Discovery Plus is an on-demand service offering content from channels like HGTV, Discovery, CNN, the Food Network, the Magnolia Network, TLC, Lifetime, and so much more. You can use the platform to binge shows or watch Discovery Plus original content, such as “Two Shallow Graves” and “Serving the Hamptons,” as well as hit shows like “Chopped” and “House Hunters.”
With content fronted by well-known personalities, including Guy Fieri, Chip and Joanna Gaines, and Stanley Tucci, Discovery Plus offers more than 70,000 episodes across its streaming platform. It’s the ideal streaming service to watch long-time favorite shows or to delve into niche interests across home improvement, reality TV, food, and more.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly packages | Content isn’t exclusive to the platform |
| Diverse programming library | No two-factor authentication |
| Four simultaneous streams | Lacks options for sports fans |
| Downloadable content for offline viewing | No audio descriptions |
Discovery Plus subscription options
| Plan | Monthly price | Live channels | Simultaneous streams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Plus | $4.99 | N/A | 4 |
| Discovery Plus (Ad-Free) | $8.99 | N/A | 4 |
There are two Discovery Plus plans available, but they aren’t that much different from on another. The ad-supported plan is one of the least expensive streaming services you can buy. Its base plan is less expensive than basic plans from Disney Plus, Hulu, and Netflix’s ad-supported plan. Also, because Discovery Plus is an on-demand service, there are no live channels available to stream on the platform.
Unlike other services like Paramount Plus, adding the more expensive plan doesn’t unlock more content access. Therefore, it comes down to personal preference and your budget. Both plans represent an incredible value, and you might have access to a free trial to try the service before committing.
Discovery Plus user profiles
Discovery Plus allows up to five profiles on one account. With each account, it will have your watch history, recommendations based on your viewing behaviors, and your profile picture.
Moreover, the Family Profile feature allows you to set up parental controls or change existing rules. Sign in, go to your profile, and add a Family Profile. From here, you can set the rating to TV-G or TV-PG and set up a PIN code. You can also follow these steps to alter ratings as needed.
Discovery Plus content
Discovery Plus has diverse content for varied viewing interests. If you enjoy spicy or dramatic content, Discovery’s “90-Day Fiancé” or “Married at First Sight” could be two suitable options. Meanwhile, if you want to learn something new, “Dr. Pimple Popper” or “The Deadliest Catch” could provide hours of enjoyment and insight into those unique career paths.
Culinary fans will also love Discovery Plus. It features hit shows such as “Chopped Junior” and “Guy’s Grocery Games.” True crime enthusiasts will have access to “Evil Lives Here,” while history fans wanting educational content could learn something from “Pawn Stars,” “How It’s Made,” or “How the Universe Works.”
With Discovery Plus, you receive on-demand content from many channels. They include HGTV, the Food Network, CNN Originals, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, OWN, Lifetime, Discovery Plus Originals, the Travel Channel, the Dodo, the Magnolia Network, and more. As such, you can watch hit shows, stream movies, and learn something through the app’s diverse educational content.
Discovery Plus user interface
One of the most convenient aspects of streaming services is providing an interface that’s clean and easy to use. It is where Discovery Plus shines compared to other offerings. When you sign up for an account, you can find shows based on the particular network it’s found on. You’ll also have specialized subtitles on documentaries, science and technology, automotive, and more.
The far top of the screen carries all of your pertinent information. It’s where you can browse recommended titles based on your viewing history. If you find shows you’re enjoying, you can add them to my list. My list is also up top, providing quick access to your favorite titles. The search bar is also at the far top, giving you an expedited way to find shows you enjoy fast.
Discovery Plus for sports fans
Discovery Plus won’t be the best fit for sports fans. You might be able to stream some content, like the Tour de France or motorcycle races on occasion. However, you won’t find the same live sports streaming capabilities you would with a live TV streaming service like DIRECTV STREAM or Hulu + Live TV, for example. If you’re an avid sports fan, you might want to consider a service that offers streaming options for your favorite professional and collegiate sports, as well as perks like unlimited DVR storage to give you a top-notch streaming experience.
How does Discovery Plus compare to other streaming services?
| Service | Cost per month | Free trial | DVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Plus | $4.99 | Yes | No |
| Hulu | $9.99 | Yes | No |
| Netflix | $6.99 | No | No |
| Peacock | $7.99 | No | No |
| Max | $9.99 | No | No |
| Disney Plus Basic | $9.99 | No | No |
When you compare similar streaming service offerings, you’ll find Discovery Plus incredibly affordable for the amount of value it brings. As the cheapest option among its competitors, Discovery Plus still stands out with the perks it offers. For example, Discovery Plus offers four concurrent streams, which is more than almost every other competitor listed.
Another area where Discovery Plus shines is its free trial offering. You can test drive the platform for a limited time, giving you the opportunity to decide whether the service is a long-term fit for you and your household.
How to subscribe to Discovery Plus
Signing up for Discovery Plus is simple and quick. Here are the steps:
Once you set up your account, the platform launches to give you access to content. What you’ll discover is it’s simple to find titles based on the channel they originally aired on. To demonstrate, if you want to stream “Pawn Stars,” you can select the History Channel icon or visit the search bar and type the name of the show. The platform also has themed subtitles for home, food, lifestyle, and more.
- Visit the platform’s website through your computer or mobile device.
- Once there, you’ll select your plan. Discovery Plus offers two plans: an ad-supported and an ad-free option.
- If you’re a new customer, you receive a seven-day free trial. If you plan to do the trial, you could see whether the ad-free option is worth the extra cost. You can switch back to the ad-supported plan before your trial expires.
- After selecting your plan, you’ll follow the prompts to create your account. It involves your email address and creating a password.
- To confirm your membership, add a payment method, even for a free trial. They won’t charge you during the trial.
- If you do the free trial, set a reminder on your phone a day before it expires. That way, if you don’t want to keep the service, you can cancel and won’t have to worry about your credit or debit card being charged.
How to cancel my Discovery Plus subscription
The great thing about streaming services like Discovery Plus is you can cancel whenever you need to. Follow these instructions for closing your account:
- Visit DiscoveryPlus.com and enter your login information
- You’ll see your profile icon on the upper right-hand corner of your screen and click on it
- It takes you to your account management screen, where you’ll see a subscription section
- Under the subscription section, click on cancel and follow the prompts to complete the process
If you don’t have the option to cancel, billing happens through the app store, your TV package, or some cellular providers like Verizon. If any of these apply to you, go to the provider hosting the subscription and cancel that way.
FAQ
Is Discovery Plus worth buying?
Yes, Discovery Plus offers thousands of titles of hit shows, intriguing movies, and educational content. While it isn’t the best option for sports fans, cooking, reality TV, history, dating, and real estate enthusiasts will love all the platform’s shows. Also, compared to its competitors, Discovery Plus provides perks, like a free trial, that other well-known services currently don’t have.
Which is better, Max or Discovery Plus?
It depends on your preference. Discovery Plus offers tons of content at an affordable price. However, it does lack in some areas, such as movies and sports. And if you want more of both, Max might be the better subscription. It includes live sports, some Discovery content, and TCM movies.
Is Discovery Plus going away?
Even with HBO Max merging with Discovery Plus, there are no plans to discontinue either service. Discover Plus is among the most affordable streaming services you can buy. It offers fans of hit shows on the Magnolia Network or the Food Channel to stream their favorite shows without a cable membership. It’s a high-quality option for those looking for an affordable way to supplement their existing entertainment setup with an extensive library of non-fiction, on-demand content. For fans of reality TV and documentaries, Discovery Plus is a must-have.
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