If you’re a fan of all things reality TV, you might have heard about Discovery+ – the latest streaming platform to hit the market. But what exactly is the difference between Discovery and Discovery+? Well, allow me to introduce you to the wonderful world of streaming!
For starters, Discovery is a cable TV channel that primarily airs shows focused on science, nature, and exploration. On the other hand, Discovery+ is a standalone streaming service that offers access to exclusive content from not only Discovery, but also HGTV, Food Network, TLC, and more.
So what sets Discovery+ apart from the rest of the streaming services out there? For one, subscribers can expect to find a vast library of over 55,000 episodes and counting, as well as exciting new originals produced exclusively for the service. Additionally, Discovery+ allows for complete personalization with up to five profiles per account and the ability to download content for offline viewing. It’s like having your own personal entertainment hub at your fingertips!
Overview of Discovery and Discovery Plus
Discovery is a television network that has been around since 1985, known for its engaging documentaries, reality shows, and educational programming. On the other hand, Discovery Plus is the company’s streaming service, which offers access to the network’s content anytime and anywhere.
- Discovery Plus was launched on January 4, 2021, and it’s now available in more than 200 countries.
- The streaming service offers over 55,000 episodes from more than 2,500 shows, including exclusive content that’s not available on the network’s TV channels.
- Discovery Plus is a subscription-based service that starts at $4.99 per month, with an ad-supported plan, and goes up to $6.99 for the ad-free option.
While Discovery Plus offers a vast library of content, the network’s TV channels still air unique programming that’s not available on the streaming service. However, the company has plans to expand Discovery Plus’s content and add more original shows to the platform.
Both Discovery and Discovery Plus cater to different audiences; still, they’re both committed to providing high-quality programming that educates and entertains viewers. With the rise of streaming platforms, it’s evident that Discovery Plus will continue to be a vital part of the network’s strategy in the future.
Channel Lineup Comparison between Discovery and Discovery Plus
Discovery and Discovery Plus are two streaming platforms that showcase their own unique sets of shows. But it is important to know which shows are exclusive to each platform in order to see which one is worth subscribing to. Here is a breakdown of the channel lineup comparison between Discovery and Discovery Plus:
- Discovery Plus offers exclusive access to shows from networks such as HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and many more.
- Discovery, on the other hand, only offers access to its own channel content, which includes shows from networks such as Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and Science Channel.
It is important to note that cable subscribers may already have access to some of these channels through their existing TV package.
Here is a table that breaks down the channels and shows that are exclusive to each platform:
| Networks | Shows Exclusive to Discovery Plus |
|---|---|
| HGTV | 90 Day Dream Home, Fixer Upper: Welcome Home, House Hunters Comedians on Couches, Property Brothers: Forever Home |
| Food Network | Guy’s Grocery Games: Delivery, Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, The Great Food Truck Race: Alaska, Martha Knows Best |
| TLC | 90 Day Fiancé, Say Yes to the Dress, Cake Boss, Dr. Pimple Popper, My Big Fat Fabulous Life |
| ID | Evil Lives Here, See No Evil, People Magazine Investigates, The Murder Tapes |
| OWN | Black Love, Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Queen Sugar, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots |
| Animal Planet | Gator Boys, Pit Bulls & Parolees, Crikey! It’s the Irwins, Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet |
| Discovery Channel | Gold Rush: Freddy Dodge’s Mine Rescue, Expedition Unknown: Search for the Afterlife, BattleBots, Shark Week |
After comparing the channel lineups of Discovery and Discovery Plus, it is clear that Discovery Plus offers a wider range of content to subscribers. While Discovery only offers access to its own network content, Discovery Plus grants access to exclusive shows from multiple networks. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and which shows you are interested in watching.
Availability of content on Discovery and Discovery Plus
When it comes to content availability, there are some differences between Discovery and Discovery Plus:
- Discovery Plus offers exclusive content that can’t be found on the regular Discovery channel.
- Discovery Plus allows users to stream shows and documentaries from other networks, such as A&E, History Channel, and Lifetime.
- While both platforms offer on-demand streaming, Discovery Plus offers live streaming of networks such as HGTV and Food Network.
