DirecTV does not include Paramount Plus as part of its standard TV packages

DirecTV and Paramount Plus are separate services run by different companies. DirecTV is a satellite and streaming TV provider owned by DirecTV (now part of a larger media group), while Paramount Plus is a streaming service owned by Paramount Global. You cannot get Paramount Plus bundled into your DirecTV bill the way you might bundle HBO Max or other add-ons with some cable providers.

If you want to watch Paramount Plus content while you have DirecTV, you need to pay for Paramount Plus separately through its own website or app. The two services do not share billing or login credentials, and DirecTV does not offer a discount on Paramount Plus for being a customer.

Key Takeaways

  • DirecTV and Paramount Plus are owned by different companies and do not offer bundle discounts or shared billing.
  • You can watch Paramount Plus on most devices while keeping your DirecTV service, but you pay for both separately.
  • DirecTV does offer some premium channels like HBO Max and Showtime as add-ons, but Paramount Plus is not among them.
  • Paramount Plus has its own subscription tiers with different price points and ad levels, independent of your DirecTV plan.

What streaming services DirecTV does bundle or offer

DirecTV allows you to add certain premium streaming services to your account, though the list is limited. HBO Max (now called Max) and Showtime are available as add-ons you can purchase through DirecTV's interface. These appear on your DirecTV bill rather than requiring a separate subscription.

DirecTV also includes access to some free streaming apps like Peacock's free tier and Pluto TV, which come with your service at no extra cost. However, these are not the same as bundling a paid service—they are straightforward apps you can read and use. Paramount Plus does not fall into either category.

How to get Paramount Plus if you have DirecTV

You can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly through Paramount's website or by downloading the Paramount Plus app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device. You create a separate account and pay Paramount Plus directly each month. The subscription is independent of your DirecTV account.

Paramount Plus offers two paid tiers: one with ads and one without ads. Prices vary depending on current promotions, so check the Paramount Plus website for the current cost. You can cancel Paramount Plus at any time without affecting your DirecTV service.

Devices where you can use Paramount Plus alongside DirecTV

Paramount Plus works on most devices you likely already own. You can stream it on smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku, Google TV, and others), phones and tablets running iOS or Android, computers, and streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire Stick, and Chromecast. This means you can watch Paramount Plus on a different TV than the one receiving your DirecTV signal, or on a tablet while your DirecTV box is in use elsewhere.

The only limitation is that Paramount Plus streams over the internet, so you need a working Wi-Fi or broadband connection. DirecTV satellite service does not require internet for basic TV, but if you want to stream Paramount Plus, you will need internet access on the device you are using.

Why DirecTV and Paramount Plus remain separate services

DirecTV is a traditional pay-TV provider that delivers channels through satellite or internet. Paramount Plus is a streaming-only service owned by Paramount Global, the media company behind CBS, MTV, and the Paramount film studio. The two companies have different business models and ownership structures, which is why they do not bundle together.

Some cable and satellite providers have negotiated bundle deals with certain streaming services, but these are rare and usually limited to specific regions or promotions. DirecTV has not made such an agreement with Paramount Plus, and there is no indication that one is planned.

Comparing the cost of DirecTV plus Paramount Plus

If you subscribe to both services, you will pay two separate bills. DirecTV's base packages start at different price points depending on your location and current promotions. Paramount Plus costs between roughly $6 and $13 per month depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free tier and whether you bundle it with other Paramount services.

Some people find it cheaper to drop DirecTV entirely and use streaming services like Paramount Plus, Hulu, and Netflix instead. Others prefer DirecTV for live sports and news. The choice depends on what you watch and how much you are willing to spend each month. There is no single right answer, and your own viewing habits should guide the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus on my DirecTV box?

No. DirecTV boxes do not have the Paramount Plus app built in. You can watch Paramount Plus on a separate device like a smart TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device connected to the same internet network as your home, but not through the DirecTV receiver itself.

Does DirecTV offer a discount if I subscribe to Paramount Plus?

No. DirecTV does not offer discounts on Paramount Plus or any other third-party streaming service. You pay the full Paramount Plus price directly to Paramount, and your DirecTV bill remains separate.

What if I cancel DirecTV—do I lose Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus is a separate subscription with its own account. Canceling DirecTV has no effect on Paramount Plus. You would need to cancel Paramount Plus separately if you no longer want it.

Is there a way to bundle Paramount Plus with my TV service?

Not through DirecTV. Some cable providers in certain areas offer bundle deals with streaming services, but DirecTV does not currently offer this for Paramount Plus. You can only subscribe to Paramount Plus directly.