Paramount+ Video Quality: How to Get 4K Content And More

Blu-ray enthusiasts will tell you that the only way to get true 4K video quality is with physical media, but the price and convenience of streaming has won over the vast majority of viewers. Especially as streaming technology continues to improve.

So where does Paramount+ video quality stand in the grand scheme of things?

There’s obviously more to watching 4K video than having a 4K TV. And when it comes to streaming 4K movies and TV shows, it’s not just about your streaming service. It can also matter which plan you have.

Some streaming services include 4K UHD streaming with all their plans, while others keep the premium video quality locked behind higher-priced tiers. This is true for for both live TV and on-demand streaming services.

Unfortunately, Paramount+ falls into the latter category. It’s still a competitively priced option, but 4K shouldn’t paywalled.

So how does Paramount+ streaming quality stack up against the competition in 2024? Read on for all you need to know about Paramount Plus video quality.

Does Paramount+ have 4K content?

Let’s cut to the chase and answer the first question everyone has when it comes to video quality—can you stream in 4K?

Yes.

That’s the good news.

So what’s the bad news?

As mentioned above, many on-demand streaming services—like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+—don’t lock 4K content behind higher-priced plans. But Paramount+ does.

Streaming quality with each Paramount+ plan

So which Paramount+ plan do you need to stream 4K UHD video? Seeing as there are only 2 plans to choose from, it’s obviously the premium Paramount+ with Showtime plan that gets you 4K.

(We think locking stream quality behind price tiers is an outdated cash grab, but at least Paramount+ isn’t as bad as Netflix and Max, which both lock 4K streaming behind a third “ultra premium” tier.)

These are the Paramount+ stream qualities you get in terms of video and audio for both plans:

• Paramount+ Essential: 1080p Full HD
• Paramount+ with Showtime: Up to 4K, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10

When watching live TV with either Paramount+ plan you can expect 720 HD, which is the industry standard for the vast majority of channels.

Paramount+ video quality requirements

What kind of equipment does Paramount+ require?

If you’re fine with watching in HD with the Paramount+ Essential plan, most modern devices will do the trick. But if you’re looking to get the most out of your Paramount+ with Showtime plan, you’ll need the right gear.

Here’s what you need to stream Paramount+:

• Device that supports the video quality you want to watch (ie: Full HD, 4K, etc.)
• High-speed internet connection with a minimum speeds of:
  • 2 Mbps for Full HD
  • 25 Mbps for 4K UHD
• The correct Paramount+ plan
• For mobile devices: iOS 14+ or Android 5+

How to change Paramount+ video quality

While you can choose the video quality of your Paramount+ downloads, you can’t manually change your Paramount+ video quality while streaming.

There used to be a Video Quality option in the mobile app by tapping on the Settings cogwheel, but that appears to have been removed.

What video resolutions are Paramount+ downloads?

You’ve got 2 options with Paramount+ video quality when downloading to watch offline:eeee

• Standard Definition: 480p SD
• High Definition: 720p to 1080p HD

Standard Definition should be fine for watching on mobile phones, but anything larger (like a big tablet) you should go with High Definition video. Just keep in mind that they take up more space and take longer to download. (And Paramount+ download speeds are already excruciatingly slow.)

Can you download 4K video on Paramount+?

No.

As of March 2024, 4K video on Paramount+ is only available by streaming it.

How to stream Paramount+ in 4K UHD

While your Paramount+ streaming quality is automatically chosen for you, here’s what you’ll need to stream Paramount+ in 4K:

• Paramount+ with Showtime plan
• 60Hz or higher monitor or TV with 4K UHD resolution
• Steady internet connection of 25+ Mbps
• One of the devices listed below

Paramount+ 4K streaming is available on the following devices:

• iPhone or iPad
• Apple TV 4K HDR 
• Android phone, tablet or TV (4K devices)
• Fire TV (4K Stick, Cube)
• Roku (4K devices)

How to find 4K video on Paramount+

While there is no way to filter or browse for 4K content, movies and TV shows available in 4K on Paramount+ will be marked with a badge.

You can also search for the term “4K” to see a list of all the content available in Ultra High Definition video.

Keep in mind that the Paramount+ video quality icon shows what you can watch with your existing plan and the gear you have hooked up. That means you won’t see a icon unless you have the Paramount+ with Showtime plan.

Which Paramount+ plan is best for you?

If you don’t have a 4K TV and/or the equipment to fully enjoy it, then the Paramount+ Essential plan should be good enough. It’s half the price of the more expensive plan, but the difference is more than just streaming quality.

Upgrading to the Paramount+ with Showtime plan adds a live feed of your local CBS station, the ability to download movies and TV shows, more live sports, and ad-free viewing of on-demand content.

And, of course, upgrading lets you stream 4K UHD video, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos.

For now, read more about getting a Paramount+ free trial or jump right to it by following the big banner below.

We hope that answers all your questions about Paramount+ video quality! If you have any questions or feel that we missed something, please let us know in the comments below. 

We’re always open to feedback and hearing new tips and tricks!