Paramount Plus vs Amazon Prime Video: Which is the Better Choice for You in 2023

Paramount-Plus-Vs-Amazon-Prime

When it comes to streaming services, finding the perfect one to satisfy your entertainment needs can be a daunting task. With an overwhelming number of options available, it’s crucial to narrow down your choices and find the platform that offers the best content, features, and value for your money.

Paramount Plus and Amazon Prime Video have been locking horns to win over viewers with their extensive libraries and unique offerings.  However, when accessing streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Paramount Plus Canada, it’s important to consider any geographic restrictions that might limit your viewing options. Luckily, there’s a solution: using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.

Whether you want to watch the latest Paramount Plus show or an Amazon Prime Video exclusive, the VPN ensures you enjoy these services amid the geo-restrictions. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the battle of these streaming titans: Paramount Plus vs Amazon Prime Video: Quick Overview.

By examining their content offerings, pricing models, and unique features, we’ll help you determine which service deserves your subscription in 2023.  You will also learn how to get Paramount Plus for free, how to get Paramount Plus on TV, and answer the question, is Paramount Plus included with Amazon Prime?

Let’s get started on the Paramount Plus Amazon Prime comparison.


Paramount Plus vs Amazon Prime Video: Quick Overview

In this section, we will discuss a quick overview of Paramount Plus vs Amazon Prime Video.

Paramount Plus, the successor to CBS All Access, is a streaming service launched by CBS in 2021. It aims to offer a combination of live channels and on-demand content, providing viewers with a wide range of entertainment options.

On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video has been a prominent player in the streaming market since 2006, boasting over 175 million subscribers worldwide. With availability in over 100 countries, Amazon Prime Video is a popular choice among Amazon Prime members.

While both Paramount Plus and Amazon Prime Video primarily focus on on-demand content, this article will specifically explore their live TV offerings. Before we get deeper into the details, here’s a quick overview of these two platforms.

Features Paramount+ Amazon Prime Video 
Pricing
  • Essential: $4.99/month
  • Premium: $9.99/month
  • Essential + Showtime: $11.99/month
  • Premium + Showtime: $14.99/month
  • Prime Video: $8.99/month
  • Amazon Prime: $12.99/month
Free Trial  7 Days 7 Days
Number of Channels 20+ 50+
DVR Capacity None None
Device Support Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, Fire TV, Smart TVs, Roku, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, Fire TV, Smart TVs, Roku, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Simultaneous Streams 3 3

Paramount+ vs Amazon Prime Video: Pricing Plans

When it comes to pricing plans of Paramount Plus vs Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+ emerges as the winner in terms of the lowest cost per package.

While it offers an affordable option, it’s important to note that this package includes commercials when streaming on-demand content. Why is paramount plus more expensive on Amazon Prime? Paramount+ also offers more expensive packages with additional features, catering to different preferences and viewing experiences.

On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video provides excellent value for money through its pricing structure. If you already use Amazon’s online store services, you can access Amazon Prime Video as part of your Prime subscription. This integration is a convenient addition for loyal users, rewarding them with access to a wide range of content without any additional fees.

Paramount+ Pricing:

The table below shows the Paramount Plus Pricing Plans:

Package Price Per Month
Essential $4.99
Premium $9.99
Essential + Showtime $11.99
Premium + Showtime $14.99

Paramount+ offers two pricing plans to cater to different preferences. The first plan, priced at $4.99 monthly, includes commercial breaks when streaming on-demand content. Alternatively, you can opt for an annual subscription at $49.99, saving approximately 17% with a one-time payment.

If you want to enjoy a seamless streaming experience, the Premium package is available at $7.99 per month. In addition to an ad-free experience, this package grants access to local CBS stations in most locations across the United States.

Another feature of Paramount+ is its inclusion of Showtime channels. This is particularly for live TV enthusiasts, who can access Showtime content through the Paramount+ platform. The cost of the Showtime package varies depending on the selected pricing plan, ranging from $5 to $7.

Paramount-plus-plan (1)

Paramount Plus cost.

Amazon Prime Video Pricing

The table below shows the Amazon Prime Video Pricing:

Package Price Per Month
Prime Monthly $14.99 per month
Prime Annual $139 per year

Amazon Prime Video offers two straightforward pricing options. The Prime Video plan is $8.99 monthly, granting users access to the entire on-demand content library and live channels. There are no commercials to interrupt your streaming experience.

An Amazon Prime membership will be a wise choice for those who frequently use Amazon’s online store services. Besides the faster product delivery, becoming a Prime member unlocks additional benefits such as music streaming and unlimited reading on corresponding Amazon services.

It also includes a free subscription to Prime Video. These perks are available monthly for $12.99, making it an enticing deal for users seeking a comprehensive entertainment package.

amazon-prime-cost

Pricing plans of Amazon Prime Video.


