Briefly, Paramount Plus is a streaming service with an extensive catalog, including exclusive shows and movies. At the same time, Paramount Network is a traditional TV channel that provides a variety of programming at specific TV times. Let’s get into more detail.
What is Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus is a subscription streaming service that gives users access to a wide range of content, including classic and contemporary TV programs, movies, and original series.
Paramount Plus aggregates CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Smithsonian Channel content.
In addition to its existing content, Paramount Plus is actively producing its own original series and movies, which are exclusively available only on this platform.
Users are able to view live local CBS stations as well as sports events, including NFL games.
What is Paramount Network?
Paramount Network is a basic cable and satellite TV channel. It originated as The Nashville Network (TNN), which later became Spike TV before being rebranded as Paramount Network.
The channel offers a mix of original scripted series, reality shows, feature films, and documentary programs.
Unlike streaming platforms, Paramount Network operates on a TV schedule.
Paramount Network is for those who prefer a traditional TV format with program scheduling and appreciate Paramount’s original projects.
The Paramount Network App allows you to watch segments and full episodes of TV programs. However, to use the app, you must be logged in with credentials from your TV provider and have a subscription with your cable provider.
Is Paramount Network the same as Paramount Plus?
The following basic criteria can be considered when comparing Paramount Plus and Paramount Network:
Content
Paramount Plus:
Has an extensive library, including content from CBS, BET, MTV, Nickelodeon, and others. Provides exclusive shows and series developed specifically for the platform. Content is updated regularly, including new episodes and seasons of popular shows.
Paramount Network:
A cable TV channel dedicated to movies and TV series. There is a broadcast schedule that limits the spontaneous choice of the user.
Ads
Paramount Plus:
There are 2 subscriptions, one with ads and one ad-free. The ad-supported version provides content at a reduced cost but with commercial breaks, similar to traditional TV. Commercials run before the start of a movie or episode. The commercials also pause the viewing experience for 30 seconds on average.
Here’s more about what commercials are on Paramount Plus.
Paramount Network:
Since this is a traditional TV channel, commercial breaks are built into most TV programs.
Supported Devices
Paramount Plus:
The multi-platform service is available on Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, and many others. It allows you to watch content on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and game consoles.
Paramount Network:
In addition to cable and satellite TV, content is also available through the official website and mobile apps. However, a cable subscription may be required for full access.
Paramount Network is supported on the following devices: TV, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android Tablet, and Android Phones.
Availability in different regions
Paramount Plus:
Although the service was initially only available in the US, it quickly expanded its location. Paramount Plus is now available in 28 countries, such as Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Learn more about where Paramount Plus is available in this article.
Paramount Network:
Paramount Network was first launched in Spain and has since expanded to Europe, East Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Canada.
Profiles and Lists
Paramount Plus:
There is a profile feature, which is ideal for organizing viewing by different family members. By creating a child-specific profile, you can ensure that kids only watch what is age-appropriate.
Creating separate profiles makes browsing more convenient. For example, you won’t have to go through your partner’s recently watched movie list to find what you want to watch. In addition, each family member can have their own list to watch – “My List”.
Paramount Network:
There are no functions for adding favorite shows or creating lists. You just have to wait for the selected program to start, prepare some snacks, relax on the sofa, and enjoy the show.
Price
Paramount Plus:
Offers 2 subscription options.
The first option is Paramount Plus Essential which costs $5.99/month or $59.99/year. This plan includes advertising.
The second option is Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME, which costs $11.99/month or $119.99/year. This plan does not include commercials.
Paramount Network:
The cost of access depends on your cable or satellite package. It may vary depending on the region and the package you choose. On average, it ranges from $50 to $100.
| Paramount Plus | Paramount Network | |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Both offer top-notch movies, documentaries, and TV shows | Both offer top-notch movies, documentaries, and TV shows |
| Sign up | With your email and another services | With a satellite or cable provider |
| Provider | Streaming | Satellite or cable, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Philo, etc. |
| Supported devices | PC and mobile devices, Fire TV, Roku, gaming consoles like PlayStation 4, 5, and Xbox, and Samsung and LG TV | TV, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android Tablet and Android Phones |
| Restrictions on use | Multiple profiles, ability to restrict content | Limited by the channel's schedule |
| Ads | Subscriptions for $5.99/month include ads. Subscription for $11.99/month excludes ads. | Regular ad breaks |
| Free Trial | One week | No |
| Downloadable content | Download with Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscription | No |
| Live TV | NFL or local CBS live station | Yes |
| Profiles and Lists | Up to six c with the ability to create lists | There are no individual profiles or lists |
| Interactivity | You can pause, rewind | Limited interactive experience |
| Price | Paramount Plus Essential - $5.99/month or $59.99/year Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME - $11.99/month or $119.99/year | Included in cable TV packages |
Which is better, Paramount Plus or Paramount Network?
Determining whether Paramount Plus or Paramount Network is better depends largely on the viewer’s personal preferences and needs.
For me, Paramount Plus with no commercials subscription is better. Since Paramount Plus is streaming, also, users can create profiles for different family members, allowing you to customize content for everyone.
The main downside to Paramount Plus is the many long commercials. Or the cost is higher to get rid of them.
Paramount Network is a TV channel that offers a variety of programs at certain times. If you want it like it used to be, then you’ll like it.
But for me, being tied to the channel’s schedule is not convenient.
Bottom line, if you are looking for flexibility and an extensive selection of content, then Paramount Plus may be for you. If, on the other hand, you prefer a traditional TV experience and don’t want to get bogged down with choices, then Paramount Network would be a great choice.
