Paramount’s similar names for two separate services have raised many questions about which service is better. Addressing a user’s typical confusion and frustration, this explanatory guide on Paramount Network vs. Paramount correctly explains how exactly they are both different.
While one is a cable service provider, the other offers a cord-free streaming solution. But it’s often confusing to know if both subscriptions are separate and if you can watch similar content on both.
Join me to find out the exact difference between the two and to decide which option to subscribe to for your entertainment.
Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: Quick Comparison Table
Let’s introduce you to both of these Paramount Plus entertainment solutions and help you understand their critical differences.
| Feature | Paramount Network | Paramount Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Service Type | Cable TV channel | Streaming service |
| Cost | Depends on the selected cable provider | Starts from $7.99/mo |
| Device Compatibility | Dependent on cable/satellite provider | Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, streaming devices |
| Content-Type | Live TV, serialized dramas, movies, reality shows | On-demand TV shows, movies, originals, live CBS access |
| Access to Content | Via cable or satellite providers | Any internet-connected device |
| On-Demand Access | Limited to provider’s offerings | Extensive on-demand library available |
| Offline Viewing | Available | Available on the Premium plan |
| Simultaneous Streams | Only One | Up to 3 devices |
| Free Trial | Not Applicable | One Week |
| Accessibility Features | Standard cable accessibility features | Subtitles, audio descriptions, interface customization |
| International Availability | Primarily in the U.S. | Available in multiple countries with varying content |
While the surface-level differences can be known from the above table, I have further elaborated on more details and shared a broader explanation of describing the differences between Paramount Network and Paramount Plus.
Note: This comparison is not like our other comparisons where we give verdicts on which provider is better than the other since both Paramount service providers in question here are completely different.
Paramount Network Offers Traditional TV Experience
Paramount Network has been a traditional cable television channel for years across the top cable TV providers.
Unlike its streaming counterpart, Paramount Network delivers a curated selection of movies, TV shows, and original series through cable or satellite providers.
One of Paramount Network’s key advantages is its focus on high-quality, serialized dramas.
In addition, Paramount Network also features a diverse range of content, including reality shows and movies, and overall caters to viewers who prefer the traditional TV viewing experience.
Paramount Plus Is A Cord-Cutting Solution
Poles apart from Paramount Network, Paramount Plus is an on-demand streaming service that can be accessed across your favorite devices and even without ads.
Subscribing to Paramount Plus offers the latest episodes of most of the of popular shows from Paramount Network and from SHOWTIME.
The streaming service also provides access to:-
- A wide range of original shows and exclusive sports content.
- Viacom-owned channels, such as CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV.
Subscribers can access a wide array of fan-favorite shows, from Star Trek: Picard to South Park, in one convenient platform.
Paramount Network Vs Paramount Plus Cost
There is no direct comparison between Paramount Network and Paramount Plus, given the dynamic nature of the Paramount Network.
1. Paramount Network Cost And Ways To Subscribe
The cost to watch content from Paramount Network varies depending on the cable service provider you choose and is not limited to cable TV.
You can watch the content from Paramount Network from the below 3 subscription methods:
2. Bundled With Cable Packages
Paramount Network is included in various cable and satellite TV packages like – DirecTV, Dish, Fubo, HULU, Verizon, etc. The cost varies widely depending on the tier of service you select.
For example, lower-tier packages, including Paramount Network, cost around $20 to $50 per month, depending on the provider and their promotions.
3. Streaming Services
You can also access Paramount Network through certain streaming services that offer live TV with Paramount Network as part of their live TV offering, such as Pluto TV, Sling TV, Philo, and Hulu + Live TV. These services typically are either free or cost around $25 to $65 per month, depending on the service and their packages.
4. Direct Purchase or Rental
For specific shows like “Yellowstone,” a popular series on Paramount Network, you might also find options to purchase or rent episodes or seasons through digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, or Google Play.
