Both Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+ offer compelling streaming options with their own strengths. Amazon Prime Video stands out with its inclusion of 4K streaming in the base plan and bundling options with Amazon Prime. Paramount+ provides a wide range of content from various networks and competitive pricing, especially with its ad-supported tier. The choice depends on individual preferences regarding content, desired features, and budget.
Attribute | Amazon Prime Video | Paramount+ |
---|---|---|
Original Content Quality | Focuses on quality over quantity, with ongoing upgrades. | Offers a mix of original programming, some original shows have been removed from the platform. |
Content Library Size | Smaller library than Netflix. Ranges from 7,500 to over 40,000 titles depending on the source and region. | Includes content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and BET. Includes every Star Trek series and on-demand movies. The Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan has over 30,000 hours of content. The movie library has grown to over 2,500 titles. |
Offline Viewing Availability | Available, including with a macOS app. | Available with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. You can download up to 25 videos. Downloaded videos remain in your library for 30 days, but once you start watching, you have 48 hours to finish. Available on iOS and Android devices with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. |
4K Streaming Support | Included in the base plan. | 4K UHD, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 are supported on select devices with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. A high-speed internet connection of 25 Mbps or higher is recommended for 4K UHD and HDR. Supported devices: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV 4K, Roku Express 4K, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Ultra LT & Roku Ultra, 4K Roku TV, 8K Roku TV, Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, Roku Smart Soundbar & Streambar, Apple TV 4K (1st, 2nd & 3rd generation), Google TV 4K, Samsung 4K TV, Virgin Media Stream (UK and Ireland), Virgin Media TV360 (UK and Ireland), Sky Stream Puck (SoIP) (UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria), Sky Glass (UK and Ireland), Sky Q (UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria) depending on model, Foxtel Hubbl TV (Australia), Foxtel Hubbl Puck (Australia). |
Dolby Atmos Support | Availability may depend on the ad-free plan. | Supported on select shows and movies with a Premium plan. Supported devices: Apple iPhone or iPad (iOS 14 or later), Apple tvOS 4K, Android TV (version 9+ supported by Dolby Atmos technology), Android phone or tablet (Lollipop OS 13 or later), Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet HD Plus and Max11, Roku Streaming Stick 4K, Roku Ultra LT & Roku Ultra, 4K Roku TV, 8K Roku TV, Samsung TV, LG 4K Smart TV, Virgin Media Stream (UK and Ireland), Virgin Media TV360 (UK and Ireland), Sky Stream Puck (SoIP) (UK and Ireland), Sky Glass (UK and Ireland), Sky Q (UK and Ireland) depending on model, Foxtel Hubbl TV (Australia), Foxtel Hubbl Puck (Australia). |
Number of Supported Devices | Stream on up to three devices simultaneously. Limit of 5 devices can access Prime Video at any given moment, including a maximum of 2 TVs. | You can stream on up to three devices simultaneously. The Premium plan in some regions allows streaming on 4 devices at once. |
Ad-Free Plan Option | Not ad-free by default; an additional $2.99/month to remove ads (as of April 2025). | Offers an ad-free plan with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME tier. Live TV and select shows may still have ads. |
Parental Control Features | Available to manage content, restrict viewing based on age ratings, and set up a PIN for purchases. Can block content up to a certain rating. | Parental controls allow you to set age-based restrictions. You can create a PIN to prevent children from accessing certain profiles or content. You can also create kids' profiles that limit content to specific age groups. |
Bundling Options | Bundled with Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year). Prime Video Only: $8.99/month. Bundles with other streaming services like Max, Starz, Paramount+, and more are available. Hayu and StackTV bundle: $14.99/month (in Canada). | Can be bundled with Walmart+ and Amazon Prime Video. |
User Interface Navigation | Redesigned user interface with a navigation bar including categories like 'Home,' 'Movies,' 'TV Shows,' 'Sports,' and 'Live TV.' | The user interface is similar to other streaming services. |
Live Sports Streaming | Offers live sports, including NFL Thursday Night Football, WNBA games, NWSL, and some regional sports broadcasts. Add-on subscriptions for other sports channels like MLB.TV and NBA League Pass are available. | Offers live sports, including NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League, NCAA basketball, and PGA golf. |
Price and Subscription Tiers | Amazon Prime + Prime Video: $14.99/month or $139/year. Prime Video Only: $8.99/month. Ad-free upgrade: Additional $2.99/month. | Paramount+ Essential: $7.99/month or $59.99/year (ad-supported). Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: $12.99/month or $119.99/year. A student discount is available for those who qualify. |