How to get rid of ads on Paramount Plus: the best ad blockers in 2025
Streaming should be a smooth, uninterrupted experience, but ads can sometimes get in the way, even on platforms like Paramount Plus. While the platform’s “commercial-free” plan aims to minimize interruptions, some ads still appear. Occasional ads pop up during live TV, promotional content, or certain on-demand shows, due to licensing agreements and platform restrictions.
The most effective way to get rid of ads on Paramount Plus is to use a reliable ad blocker. These tools are specifically designed to filter out unwanted ads, helping ensure a smoother, uninterrupted viewing experience. As of June 2025, Surfshark CleanWeb is the best ad blocker for Paramount Plus across multiple devices. And if you’re mostly streaming through a web browser, Total Adblock is another solid and easy-to-use option. In this article, I cover how to block ads on Paramount Plus and spotlight the best ad blockers to use in 2025.
Why am I seeing commercials on the Paramount Plus commercial-free plan?
If you’re still seeing occasional ads on Paramount Plus, even though you have subscribed for its commercial-free plan, also known as Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, there are a few main reasons this might be happening:
- Live TV content. Commercials are a normal part of live broadcasts such as sports, news, and award shows. These ad breaks are controlled by the broadcasters and cannot be skipped, even on the commercial-free plan.
- Promotional content. Some on-demand shows may include brief promotional spots for Paramount+ programming. These are not third-party ads and may be skippable in some cases.
- Account syncing issues. If you’ve recently upgraded to the ad-free plan, your account may not have updated correctly yet. Signing out and back in can often resolve this.
- Temporary streaming glitches. Occasionally, a bug or streaming issue may cause ads to appear incorrectly. These are often short-lived but can be addressed by contacting Paramount+ support.
Can you get Paramount Plus without commercials?
Paramount Plus offers two main subscription plans: the Essential plan and the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan.
The Essential plan, priced at $7.99/month or $4.99/month with an annual subscription, includes regular commercial breaks during on-demand content. If you want to minimize ads, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME for $12.99/month ($9.99/month with a yearly plan) significantly reduces interruptions.
However, it’s important to note that even this premium plan isn’t entirely ad-free. While it removes ads from most on-demand shows and movies, it still includes commercials during live TV broadcasts (such as news and sports) and occasional promotional content for Paramount+ programming. These promos are not third-party ads and are often brief.
Paramount Plus also has pop-ups during pausing, but using a reliable VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark hides them, but with some possible delay when resuming playback. For faster unpausing, pair a standalone ad blocker with Surfshark’s extension. During my tests, effectiveness varied based on device, but VPNs typically work best on computers and phones, while ad blockers are most effective in browsers. There are also VPNs with ad blockers – a strong solution for effective ad removal.
In short, Paramount Plus does offer a mostly ad-free experience with its higher-tier plan, but live content and platform promos are exceptions. For a truly uninterrupted experience, many users turn to ad-blocking tools, though their effectiveness can vary based on the device and method used.
How to block ads on Paramount Plus using an ad blocker
To block ads on Paramount Plus, start by choosing an appropriate ad blocker for your browser or device. After installation, activate it, and you'll be ready to stream ad-free content. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth setup:
Step 1: Choose a reliable ad blocker
The first step to blocking ads on Paramount+ is selecting a reliable ad blocker. I recommend considering Surfshark CleanWeb and Total Adblock, both of which performed excellent during my tests and demonstrated different approaches to ad blocking.
- Surfshark CleanWeb comes bundled with Surfshark VPN, blocking not only ads but also trackers and malicious websites at the DNS level, which is ideal if you're looking for additional privacy while streaming
- Total Adblock is a powerful browser extension that targets pop-ups, video ads, and banners, providing a seamless experience on platforms like Paramount Plus
| Ad blocker for Paramount+ | Rating | Type | Works with Paramount+ | Extra features | Best for | Price |
| Surfshark CleanWeb | 9.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | VPN-based | ✅ Yes | Blocks cookie pop-ups, alerts about data breaches, integrated VPN security package. | Streaming and privacy | $2.19/month |
| Total Adblock | 9.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Browser extension | ✅ Yes | Blocks third-party trackers, ad-block management, ad-blocking statistics. | Lightweight ad blocking | $1.59/month |
Both options are highly effective, but Surfshark CleanWeb is perfect for Paramount Plus users who want an all-in-one solution with enhanced privacy features. If your focus is strictly ad blocking for streaming, Total Adblock provides more granular control over the types of ads it blocks. While free ad blockers are available, premium options like these generally offer better ad detection and fewer site compatibility issues.
Step 2: Install the ad blocker on your browser or device
To get started with Total Adblock, visit their official website or head to the Chrome Web Store, where you can easily add the extension to your browser. Once installed, the extension will automatically block ads while you stream.
For Surfshark CleanWeb, simply download the Surfshark VPN app, activate CleanWeb in the settings, and connect to any server. You’re then ready to stream Paramount Plus through your browser without interruptions.
It's important to note that ad blockers perform best in major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Unfortunately, they won't work well on the Paramount Plus app for mobile devices or smart TVs, so you’ll need to stream through your browser for optimal ad-blocking results.
Step 3: Enable the Paramount Plus ad blocker
Once your ad blocker is installed, the next step is to enable it. Total Adblock works automatically as soon as it’s added to your browser, blocking most ads on Paramount Plus without any additional setup.
However, for a more customized experience, you can tweak the settings. Go to the extension’s settings and activate extra filters like EasyList, which blocks general ads, or EasyPrivacy to prevent trackers and other web annoyances. If you're looking to stop more aggressive ads, such as video ads, I’ve found that Advanced Filters improved blocking.
