Unlike its predecessor CBS All Access, Paramount Plus does not let you sign in for free using your cable subscription. You’ll need to pay for a membership if you want to unlock access to all of its content, though you can still stream CBS live without being a Paramount Plus member by visiting CBS.com or using the CBS app.
Paramount Plus isn’t another new streaming service — it’s a rebranded one previously known as CBS All Access. Originally the home of Star Trek: Discovery and the Big Brother live feeds, the service quickly ballooned into one that allows you to stream content from networks like Nickelodeon, BET, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and even The Smithsonian Channel. Though the name was in dire need of a change, Paramount Plus at launch is somewhat similar to CBS All Access in terms of content available and how the service works on browsers and mobile devices; there’s just one significant feature that’s suddenly missing.
Previously on CBS All Access, you could log in with your cable providers, such as DirecTV or AT&T U-Verse, to stream the live CBS channel in your area for free. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with Paramount Plus. This feature wasn’t just available to traditional cable subscribers but also to those who were subscribed to live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu with Live TV, and it’s a feature that many other networks offer to this day on their apps and websites.
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If you’re looking to stream Paramount Plus, there’s no way to sign in for free using your cable subscription as there was with CBS All Access. You’ll need to sign up for membership starting at $5.99 monthly to gain access to the service. Paramount Plus has two options: Limited Commercials for $5.99 or No Commercials for $9.99. However, streaming CBS for free using your cable subscription is still available elsewhere.
Paramount Plus
The Paramount Plus streaming service brings together content from networks like BET, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and more, as well as exclusive original shows and films you won’t be able to watch anywhere else.
How to stream CBS without a Paramount Plus account
Though Paramount Plus doesn’t let you stream CBS without becoming a paying member, that’s not the only option available. You can log in using your cable subscription and watch CBS without a Paramount Plus membership by visiting the CBS website or downloading the free CBS app. You’ll find a list of the cable providers and live TV streaming services you can sign in with below. This method also works on channels like MTV and VH1 when visiting their websites or mobile apps.
