Which Is Best for You, Showtime Anytime or Showtime?

SHOWTIME® is a solid streaming option whether you're chasing your next serial killer show (Dexter: New Blood) or need a dark comedy (Black Monday) to keep you giggling during quarantine.

We'll show you how to watch SHOWTIME with the cheapest, easiest, and best method possible, whether you have cable or not. You know your Dark Passenger yearns for it.SHOWTIME® is a solid streaming option whether you're chasing your next serial killer show (Dexter: New Blood) or need a dark comedy (Black Monday) to keep you giggling during quarantine.

We'll show you how to watch SHOWTIME with the cheapest, easiest, and best method possible, whether you have cable or not. You know your dark passenger yearns for it.

What’s the Difference Between Showtime Anytime and Showtime (Streaming Service)?

Anyone can subscribe to the SHOWTIME streaming service for $10.99 per month. SHOWTIME Anytime, on the other hand, is a free app that customers of cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services may use at home or on the go to watch SHOWTIME.

Aside from that, there aren't many distinctions between SHOWTIME Anytime and the SHOWTIME streaming service.

Both apps, for example, include every SHOWTIME original series, making them the only sites on the internet where you can watch the complete SHOWTIME catalog on demand. (Some SHOWTIME shows, such as Dexter and Shameless, are available on Netflix, but not all.)

SHOWTIME West and SHOWTIME East are also available to watch live via the SHOWTIME streaming service or the SHOWTIME Anytime app.

SHOWTIME Anytime and the SHOWTIME streaming service, likewise, have the same user-friendly interface.

To use the SHOWTIME streaming service or SHOWTIME Anytime app on your TV, you'll need a suitable streaming device. As a result, make sure you own (or can afford) a Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV,, Samsung TV, or LG TV.

Related: Guide on Streaming Local Channels

SHOWTIME without cable

There are numerous SHOWTIME streaming options available, all without cable, in addition to the SHOWTIME streaming service.

Are you unfamiliar with the concept of live TV streaming? Free trials, month-to-month subscriptions, and a large selection of popular live cable channels are available on most streaming services.

Don't worry, we'll break down the finest SHOWTIME streaming services so you don't have to scour the internet for information.

If all you like is SHOWTIME, we strongly advise you to use the SHOWTIME streaming service. It's a low-cost method to receive a SHOWTIME subscription that includes all SHOWTIME original programs and movies.

I enjoy that the SHOWTIME streaming service has two live channels—SHOWTIME East and SHOWTIME West—so that I can watch live premieres and channel surf (yes, people still do that).

SHOWTIME's main competitor, HBO®, does not offer live TV streaming with its otherwise excellent HBO Max, so having two live SHOWTIME channels is a huge plus.

However, if you're looking for something other than SHOWTIME, there are a few more possibilities worth considering.

SHOWTIME is available for $5.99 per month through Paramount+ (previously CBS All Access).

Related: How to Cancel Showtime Subscription?

Hulu Live subscribers gain access to all of Hulu's content, as well as SHOWTIME's content and 65+ live TV channels. It's a wonderful deal when you consider all the TV episodes and movies you'll get for around $65 per month.

Is Hulu Live a little out of your budget range? So, let us introduce Sling TV to you.

You may watch 30+ live networks, like ESPN and CNN, for as little as $45 per month, plus nine SHOWTIME channels (including channels like SHOWTIME Women).

SHOWTIME with cable

When it comes to SHOWTIME on cable, you'll almost always have to sign a contract. If you bundle a cable subscription with Showtime and home internet, it might be more convenient and cost-effective.

Let's get this party started with an enticing prospect. Remember how we suggested you might save money by receiving SHOWTIME through your cable provider? Astound Broadband is the cable company in question.

If you live in an Astound Broadband service region in Chicago, you may get 70+ TV channels, 20+ SHOWTIME channels with the add-on, and high-speed internet for as little as $43.94 per month. That's a fantastic deal.

Showtime cable deals, on the other hand, are significantly dependent on your location. Through DIRECTV, you may also get three months of SHOWTIME, HBO, and CINEMAX® for free—not bad, eh?

Simply keep an eye out for a price increase in the second year of your contract. That's something DIRECTV enjoys doing.

Final thoughts

Most people should use the SHOWTIME streaming service, which is the simplest way to watch SHOWTIME. The cheapest option is to subscribe to Paramount+ (previously CBS All Access) for $5.99 per month in addition to a Paramount+ subscription for $5.99 or $9.99 per month.

If you have Astound Broadband for your TV and internet, however, adding SHOWTIME to your package could save you a lot of money