DisneyNow vs Disney Plus: Which is Better?

Watching Disney content is a beloved pastime for families worldwide. With the launch of Disney Plus, many wonder how it stacks up against the free streaming platform DisneyNow. This guide examines the key differences to consider when choosing which service fits your family’s needs.

#Introduction: DisneyNow vs. Disney Plus Explained

Launched in 2017, DisneyNow is a free streaming app with shows and videos from Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD. It replaced older “Watch” branded apps requiring cable authentication.

Disney Plus debuted in 2019 as Disney’s paid over-the-top streaming platform, hosting content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. It gained 100+ million subscribers in its first year.

But with overlapping content libraries, many wonder about the key differences when deciding whether to use the free DisneyNow app or pay for Disney Plus access. This guide breaks it down.

#How Much Does Each Service Cost?

The most obvious distinction is that DisneyNow is free while Disney Plus costs $7.99 per month. DisneyNow has more limited content, but as a free ad-supported platform for kids-focused shows, families don’t pay anything to use it.

In contrast, Disney Plus requires a paid membership fee but unlocks hundreds more movies and shows spanning wider audiences beyond just children. Depending on your preferences, budget constraints and content needs, pricing plays a major role when weighing DisneyNow vs. Disney Plus.

#What Content Does Each Platform Offer?

Both platforms carry Disney kids content, but Disney Plus has vastly larger libraries thanks to owning brands like Marvel, Star Wars, and 20th Century Fox titles too.

DisneyNow focuses specifically on shows from Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior. This includes kid favorites like The Lion Guard, Elena of Avalor, Vampirina and more.

Disney Plus includes all of those same kid-friendly options alongside unlimited Marvel superhero movies, every single Star Wars film, popular National Geographic documentaries, 31 seasons of The Simpsons, and many nostalgic Disney animated classics.

For families with diverse viewing preferences across generations, Disney Plus covers kids, teens and parents, whereas DisneyNow strictly serves young children.

In addition, here, let’s figure out possible reasons why Disney Plus is stuck on the loading screen and the different solutions you can try to fix it easily.

#Features and Supported Devices

Functionality differs across DisneyNow vs Disney Plus as well:

#DisneyNow Features

• Free access but requires ads and cable TV login

• Profiles to separate watch history

• Resume watching option

• Parental controls

• Supported on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and web

• No downloads available for offline viewing

#Disney Plus Features

• Commercial-free watching

• Mobile downloads for offline viewing, which helps avoid issues like a Roku blinking white light when the internet goes down

• Profile customization with avatars

• Parental controls and Kids Mode

• Supported on all major platforms: mobile, web, smart TVs, gaming consoles

• Up to 4 concurrent streams

• Up to 10 devices linked per account

• Unlimited streaming with no cable subscription required

Disney Plus gives parents and families more tools for managing preferences across individual viewers while supporting broad device compatibility and offline viewing that DisneyNow lacks.

#How Does Authentication Differ Between DisneyNow and Disney Plus?

One key difference is around accessibility barriers and authentication requirements contrasting DisneyNow vs Disney Plus:

DisneyNow requires logging in through a cable satellite or TV provider account first in order to access all content. Only some episodes can be viewed without this authentication process.

Disney Plus skips any cable subscription requirement, operating as a direct-to-consumer model accessible immediately upon account creation. This makes Disney Plus a better fit for cord-cutter households that have dropped traditional pay TV packages.

You can even use AirPlay to get Disney Plus on a Firestick.

Verizon customers (both Fios and wireless subscribers) qualify for one free year of Disney Plus access, which gives temporary dual access to both services.

#Bottom Line

When comparing DisneyNow against Disney Plus, a few key questions help determine the better fit:

• Will your family watch more than just Disney kids shows? Disney Plus supports far wider audiences.

• Is ad-free, unlimited viewing a priority? Disney Plus provides an uninterrupted experience.

• Do you want downloading for offline access or concurrent streaming? Disney Plus has advanced features that DisneyNow lacks.

• Have you cut cable TV service? DisneyNow still requires a cable package login.

Based on larger content libraries, broader device support, unique features like offline viewing, and eliminating cable barriers, Disney Plus edges out DisneyNow for most households.

Budget-conscious families tuned into Disney kid shows may still prefer ad-supported free DisneyNow. But with massive momentum and growth runway ahead, Disney Plus better satisfies families as an all-in-one streaming entertainment solution.

#FAQs About DisneyNow vs Disney Plus

#Does Disney Plus include everything on DisneyNow?

No, there is some overlap but Disney Plus does not carry every Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior show available on DisneyNow. Popular titles do stream on both platforms, and the gap continues to shrink as Disney migrates more content to its paid service.

#Can I get Disney Plus for free if I already use DisneyNow?

The two services do not offer joint access or bundled pricing. Only Verizon customers (Fios or wireless subscribers) have qualified for a free year of Disney Plus by signing up through their Verizon account. Check with your provider for current promotional deals.

#What content does DisneyNow have that Disney Plus is missing?

DisneyNow retains certain Disney Channel original shows and episodes that have not been migrated to the Disney Plus library. These exclusives tend to be newer Disney Channel premieres that arrive on DisneyNow first before eventually moving to Disney Plus.

#Why does DisneyNow require a cable login?

DisneyNow uses cable authentication because it operates as a TV Everywhere app, meaning it extends your existing cable package to digital devices. The cable provider pays Disney for the content rights, so verifying your subscription is required for full access.

#Is DisneyNow going away now that Disney Plus exists?

Disney has not announced plans to shut down DisneyNow. The two services target different audiences and use different revenue models. DisneyNow still serves families who maintain cable subscriptions and want free access to Disney Channel content without an additional monthly fee.

#Can I watch Disney Plus and DisneyNow on the same device?

Yes, both apps are available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and web browsers. You can install both on the same device and switch between them. Disney Plus also supports gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, which DisneyNow does not.

#Which service has better parental controls?

Disney Plus provides stronger parental controls, including a dedicated Kids Mode that restricts content to age-appropriate titles. It also lets you set content ratings per profile. DisneyNow has basic parental controls but fewer customization options since most of its library already targets young viewers.

#Do both services support 4K streaming?

Disney Plus supports 4K UHD, HDR, and Dolby Atmos on compatible devices and select titles. DisneyNow does not offer 4K content. If video quality matters to your household, Disney Plus is the clear winner on that front.