When it comes to streaming services, it seems like there are almost too many options to choose from. You’ve got the old favorites like Hulu and Netflix, but there also seems to be new services popping up on a regular basis. Case in point: Paramount and Paramount Plus. If you’re not in the know, it can be easy to think that these platforms are simply different versions of the same thing. But in reality, there are some pretty significant differences between the two.
So what are those differences, exactly? For starters, Paramount Plus is the newer of the two services. It’s a rebranding of CBS All Access, and it offers subscribers access to a huge library of content, including TV shows, movies, and even live sports. Paramount, on the other hand, is an older service that’s been around for a while. It offers a smaller selection of content than its newer counterpart, but it has still managed to cultivate a devoted fanbase over the years.
Of course, those differences only scratch the surface. There are plenty of nuances to consider when you’re deciding which service is right for you. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Trek fan or you’re just looking for something to keep you entertained on a lazy Sunday afternoon, it’s important to understand what each platform has to offer. So if you’re ready to get your binge-watch on, it’s time to take a closer look at Paramount and Paramount Plus.
Streaming Services
In today’s digital age, streaming services have become an integral part of our lives. With so many options available, it can be confusing to decide which service to choose. Two popular streaming services that have been making waves in the entertainment industry are Paramount and Paramount Plus.
Paramount is a streaming service that offers content from the Paramount network, including movies, TV shows, and live sports. On the other hand, Paramount Plus is an upgraded version that includes everything on Paramount as well as additional content from other networks like MTV, BET, and Comedy Central.
Here are some differences between the two streaming services:
- Content Selection: While Paramount offers a decent collection of movies and shows, Paramount Plus has a more extensive library and features more exclusive content that is not available on other streaming platforms.
- Pricing: Paramount plus is slightly more expensive than Paramount, with the premium package taking it a step further. The additional cost, however, is justified by the assortment of content offered.
- Ad-Free Options: With Paramount, users have to watch ads while streaming, which can be a major annoyance. Paramount Plus, however, offers a no-ads subscription option for an additional cost.
- Live TV and Sports: Paramount Plus’s biggest advantage over Paramount is that it offers live TV streaming and sports events, including NFL games, which are not available on the basic Paramount subscription. However, certain games may require an extra purchase.
For anyone looking for a more comprehensive streaming service, Paramount Plus is the better option. However, for those solely interested in Paramount content, the basic Paramount subscription would suffice.
| Feature | Paramount | Paramount Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Content Selection | Decent Collection | Extensive Library, Exclusive Content |
| Pricing | Affordable | Slightly More Expensive, With No-Ads Option |
| Ad-Free Options | Ads Included | No-Ads Option for Additional Cost |
| Live TV and Sports | Not Available on Basic Subscription | Available, Including NFL Games |
Ultimately, which streaming service to choose depends on your specific entertainment needs and budget. If you crave more extensive content and want to include live TV and sports events, going with Paramount Plus would be the best bet. But if you’re just looking for a decent selection of movies and shows produced under the Paramount Network, the basic subscription would be adequate.
Subscription Plans
Paramount+ is the new name of the CBS All Access streaming service, which has been rebranded to include even more content from ViacomCBS’ empire of networks. While Paramount+ still offers the same basic subscription service as CBS All Access, it has expanded on the options available to its subscribers.
- Basic: The Basic plan offers ad-supported streaming for $4.99 per month. This plan includes access to live TV, on-demand episodes and movies, and 24/7 news. However, it does involve advertisements when watching the content.
- Premium: The Premium plan, which costs $9.99 per month, includes ad-free streaming access to live TV from CBS, The Paramount Channel, and more. The Premium plan also includes on-demand content from ViacomCBS brands, such as Nickelodeon, BET, Smithsonian Channel, and Comedy Central.
If you’re a student, you can save even more with Paramount+. In select areas, students can take advantage of a 25% off discount, bringing the price of the Basic plan down to $3.74 per month and the Premium plan to $7.49 per month. Whether you’re a fan of TV shows, movies, or live events, there’s a plan that works for you with Paramount+.
Here’s a breakdown of the subscription plans:
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $4.99 per month | Ad-supported streaming access to live TV, on-demand episodes and movies, and 24/7 news |
| Premium | $9.99 per month | Ad-free streaming access to live TV from CBS, The Paramount Channel, and more; on-demand content from ViacomCBS brands, such as Nickelodeon, BET, Smithsonian Channel, and Comedy Central |
With Paramount+, you can choose the plan that fits your budget and interests. The streaming service combines live TV, on-demand episodes, movies, and more onto one platform for a versatile viewing experience. So, whether you want to catch the latest episode of NCIS or the newest movie release, Paramount+ has you covered.