Prices per episode can range from $1.99 to $2.99 for SD/HD.
Paramount Plus: Subscription Plans & Pricing
Paramount Plus offers a more straightforward and flexible pricing structure.
| Feature | Paramount+ Essential | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $7.99 | $12.99 |
| Annual Cost | $59.99 | $119.99 |
| Content Library Access | Full Paramount+ content library | Full Paramount+ content library with SHOWTIME original content |
| Live Local CBS Station Access | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Commercial Interruptions | ✔️ | ❌ (except live TV and a few shows) |
| Offline Viewing (Download Content) | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Simultaneous Streaming Devices | Up to 3 devices | Up to 3 devices |
| Free Trial | 7-day | 7-day |
The key differences between the two Paramount+ plans are:
- Ad-Free Viewing: The Premium plan offers an ad-free experience, while the Essential plan includes some commercial interruptions.
- Offline Viewing: The Premium plan allows subscribers to download content for offline viewing, while the Essential plan does not.
- Extended Content Availability: The premium plan allows more access to content from SHOWTIME, CBS live stations, and some live events.
Both plans provide access to the full Paramount+ content library and live local CBS station access (where available).
The choice between the two plans will depend on whether you prefer an ad-free experience, the ability to download content and the need for some extra exclusive content. You can still claim a Paramount Plus days trial and understand how a Paramount Plus plan best suits your needs.
Content Availability And How To Access?
Here in this heading, we will look at the range of content that both Paramount services have to offer and how you can access them:
1. Where To Watch Paramount Network?
As a traditional cable channel, Paramount Network is primarily accessible through cable or satellite TV providers. This means that viewers must have an active subscription to a pay-TV service to access the channels.
Paramount Network’s content is also subject to the channel’s programming schedule. Check out the entire Paramount TV week schedule to block your availability for that time!
Viewers must tune in at specific times to catch their favorite shows.
Access Through Cable TV Providers
- Available through Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV, and Dish Network, Cox, and more.
Streaming Services
There is a wide range of streaming options, including:
- Sling TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Philo
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Pluto TV (provides free access)
In addition, you can even rent the episodes and seasons on:-
- Amazon Prime Video
- iTunes
- Google Play
2. Paramount Plus: Content Availability And Accessibility
The Paramount Plus content includes the majority of content from Paramount Network plus some more too. When subscribed to the premium-priced plan, users can also get special access to SHOWTIME shows.
Paramount Plus can also be accessed via multiple supported devices and can be watched on 3 screens together:
- Smart TVs
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Streaming boxes like Roku and Amazon Fire TV
This allows viewers to watch their favorite shows and movies whenever and wherever they choose, without being tied to a specific programming schedule.
Overall, Paramount Plus offers a broader content library, with various movies, TV shows, and original programs from Paramount’s various networks and studios. This includes the popular titles from Paramount Network from channels:-
- CBS
- Nickelodeon
- Comedy Central
Check out this entire Paramount Plus channel list to see if they telecast your favorite channels.
Unique Features And Exclusive Content
Both Paramount Network and Paramount Plus offer unique features and exclusive content that set them apart. So, let’s go through each of them one by one:-
1. Paramount Network
The platform provides a traditional TV viewing experience with live programming and the ability to watch shows as they air.
You can also choose on-demand options provided by your cable or satellite provider.
Some of Paramount Network’s unique features include:-
- Live Traditional Broadcasting
- Special Events and Movie Broadcasts
- Behind-the-Scenes and Extras
2. Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus shines in its ability to deliver a more diverse and expansive content library.
Along with streaming content from Paramount Network, some of Paramount Plus’ unique features include:-
- The ability to download content for offline viewing
- Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices
- More personalized user experience with targeted recommendations and content suggestions.
Technical Specifications And Requirements
Paramount Network’s technical requirements are primarily dependent on the infrastructure and capabilities of the cable or satellite TV provider.
