Paramount is one of the biggest cable TV channels in the US, owned by the Paramount Media Group.
You can watch the channel on the Paramount Network website and app.
But there is another streaming service called Paramount Plus, which creates confusion.
You may need help picking the best streaming service among these two.
Let’s dive into the differences between Paramount Network and Paramount Plus.
What is Paramount Network?
Paramount Network is the cable network service that airs original shows like Yellowstone and Ink Masters.
You can watch Paramount Network by subscribing to it via your cable TV provider.
You can access it by logging into the website or app with your cable TV provider ID.
They also offer a 24-hour free pass after registering with an e-mail address to watch Paramount shows for free.
What is Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus is a streaming service from the same brand.
It is similar to Netflix and Amazon Prime, where you pay a subscription fee to watch TV shows and movies.
Since it is a streaming service, you can watch Paramount’s original shows and movies using your phone, laptop, or TV.
Differences between Paramount Network and Paramount Plus
Paramount Network Vs. Paramount Plus: Content
Paramount Network operates like a cable TV channel. So, you can only watch what’s currently playing on the channel.
You cannot skip to the next episode and cannot watch other shows whenever you want.
Even if you use the app, it just streams the same cable TV content.
Paramount Network telecasts its original shows like Bar Rescue and reruns of old yet popular shows like Two and a Half Men.
Paramount Plus is a streaming service, so it offers more freedom. You can watch original Paramount content and other shows whenever you like.
You don’t need to stick to the TV schedule to watch your favorite programs. Paramount Plus’s content diversity is outstanding.
You can watch shows like Spongebob on Paramount’s other channels, such as BET, Nickelodeon, CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV.
So, Paramount Plus is way better in content variety and genre than Paramount Network.
Paramount Network Vs. Paramount Plus: Price and Plans
Paramount Network is available as a part of your cable TV provider subscription. You can watch Paramount Network for free for the first 24 hours.
Ads will appear after short intervals since it is a cable TV channel. There is no option to skip the ads.
Paramount Plus has two paid plans.
Paramount+ Essential – You can watch over 45,000 episodes, movies and the NFL and UEFA Champions League.
But you have to bear with ads that pop up in between. It costs $5.99 per month and $59.99 for the yearly plan.
Paramount+ with SHOWTIME – You get all the content included in the ad-tier plan plus all the SHOWTIME content like Dexter and Billions.
With this plan, you can enjoy ad-free streaming. However, you will notice some ads while watching a few shows and live TV.
But this plan costs double the Paramount+ Essential plan. You must pay $11.99 monthly or $119.99 annually to access the streaming service.
So, Paramount Plus is costlier than the Paramount Network but cheaper if you compare its vast show and movie library catalog.
There’s also a free seven-day trial to check the service response and quality before subscribing.
Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: Shows and Movies List
Here are the most popular Web shows and movies from both
Paramount Network Popular Shows
- Yellowstone
- Bar Rescue
- 1883
- Ink Masters
- Marriage Rescue
- Rest in Power
- Battle of the Fittest Couples
- Wife Swap
Paramount Plus Popular Shows
Here are some popular shows that you can watch, including a few mentioned above:
- Evil
- Halo
- Mayor of Kingstown
- Yellowjackets
- Tracker
- Ark: The Animated Series
Paramount Plus constantly experiments with new shows, and its catalog remains fresh. You don’t run out of shows to watch or have to forcibly watch reruns repeatedly.
Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: Streaming Quality and Devices.
You can stream movies and shows in 4K quality with no issues. So, you can watch Paramount Plus on Android, iPhone, Windows, and Mac.
Moreover, you can stream any of the shows using Chromecast, Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and some popular TV brands (LG, Vizio, Samsung, etc).
FAQs
Is Paramount Plus the same as Paramount Network?
No. Paramount Plus is a streaming service, while Paramount Network is a TV channel you can also stream online.
Is Yellowstone on Paramount or Paramount Plus?
Yellowstone is not available on Paramount Plus. You can stream it only on Peacock, Sling TV, and other platforms.
Is Paramount Network free?
You can log in to Paramount Network using your TV Provider account to watch a few shows and clips. However, you cannot use your Paramount Plus credentials to log in to Paramount Network.
Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: Which one should you buy?
Undoubtedly, Paramount Plus is a better option if you want on-demand access to shows and movies on any device.
Paramount Network is bundled with your cable TV plan, and you can only watch a handful of original shows before you run out of content to watch.
If you are a streaming buff, Paramount Plus is a sensible choice.
