Discovery Plus vs Discovery Go: Everything You Need To Know

Ever since Discovery Plus launched, a buzz has been created over the latest streaming platform catering to the viewing needs of Discovery fans. Discovery Plus is bringing shows from all the Discovery networks onto a singular platform for viewing. However, if you are already watching Discovery programming on Discovery Go then you may be curious about why you should go for this new platform.

Here is all you need to know about the differences between Discovery Plus and Discovery Go.

What is Discovery Plus?

Discovery Plus is a streaming platform much like Netflix and Amazon Prime. On this platform, you will find non-fiction shows and their episodes. Content from networks like HGTV, Food Network, DIY, ID, A&E, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery, and more is available on the platform. At its launch, the platform boasted over 55,000 episodes with the promise of adding fresh content each week. Apart from having a library of the older shows that have been aired on the Discovery network channels, the platform will also have exclusive content for subscribers.

What is Discovery Go?

Afraid of missing out on the next episode of 90 Days Fiance when you step out of your home? You do not have to cancel your night out plans when you have Discovery Go. Discovery had launched their live streaming app to allow viewers to enjoy programming even in the absence of their television. If your cable/satellite pack includes the discovery channels then you can log into the Discovery Go app using your service provider details and start streaming live.

What is the difference between Discovery Plus and Discovery Go?

The primary difference between Discovery Plus and Discovery Go is the fact that Discovery Plus is an independent platform that does not require you to have a television subscription. For Discovery Go you have to have a cable or satellite television subscription pack with the Discovery network channels on it. 

Even if you are paying your cable service provider you need to pay to use Discovery Plus. You have the option of subscribing to the platform by paying either $4.99 for the version with ads and $6.99 for the ad-free version.

This means that even if you do have the Discovery channels on your television you have to pay again to subscribe to Discovery Plus. With Discovery Go, however, paying your television service provider is enough. You need to log into the app using the details of your service provider.

A major complaint of Discovery Go users is the fact that they get bombarded with ads.

With Discovery Plus you can opt for the ad-free version if ads bother you. This option does not exist with Discovery Go even if you are willing to pay extra.

It is believed that soon all the new shows and episodes will premier on the Discovery Plus platform while the television channels will only show re-runs. 

While Discovery has been pretty silent about the fate of on-going shows, it is likely that those with Discovery Go will be stuck with re-runs while Discovery Plus users get exclusive and current content. 

Is it worth getting both? Which one is a better choice?

Now that you know the difference between Discovery’s two streaming platforms you need to decide if you need to pay for both or get only one of them.

The decision depends entirely on your content consumption.

If you are more interested in consuming exclusive content that will not be available on television then paying for the Discovery Plus subscription is a good choice. So, far it is unclear if Discovery Plus will be the home of all the live seasons. However, there is a good chance that live streaming will be exclusive to Discovery Plus soon. 

While Discovery Go users have had their complaints about the app, it still remains one of the ways to get live streaming of Discovery’s content.

If you are already paying your provider for the Discovery channel packages then why not enjoy the content on the free app as well. 

In Conclusion: Depending on your content consumption you can pay the nominal subscription for Discovery Plus. Getting both Discovery Plus and Discovery Go makes sense if you are interested in watching old, new, and exclusive non-fiction content and reality shows.

We hope you were able to get familiar with the differences between Discovery Plus and Discovery Go. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop a comment below. 

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