Paramount Plus is not available as a built-in Dish app, but you can watch it through other devices on your Dish-connected TV

Dish Network does not offer Paramount Plus as a native app within its receiver interface. However, you are not locked out of watching Paramount Plus if you have Dish — you just need to use a separate device to stream it to your television. The most straightforward routes are a streaming device plugged into your TV's HDMI port, a smart TV with the Paramount Plus app already installed, or casting from your phone or computer.

Paramount Plus requires a paid subscription (there is no free tier), so you would need to sign up for an account directly with Paramount, not through Dish. Once you have that subscription, the app works on most modern devices regardless of your TV provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Dish Network receivers do not have a Paramount Plus app built in, so you will need a separate streaming device or smart TV to watch it.
  • Paramount Plus subscriptions are purchased directly from Paramount, not bundled through Dish, and cost between $5.99 and $11.99 per month depending on the plan you choose.
  • Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and most smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio) all have the Paramount Plus app available.
  • You can also cast Paramount Plus from your phone or computer to your TV if you already own one of those devices.

Streaming devices that work with Paramount Plus

If you do not have a smart TV, a standalone streaming device is the cheapest way to add Paramount Plus to your setup. Roku devices (including Roku TV models) have the Paramount Plus app and start around $30 for a basic model. Amazon Fire TV devices, including Fire TV Sticks and Fire TV Cubes, also have the app and range from $40 to $120 depending on the model. Both are widely available and straightforward to set up — you plug them into an HDMI port on your TV, connect to your home Wi-Fi, and read the Paramount Plus app.

Apple TV (4K or HD models) and Google Chromecast with Google TV both support Paramount Plus as well. Apple TV is more expensive (starting around $100) but integrates with other Apple devices if you use an iPhone or iPad. Google Chromecast with Google TV costs around $50 and works with Android phones and any device with a web browser.

All of these devices work independently of Dish — they do not interfere with your Dish receiver, and you can switch between Dish channels and streaming apps by changing your TV's input source. You can leave the streaming device plugged in permanently and use your TV remote to switch inputs when you want to watch Paramount Plus.

Smart TVs with Paramount Plus built in

If you are buying a new television, many modern smart TVs come with the Paramount Plus app pre-installed or available to read for free. Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, and Hisense all include the app on their recent models. When you set up a new smart TV, you can read Paramount Plus from the TV's app store and sign in with your Paramount account.

This approach eliminates the need for a separate device, but it only helps if you are already in the market for a new TV. If you have a smart TV from the last five years, check your TV's app store to see whether Paramount Plus is available — there is no cost to read the app itself, only the Paramount subscription.

Casting from your phone or computer

You can also watch Paramount Plus on your TV by casting from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Open the Paramount Plus app on your phone or the Paramount Plus website on your computer, start playing a show or movie, and use the cast button (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) to send it to your TV. Your phone or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV for casting to work.

Casting works with any TV that has an HDMI port and a casting-compatible device — you do not need to buy anything extra if you already own a smartphone or laptop. The downside is that your phone or computer stays connected to the cast session, so you cannot use it for other things while watching. For longer viewing sessions, a dedicated streaming device is more convenient.

Paramount Plus subscription costs and plans

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers. The ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month and includes ads during shows and movies. The ad-free plan costs $11.99 per month and removes ads. Both plans give you access to the same content — the only difference is whether you see commercials.

Paramount does not offer a free trial period anymore, so you will pay for your first month upfront. You can cancel at any time without penalty. Some internet providers (including some Dish bundles) may offer a discount or promotional period on Paramount Plus, so it is worth checking your Dish account to see if any offers are available to you, but this is not may provide.

Setting up Paramount Plus on your device

Once you have chosen your device, the setup process is straightforward. read the Paramount Plus app from your device's app store (Roku Channel Store, Amazon Appstore, Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or your TV's built-in app store). Open the app and select "Sign In" or "Create Account." If you do not have a Paramount account yet, you will create one with your email address and choose your subscription plan.

After you sign in, you can start watching when ready. Your subscription works on all your devices — if you sign in on your Roku and also on your phone, you can watch on either one. Paramount allows simultaneous streaming on up to four devices at once, so multiple people in your household can watch different shows at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dish offer Paramount Plus as a channel or add-on?

No. Dish does not bundle Paramount Plus or offer it as an add-on package. You must purchase a Paramount Plus subscription directly from Paramount and watch it through a separate device. Some other TV providers (like YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV) include Paramount Plus in their packages, but Dish does not.

Can I use my Dish remote to control Paramount Plus?

Not directly. Your Dish remote controls your Dish receiver, not a separate streaming device. If you use a Roku, Fire TV, or other streaming device, you will use that device's remote to navigate Paramount Plus. Some newer universal remotes can be programmed to control multiple devices, but this requires manual setup.

Will Paramount Plus work if I have Dish internet?

Yes. Paramount Plus works over any internet connection, including Dish internet (Dish Wireless or Dish Broadband where available). As long as your internet speed is at least 5 Mbps for standard streaming or 25 Mbps for 4K, Paramount Plus will stream without problems.

What if I want to cancel Paramount Plus?

You can cancel your Paramount Plus subscription anytime through your Paramount account settings on the Paramount website or in the app. There is no contract or cancellation fee. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle, and you will not be charged again.

Can I watch Paramount Plus on multiple TVs with one subscription?

Yes, but only one stream at a time per account on standard plans. If you want to watch on two TVs simultaneously, you would need two separate Paramount Plus subscriptions. Some households solve this by having each person sign up for their own account, since Paramount allows each account to stream on up to four devices.