On the other hand, Surfshark CleanWeb works effortlessly once enabled within the Surfshark VPN app. Simply toggle it on in the app, and it’ll automatically block ads without any further adjustments. If you use Surfshark across multiple devices, you can manage CleanWeb settings via the app to ensure consistent ad blocking across all your devices.
Step 4: Open Paramount Plus and start streaming
With your ad blocker set up and configured, you’re almost ready to enjoy Paramount Plus without the interruptions. Simply open the Paramount Plus website, log in to your account, and choose what you want to watch. With the ad blocker active, you should experience minimal to no ads during your streaming session. If you do encounter any playback issues, you can troubleshoot them by adjusting the ad blocker’s settings or temporarily disabling it to see if that resolves the problem. Once everything’s running smoothly, you can sit back and enjoy your ad-free viewing experience.
Other ways to get rid of commercials on Paramount Plus
If you’re looking for an alternative to using an ad blocker, there are a few other effective options to eliminate ads on Paramount Plus. You can upgrade to an ad-free subscription plan, download shows or movies for offline viewing, or use browsers with built-in ad-blocking features. Another method is implementing DNS-based ad-blocking. Choose the option that best suits your streaming preferences for a smoother, ad-free experience.
Method 1. Upgrade to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
A straightforward way to enjoy an ad-free experience on Paramount Plus is by upgrading to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. This subscription removes all ads, giving you uninterrupted streaming of your favorite content. In addition to the ad-free experience, you'll gain access to SHOWTIME’s exclusive movies, series, and live sports.
However, while the benefits of no commercials and extra content are appealing, this plan comes at a higher price compared to the basic subscription with ads. If you're willing to pay a little extra for a smoother, premium experience, this option is a great choice.
Method 2. Download videos and watch them offline
Another effective way to watch ad-free on Paramount Plus is by downloading content for offline viewing. Paramount+ offers the ability to download select movies and shows, allowing you to enjoy them without the interruptions of ads, which typically appear during streaming.
The major benefits of this method are that it provides both ad-free viewing and the ability to watch without needing an internet connection. However, there are some downsides: not all titles are available for download, and large files can quickly consume significant storage space on your device. Despite these drawbacks, downloading content is a great option for uninterrupted, on-the-go viewing, and secure cloud storage can help if you’re running out of hard drive space.
Method 3. Use ad-free browsers
Another option for ad-free streaming on Paramount+ is using browsers that come with built-in ad-blocking features, such as Brave or Opera. These browsers automatically block ads at the browser level, ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted viewing experience without the need for additional extensions.
A major benefit is that you don’t need to install extra software, and browsers like Brave also enhance your privacy by blocking tracking scripts. However, this method is browser-specific, meaning it won't work on devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles that don’t support these ad-blocking browsers. Despite that, it’s still a great solution for desktop or laptop users.
Method 4. Use DNS-based ad blocking
DNS-based ad blocking involves configuring your device's DNS settings to use a service that blocks ads at the network level. This method works across all devices connected to your network, preventing ads from appearing during streaming on any device, including phones, tablets, and computers.
One of the key advantages is that it doesn’t affect streaming or browsing speeds, ensuring smooth performance. However, the setup process can be complicated if you’re not familiar with network settings. Additionally, while effective, this method isn't always 100% reliable, and some ads may still get through. Still, it can be a convenient solution for blocking ads across multiple devices.
Final thoughts: enjoy Paramount Plus without ads using the best ad blocker
To enjoy Paramount Plus without intrusive ads, there are several effective methods available. Upgrading to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME provides an ad-free experience along with extra content, while downloading videos for offline viewing ensures ad-free access anytime. Browsers like Brave and Opera offer built-in ad-blocking features, and DNS-based blocking works across all devices on your network.
However, I found Surfshark CleanWeb to be the most reliable, all-in-one solution, offering both ad-blocking and enhanced privacy for seamless Paramount Plus streaming. That said, the best option ultimately depends on your preferences, whether you're looking for a simple setup, extra features, or the convenience of a multi-device solution. After all, ad-free streaming is key to the ultimate Paramount+ viewing experience, and top ad blockers like Surfshark CleanWeb and Total Adblock are some of the best solutions for 2025.
FAQ
Why does Paramount Plus have ads?
Paramount Plus has ads to support its lower-cost Essential plan and generate revenue for producing and licensing content. Live TV streams include ads as part of the original broadcast. Some ads may also appear on the Premium plan due to licensing agreements or promotional content for other Paramount Plus shows.
Does AdBlock work on Paramount Plus?
AdBlock works on Paramount Plus in some cases, but the platform often detects and blocks content when ad-blocking is enabled. Users may see errors or be prompted to disable their blocker. Some tools like uBlock Origin or Brave's shields may have limited success, but for reliable ad-free viewing, upgrading to the Premium plan is the best option.
Can Paramount Plus ban me for using an ad blocker?
Paramount Plus can ban users for violating its terms of service, which may include using ad blockers to interfere with ads on the platform. While actual bans are rare, the service often blocks content access if an ad blocker is detected.
How much does it cost to remove ads on Paramount Plus?
To remove ads on Paramount+, the official option is the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscription, priced at $9.99/month with a yearly plan, or $12.99/month as a monthly deal. This provides an ad-free experience for most content, except live TV and select shows. To minimize ads, some users use ad blockers or reliable VPNs like Surfshark, which starts from $2.19/month.
