Choosing the right streaming service is getting harder every year. With so many platforms offering different mixes of shows, movies, and special features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Two popular choices that often get compared are STARZ and Paramount+.

Both are well-known, both deliver solid entertainment, and both continue to grow their libraries, but they serve different types of viewers. If you’re trying to decide which one is worth your subscription in 2025, it helps to look closely at what each service actually provides.

STARZ leans heavily into premium drama, bold originals, and a rotating lineup of blockbuster films. It’s a smaller, more focused service built around a signature style of storytelling. Paramount+ takes a different path. It offers a much wider range of content, from classic TV shows and kids’ programming to live sports, news, and exclusive originals. It also bundles extra perks in its premium tier, giving subscribers even more variety.

This comparison breaks down everything that matters before you subscribe: content library, app experience, pricing, customer support, pros and cons, and overall value. By the end, you’ll know exactly which service fits your viewing habits—and your budget—in 2025.

STARZ Overview

STARZ is a premium cable and streaming service that offers a library of exclusive TV series, hit movies, and original content. Founded in 1994 as a pay-TV service, STARZ has transitioned into the digital streaming world, allowing users to access its content via its app, website, and compatible devices. STARZ focuses on a specific niche: original drama series and blockbuster films. It is well-known for its original series such as Outlander, Power, and American Gods.

STARZ isn’t as expansive as some other streaming services, but it’s carved out a reputation for delivering high-quality original content, especially in the drama genre. Its offerings also include a wide variety of movies, from popular releases to more obscure independent films.

However, compared to other services, STARZ doesn’t have as much variety in terms of genres or live TV programming. Instead, it tends to rely more on its exclusive originals and rotating selection of blockbuster movies to attract and retain subscribers.

Paramount+ Overview

Paramount+ (formerly known as CBS All Access) is a streaming platform from ViacomCBS, now called Paramount Global. Unlike STARZ, which primarily focuses on movies and drama, Paramount+ offers a broader range of content, making it a more versatile service.

Paramount+ includes everything from TV shows, movies, and live sports to news programs and live events.

The service provides access to content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and other Paramount brands. With this large content library, Paramount+ caters to a wider audience. It is known for popular TV series like Star Trek: Discovery, The Good Fight, NCIS, and The Twilight Zone. Paramount+ also includes a vast range of movies and is the exclusive streaming home for live sports events like the NFL, UEFA Champions League, and the Masters.

Paramount+ is available in multiple pricing tiers, including an ad-supported plan and an ad-free premium version, which gives subscribers additional access to live TV channels like Showtime. This versatility makes it a service for nearly every type of viewer, from sports fans to families and TV show enthusiasts.

Features Comparison

Now, let’s take a closer look at how STARZ and Paramount+ compare in terms of key features, such as content availability, app functionality, and supported devices.

1. Content & Originals

STARZ

One of the standout features of STARZ is its exclusive original programming. Some of the most notable titles include:

• Outlander – A time-travel historical drama based on Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling novels.
• Power – A popular crime drama series about a drug dealer’s attempt to leave his criminal life behind.
• American Gods – A fantasy drama based on Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name.
• Heels – A series that focuses on professional wrestling.

While the catalog may not be as large as that of services like Netflix or Disney+, STARZ offers a unique selection of series that often appeal to fans of specific genres, particularly period dramas, crime thrillers, and fantasy. Additionally, STARZ frequently adds new movies to its library, which includes recent blockbusters and a mix of older releases.

Paramount+

Paramount+ offers a broader array of content. Its library spans several genres, including dramas, comedies, kids’ shows, movies, and live sports. Some notable shows include:

• Star Trek: Discovery – A science fiction series set in the Star Trek universe.
• The Good Fight – A legal drama spin-off of The Good Wife.
• The Twilight Zone – A reimagining of the classic anthology series.
• NCIS – One of the most popular procedural crime dramas in television history.

In addition to the variety of original series, Paramount+ is home to a wide selection of movies, including Paramount’s vast catalog of films like Mission: Impossible, Transformers, and Scream. The service also provides live access to CBS channels, giving viewers access to news, sports, and special events like the Super Bowl, NCAA basketball, and more.

Paramount+ is especially attractive to sports fans, as it provides live coverage of major sporting events, including NFL games, UEFA Champions League matches, and more. The platform’s inclusion of Showtime content in its premium tier adds even more variety to its offerings, particularly for fans of critically acclaimed series like Billions and Shameless.

2. Device Support & Streaming Quality

STARZ

STARZ supports streaming on a variety of devices, including smartphones (iOS and Android), tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles. The platform allows you to stream on up to four devices simultaneously, which is a plus for households with multiple viewers.

The streaming quality is generally solid, with support for HD and 4K content on compatible devices. However, some users report issues with buffering, especially when using the STARZ app on certain devices like smart TVs or Roku players.

Paramount+

Paramount+ is compatible with many devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, gaming consoles, and web browsers. One major advantage of Paramount+ is its ability to stream live content, including sports events and news broadcasts. The service supports HD streaming and 4K on select titles, providing a high-quality viewing experience.

Paramount+ is available in multiple tiers: the ad-supported Essential plan and the ad-free Premium plan. The Essential plan offers a limited number of live events and content, while the Premium plan provides additional access to live TV channels, such as Showtime, and more on-demand titles. The Premium tier also supports offline downloads, so you can save content to watch later, even without an internet connection.

