For U.S. viewers who want to spend nothing, Pluto TV is the clear choice: it is a free, ad-supported streaming service with live channels and on-demand titles. Paramount+ is a paid subscription, with a larger role for on-demand shows, originals and live sports. Its Essential plan costs less but includes ads; Premium costs more and adds local live CBS, all SHOWTIME, downloads and select 4K/HDR programming. The better fit depends on what you want to watch, how much advertising you’ll accept and whether Premium’s added features matter to you.
Paramount+ and Pluto TV at a glance
This comparison focuses on U.S. plans and pricing. Paramount+ features, prices, sports rights, local CBS availability and device support can vary by country or market. Confirm current details on the official service pages before subscribing.
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| Feature | Pluto TV | Paramount+ Essential | Paramount+ Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; Pluto TV says no credit card is required | $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year, according to Paramount+’s U.S. plan details published Jan. 15, 2026 | $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year, according to Paramount+’s U.S. plan details published Jan. 15, 2026 |
| Advertising | Ad-supported | Ad-supported | Ad-free on-demand shows and movies; live content may contain ads, and plans may include trailers, promotions or sponsorship |
| How you watch | Hundreds of live linear channels and thousands of on-demand titles, per Paramount’s corporate description | On-demand shows and movies, subscriber-only originals, selected live streams and live sports | Essential features, plus local live CBS and all SHOWTIME |
| Local live TV | Live channel lineup; check availability in your area | No local live CBS station | Local live CBS station, subject to availability and sports-market variation |
| Downloads | Not stated in the cited sources | Not listed among the features in Paramount+’s comparison | Downloads of movies and shows; restrictions apply |
| Picture quality | Not stated in the cited sources | Not listed as a distinguishing feature in Paramount+’s comparison | Select titles in 4K UHD, Dolby Vision or HDR10, subject to device and internet capability |
| Profiles and simultaneous streams | Not stated in the cited sources | Up to six profiles and three concurrent streams | Up to six profiles and three concurrent streams |
Paramount+ prices and plan features are provider-published details and may change. See Paramount+’s plan information and check the current price before signing up. Pluto TV describes itself as a free service; its support page says a credit card is not required: Pluto TV’s refreshed experience.
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Pluto TV is built around free channel surfing
Pluto TV combines scheduled, linear channels with on-demand programming. Paramount describes its Pluto TV offering as hundreds of live channels and thousands of on-demand titles for a global audience. That broad description does not guarantee the same channels, titles or device support in every region. Pluto TV’s device-support information lists categories such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple, Google, LG, Microsoft, web browsers, Philips and Samsung; check Pluto TV’s supported-device information for compatibility with your exact device and area.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Paramount+ is a paid subscription with on-demand viewing and live streams
Paramount+ centers on selecting shows and movies on demand, alongside subscriber-only originals, live streams and sports. Its Help Center says the service has more than 40,000 full episodes and hit movies on demand. That is Paramount’s own catalog description, not an independent measurement, and the available catalog can change.
Both Paramount+ plans include subscriber-only originals, CBS News 24/7 and CBS Sports HQ live streams, 20 curated live channels, NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League live, according to Paramount’s plan comparison. Live sports and other live content can vary by market; the separate sports feeds do not mean Essential includes a local CBS station.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
What Paramount+ Essential and Premium include
Essential: a lower-cost paid option with ads
Paramount+ listed Essential at $8.99 monthly or $89.99 annually in its U.S. plan details published Jan. 15, 2026. The plan includes on-demand programming, originals, selected live streams and sports, but it is ad-supported and does not include a local live CBS station. The listed prices are time-sensitive, so verify them on the official page before subscribing.
Premium: more features, not an entirely ad-free live-TV experience
Paramount+ listed Premium at $13.99 monthly or $139.99 annually in the same U.S. plan details. It adds all SHOWTIME, a local live CBS station where available, downloads and select 4K UHD, Dolby Vision or HDR10 programming. Paramount says live content can still have ads, and plans may include trailers, promotions or sponsorship; “ad-free” applies to on-demand shows and movies, not every stream.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
For downloaded movies and shows, Paramount’s plan information says content expires at the earlier of 30 days after download or 48 hours after playback starts, with restrictions. The service also says select titles are available in the higher picture formats, subject to internet service and device capabilities—not every title or screen will support them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which service should you choose?
- Choose Pluto TV if your priority is paying nothing and you are comfortable with ad-supported viewing and a channel-surfing format.
- Choose Paramount+ Essential if you want Paramount+’s on-demand catalog, originals or included live streams and sports enough to pay a subscription, while accepting ads.
- Consider Paramount+ Premium if you specifically want all SHOWTIME, local live CBS where available, downloads or select 4K/HDR titles.
- Check the details first if a particular sports event, CBS station, title or device is the deciding factor. Availability varies by market, and catalog listings change.
Pluto TV is not simply a free version of Paramount+: the services have different viewing models and lineups. A $0 price may settle the choice for budget-first viewers, while the Paramount+ subscription is relevant when its specific programming or Premium features justify the cost.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
What to verify before subscribing
- Check the current U.S. Paramount+ plan and price on the Paramount+ Help Center; plan names, prices and features can change.
- Look up the exact show, movie or event you intend to watch. Sports and live programming can vary by market.
- If you need local CBS, confirm that the station is available in your area and that Premium is the plan offering it.
- Confirm your television or streaming device is supported. Pluto TV’s device-support page lists categories and examples, but exact availability depends on area and model.
- If you care about downloads or 4K/HDR, check the title and your device’s capabilities rather than assuming the feature applies to the entire catalog.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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