Objective: To investigate the value of multiplex real-time quantitative PCR (mRT-qPCR) in detecting respiratory viruses in children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: Deep respiratory aspirates which were from 102 children with CAP and sent to the PCR laboratory of Zhengzhou Kaipu Medical Laboratory from April 2023 to November 2025 were collected and tested using traditional viral detection methods (virus isolation and culture and viral antigen detection) and mRT-qPCR. The detection rates of pathogens, detection efficiency, distribution characteristics of respiratory viruses, and viral-viral co-infection status were compared. Kappa consistency analysis was performed to evaluate the value of mRT-qPCR and traditional viral detection methods in detecting respiratory viruses in children with CAP. Results: mRT-qPCR achieved higher detection rates of respiratory viruses compared to traditional viral detection methods (P<0.05), and its efficiency is higher (P<0.05). The respiratory viruses detected were dominated by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A virus. The detection rates of RSV, influenza A virus, adenovirus, and rhinovirus by mRT-qPCR were higher than those by traditional methods (P<0.05). Additionally, the detection rate of viral-viral co-infection was also higher than that by traditional viral detection methods (P<0.05). Kappa consistency analysis found that mRT-qPCR had high sensitivity and accuracy, suggesting that it could assist in screening pathogens of CAP. Conclusion: Compared to traditional viral detection methods, mRT-qPCR is more effective in detecting respiratory viruses in children with CAP, and it is more efficient. Moreover, mRT-qPCR can effectively help identify multiple viral co-infections, guiding early clinical treatment.