How Much Does CBS All Access Cost? Is it worth it?
How Much Does CBS All Access Cost? Is it worth it?
Hey there! Today, I’ll be answering your burning questions about CBS All Access: the cost and whether it’s worth it. So, let’s jump right in!
First things first. The question on everyone’s mind: “How much does CBS All Access cost?” Well, my friend, I have the answer for you.
You see, CBS All Access comes in two different flavors: the Limited Commercials plan and the Commercial Free plan. The Limited Commercials plan will set you back $5.99 per month, while the Commercial Free plan is available for a slightly higher price of $9.99 per month. So, depending on your budget and your tolerance for commercials, CBS All Access has got you covered.
Now that we know the cost, let’s address the second part of the equation: “Is it worth it?”
Well, my friend, that’s a question that only you can answer. CBS All Access offers a wide range of content, including exclusive shows like Star Trek: Discovery and The Twilight Zone. Plus, you get access to a bunch of CBS classics and live TV. Sounds pretty neat, doesn’t it?
But here’s the catch. If you’re not a fan of CBS shows or if you prefer other streaming services, then CBS All Access might not be worth it for you. It all comes down to your personal preferences and viewing habits.
Now, I can’t make the decision for you, but I hope I’ve given you enough information to make an informed choice. Whether you decide to embark on the CBS All Access journey or explore other streaming options, I wish you happy binging!
CBS All Access is an online streaming service that aims to compete with popular networks like HBO and Disney+. It offers exclusive network content separately from other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. But how much does CBS All Access cost and is it worth it?
CBS All Access is a live and on-demand TV streaming service that competes with Starz and HBO. You can get it as a standalone product or as part of Amazon Prime Video Channels.
How much does CBS All Access cost?
There are two plans for CBS All Access: Limited Commercials and Commercial Free. The names pretty much explain themselves. Limited Commercials costs $5.99 per month and shows commercials during both live and on-demand content. Commercial Free costs $9.99 per month, but it’s not actually free of commercials.
With the Commercial Free option, you won’t see ads when watching on-demand content. However, you will still see the same commercials as cable or OTA broadcasts during live shows. There is also “promotional messaging,” which is just another form of advertising.
The Commercial Free option also lets you download certain content to watch offline, but Limited Commercials doesn’t allow that. Both plans allow you to stream on two devices simultaneously and access a selection of offerings.
Is CBS All Access worth it?
Deciding if CBS All Access is worth the cost is subjective, but I’ll try to break it down so you can make an informed decision.
CBS All Access can be streamed on most devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Fire TV, and PlayStation 4. The app works well across devices, and once you get used to the crowded interface, navigation is simple enough. However, the maximum playback quality is only 1080p, so if you’re used to 4K from Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, you won’t find that here.
For your subscription, you’ll get access to:
- Live CBS broadcasts
- Streams of current and past CBS series
- CBS original programming like Star Trek: Discovery
- A selection of on-demand movies
Live CBS broadcasts
Depending on where you live, you’ll have access to local CBS channels, CBSN 24/7 news, and CBS Sports HQ. You can check the CBS site to see what live TV is available. Before signing up, I recommend searching for an updated list of available channels and programs.
As I mentioned earlier, live TV means watching the same commercials and experiencing the same interruptions as you would with cable or OTA broadcasts, regardless of which plan you choose.
Streams of current and past CBS series
If you’re a fan of CBS series, this is where you’ll find the most value. Not all series are available, but the popular ones are. Some examples include 60 Minutes, The Amazing Race, The Big Bang Theory, Blue Bloods, Criminal Minds, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Elementary, Madam Secretary, NCIS, Star Trek: Discovery, Survivor, and Undercover Boss, among others.
Keep in mind that not all TV shows will have all episodes or series available. So it’s a good idea to check before signing up.
CBS original programming
CBS All Access also offers original shows like Star Trek: Discovery. If these shows aren’t available on other services in your region, this might be your only chance to legally watch them.
A selection of on-demand movies
While CBS All Access is primarily focused on TV shows, there are usually 15 to 20 movies available at any given time. However, don’t expect a huge selection like you would find on Hulu or Netflix.
Is CBS All Access Worth It?
So, after everything I mentioned, you must be wondering if CBS All Access is worth the money. Well, personally, I have to say no. As a standalone streaming service, it just doesn’t cut it for me. I mean, the only reason I would even consider subscribing is if I had no other legal way to watch Star Trek: Discovery, which luckily isn’t the case for me.
Now, let’s talk about my biggest issue. The “Commercial Free” plan is a total misnomer. I mean, seriously, it doesn’t actually save you from those pesky ads. And here’s the frustrating part – you can’t even skip ads during live broadcasts. I get it, I really do. But then why call it “Commercial Free”? It’s misleading, to say the least. Oh, and here’s another gripe: not all episodes and seasons of TV shows are available all the time. So if you’re binge-watching Bull or catching up on NCIS LA, you’re bound to miss out on some episodes. And for a service that’s supposed to be solely dedicated to a channel like CBS, that’s pretty unforgivable, don’t you think?
But hey, I have to admit, if you’re a die-hard fan of CBS programming and you’re able to overlook these shortcomings of CBS All Access, then you might find a lot to love about it. And in that case, $9.99 a month doesn’t seem like too much to pay for a whole bunch of new content. It really comes down to what you value and what you’re willing to put up with.
So, what’s your take on CBS All Access? Do you like it? Do you think it’s worth the money? Please, share your thoughts below – I’d love to hear them!
