainly — it lost on catalogue and app. It works as a supplement to Netflix or Max, not as a replacement.

Is Paramount+ good value?

The price summary is $12.99. Our measured ad-free price is 12.99 $/mo, and the value criterion scored 16 out of 25. The ad tier is 7.99 USD/mo. For that money you get live CBS sport, Nickelodeon, Star Trek, and Showtime on the ad-free plan.

Who should buy Paramount+?

It remains right for NFL-on-CBS households and Nickelodeon kids. If your viewing week is built around the CBS game and children's programming, the service covers both. If you want a deep film catalogue or the strongest app experience, look elsewhere.