Although Discovery+ and Discovery Go are both streaming services with access to similar shows, they are not the same. There are some fundamental differences between the two including the available content, the type of subscription needed, as well as the cost. Here’s a closer look at how Discovery+ is different to Discovery Go and which one you might want to try first.
Discovery+ launched in January 2021 and allows subscribers to watch a variety of shows from popular Discovery-owned networks including the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, HGTV, and ID, among others. In total the streaming service provides access to more than 55,000 show episodes through the app or website.
Discovery Go is also a streaming service app with the option to watch through the website as well. Users can stream many of their favorite Discovery Channel shows or watch live. Similar to Discovery+, Discovery Go also comes with a decent level of device support, allowing users to watch on their smartphone, tablets, laptops and smart TVs.
With the two serving similar purposes and coming with very similar names, it is understandable that there may be some confusion on the difference. However, the differences will likely determine whether Discovery+ or Discovery Go is the right service for you.
Similar content, but not identical
One of the most fundamental differences between Discovery+ and Discovery Go is the shows that are on offer. To be clear, Discovery+ offers access to greater selection of shows. The reason for this is that while both allow users to stream popular Discovery network shows, that’s where Discovery Go ends. In comparison, Discovery+ not only comes with Discovery Channel network shows, but also shows from many other networks owned by Discovery. While Discovery Go provides access to the Discovery network, Discovery+ provides access to Discovery networks.
For example, Anyone looking to stream Investigation Discovery shows will want to consider Discovery+ as that’s one of the networks included in the subscription with a wide variety of episodes on offer. In contrast, those using the Discovery Go app will also need to download the separate ID Go app to watch Investigative Discovery videos. The same is also true with Animal Planet and the Animal Planet Go app.
Besides the difference in networks, Discovery+ also comes with many shows that are exclusive to the service. As a result, these Discovery+ exclusives won’t be available to stream via the Discovery Go app or website.
Discovery+ and Discovery Go require different subscriptions
Another really fundamental difference between Discovery+ and Discovery Go is the type of subscription needed. For example, Discovery+ is a standalone product. Users can sign up to Discovery+ directly and then log in to the service and start streaming.
In contrast, Discovery Go is not a standalone service. Unlike Discovery+, Discovery Go requires the user to already have an existing live TV subscription. In addition, it also needs to be from a Discovery Go compatible TV Everywhere provider. This doesn’t necessarily mean the user needs to be subscribed to traditional TV providers like Dish and DirecTV, as many live TV streaming services are compatible including YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, and fuboTV. However, without the right live TV subscription, consumers will be unable to log in to the Discovery Go app after downloading it.
As an extension of this, the cost of Discovery+ is vastly different to the cost of Discovery Go. Although which is ultimately cheaper might depend on what other channels and networks the individual wants access to.
Price is another Discovery+ and Discovery Go difference
If only interested in watching shows from the Discovery family of networks, then the total cost of using Discovery+ can be as cheap as $4.99 per month. Those who prefer ad-free viewing can opt to pay $6.99 each month instead and remove the ads. In addition, Discovery+ is a no-contract service with the option to cancel a subscription at any time. The subscriber simply pays for the month ahead and is allowed to stream all of the content available for the remainder of the month, even if they cancel before the month ends.
As Discovery Go is tied to a live TV subscription, the option to cancel on a monthly basis may or may not be available, depending on the terms agreed with the live TV service. Furthermore, there is no option to currently watch Discovery Go without ads. As Discovery Go requires the user to have an active live TV subscription, the monthly cost is also likely to be much higher.
Of course, higher is relative. If a subscriber wants to stream shows and movies from other channels and networks, then they may be better off paying for a live TV subscription that includes the channels they want. Then using their live TV subscription credentials to access Discovery shows through the Discovery Go app.
Discovery+ Vs. Discovery Go summary
Although Discovery+ and Discovery Go are from the same company and provide access to shows from the same network, there are a number of fundamental differences between the two. The first is Discovery Go is limited to Discovery network shows while Discovery+ provides access to a variety of shows from multiple Discovery networks, including Animal Planet, HGTV, and ID.
Another fundamental difference is Discovery Go is for those who already have an active live TV subscription. In comparison, Discovery+ can be accessed by anyone directly, regardless of whether they are paying for live TV at the same time.
Overall, if a user is already paying for a live TV subscription then they may find Discovery Go is enough for them. However, they may also need to download the other ‘Go’ apps if they also want access to the additional Discovery family of networks. In contrast, Discovery+ is more of an all-in-one service that’s ideal for anyone, with or without a compatible live TV subscription.
Read more: Discovery+: How Many Devices Can Stream at the Same Time
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