When it comes to streaming services, Paramount+ and ESPN stand out as two major players, but they cater to different audiences with distinct content offerings. If you’re trying to decide between the two, the question often boils down to what you value more: a broad selection of entertainment or exclusive sports coverage.

Paramount+, a service from CBS, offers a diverse range of content including movies, TV shows, original series, and live TV channels. It’s ideal for viewers who enjoy a mix of entertainment, with a focus on general network content and on-demand streaming. Paramount+ also offers some live sports events but isn’t as sports-heavy as ESPN.

On the other hand, ESPN (formerly ESPN+) is a dream come true for sports fans. Specializing in live sports coverage, ESPN provides access to major events, documentaries, and sports talk shows. Whether you’re into football, basketball, UFC, or tennis, ESPN covers a wide variety of live sports and exclusive content.

So, which streaming service offers more value? That depends on your interests. In this comparison, we’ll dive into their features, pricing, customer support, and more to help you decide which service delivers the most value for your needs.

Paramount+ Overview

Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) is a subscription-based streaming service that provides a wide range of entertainment content. With its roots in CBS, the service primarily offers movies, TV series, original content, live TV channels, and exclusive streaming.

Paramount+ has rapidly evolved to include a broader selection of media, including live sports events, but its main focus is still on general entertainment. It offers both on-demand streaming and live TV with various shows from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and more.

In recent years, Paramount+ has expanded its offerings to include major movies, original series, and exclusive shows. With its varied catalog, it aims to cater to a wide range of viewers, whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy, news, or sports.

Paramount+ also integrates Showtime content into some of its plans, providing even more value for movie buffs and TV series enthusiasts.

ESPN

ESPN, one of the leading names in sports broadcasting, launched its streaming service, ESPN+, in 2018, which later evolved into ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited.

ESPN is geared towards sports fans, offering a mix of live sports events, news, analysis, documentaries, and exclusive sports content. The service covers a broad range of sports, including football, basketball, tennis, baseball, UFC, and more.

Unlike Paramount+, which serves a variety of entertainment needs, ESPN’s focus is purely on live sports and sports-related content.

With ESPN+, viewers get access to live games, highlights, interviews, documentaries, and other sports-centric programs. ESPN Unlimited, a premium option, offers even more sports content, including access to full ESPN channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, and exclusive sports events.

In essence, Paramount+ is a more general entertainment platform, while ESPN is a niche service focused primarily on sports and live sports content.

Features Comparison

Paramount+ Features

Paramount+ offers a mix of on-demand content, live TV channels, and sports. Here’s a breakdown of the key features you can expect:

• On-Demand Streaming: Paramount+ has a vast library of movies, TV series, and original content. Whether you want to binge-watch a classic sitcom, explore Paramount’s original films, or catch up on the latest season of your favorite TV show, Paramount+ has you covered.

• Live TV: You can stream live channels like CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and more. Paramount+ also offers local CBS stations for live news, sports, and prime-time events.

• Sports: Although Paramount+ is not as sports-heavy as ESPN, it does offer some sports content, including NFL games, PGA Tour events, UEFA Champions League, and NCAA basketball. However, sports content is more limited compared to ESPN.

• Original Content: Paramount+ has invested heavily in original content, including series like Star Trek: Discovery, The Good Fight, and The Twilight Zone. It also produces original movies like The Lovebirds and Rugrats (2021).

• Showtime Integration: Some plans include Showtime, offering access to Showtime’s exclusive content, including popular shows like Billions, Shameless, and Dexter.

• Device Support: Paramount+ is available on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV), and game consoles.

• Simultaneous Streams: The number of simultaneous streams depends on the plan you choose. The Essential plan allows one stream at a time, while the Premium plan offers up to three simultaneous streams.

ESPN Features

ESPN, on the other hand, focuses primarily on live sports and sports-related content. Here are the key features that come with ESPN:

• Live Sports: The biggest draw of ESPN is its live sports coverage. With ESPN, you can watch major sports events like NFL games, NBA games, UFC fights, MLB, NHL, and tennis tournaments. ESPN Unlimited gives you access to all ESPN networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU, plus a plethora of live events.

• Sports Documentaries and Films: ESPN is also known for its in-depth sports documentaries, like 30 for 30, The Last Dance, and ESPN Films. These offer a deep dive into the history and culture of various sports and their players.

• Sports News & Analysis: ESPN provides 24/7 coverage of the latest sports news, interviews, and analysis through programs like SportsCenter and Pardon the Interruption. These shows are available live and on-demand.

