How To Block Ads on Paramount Plus in 2024
Paramount Plus has pop-ups and pre-roll ads, but you can block them using a VPN, extension or KeepStreams. That way, you can enjoy your favorite movies or series without interruptions. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to block ads on Paramount Plus.
Written by Jeremy Gan (Writer)
Reviewed by Jackie Leavitt (Co-Chief Editor)
Facts checked by Vildana Bratic (Video Editor, Fact-Checking Editor)
Last Updated: 2024-09-30T17:16:40+00:00
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Key Takeaways: How To Block Ads on Paramount Plus
- Browse to nordvpn.com and grab a 73% discounted plan.
- Download and open NordVPN
- Toggle the ad blocker on and start streaming
Best VPNs for Blocking Ads on Paramount Plus:
- NordVPN — Top-tier VPN with uncompromising performance. New NordVPN subscribers get up to 73% reduced rates on long-term commitments.
- Surfshark — Best VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. Explore Surfshark’s features with a 30-day return policy, and grab extended plans at a 86% discount.
- ExpressVPN — Slightly more expensive VPN but feature-rich and fast. Get 49% off the first year with ExpressVPN, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Paramount Plus is Paramount’s direct-to-consumer video-on-demand streaming platform, comprising a large selection of movies, live sports, news and original shows. It’s available on browsers, smartphones and other platforms. However, if you’ve noticed how many commercials there are, you may be wondering how to block ads on Paramount Plus.
Like many streaming services today, Paramount Plus earns money primarily through ad revenue. Fortunately, there are ways to stop ads from appearing when streaming Paramount content. We highly recommend using a VPN with a built-in ad blocker, but standalone ad blockers are also effective.
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09/08/2024
We fine-tuned the article’s setup process and realigned the VPN order based on recent evaluations.
Does Paramount Plus Have Commercials?
Paramount Plus offers two plans, the Paramount Plus Essential plan and Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME plan. For convenience, we’ll refer to the second plan as Paramount Plus’ premium plan. The Essential plan is $5.99 monthly, while the premium plan is $11.99. While the Essential plan is cheaper, it shows ads on all content.
Besides pre-roll ads, Paramount Plus runs pop-ups when you pause the video. With NordVPN and the Surfshark app, the pop-ups won’t appear, but there may be delays when you unpause as the ad code runs. Using a standalone ad blocker and Surfshark’s extension lets you unpause immediately.
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- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
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- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
Why Do I Get Ads on Paramount Plus Premium?
The Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME plan (formerly called Paramount Plus Premium with SHOWTIME) stops ads on most of the content, but live broadcasts still show commercials that are part of the stream. Other shows have advertisements for new Paramount Plus content. There’s no paid plan that removes ads completely.
It’s understandable that you can’t avoid advertisements that are already part of the broadcast, since those come from the live channels, not Paramount Plus itself. However, the premium plan’s Paramount ads can be blocked, as can all the ads on the Essential plan. Read on to learn how.
How to Block Ads on Paramount Plus With a VPN Ad Blocker
According to our testing, the best way to watch Paramount Plus without ads is to use a VPN that comes with an ad blocker.
- Register for NordVPN
First, head over to NordVPN‘s website and choose a plan. You can get up to a 73% discount (you save the most with the two-year plan), risk-free because it’s covered by the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Download NordVPN
After sign up, feel free to download the NordVPN app and install it.
- Log In and Activate Ad Blocker
In the Threat Protection Pro settings of your NordVPN app, toggle the Ad Blocker on.
Best VPNs With Paramount Plus Ad Blocker
For dealing with Paramount Plus ads, we recommend the three VPNs below, all of which have earned spots in our best VPN roundup list: NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN.
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Blocking Paramount Plus Ads
within the refund period of 30 days.
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
NordVPN is not only the best, but the fastest VPN on the market as well, boasting fast speeds and low latency. It does make Paramount Plus commercial-free, but not by blocking ads like Surfshark does. Instead, it lets you skip a minute or two ahead to bypass commercials. It works well, but the slider preview will be desynced from the current playback.
Sadly, while NordVPN can help you bypass video ads, pop-ups still appear when you pause. The threat protection ad-blocking feature can remove them, but if you pause, it takes several seconds to unpause the video while the ad blocker prevents the pop-up ad from appearing.