Paramount+ vs Amazon Prime Video: Best Free Trial

Considering Paramount Plus vs Amazon Prime Video, a free trial is another feature.

When it comes to the best free trial, Amazon Prime Video takes the lead with its two trial options. If you opt for the default subscription plan, you’ll receive a 7-day trial period to explore and test out all the platform’s features.

However, if you subscribe to Amazon Prime, you can get an extended 30-day trial. This means you’ll have a month to enjoy Prime Video for free, surpassing the trial duration offered by most other streaming platforms.

How to get Paramount Plus for free? Paramount+ also offers a 7-day Paramount Plus Free trial, allowing users to use and experience their platform before committing to a subscription.

While it comes in a close second, Paramount+ also excels in this category by providing a substantial trial period to thoroughly evaluate the service before committing to pay. You can also cancel the Paramount Plus subscription anytime through the account settings.


Paramount+ vs Amazon Prime Video: Channels & Content Compared

In terms of live TV services, Amazon Prime Video emerges as the winner due to its extensive range of TV channels. The platform’s on-demand library also includes exclusive content, adding to its appeal to viewers. The lineup of entertainment channels is particularly impressive, making it an enticing choice for entertainment enthusiasts.

However, for NFL and sports fans, Paramount+ proves to be a tempting option. The platform offers live streaming of football and soccer matches, catering to the interests of sports enthusiasts.

Additionally, if you can access the local TV station, Paramount+ lets you stay updated with the latest news.

Local channels compared

When it comes to local channels, Paramount+ emerges as the clear winner. You can access your local CBS feed by subscribing to the Premium package. This allows you to watch local news and CBS broadcast shows like Young Sheldon and Blue Bloods, all within the Paramount+ platform.

Other channels of Paramount Plus are BET, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, and more.

channels-on-paramount-plus (1)

Paramount Plus Channels.

Some of the best shows on Paramount Plus include:

You can also watch some of the best movies on Paramount Plus.

content-on-paramount-plus (1)

Content on Paramount Plus.

On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video does not offer any local channels or content, making it less suitable for those who prioritize local coverage. Paramount+ is the preferred choice in this category, providing viewers the advantage of accessing local channels alongside its wide range of on-demand content.

content-on-amazon-prime-video

Content on Amazon Prime Video.

Sports channels compared

Paramount+ shines in the sports channels category, offering a comprehensive range of options for sports enthusiasts. With a Paramount+ subscription, you can watch CBS Sports, with many sporting events, including every NFL game broadcasted by CBS.

Additionally, Paramount+ covers popular soccer competitions, including The Champions League, Serie A, and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), making it an excellent choice for fans of the beautiful game.

Amazon Prime Video also holds its own in this category. Since 2017, Amazon has secured the rights to Thursday Night Football, and as of 2022, it has become the exclusive provider of this game, making it the go-to platform for Thursday Night Football coverage.

Amazon Prime Video also broadcasts select WNBA games and serves as the home for the ONE Championship MMA promotion.

Both Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video offer compelling sports content, catering to many sports fans. Whether you prefer the extensive offerings on Paramount+ or the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video, these platforms ensure you never miss out on the excitement of live sports.


Paramount+ vs Amazon Prime Video: Best DVR and Offline Viewing

Please note that neither Paramount+ nor Amazon Prime Video offers DVR functionality, as they primarily focus on providing on-demand content. However, regarding offline viewing capabilities, Amazon Prime Video emerges again as the winner.

With support for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows 10 devices, as well as Amazon Fire devices, Amazon Prime Video offers a wide range of options for offline viewing. The only drawback is that you cannot record live football and other sporting events on the platform.

On the other hand, Paramount+ does not provide DVR functionality but offers the convenience of offline viewing. This feature is available for Android and iOS devices, allowing users to download and watch content offline.

The library limit for downloaded videos is set at 25 at a time, and once a movie or TV show is played, viewers have 48 hours to watch it before it is automatically removed from the library. These features can help you make the best decision for Paramount Plus vs Amazon Prime Video.


Paramount+ vs Amazon Prime Video: Compatible Devices

When it comes to Paramount Plus vs Amazon Prime Video, device compatibility is crucial. In this comparison, we’ll explore the compatible devices for Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video to help you make an informed choice.