• Exclusive Sports Content: ESPN+ offers exclusive content like UFC Fight Nights, Top Rank boxing, and other sporting events not available on traditional cable TV.

• Device Support: ESPN is available on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming boxes (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV), and game consoles.

• Simultaneous Streams: ESPN allows multiple streams on its Unlimited plan, letting you watch different events simultaneously. However, ESPN Select (the basic plan) only offers limited simultaneous streams.

• No DVR: One downside to ESPN+ (and even ESPN Unlimited) is the lack of DVR functionality, which means you cannot record games for later viewing.

Pricing Comparison

Paramount+ Pricing

• Essential Plan: $7.99/month — This is the basic plan, which includes ads. It gives you access to all Paramount+ content but with limitations on live sports and fewer perks compared to the Premium plan.
• Premium Plan: $12.99/month — This plan includes ad-free streaming, access to live sports, and more exclusive content. It allows for up to three simultaneous streams, and you get access to local CBS channels in addition to the Paramount+ library.
• Annual Plan: Paramount+ also offers annual plans for both the Essential and Premium plans, giving users a discount over monthly billing. The annual Essential plan costs $79.99/year, and the Premium plan costs $129.99/year.
• Showtime Bundle: You can add Showtime to either of the plans for an additional $11/month, which includes Showtime’s original content and movies.

ESPN Pricing

• ESPN Select: $12.99/month — This is the basic version of ESPN+, offering access to a variety of live sports events, original programming, and sports documentaries.
• ESPN Unlimited: $29.99/month — This is the premium version, offering access to all ESPN channels (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU) and live events. This plan also includes exclusive content and full access to ESPN’s sports library.
• Annual Plan: You can save by opting for an annual subscription. ESPN Select costs $129.99/year, while ESPN Unlimited is priced at $299.99/year.
• Bundle Options: ESPN+ offers bundle options with Disney+ and Hulu, providing additional savings if you want access to Disney’s library or Hulu’s on-demand content.

Customer Support Comparison

Paramount+ Customer Support

Paramount+ offers a variety of customer support options, including live chat, email support, and a comprehensive help center. The help center covers topics like billing, account management, streaming issues, and technical support. For more urgent issues, the live chat feature is often the fastest way to get assistance.

ESPN Customer Support

ESPN offers customer support primarily through its website, where users can access the help center or get in touch via live chat or email. ESPN has an extensive FAQ section that covers common issues, from account management to troubleshooting streaming problems. However, some users have reported delays in response time, especially during peak sports seasons.

Pros and Cons

Paramount+ Pros:

• Wide range of entertainment content, including movies, TV shows, and live TV channels.
• Affordable pricing options, with a budget-friendly entry-level plan.
• Includes access to Showtime content in higher-tier plans.
• Excellent value for non-sports fans who want a broad entertainment selection.

Paramount+ Cons:

• Limited live sports content compared to ESPN.
• Ad-supported Essential plan can be disruptive for some users.
• Some content may be region-locked depending on the user’s location.

ESPN Pros:

• Extensive live sports coverage, including exclusive events like UFC fights and boxing.
• Sports documentaries and exclusive shows provide deep insights into sports culture.
• Offers access to full ESPN networks with ESPN Unlimited.
• Sports fans will find immense value in the live events and coverage.

ESPN Cons:

• Expensive, especially for the Unlimited plan.
• Lack of DVR functionality limits flexibility in watching live sports.
• Not suitable for those who aren’t avid sports fans, as non-sports content is minimal.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing between Paramount+ and ESPN depends on your personal viewing preferences. If you’re a general entertainment viewer who enjoys movies, TV shows, and the occasional live sports event, Paramount+ is the more affordable and versatile option. With a wide range of content and the ability to stream live TV and on-demand series, it offers great value for anyone who wants a variety of content in one place.

On the other hand, if you’re a passionate sports fan who wants to catch every game, exclusive sporting events, and in-depth sports analysis, ESPN Unlimited is the service you need. It offers a comprehensive sports experience, with a vast library of live events, documentaries, and analysis. While it’s more expensive than Paramount+, the value it provides for sports enthusiasts is unparalleled.

In short, Paramount+ excels as a general entertainment platform, while ESPN dominates in the realm of sports content.

FAQs

Can I watch Paramount+ without ads?

Yes, with the Premium plan, you can watch ad-free content.

Does ESPN offer live sports?

Yes, ESPN provides live coverage of various sports, including football, basketball, and UFC.

Is there a free trial for Paramount+?

Yes, Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial for new users.

What devices can I use to watch ESPN?

You can watch ESPN on most streaming devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles.

Can I cancel Paramount+ anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your Paramount+ subscription at any time.