Last updated on 2025-08-26, by Leia

Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: Key Differences Explained

We no longer have to limit the tools we can use to watch our favorite shows. We now have more choices thanks to the rise of streaming services. But at the same time, you might mix up two things that are very much the same. Is Paramount Plus the same as Paramount Network? Well, not really. I’m here to introduce you more about Paramount Network and Paramount Plus today.

Is Paramount Network the same as Paramount Plus? No, Paramount Plus is a streaming service that lets you watch shows whenever you want. Paramount Network is a cable and satellite TV station. These platforms broaden the world by offering more material, such as exclusive originals, blockbuster movies, and live sports.

The above table shows the main differences between Paramount Network and Paramount Plus. Next, I will also get into more details and give a more comprehensive description of these differences.

Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: Access Method

Traditional cable or satellite companies offer Paramount Network. It provides a linear TV experience with planned content, such as live events and syndicated shows.

You can watch Paramount Network through cable TV companies like Spectrum, Comcast Xfinity, DirecTV, Dish Network, Cox, and more. You can also use Pluto TV, which is another Paramount Global streaming service, to watch some movies and TV shows for free.

Paramount Plus, on the other hand, is a streaming service that lets you watch movies, original shows, live CBS broadcasts, and other material whenever you want. Most of the shows and movies from Paramount Network are on Paramount Plus, plus some extras. People who sign up for the most expensive plan can also get special access to SHOWTIME shows.

Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: Content Library

Paramount Network has been a traditional cable TV station for years. You can watch it on DIRECTV, Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, and other top cable TV companies. In contrast to its streaming version, Paramount Network offers a carefully chosen range of movies, TV shows, and original series through cable or satellite companies. One of the best things about Paramount Network is that it focuses on high-quality shows that air over and over again.

In addition, Paramount Network has a variety of shows, such as movies and reality shows, and generally appeals to people who like the standard way of watching TV.  Popular original shows like Yellowstone that air at set times are part of it. But it doesn’t have as much on-demand material as streaming sites. On Paramount Plus, you can also find more material and watch live TV outside of the US.

Different from Paramount Network, Paramount Plus is a streaming service that you can use on any device, whenever you want, and there are no ads. It used to be called “CBS All Access”. Paramount Plus stands out because it has a huge collection of on-demand material, such as original series, blockbuster movies, and full seasons of popular shows from the past.

If you sign up for Paramount Plus, you can watch the newest episodes of most of the famous shows on SHOWTIME and Paramount Network. The streaming service also lets you watch a lot of original shows, sports material that is only available on that service, and Viacom-owned stations like MTV, Comedy Central, CBS, and Nickelodeon. Fans’ best shows, like Star Trek: Picard and South Park, can all be watched on one easy-to-use app. With the Paramount Plus downloader, you can download the videos and watch them anytime you want.

Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: Cost and Subscription Plans

The price of watching Paramount Network shows changes based on which cable provider you use. This is not just the case for cable TV.

You can subscribe to Paramount Network in three different ways and watch their shows:

1. Comes with cable packages. Many cables and satellite TV plans, such as those from DIRECTV, Dish, Fubo, HULU, Verizon, and others, include Paramount Network. The price changes a lot based on which level of service you choose. Lower-level packages, like Paramount Network’s, range in price from $20 to $50 per month, based on the service and the deals they are running.

2. Services that stream. Some streaming services, like Pluto TV, Sling TV, Philo, and Hulu + Live TV, also offer live TV with Paramount Network. This means you can also watch Paramount Network that way. Based on the service and its packages, these services are usually either free or cost between $25 and $65 per month.

3. Buy directly or on demand. You might be able to buy or get episodes or seasons on demand through your cable TV service.

The price system for Paramount Plus is clearer and flexible. The main differences between Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME are:

1. No ads. The Premium plan doesn’t show ads, but the Essential plan does show some ads.

2. Offline Viewing: People who pay for the Premium plan can download Paramount Plus videos to watch later, but people who pay for the Essential plan can’t.

3. More content: The paid plan gives you access to more SHOWTIME, CBS live stations, and some live events.

Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: User Experience & Features

People use Paramount Network in a way that’s similar to how they watch TV. You have to pay for a subscription through a cable or satellite service, and you can’t download shows or make more than one user profile.

Paramount Network may appear and function differently for you depending on your service provider and device. Unfortunately, you cannot download content to watch later when you are not online.

Paramount Plus, on the other hand, is made for the way people stream these days. There is an easy-to-use interface that lets users create up to six profiles and download the contentt with a certain limit.

Paramount Network vs Paramount Plus: Device Compatibility

You can watch Paramount Network and Paramount Plus on a number of devices. This table shows the systems that are supported, from TVs to phones, so you’ll never miss a moment of your favorite movies and TV shows.

Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?

I hope everything is clear now that what’s the difference between Paramount Plus and Paramount Network. But choosing between the platforms relies on how you like to stream and what kinds of entertainment are most important to you outside of the USA.

Paramount Network is for people who like to watch standard TV, while Paramount Plus offers a full streaming experience with a lot of different shows. Because you can choose from different options, Paramount Plus gives you a world of fun that fits your tastes. So, it’s now your choice!