Devices Compatible with Paramount+:

Below are the devices compatible with Paramount+:

Streaming Device Types
TV streaming media players
Web browsers
  • Google Chrome (Windows 8+, macOS X 10.9+)
  • Firefox (Windows 8+, macOS X 10.9+)
  • Safari (macOS X 10.10+)
  • Windows Edge (v14 on Windows 10+)
Mobile devices
  • iOS devices running v.13+
  • Android devices running Android 5 (Lollipop)+
Gaming consoles
  • PlayStation 4
  • Xbox consoles
Smart TVs
  • Vizio TV,
  • LG TV,
  • Paramount Plus on Samsung Smart TV
  • Sony Bravia Android TVs,
  • Hisense Android TV,
  • TCL 3-Series Smart TV (Model 32S330)
Smart home devices
  • Portal TV from Facebook

You can learn more about how to get paramount plus on TV and other streaming devices.

Devices Compatible with Amazon Prime Video:

Below are the devices that are compatible with Amazon Prime Video:

Streaming Device Types
Smart TVs
  • Sony
  • Samsung
  • Panasonic
  • LG
  • VIZIO
  • Hisense
  • Philips
  • Sharp
  • Grundig
  • TCL
  • AOC
  • JVC
  • Xiaomi
Blu-Ray players
  • Selected players from Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and LG
Media players
  • Roku
  • Tivo
  • Google Chromecast
  • Apple TV
Gaming consoles
  • Sony PlayStation 3, 4, and 5
  • Microsoft Xbox One, S, and X
Desktop PC Browsers
  • Google Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Safari
  • Opera
  • Microsoft Edge
Mobile devices
  • All newer Android and iOS devices
Amazon devices
  • Fire TV
  • Amazon Fire TV stick
  • Fire tablet
  • Echo devices with a screen.

Paramount+ vs Amazon Prime Video: User Interface

Amazon Prime Video’s user interface is similar to other video streaming services, with options like Originals, Home, Movies, TV Shows, and Kids displayed at the top.

A bottom menu allows easy navigation between channels, the store, search, and personal content sections. The service offers various controls such as download quality, device management, stream settings, parental controls, and the ability to clear search history.

Paramount Plus features a standard streaming service interface, starting with a prominent banner of promoted content on the home page. Branded channel buttons and a queue of previously viewed content are also provided.

Additionally, the upper left corner displays a short description of the current content being watched.

Wondering about how many people can watch Paramount Plus at once? Paramount Plus allows simultaneous streaming on up to three devices per account. You might also experience Paramount Plus Error Codes 3205 and Error Code 6100 which you can easily clear with a VPN like ExpressVPN.

While the web version does not offer the option to select streaming resolution, the Paramount Plus app on smartphones provides the ability to choose the desired resolution.


Which Is Best in 2023: Paramount+ vs Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video emerges as the winner in the comparison between Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video in 2023 but by a narrow margin. The enticing factors for Amazon Prime Video include a generous trial period and the option to access the service for free with an Amazon Prime subscription.

With an impressive lineup of live TV entertainment channels and a wide selection of high-quality movies and series, Amazon Prime Video offers a compelling streaming experience.

On the other hand, Paramount+ holds its ground with a decent channel lineup, particularly excelling in sporting events like the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and the NFL. Additionally, some packages provide access to both local and national news.

However, the choice between the two streaming services depends on individual preferences and desired features. Take the time to identify your specific needs and select the streaming service that aligns best with your requirements.


FAQs: Paramount+ Plus vs Amazon Prime Video


Paramount+ and Prime Video are separate streaming services, but you can access Paramount+ content on all Prime Video-supported devices. If you subscribe to the Paramount+ channel through Prime Video, you can use the Premium plan, which allows ad-free streaming for a monthly fee of $9.99.


Yes, subscribing to Paramount+ through Amazon Prime Video can offer a more affordable option. You can save on Paramount+, Starz, Showtime, AMC+, and more by accessing them through Amazon Prime Video. For just $2 per month each, you can enjoy popular originals such as 1883, Yellowjackets, and P-Valley from the comfort of your home or while on the move. 


Most viewers usually ask, is Paramount Plus included with Amazon Prime. Unfortunately, there is no free Paramount Plus on Amazon Prime. However, there is a way to test the service without incurring charges. If I have paramount plus through Amazon can i use the app? Amazon Prime Video offers the Premium ad-free plan for the Paramount+ channel at a monthly fee of $9.99. Nevertheless, users have the option to explore the service for a trial period of seven days without any payment required.


Wrap Up!

Both Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video offer compelling streaming options with their own unique features.

Amazon Prime Video stands out with its extensive library, live TV channels, and the added benefits of an Amazon Prime membership. On the other hand, Paramount+ appeals to sports enthusiasts with its coverage of NFL and soccer events.

When deciding on Paramount Plus vs Amazon Prime Video, consider factors such as pricing, channel lineup, user interface, and device compatibility. Ultimately, the choice boils down to personal preferences and the specific content you wish to access.

Take advantage of free trials to explore both Paramount Plus and Amazon Prime and make an informed decision that aligns with your streaming needs.