Paramount Plus and Disney Plus are separate streaming services with different content libraries

Paramount Plus and Disney Plus are two different streaming services owned by different companies. Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global and carries content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and the Paramount film studio. Disney Plus is owned by The Walt Disney Company and carries Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. They do not share a library, and you need separate subscriptions to watch both.

The confusion often happens because both services launched around the same time and both offer movies and TV shows. But the shows you watch on one will not appear on the other. If you want to watch Star Trek: Discovery, you need Paramount Plus. If you want to watch The Mandalorian, you need Disney Plus.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus and Disney Plus are owned by different companies and have completely separate content libraries with no overlap.
  • Paramount Plus focuses on CBS shows, movies from the Paramount studio, and content from MTV and Nickelodeon, while Disney Plus carries Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar titles.
  • Both services charge monthly subscription fees, and you must pay for each one separately if you want to watch content from both.
  • Paramount Plus offers a free tier with ads, while Disney Plus does not have a free option but does offer a bundle with Hulu and ESPN Plus.

What content is on each service

Paramount Plus carries current and past seasons of CBS television shows like The Good Fight, Ghosts, and Star Trek: Discovery. It also has movies from the Paramount film studio, reality shows from MTV, and children's programming from Nickelodeon. The service updates its library regularly with new episodes of shows that air on CBS each week.

Disney Plus carries theatrical movies from Disney, Pixar films like Toy Story and Inside Out, Marvel movies and shows like WandaVision, Star Wars content including The Mandalorian, and National Geographic documentaries. Disney Plus also produces original series that you cannot watch anywhere else, such as Loki and The Bear.

The two services have almost no content in common. There are rare exceptions when a movie or show might be available on both, but this is not the standard. You cannot assume a title exists on both platforms.

Pricing and subscription options

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers. The ad-supported tier costs less per month and includes advertisements during shows and movies. The ad-free tier costs more per month and removes those ads. Both tiers give you access to the full Paramount Plus library.

Disney Plus charges a single monthly price with no free tier. You can also purchase a bundle that includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus together at a lower combined price than buying each one separately. The bundle comes in different versions depending on whether you want ads on Hulu.

Exact pricing changes periodically and varies by region. Check the official websites for current rates in your area before you commit to a subscription.

How to decide which service to watch

If you want to watch CBS shows or movies from the Paramount studio, you need Paramount Plus. If you want Marvel movies, Star Wars shows, or Disney animated films, you need Disney Plus. Many people subscribe to both because they want access to different content.

Start by making a list of shows and movies you actually want to watch. Look up which service carries each one. If most of your list is on one service, start there. If your list is split between the two, you may want both subscriptions, or you can rotate them month to month depending on what new content is coming out.

You can also check the free trial options each service offers. Both Paramount Plus and Disney Plus sometimes offer trial periods that let you watch for free for a limited time before you pay.

Bundling options and savings

Disney offers a bundle that combines Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus. This bundle costs less than buying all three separately. You choose whether you want ads on Hulu or not, which affects the total price.

Paramount Plus does not currently bundle with other services in the same way. However, some internet and phone providers offer Paramount Plus as part of their package deals. Check with your provider to see if you already have access through them.

If you subscribe to both Disney Plus and Paramount Plus, you are paying two separate monthly fees. There is no official bundle that combines them.

Streaming quality and device support

Both Paramount Plus and Disney Plus stream in high definition on most devices. The exact quality depends on your internet speed and the device you are using. Both services work on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.

Paramount Plus allows you to read some shows and movies to watch offline on the mobile app. Disney Plus also offers offline downloads on phones and tablets. Check each app to see which titles support downloads, as not everything is available for offline viewing.

Both services let you create multiple user profiles on one account, so different family members can have their own watch history and recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus shows on Disney Plus?

No. Paramount Plus and Disney Plus have completely separate libraries. A show that airs on CBS and appears on Paramount Plus will not be on Disney Plus. You need a separate subscription to each service to watch their content.

Do I need both subscriptions?

Only if you want to watch shows and movies from both services. If you only care about Marvel and Star Wars, Disney Plus is enough. If you only want CBS shows and Paramount movies, Paramount Plus is enough. Many people subscribe to both because they want access to different content.

Is there a bundle that includes both Paramount Plus and Disney Plus?

No official bundle combines Paramount Plus and Disney Plus. Disney offers a bundle with Hulu and ESPN Plus, but Paramount Plus is not included. You would need to pay for both subscriptions separately.

Can I try both services for free?

Both services occasionally offer free trial periods, but these change and are not always available. Check the official Paramount Plus and Disney Plus websites to see if a trial is currently offered in your area.

What happens if I cancel one subscription and want to come back later?

You can cancel either service at any time and restart it later. Your account information and watch history are usually saved, so you can pick up where you left off when you resubscribe.