Paramount Network
Getting subscribed is one thing, but having technically appropriate equipment is another when the Paramount network is to be used. Since this service is cable TV based, you will need the following:
- Cable/Satellite Provider Dependencies
To access Paramount Network’s content, users will need an active subscription to a pay-TV service. Check it below:-
Set-Top Box Requirements
Paramount Network is accessed through a provider’s set-top box, which requires proper installation and setup. The specifics may vary by provider but typically involve connecting the box to both the television and an external cable or satellite dish.
If Watching With another Streaming Service
Many cable and satellite providers offer digital streaming of live channels through their apps, which might include Paramount Network.
These apps generally require a compatible smartphone, tablet, smart TV, and internet connection. Along with a subscription to Paramount Network offering streaming services, you need the following:
- Device Compatibility: Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast), smartphones, tablets, PCs, and smart TVs.
- Internet Speed: For uninterrupted streaming, a stable internet connection with at least 3-5 Mbps for standard-definition content and 5-10 Mbps for high-definition content is recommended.
By understanding these technical specifications and requirements, viewers can ensure they have the necessary setup to access Paramount Network through traditional cable/satellite services or via modern streaming platforms.
Paramount Plus: Technical Specifications
Paramount Plus has two specific technical requirements: Internet and Hardware. So, let us go through each section and understand how Paramount Plus works:-
- Internet Speed Recommendations
Paramount Plus recommends a minimum internet speed of:-
- 3 Mbps for SD
- 5 Mbps for HD streaming
For the best experience, Paramount Plus suggests an internet speed of at least 10 Mbps, especially for families or users who plan to stream on multiple devices simultaneously.
Internet speed requirements may vary depending on the resolution, bitrate, and number of devices accessing the service simultaneously.
- Hardware Requirements
Paramount Plus is compatible with various devices, including smart TVs, streaming media players, gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets.
For the best performance, Paramount Plus recommends the following hardware specifications:
- Smart TVs: Android TV, Roku TV, or Samsung Smart TV with a minimum of 2GB RAM and a quad-core processor.
- Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast with a minimum of 2GB RAM.
- Mobile Devices: iOS 12 or later, Android 6.0 or later, with at least 2GB RAM.
Depending on their internet speeds and the number of concurrent streams, users with older or less powerful devices may experience occasional buffering or lower video quality.
Bonus: There are many ways you can get an Apple TV free trial. Read the linked article to find out who is eligible and how to claim it.
User Interface Customization
The ability of a streaming service to be customizable in terms of profile creation, parental control, audio description, etc., adds to the user viewing experience. Check out how both of these differ in terms of customization:
Paramount Network Interface Customization
Paramount Network does not offer extensive customization options within its user interface. Users are limited to the viewing experience provided by their cable or satellite TV provider, which typically includes:-
- Channel selection
- Program guide navigation
Paramount Network: Parental Control
Paramount Network is a general entertainment cable channel that does not offer extensive family-specific features or content curation.
The channel’s programming is not primarily targeted toward children or families, and parental controls are typically managed through the user’s cable or satellite TV provider.
Other customization options, as well as this feature, would directly depend on the service provider you choose to stream this cable TV channel.
Paramount Plus
As opposed to Paramount Network, the Paramount Plus subscription service offers more customization features like:
- Profile Creation and Management
- Paramount Plus allows users to create multiple profiles within a single account, enabling personalized recommendations and viewing histories for different family members or individual users.
- Profile customization options include setting a profile picture and name and setting content restrictions for child profiles.
- Paramount Plus: Parental Controls and Content Filtering
- Paramount Plus offers better parental controls, allowing users to set age-based content restrictions and pin-protect profile access.
- The service also provides content filtering options, enabling users to exclude specific genres or titles from their recommendations and search results.
Accessibility Features Across Both Paramount Services
Further looking into the depth of accessibility features, Paramount Plus proved to provide more accessibility features in comparison to Paramount Network whose accessibility features depend upon the service provider.