To give you an idea of the breadth of content available on each platform, take a look at the table below:
| Content | Discovery | Discovery Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusive content | No | Yes |
| On-demand streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Live streaming | No | Yes |
| Additional networks | No | Yes |
As you can see, while Discovery does offer some on-demand content, Discovery Plus is the clear winner when it comes to the amount and diversity of content available. It’s also worth noting that Discovery Plus offers ad-supported and ad-free plans, giving users even more control over their viewing experience.
Device compatibility for Discovery and Discovery Plus
One of the essential factors to consider when subscribing to a streaming service is its device compatibility. While both Discovery and Discovery Plus are available on multiple devices, there are some differences in their supported platforms.
- Discovery can be accessed on web browsers, Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Samsung Smart TVs.
- Discovery Plus is available on web browsers, Amazon Fire TV, Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and select Samsung Smart TVs.
- Discovery Plus is not compatible with gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox as of writing this article.
Users can also download the Discovery and Discovery Plus mobile apps from their respective app stores. However, it’s worth noting that Discovery Plus offers content in 4K with HDR support, while the standard Discovery app is limited to 1080p resolution.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the device compatibility for both streaming services:
| Discovery | Discovery Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Web Browsers | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smartphones & Tablets (Android & iOS) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Amazon Fire TV | ✅ | ✅ |
| Apple TV | ✅ | ✅ |
| Roku | ✅ | ✅ |
| Samsung Smart TVs | ✅ | ✅ (select models) |
| Chromecast | ❌ | ✅ |
| Gaming Consoles (PlayStation & Xbox) | ❌ | ❌ |
In conclusion, while both Discovery and Discovery Plus offer users a wide range of compatible devices, Discovery Plus has the edge with its 4K resolution and HDR support, as well as its wider device selection. However, it’s worth noting that the compatibility of these services may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check their website for the latest updates.
Subscription plans for Discovery and Discovery Plus
Discovery and Discovery Plus offer different subscription plans depending on your viewing preferences. Here is a breakdown of the plans:
- Discovery subscription plans:
- Free: Allows you to stream a selection of Discovery shows with ads.
- Discovery Go: Requires a cable provider login and offers live TV and on-demand shows with limited ads.
- Discovery Plus: Premium package that offers ad-free streaming of exclusive content.
- Discovery Plus subscription plans:
- Ad-supported: This plan costs $4.99 per month and includes ads during the streaming experience.
- No ads: For $6.99 per month, this plan offers the same content but with zero ads throughout the streaming experience.
If you are used to television cable packages, the subscription plans provided by Discovery Plus are more aligned with what we know in the TV world. In summary, the lowest and least expensive package offers content with ads, while the higher paid option offers content with no ads.
It is important to note that these plans are subject to change at any time and also can vary in different countries. Be sure to check the subscription offers in your country before choosing a plan.
| Discovery Plus Subscription Plans | Price Per Month | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-supported | $4.99 | Access to exclusive content with ads |
| No ads | $6.99 | Access to exclusive content without ads |
So no matter your budget or preferences, there is a subscription plan that will suit you at Discovery or Discovery Plus.
Features of Discovery and Discovery Plus
Discovery and Discovery Plus are two different streaming platforms that offer unique features depending on your interests and needs. Here are the features that are unique to each platform:
- Discovery offers a wide range of content that covers topics like science, technology, history, and wildlife. You can access your favorite shows and documentaries on Discovery with a TV provider login, or you can subscribe to their streaming service. The streaming service offers new episodes of shows, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and live TV.
- Discovery Plus aims to be the streaming platform for all things non-fiction. It offers an extensive library of shows and documentaries from Discovery, Food Network, TLC, HGTV, Animal Planet, and more. You can stream your favorite shows with or without ads, or download them for offline viewing. The platform also provides exclusive original content and the ability to watch live shows and events.
What sets Discovery Plus apart from Discovery is its vast content library that pulls from other networks, giving you access to all non-fiction content in one place.