3. Additional Features

STARZ

• Offline Viewing: STARZ allows users to download content for offline viewing, a valuable feature for travelers or those with limited internet access.
• User Profiles: STARZ supports the creation of multiple user profiles, making it easier for families or multiple people to enjoy personalized content recommendations.
• Watchlists: Users can create a personalized watchlist to keep track of their favorite shows and movies.

Paramount+

• Offline Viewing: The Premium plan allows users to download content for offline viewing, which is convenient for travelers.
• Live Sports and News: One of the biggest selling points of Paramount+ is its inclusion of live sports, including NFL games and UEFA Champions League matches, as well as live news coverage through CBS.
• Multiple User Profiles: Paramount+ allows multiple user profiles, with customizable recommendations for each profile based on viewing history.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is always a key factor when deciding between streaming services. Here’s how STARZ and Paramount+ compare in terms of cost:

STARZ Pricing

STARZ offers two pricing plans:

• Monthly Subscription: $10.99 per month.
• Annual Subscription: $69.99 per year, which works out to about $5.83 per month.

STARZ offers a relatively simple pricing structure with no tiers or additional premium plans. The service is ad-free, which is a plus for those who don’t want to deal with interruptions during their viewing experience.

Paramount+ Pricing

Paramount+ has three pricing tiers:

• Essential Plan: $7.99 per month (ad-supported, limited live content).
• Premium Plan: $12.99 per month (ad-free, includes Showtime, live sports, and additional content).
• Annual Plan: $59.99 per year (for the Essential plan) or $119.99 per year (for the Premium plan).

The Essential plan provides access to a broad range of content but does include ads. If you want an ad-free experience, along with access to additional live content and Showtime shows, you’ll need to opt for the Premium plan.

Which is Better Value?

When it comes to pricing, STARZ is more affordable at $10.99 per month, but Paramount+ offers more variety and additional features, especially with its live sports and premium content from Showtime. If you’re primarily interested in movies and drama series, STARZ might be sufficient, but if you want more variety (including sports, news, and access to a larger library of TV shows), Paramount+ offers better overall value.

Customer Support Comparison

Good customer support is essential when dealing with streaming services. Here’s how STARZ and Paramount+ stack up in this area:

STARZ

Customer service for STARZ has received mixed reviews. Many users complain about slow response times and difficulties reaching customer support representatives. Common issues include problems with billing, account management, and troubleshooting streaming errors.

Some STARZ users report that getting a resolution to their problems can take longer than expected, which can be frustrating when you’re paying for a service. On the positive side, the STARZ app is generally easy to navigate, and the subscription process is straightforward.

Paramount+

Paramount+ has generally received better reviews for customer support compared to STARZ. While there are some complaints about buffering issues and performance glitches, many users report that their inquiries are handled more efficiently. Paramount+ also has a detailed help center with self-service options, which can help users resolve issues without needing to contact support directly.

Additionally, Paramount+ offers support through live chat, email, and phone, giving users multiple ways to get in touch with the company. While some users still experience wait times, Paramount+ appears to be more responsive overall.

Pros and Cons

STARZ

Pros:

• Affordable pricing for an ad-free service.
• Strong lineup of original series and exclusive films.
• Ability to download content for offline viewing.
• Simple, no-frills user interface.

Cons:

• Limited content selection compared to other major streaming services.
• No live sports or news programming.
• Customer support issues, with slow response times and difficulty resolving technical problems.
• Limited appeal if you don’t enjoy its specific selection of movies and series.

Paramount+

Pros:

• Broad range of content, including live sports, news, and movies.
• Multiple pricing tiers to suit different budgets.
• Access to Showtime’s premium content in the Premium plan.
• Good streaming quality with offline viewing options (in the Premium plan).
• Responsive customer support and easy-to-use app.

Cons:

• The Essential plan includes ads, which can disrupt the viewing experience.
• Some content is locked behind the Premium tier, which might be expensive for some users.
• Live sports events may not be of interest to users who only care about movies and TV shows.

Conclusion

Choosing between STARZ and Paramount+ ultimately depends on what kind of content you’re interested in and how much you’re willing to spend. STARZ is a great option for those who enjoy high-quality original series and a curated selection of movies, but it doesn’t offer the breadth or diversity that Paramount+ provides.

On the other hand, Paramount+ stands out as a more well-rounded service, offering a variety of content, including live sports, news, and movies. Its pricing structure is flexible, and the inclusion of Showtime content in the Premium plan makes it an attractive choice for those looking for both quantity and quality.

If you’re after a more specialized service with a focus on drama and films, STARZ may be worth considering. But if you want access to a broader range of entertainment options, including live sports, news, and a larger content library, Paramount+ is likely the better choice.

FAQs

Which is cheaper: STARZ or Paramount+?

Paramount+ has a cheaper entry-level plan at $7.99 per month, while STARZ costs $10.99 per month.

Does STARZ offer live sports?

No, STARZ does not focus on live sports; it’s mainly about movies and drama series.

Can I download shows on STARZ and Paramount+?

Yes, both services allow you to download content, but this feature is available only in certain plans.

What are the customer support options for STARZ?

STARZ has customer support through email and phone, but users report slow response times.

Does Paramount+ include Showtime?

Yes, Showtime content is included in the Premium plan of Paramount+.