Paramount Network Accessibility Features
Paramount Network’s accessibility features are limited to those provided by the user’s cable or satellite TV provider. It may include options like:
- Closed captions
- Audio descriptions
However, the availability and customization of these features can vary.
Paramount Plus Accessibility Features
Paramount Plus can enhance the user experience through the accessibility features:
Paramount Plus: Subtitles and Closed Captions
- Paramount Plus supports subtitles and closed captions in multiple languages, allowing users with hearing impairments or those who prefer subtitled content to access the service.
- The subtitles and captions can be customized in terms of font, size, color, and positioning on the screen.
Paramount Plus: Audio Descriptions
- Paramount Plus provides audio descriptions for titles, enabling users with visual impairments to follow the on-screen action through descriptive narration.
- The availability of audio descriptions may vary depending on the specific title and language.
Paramount Plus: Interface Customization for Users with Disabilities
- The Paramount Plus interface can be navigated using keyboard controls and screen readers, making the service more accessible for users with physical or cognitive disabilities.
- Additionally, the service allows users to adjust font size, contrast, and other accessibility settings to suit their needs.
International Availability And Content Variations
Paramount Network Global Availability
For Paramount Network, its international availability and content variations can be significantly different from the offerings in the U.S., primarily due to licensing agreements and the specific preferences of local markets.
Here are some key points about the international presence of Paramount Network:-
International Availability
Paramount Network’s availability can vary widely, with some regions having limited access to the channel or its shows being broadcast on different networks due to local licensing agreements.
United States: Paramount Network is a cable channel with full access to all its programming, including flagship shows like “Yellowstone.”
Canada: Some cable providers offer it, but content like “Yellowstone” may not be available due to regional broadcasting rights.
United Kingdom: Paramount Network is available and offers a mix of American imports and local content tailored to the UK audience.
Latin America: The channel is available in several countries, offering a mix of U.S. programming and some local adaptations.
Content Variations
Potential subscribers should check local listings and service offerings to understand what specific content is available in their region. Understanding the following variations is crucial for international viewers expecting the same content as the U.S. version of Paramount Network.
Regional Differences: Paramount Network programming outside the U.S. often includes a mix of locally popular shows and American content, varying significantly based on regional tastes and content rights.
Local Regulations and Censorship: In some countries, content might be modified to meet local broadcast standards and regulations, affecting the type of shows available or how they are edited.
Availability of Flagship Content: Key shows like “Yellowstone” might not be available on Paramount Network in certain regions but could be accessible through other services or networks due to exclusive regional licensing.
Paramount Plus: Global Availability
Paramount Plus is currently available in the following countries and plans to expand to additional international markets.
- United States
- Canada
- Latin America
- Australia,
The service’s availability and pricing may vary depending on the region, subject to local licensing and distribution agreements.
Content Differences By Region
- Paramount Plus’ content library can differ significantly across markets, as title availability is often subject to regional licensing deals and partnerships.
- Users in certain countries may have access to a more limited selection of movies, TV shows, and original programming compared to the US or other major markets.
- Some Paramount Plus Originals may also be exclusive to specific regions, requiring users to use a VPN or other methods to access content unavailable in their local market.
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Conclusion: Paramount Plus Includes Paramount Network
These were the few differences that set these two Paramount services apart. They are majorly different owing to their streaming format, subscription cost, and available features.
Paramount Network caters to those preferring traditional cable TV experience, especially with exclusive live broadcasts like “Yellowstone,” sporting events, or movies.
Paramount Plus adapts to the evolving demands of modern viewers with features like offline viewing, multiple device streaming, and content selection freedom.
Whether you opt for Paramount Network’s nostalgic appeal or Paramount Plus’s expansive offerings, each service provides unique value tailored to different viewer preferences.
All in all, you can be a Paramount Network subscriber and watch Paramount Plus content, but you can be a Paramount Plus subscriber and watch a majority of Paramount Network content!