Below is a table comparing some of the features of the two platforms:
| Features | Discovery | Discovery Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Content Library | Discovery Shows and Documentaries | All Non-Fiction Content (Discovery, Food Network, TLC, HGTV, Animal Planet, etc.) |
| Ad-Free Option | No | Yes |
| Live TV | Yes | Yes |
| Original Content | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Viewing | No | Yes |
| Price | Requires TV Provider Login or Subscription | $4.99/mo with ads, $6.99/mo for ad-free |
Overall, both platforms offer unique features that cater to different audiences. While Discovery offers a vast content library, live TV, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Discovery Plus is designed to be the hub for all non-fiction content, including shows and documentaries from other networks. Whether you’re a fan of wildlife documentaries, cooking shows, or home improvement projects, both platforms have something to offer.
User Interface Comparison between Discovery and Discovery Plus
Both Discovery and Discovery Plus are known for offering an extensive range of shows and documentaries throughout their applications. However, the difference lies in their user interface, which we will discuss further in this section.
- Design: Discovery Plus offers a more contemporary design in comparison to the older version of Discovery. The new interface is clean and sleek, making it easy to navigate. The user interface for Discovery is more traditional, with a straightforward layout.
- Search Options: Discovery Plus has an enhanced search feature, where users can input specific keywords or filter by genre, network, and more. Discovery only provides a basic search bar with limited filtering options.
- Personalization: The Discovery Plus application offers several personalized features for its users. These include a customizable homepage that recommends content based on the user’s viewing history and interests. Discovery lacks these personalized features.
- Accessibility: Discovery Plus has a seamless user experience with its support for up to four simultaneous streams and offline viewing. Discovery only allows for a single stream at a time and does not permit offline viewing.
- Ad Experience: Discovery Plus offers an ad-free experience at a premium subscription level. Discovery, on the other hand, has ad-supported content through various membership options.
- Device Compatibility: Discovery Plus is compatible with a range of devices such as Smart TVs, mobile phones, and tablets, whereas Discovery has limited device compatibility.
- Popularity: As of now, Discovery+ has already over 15 million subscribers just few months since launching, and there’s no sign of slowing down. Discovery, on the other hand, has been around for quite some time now and has an established user base.
In summary, Discovery Plus offers a clean, user-friendly interface with personalized recommendations, accessibility options, and device compatibility outdoing the user interface and experience offered by Discovery.
| Feature | Discovery | Discovery Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Traditional | Contemporary |
| Search Options | Basic | Enhanced |
| Personalization | None | Customizable Homepage |
| Accessibility | Single Stream, No Offline Viewing | Up to 4 Simultaneous Streams, Offline Viewing |
| Ad Experience | Various Membership Options | Premium Subscription Level with No Ads |
| Device Compatibility | Limited | Supported on a Range of Devices |
| Popularity | Stable User Base | Over 15 Million Subscribers in a few months. |
In conclusion, while both applications offer a broad range of content, Discovery Plus provides a more comprehensive user interface with additional features that make it more accessible and user-friendly.
What’s the difference between Discovery and Discovery Plus?
1. What is Discovery Plus?
Discovery Plus is a new streaming service that offers an exclusive library of content from Discovery channels, including Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, and more.
2. What shows are exclusive to Discovery Plus?
Discovery Plus brings you original series, exclusive content, and new episodes of your favorite Discovery Channel programs, including Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines, The Food Network Challenge, and Expedition Unknown.
3. How is Discovery Plus different from the TV channel?
With Discovery Plus, you can stream a vast range of new shows, classic episodes, and original documentaries without the need for cable or satellite TV. Also, you can watch Discovery Plus on any device, anytime, anywhere.
4. Do I need a subscription to access Discovery Plus?
Yes, you need a subscription to access Discovery Plus. However, you can start with a free trial to test their service before you commit to paying the monthly subscription.
5. Does Discovery Plus offer live TV?
No, Discovery Plus does not offer live TV. However, you can stream new episodes of Discovery shows the same day they air on TV, with access to a substantial back catalog of past shows.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading about the difference between Discovery and Discovery Plus. Whether you’re a fan of animal documentaries, culinary shows, real estate, or other genres, Discovery Plus offers an extensive library of content with exclusive programming you won’t find anywhere else. Sign up for their trial and give it a try for yourself. Make sure to come back to read more articles!