ViacomCBS
ViacomCBS is a global media and entertainment conglomerate that operates in more than 180 countries. It was created in December 2019 by the merger of CBS Corporation and the second incarnation of Viacom. The company has a portfolio of world-renowned brands that include CBS, Showtime, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and Simon & Schuster, among others.
The Difference Between Paramount and Paramount Plus
- Paramount is a movie studio that has been producing films since 1912. It is responsible for numerous iconic films like The Godfather, Titanic, and Top Gun.
- Paramount Plus is a streaming service that was launched in 2021. It is a rebranding of CBS All Access and offers a wide range of content from ViacomCBS’s portfolio of brands, including Showtime, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central.
- Paramount Plus also offers exclusive original programming, such as Star Trek: Picard, The Good Fight, and The Stand. It is available in the United States, Latin America, and Canada, while Paramount’s films are distributed globally.
ViacomCBS’s Streaming Strategy
ViacomCBS has been investing heavily in its streaming platform as it sees the future of entertainment in digital media. The company aims to have 65-75 million subscribers globally across its streaming services by 2024. The strategy includes:
- Providing a broad range of content across multiple genres and brands, including news, sports, movies, series, and documentaries.
- Offering exclusive original programming that can only be found on ViacomCBS’s streaming services, so it attracts and retains subscribers.
- Expanding globally by launching its streaming services in more countries and forming partnerships with local distributors, broadcasters, and telcos.
ViacomCBS’s Competition
The streaming market is crowded and highly competitive, with players like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max vying for market share. However, ViacomCBS has a competitive advantage over some of its rivals because:
| Advantages | Examples |
|---|---|
| Established brands and franchises | Star Trek, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Daily Show |
| Deep library of content | 30,000+ TV episodes, 2,500+ movies, and thousands of hours of news and sports programming |
| Multicultural and international appeal | Broad range of content from different countries and regions, including anime, K-drama, and telenovelas |
Content Offerings
One of the major differences between Paramount and Paramount+ is the content offered on each platform. Paramount is a cable TV network that primarily offers live sporting events, news programming, and scripted TV shows. On the other hand, Paramount+ is a streaming service that offers a much broader range of content, including movies, TV shows, and exclusive original programming.
If you’re a fan of TV shows like Yellowstone, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, or Survivor, Paramount is the place to be. However, if you’re looking for a wider selection of content, including movies and original programming, Paramount+ is the clear winner.
Paramount Content Offerings
- Live sporting events
- News programming
- Scripted TV shows
Paramount+ Content Offerings
Paramount+ offers a much wider selection of content compared to the cable TV network version. In addition to live sporting events and news programming, the streaming service also offers:
- A library of hit movies from Paramount Pictures and other major studios
- Television shows from CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and other networks
- Original programming exclusive to Paramount+
- Live TV channels streaming to your device
Original Programming on Paramount+
One of the biggest draws of Paramount+ is the exclusive original programming. These shows are only available on the streaming service and cannot be found on the cable TV network. Some of the most popular original shows on Paramount+ include:
- Star Trek: Discovery
- The Good Fight
- The Twilight Zone
- The SpongeBob SquarePants Show
Paramount+ vs. Paramount Content Comparison Table
| Paramount | Paramount+ |
|---|---|
| Live sporting events | Live sporting events |
| News programming | News programming |
| Scripted TV shows | Hit movies from Paramount Pictures and other major studios |
| Television shows from CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and other networks | |
| Original programming exclusive to Paramount+ | |
| Live TV channels streaming to your device |
Pricing Comparison
When it comes to price, Paramount+ is relatively affordable compared to its competitors. The Premium plan offers ad-free streaming, access to live CBS channels, and a trove of exclusive content at only $9.99 per month. In contrast, the basic plan costs only $4.99 per month, but it comes with ads.
- Paramount+: Premium plan costs $9.99/month
- Paramount+: Basic plan costs $4.99/month
On the other hand, the previous version of Paramount, now known as CBS All Access, offered two commercial tiers which were equivalent to the two tiers in Paramount+. The Limited Commercials plan cost $5.99 per month, while the Commercial Free plan went for $9.99 per month. CBS All Access had a 7-day free trial period before billing began, while Paramount+ has a 1-month free trial period.
