CBS has apps for phones and tablets, but no traditional browser extension
CBS does not offer a browser extension that you install in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Instead, CBS distributes its content through three separate channels: the CBS app for phones and tablets, the Paramount+ streaming service (which includes CBS live and on-demand shows), and the CBS website itself, which you can watch directly in your browser without installing anything.
If you are looking for a way to watch CBS on a device you already own, you likely have at least one working option right now. The route that works depends on what device you are using and whether you want live TV or recorded episodes.
Key Takeaways
- CBS content streams through the CBS app, the Paramount+ subscription service, and the CBS website — not through a browser extension.
- The CBS app works on iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and Android tablets, and requires you to sign in with a cable or streaming TV provider account.
- Paramount+ is a separate paid subscription that includes live CBS feeds in most markets, plus thousands of hours of recorded shows and movies.
- The CBS website plays shows and live TV directly in your browser on any computer or tablet without downloading anything.
- Some shows are free to watch on the CBS website with ads; others require a Paramount+ subscription or a cable login.
Watching CBS on your phone or tablet with the app
The CBS app is available on the Apple App Store (for iPhones and iPads) and Google Play (for Android phones and tablets). Download and install it the same way you would any other app. When you open it, you will be asked to sign in with a cable or streaming TV provider account — this means a login from Comcast, Charter, Verizon, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or similar services that carry CBS.
If you have a cable or live TV streaming subscription, use those credentials. If you do not have either, the app will not let you watch live CBS broadcasts, but some on-demand episodes may still be available to watch for free with ads. The CBS app does not work as a standalone service — it is a companion to an existing TV subscription you already pay for.
Watching CBS on a computer or tablet in your browser
Go to cbs.com in any web browser on your computer, phone, or tablet. You can watch some shows and live TV directly without installing anything. Some content is free with ads; other shows require you to sign in with a cable or streaming TV provider account, the same way the app does.
The CBS website is the simplest route if you already have a cable or live TV subscription and just want to watch on your computer. You do not need to download, install, or manage an extension — just visit the site and sign in.
Using Paramount+ to watch CBS shows and live TV
Paramount+ is a paid subscription service (separate from cable) that includes live CBS feeds in most U.S. markets, plus thousands of recorded episodes and movies. It costs between $6 and $13 per month depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free plan. If you do not have a cable or live TV subscription, Paramount+ is the main way to watch CBS live broadcasts.
You can watch Paramount+ on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs through its own app or website. Unlike the CBS app, Paramount+ does not require a cable login — you just create an account and pay the subscription fee. If you already subscribe to Paramount+, you do not need the CBS app; Paramount+ includes everything CBS offers.
Why there is no CBS browser extension
Browser extensions are small programs that modify how your web browser works — they can block ads, save passwords, or change the appearance of websites. CBS does not distribute its video content through an extension because streaming video requires direct control over playback, security, and how the video player works. That level of control is easier to manage through a dedicated app or a website you visit directly.
If you see a download link claiming to be a "CBS extension" or "CBS player extension," it is not from CBS. Do not install it. Stick to the official CBS app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, the CBS website at cbs.com, or the Paramount+ app.
Comparing your options side by side
| Option | Device | Cost | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBS app | iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet | Free (some content requires cable login) | Cable or live TV subscription for most content |
| CBS website | Computer, phone, tablet (any browser) | Free (some content requires cable login) | Cable or live TV subscription for most content |
| Paramount+ | Phone, tablet, computer, smart TV | $6–$13 per month | Paramount+ subscription only (no cable needed) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch CBS live TV without a cable subscription?
Yes, through Paramount+. It includes live CBS feeds in most markets and costs $6 to $13 per month. You can also watch some recorded episodes free on cbs.com or the CBS app with ads, but live broadcasts usually require either a cable subscription or Paramount+.
What if I have a cable subscription but the CBS app won't sign me in?
Make sure you are using the correct username and password for your cable provider. Some providers use email addresses; others use account numbers. If you are still stuck, contact your cable provider's customer service — they can confirm your account is set up to use the CBS app. You can also try signing in on cbs.com instead of the app.
Is the CBS app the same as Paramount+?
No. The CBS app is free but requires a cable login for most content. Paramount+ is a paid subscription that works without cable. Paramount+ includes everything CBS offers, plus movies and shows from other networks. If you subscribe to Paramount+, you do not need the CBS app.
Can I watch CBS on a smart TV?
Yes. Download the CBS app from your smart TV's app store, or download the Paramount+ app. Both work on most modern smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV). You will need either a cable login or a Paramount+ subscription to watch most content.
Is there a way to add CBS to my browser toolbar?
Not officially from CBS. You can bookmark cbs.com in your browser, which adds it to your bookmarks menu or toolbar. This is the closest thing to an extension — it is just a shortcut to the website, not an actual extension.