In a Nutshell
pros
- 80,000+ hours of on-demand movies, shows & Peacock Originals
- 50+ always-on streaming channels for news, sports & entertainment
- Next-day access to many NBC network shows
cons
- Limited content library compared to Netflix and Hulu
- Premium plan includes ads unless you upgrade to Premium Plus
Peacock: Plans & Pricing
*A small amount of content will still contain ads due to legal streaming rights
How Much Does Peacock Cost?
Peacock offers access to popular TV shows and movies such as The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. While new users no longer have access to a free tier (which was discontinued for new sign-ups in early 2023), Peacock’s newer paid plans provide a comprehensive streaming experience for various budgets.
If you want full access to the vast content library—including the Harry Potter movies, live sports events, and next-day streaming of NBC hits like Law & Order: SVU and Saturday Night Live—upgrading to one of Peacock’s subscription plans is necessary.
Peacock now offers four subscription tiers:
Select Tier ($7.99/month or $79.99/year): This is the entry-level option featuring NBC, Bravo, and other TV shows with ads, but excludes movies, live sports, and Peacock Originals.
Premium ($10.99/month or $109.99/year): Provides the full library of movies, TV shows, originals, and live sports programming with ads.
Premium Plus ($16.99/month or $169.99/year): Includes everything in Premium, plus ad-free streaming (except for some live events and shows), offline downloads, and access to a live local NBC channel.
The total content library across plans has grown to over 80,000 hours of TV shows, movies, sports, and originals. Live sports include NFL Sunday Night Football, Premier League soccer, WWE, and major upcoming events like the Super Bowl and the 2026 Winter Olympics. Peacock Originals include hits like Poker Face, Bel-Air, Bupkis, and A Friend of the Family.
How Does Peacock Work?
To access Peacock, new users must create an account on the official website, providing details like name, date of birth, and zip code. No credit card is needed to browse the site or create an account, but payment information is required to activate paid plans.
Some internet and TV providers, such as Cox, Xfinity, and Spectrum, include Peacock Premium service as part of certain bundles. This offers a convenient way to access premium content without separate charges.
Peacock supports streaming on a wide range of devices, including Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, PlayStation, iOS, and Android phones/tablets, and Xfinity set-top boxes. Users can stream simultaneously on up to three devices.
Content and Features
Peacock includes over 50 live TV channels, many sourced from NBCUniversal properties, including NBC News Now, Sky News, WWE Network, NBC Sports, Premier League TV, and GolfPass.
The service streams not only network and cable shows but also original programs exclusive to Peacock. While the Originals library is smaller than some competitors, it includes notable hits. Classic sitcom fans can enjoy shows like Cheers, Punky Brewster, Monk, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Spanish-language programming is available under the Latino interface option.
The interface is praised as user-friendly and well-organized, with less clutter than pricier competitors.
Is Peacock Reliable and Safe?
Peacock has mixed user reviews, with a 1.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. Positive feedback highlights its content selection and customer service responsiveness, while criticism often mentions technical issues and frequent ads in the ad-supported tiers.
The company isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
Help and Support
Support is available 24/7 via live chat on Peacock’s website, as well as email and social media messaging during extended hours. However, phone support is not offered. Response times via social media tend to be quick and helpful. The website also features a comprehensive FAQ section.
What About the Peacock App?
The Peacock app is available for iOS and Android devices, providing on-the-go streaming with full parity to home devices. Premium Plus subscribers can download selected content for offline viewing. The app enjoys positive ratings, averaging 4.4 stars on Google Play and 4.6 stars on the App Store, with praise particularly for sports streaming quality.
Bottom Line
Peacock presents a compelling option for budget-conscious viewers seeking a large and diverse streaming library. While the free tier is no longer available for new users, the reasonably priced paid plans provide extensive content, including live sports and timely network shows. The recent introduction of the Select tier widens affordability. The main drawback is the lack of phone support and some technical complaints. Nevertheless, with over 80,000 hours of content and multiple subscription options, Peacock remains a strong contender in the streaming market.
New users can create a free account to explore the platform before committing to a paid plan.