NordVPN has watertight security and many customization options. You can configure the threat protection ad blocker to exclude pages or allow some ad types. Check out our NordVPN review for more information, or try NordVPN with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
2. Surfshark — Unlimited devices, Unbeatable Price
Very Fast
Very Fast
Good
Surfshark VPN’s CleanWeb 2.0 is only available on the browser extension, but we highly recommend using it instead of the CleanWeb 1.0 that comes with the desktop client. Both versions of CleanWeb can eliminate video commercials, but only CleanWeb 2.0 can remove the pop-ups that appear when you pause, creating a completely commercial-free Paramount Plus experience.
Thanks to each account supporting unlimited simultaneous connections, you can share Surfshark with all your family members, for use on any streaming platform. There are no data usage or bandwidth restrictions when streaming or surfing the internet. Our Surfshark review goes into further detail, or try Surfshark with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Plans renew: $231.75 for one year, $417.15 for two years
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
3. ExpressVPN — Premium VPN Protection Made Simple
powerful features and unblocking capabilities.
Very Fast
Very Fast
Very Fast
ExpressVPN is also a solid VPN choice for streaming, and it offers a long list of built-in features for all servers — including a built-in ad blocker. Plus, its large server network can grant access to locations without ads.
In addition, this VPN service unblocks almost every streaming service out there, including Hulu and BBC iPlayer, and of course Paramount Plus, all while offering fast speeds for effortless streaming.
You can get ExpressVPN on every popular platform and device, with no slowdowns or noticeable stuttering when you watch the content. Our ExpressVPN review has more information, or sign up with ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited GB
- 8
- Yes
Other Effective Ways of Blocking Ads On Paramount Plus
Using a VPN with an ad blocker will automatically block ads, but at different capacities. Here are some additional methods to eliminate commercials while watching Paramount Plus. Note that these solutions aren’t all free or applicable to your platform of choice.
1. Subscribe to Paramount Plus With SHOWTIME Plan
The Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME plan is suitable for users who don’t want to download VPNs or ad-blocker extensions and want to enjoy the full catalog. However, this subscription doesn’t block adverts on live TV, or intermittent ads for Paramount shows. You’ll need an ad-blocker for the ads that remain.
2. Use Standalone Ad Blockers
Standalone ad blockers, like uBlock Origin, AdGuard and Ghostery, are excellent for blocking ads on Paramount Plus. These ad blockers are available on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and any Chromium-based browser. Unlike a VPN, you can’t change your IP address or encrypt your browsing with an ad blocker, but using one is a free solution.
While they’re primarily used on platforms like Windows, macOS and Linux, you can also get them on mobile platforms — though it’s more difficult. Ghostery is a Paramount Plus ad blocker supported by Firefox on Android, but you must watch on the browser instead of the Paramount app. The situation is similar for iOS users.
3. Use KeepStreams
You can use KeepStreams to download Paramount Plus shows as video files. You need to pay for a KeepStreams subscription, but your favorite content becomes accessible without an internet connection after downloading. There also won’t be any ads, as KeepStreams only downloads the movie or show episode itself.
KeepStreams lets you download content in formats up to 4K. It’s best for users who want offline viewing and need to download more videos than the 25-file limit allowed by Paramount Plus. In addition, downloaded videos expire after 48 hours on Paramount Plus, but KeepStreams downloads have no expiration date.
Final Thoughts: Paramount Plus No Commercials
If you’re on the Essential plan for Paramount Plus, you’ll run into ads whenever you stream a movie or series. The ads are primarily pre-roll videos that play before the content, but you’ll also get pop-ups if you pause.
To enjoy Paramount Plus shows like ‘SEAL Team,’ ‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ or ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ without any interruptions, it’s best to get a VPN with a built-in ad blocker, with NordVPN and Surfshark being the best choices. Skeptical? Put NordVPN to the test yourself — its 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it without any financial commitment.
Are there any VPNs or ad-blocker extensions we missed? What is it like watching Paramount Plus with an ad blocker? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading to the end.
FAQ: Remove Ads From Paramount Plus
You can use a VPN with ad-blocking features, get a standalone extension that blocks ads or download your video with KeepStreams.
Paramount Plus’ premium subscription is $11.99 a month, though some ads will remain.