Paramount Plus is not automatically free with Dish Network, but some Dish packages include it at no additional charge for a limited time
Whether you get Paramount Plus free depends on which Dish package you have and when you signed up. Dish has offered Paramount Plus included with certain tiers — most commonly the higher-tier packages — but these offers change and often come with time limits. If you have an older Dish plan, you almost certainly do not have Paramount Plus included.
The only way to know what you have is to log into your Dish account online or call Dish customer service at 1-888-824-3749 and ask directly what streaming services are bundled with your current package. A representative can tell you in seconds whether Paramount Plus is part of your plan and, if it is, when the free period ends.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus inclusion with Dish Network depends on your specific package tier and when you subscribed, not on having Dish service in general.
- Dish has periodically offered Paramount Plus free for 12 months with mid-to-high tier packages, but these promotions end and are replaced with others.
- If your package does not include Paramount Plus, you can add it separately through Dish for a monthly fee, or subscribe directly to Paramount Plus outside of Dish.
- Checking your Dish account online or calling customer service at 1-888-824-3749 is the only reliable way to confirm whether Paramount Plus is part of your current plan.
Which Dish packages have included Paramount Plus
Dish has bundled Paramount Plus with packages at the Dish America level and above, though the exact terms shift. In past promotions, Dish offered 12 months of Paramount Plus at no extra cost with may have access to packages, after which the service either stopped or began charging a monthly fee. The promotion periods are not permanent — they run for set lengths and then Dish moves to different bundle offers.
Because these offers change several times a year, the only accurate answer is what Dish is currently running. You can find current promotions on Dish's website under their package comparison pages, or call 1-888-824-3749 to ask what is included with your tier right now. If you are a new customer considering Dish, ask the sales representative specifically whether Paramount Plus is included and for how long.
How to check if your Dish account includes Paramount Plus
Log into your Dish account at dish.com, go to the Account section, and look for a list of included services or add-ons. Paramount Plus should appear there if it is part of your plan. If you do not see it listed, it is not included. You can also look at your most recent Dish bill — bundled services are usually listed there as well.
If you cannot find it online or are unsure what you are looking at, call Dish customer service at 1-888-824-3749. Have your account number ready. A representative can tell you in seconds whether Paramount Plus is bundled with your package and, if it is, when the free period ends. They can also tell you the monthly cost if you want to add it after any promotional period expires.
Adding Paramount Plus if it is not included with your Dish package
If Paramount Plus is not part of your Dish plan, you have two options: add it through Dish, or subscribe to Paramount Plus directly on your own. Both routes give you the same service at the same price — Paramount Plus sets the cost, not Dish.
To add it through Dish, call 1-888-824-3749 or manage it in your online account. Dish will charge you a monthly fee — Paramount Plus typically costs between $5.99 and $11.99 per month depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free tier. The advantage of adding it through Dish is that the charge appears on your Dish bill alongside your other services, so you have one invoice for everything.
Alternatively, you can go directly to paramountplus.com and subscribe there without involving Dish. You will pay Paramount Plus directly, and the service will work on any device that supports the app — your Dish receiver, a smart TV, a phone, or a computer. This route gives you more control over your subscription and keeps your streaming service separate from your TV provider.
What happens when a Paramount Plus promotion ends
If your Dish package includes Paramount Plus as part of a limited-time offer, Dish will notify you before the free period ends. You will typically receive an email or a notice in your account a few weeks before the promotion expires. At that point, you can choose to keep Paramount Plus and pay the monthly fee, or remove it from your account.
If you do nothing, Dish will usually begin charging you automatically once the promotion ends. If you want to cancel it instead, you can do so through your online account or by calling customer service at 1-888-824-3749. There is no penalty for canceling — you straightforward stop paying for it and lose access to the service.
Comparing Paramount Plus through Dish versus subscribing directly
The monthly cost is the same whether you add Paramount Plus through Dish or subscribe directly — Paramount Plus sets the price, not Dish. The main difference is convenience and billing. Adding it through Dish means one bill for everything and one login to manage. Subscribing directly means a separate charge, but you have more control over when you start and stop the service, and you are not tied to Dish's billing cycle.
If you are considering leaving Dish in the future, subscribing to Paramount Plus directly may be simpler — you keep your streaming service without any connection to your TV provider. If you plan to stay with Dish long-term and want everything on one bill, adding it through Dish works fine. Either way, you watch the same content on the same devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Dish package include Paramount Plus?
No. Paramount Plus is typically included only with mid-to-high tier Dish packages, and only when Dish is running that particular promotion. Lower-tier packages do not include it. The only way to know for certain is to check your account or call Dish customer service at 1-888-824-3749.
If I have Paramount Plus free now, how long will it last?
That depends on when you signed up and what promotion was running at that time. Most offers last 12 months, but some are shorter. Dish will send you a notice before the free period ends. Check your account or call 1-888-824-3749 to see the exact end date of your promotion.
Can I use Paramount Plus on devices other than my Dish receiver?
Yes. Whether you add Paramount Plus through Dish or subscribe directly, you can watch it on any device that has the Paramount Plus app — phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices. You log in with the same account on each device and pick up where you left off.
What is the difference between the ad-supported and ad-free versions of Paramount Plus?
The ad-supported version costs less per month and shows advertisements during shows and movies. The ad-free version costs more and has no ads. Both versions include the same content library. Dish and Paramount Plus both offer both tiers, so you can choose based on your preference and budget.
If I cancel Paramount Plus, can I add it back later?
Yes. You can cancel and resubscribe at any time, whether through Dish or directly. There is no waiting period or penalty. If you add it back through Dish, you may or may not may have access to for a promotional offer depending on what Dish is running at that moment.