Paramount Plus pricing through Dish depends on your Dish package and whether you bundle it
Paramount Plus is not sold as a standalone add-on through Dish Network the way some other streaming services are. Instead, Dish includes it as part of specific TV packages or offers it bundled with other services. The cost depends entirely on which Dish package you choose — you cannot straightforward add Paramount Plus to an existing plan for a separate monthly fee.
If Paramount Plus is what you want to watch, you need to look at which Dish packages include it. Dish's higher-tier packages (typically the "America's Top 200" level and above) bundle Paramount Plus at no additional cost. If you have a lower-tier package, you would need to upgrade to access it, which means paying the difference between your current package price and the higher package price.
Dish package prices vary by region and change periodically, so the exact dollar amount depends on where you live and current promotions. The best way to find your local pricing is to call Dish directly at 1-888-825-DISH or visit their website and enter your zip code.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus comes bundled with Dish's higher-tier TV packages rather than as a separate add-on you can purchase alone.
- You cannot add Paramount Plus to a lower-tier Dish package for an extra monthly fee — you must upgrade your entire TV package to access it.
- The cost of getting Paramount Plus through Dish is the difference between your current package price and the price of a package that includes it.
- Dish package prices vary by location and promotional offers, so you need to check pricing for your specific zip code.
Which Dish packages include Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus is included in Dish's "America's Top 200" package and higher tiers. These mid-to-premium packages bundle dozens of channels plus the streaming service at no extra charge. If you subscribe to one of these packages, you already have access to Paramount Plus — you just need to set up your login on the Paramount Plus app or website using your Dish account credentials.
Lower-tier Dish packages like "America's Top 120" do not include Paramount Plus. If you have one of these packages and want Paramount Plus, you would need to upgrade to at least "America's Top 200" to get it included. The cost difference between packages is what you would pay to gain access to Paramount Plus and the additional channels that come with the upgrade.
How to set up Paramount Plus on your Dish account
If your Dish package includes Paramount Plus, set up is straightforward. read the Paramount Plus app on your streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, smart TV, or phone) or go to the Paramount Plus website. When you open the app or site, you will see a login screen. Select the option to sign in with your TV provider and choose Dish Network from the list.
Enter your Dish account username and password. Paramount Plus will verify your account and confirm that your package includes the service. Once verified, you will have full access to Paramount Plus content. This process typically takes just a few minutes. If you run into trouble, Dish customer service can walk you through it.
What happens if you downgrade your Dish package
If you currently have a Dish package that includes Paramount Plus and you downgrade to a lower-tier package, you will lose access to Paramount Plus. Dish will not let you keep Paramount Plus as an add-on after downgrading — the service is tied to the package level, not purchased separately.
If you downgrade and later want Paramount Plus back, you would need to upgrade your package again to a tier that includes it. There is no option to purchase Paramount Plus alone through Dish as a standalone service.
Comparing Paramount Plus through Dish versus subscribing directly
You have another option: subscribe to Paramount Plus directly instead of through Dish. Paramount Plus offers its own subscription plans separate from any TV provider. The direct subscription costs less than upgrading your entire Dish package would, but you would be paying for two services — your Dish TV package and Paramount Plus separately.
For example, if upgrading your Dish package costs $30 more per month, but a direct Paramount Plus subscription costs $6 to $12 per month depending on the plan you choose, the direct subscription might be cheaper. However, if you were already planning to upgrade your Dish package for other channels, bundling Paramount Plus with it costs nothing extra.
The math depends on your situation. If Paramount Plus is the only reason you want to upgrade, a direct subscription is usually the better deal. If you want the additional channels that come with a higher Dish package anyway, bundling Paramount Plus with it makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add Paramount Plus to my current Dish package without upgrading?
No. Dish does not offer Paramount Plus as a standalone add-on. It is only included in higher-tier packages. To get Paramount Plus, you must upgrade to a package that includes it, which means paying for the full package upgrade.
What if I have an older Dish package — does it include Paramount Plus?
Older packages may not include Paramount Plus depending on when you signed up and what tier you have. Call Dish at 1-888-825-DISH or log into your account online to see what is included in your current package. If Paramount Plus is not listed, you would need to upgrade.
If I subscribe to Paramount Plus directly, do I still need Dish?
No. You can subscribe to Paramount Plus on its own without having Dish Network. You would pay Paramount Plus directly for a subscription and access it through their app or website. This is separate from any TV service you have.
Will Paramount Plus work on all my devices if I get it through Dish?
Yes. Once you set up Paramount Plus through your Dish account, you can use it on any device that has the Paramount Plus app — phones, tablets, streaming devices, and smart TVs. You log in with your Dish credentials on each device.
What if I cancel Dish — do I lose Paramount Plus?
Yes. If you cancel your Dish service, you lose access to Paramount Plus that came with it. If you want to keep Paramount Plus after canceling Dish, you would need to subscribe to it directly through Paramount Plus.