Provided below is a table comparing the prices of the two services:
| Service | Plan | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ | Premium | $9.99/month |
| Paramount+ | Basic | $4.99/month |
| CBS All Access (now Paramount+) | Limited Commercials | $5.99/month |
| CBS All Access (now Paramount+) | Commercial Free | $9.99/month |
Overall, Paramount+ offers more value for money as it offers live TV channels, exclusive content, and better pricing compared to CBS All Access.
User Interface
User interface (UI) plays a crucial role in the success of any streaming platform. Paramount and Paramount Plus have distinct user interface designs with different features and functionality.
- Navigation: Paramount Plus has a more modern navigation system compared to Paramount. It allows users to browse content using categories such as TV shows, movies, sports, etc. The UI has a clean layout, making it easier for users to find what they’re looking for.
- Personalization: Both platforms offer personalized recommendations to viewers based on their viewing history. However, Paramount Plus has a more advanced recommendation system. It suggests content based on the user’s viewing habits, location, and other factors.
- Accessibility: Paramount Plus has a more accessible interface with a dedicated accessibility menu. It allows users to customize visual and audio settings such as closed captions, audio descriptions, and colors. The platform also has a larger font size for easier reading.
Overall, Paramount Plus has a more advanced and user-friendly UI than Paramount. However, both platforms offer a seamless streaming experience with high-quality video and sound.
Here is a table summarizing key differences in UI between Paramount and Paramount Plus:
| Feature | Paramount | Paramount Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Basic | Advanced |
| Personalization | Basic | Advanced |
| Accessibility | Basic | Advanced |
As you can see, Paramount Plus offers users more advanced features in terms of UI. However, both platforms offer a seamless streaming experience with high-quality video and sound.
Original Programming
Both Paramount and Paramount+ are known for their impressive lineup of original programming, which sets them apart from other streaming services that primarily offer licensed content. However, there are some key differences between the two when it comes to the types of original programming available on each platform.
- Paramount: The original programming on Paramount is primarily focused on television shows, with a strong emphasis on drama and comedy. Some of the most popular shows on the platform include “Yellowstone,” “Younger,” and “Star Trek: Discovery.” While the quantity of original programming on Paramount is not as vast as other streaming services, the quality of the shows is high, making it a great choice for those searching for premium content.
- Paramount+: Paramount+, on the other hand, has a more extensive lineup of original programming, with a focus on both television shows and movies. The platform has heavily invested in reviving classic franchises with original series, such as “The Twilight Zone,” “The Stand,” and “iCarly.” In addition, Paramount+ features a variety of exclusive original movies, including “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” and “Coming 2 America.”
Overall, both Paramount and Paramount+ offer high-quality original content that is worth checking out. Those who are primarily interested in television shows may prefer Paramount, while movie enthusiasts may lean more towards Paramount+.
Below is a brief table outlining the top original programming available on each platform:
| Paramount | Paramount+ |
|---|---|
| Yellowstone | The Twilight Zone |
| Younger | The Stand |
| Star Trek: Discovery | iCarly |
With such impressive original programming, it’s clear that both Paramount and Paramount+ are great options for those looking for high-quality content to watch.
What is the Difference Between Paramount and Paramount Plus?
1. What is Paramount?
Paramount is a production company that creates movies and television shows. It has been in operation for over a century and has produced some of the biggest blockbusters in film history.
2. What is Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus is a streaming service that offers subscribers access to a vast library of TV shows, movies, and original content. It is owned by Paramount and is part of the ViacomCBS family of streaming services.
3. What Can I Watch on Paramount vs Paramount Plus?
Paramount offers movies and television shows that have been produced by the company. Paramount Plus offers much more, including live sports, news, and original content. It has a larger library of content that includes shows from other networks and studios, as well as live television.
4. How Much Does Paramount vs Paramount Plus Cost?
Paramount does not have a cost as it is a production company. Paramount Plus currently offers two subscription plans: a limited commercial plan for $5.99 per month and a commercial-free plan for $9.99 per month.
5. Is There Any Overlap Between Paramount and Paramount Plus?
Yes, there is some overlap between the two services. Paramount Plus contains content that has been produced by Paramount, as well as content from other studios. However, Paramount Plus also has original programming that is exclusive to the platform.
Closing Paragraph
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the difference between Paramount and Paramount Plus. While both offer great content, it’s clear that Paramount Plus has a much broader selection of shows and movies, as well as exclusive original content. If you’re a fan of movies and TV shows, we highly recommend giving Paramount Plus a try. Thanks for reading and visit us again soon for more updates!