What Peacock is and how much it costs
Peacock is a streaming service owned by NBCUniversal that shows TV shows, movies, sports, and news. It has three tiers: a free version with ads, a paid monthly plan with ads, and a paid monthly plan without ads. The ad-supported paid plan costs less than the ad-free plan, though exact prices change and vary by region and promotional offers.
The free tier lets you watch a limited selection of content with commercials. You do not need a payment method to use it. The two paid tiers unlock more shows and movies, earlier access to new episodes, and the option to remove ads entirely on the higher tier.
Peacock is available on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. You can watch on multiple devices at the same time, though the number of simultaneous streams depends on which tier you pay for.
Key Takeaways
- Peacock offers a free ad-supported tier, a paid tier with ads, and a paid tier without ads, with prices varying by region and current promotions.
- The free version includes a limited library; paid tiers unlock more content, earlier episode releases, and the option to remove ads.
- You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices, with the number of simultaneous streams depending on your subscription tier.
- Peacock includes live sports, news, and NBC programming alongside movies and series from the NBCUniversal catalog.
- Your subscription renews automatically each month unless you cancel, and you can pause or resume your subscription through your account settings.
What content is included at each tier
The free tier includes a rotating selection of TV episodes, movies, and some sports events, but not the full library. New episodes of NBC shows typically arrive on Peacock the day after they air on television, but only on paid tiers. Movies and older seasons of shows are available on free, though the selection is smaller.
Paid tiers unlock the complete Peacock library, which includes current NBC shows, older series, films, and live sports like Premier League soccer, WWE wrestling, and some NFL games. The ad-free tier gives you the same content without interruptions. Neither paid tier includes everything from every studio — Peacock owns content from NBCUniversal properties but not from other networks or studios.
Peacock also carries news from NBC News and CNBC, plus some original series made specifically for the platform. The availability of specific shows and movies changes as licensing agreements expire or new deals are made.
How to set up your account and start watching
To use the free tier, go to peacocktv.com or read the Peacock app, then create an account with an email address and password. You do not need to enter payment information. You can start watching when ready.
To upgrade to a paid tier, go to your account settings and select the subscription option you want. You will need to enter a payment method — Peacock accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Your subscription begins when ready and renews automatically on the same day each month.
If you have a cable or internet provider that includes Peacock as a benefit (some Comcast, Cox, and other providers do), you can sign in with your provider credentials instead of creating a separate Peacock account. Check your provider's website to see if Peacock is included in your plan.
Simultaneous streams and household sharing
The free tier and the ad-supported paid tier allow two simultaneous streams — meaning two people can watch at the same time on different devices. The ad-free paid tier allows four simultaneous streams. If you try to watch on a third device while two are already in use, you will see an error message and cannot start playback.
Peacock does not have a formal household sharing feature like some competitors do. If people outside your home regularly use your account, you are technically sharing login credentials, which violates Peacock's terms of service. In practice, enforcement is inconsistent, but Peacock reserves the right to restrict access if it detects unusual patterns.
If multiple people in your home want to watch at the same time beyond your tier's limit, each person would need their own subscription. Some households split the cost, though that also technically violates the terms of service.
Pausing, canceling, and managing your subscription
You can pause your Peacock subscription for up to three months without losing your account or payment information. When you pause, you cannot watch anything, but your subscription does not renew and you are not charged. This is useful if you want to take a break temporarily. After three months, your subscription automatically resumes unless you cancel it instead.
To cancel, go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select cancel subscription. Your access ends when ready, though you may be able to watch until the end of your current billing period depending on Peacock's current policy. You can resubscribe at any time.
If you signed up through a third-party platform like Apple's App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video Channels, you must cancel through that platform, not through Peacock directly. Check your app store or Prime Video settings to manage the subscription.
Comparing Peacock to other streaming services
Peacock competes with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max (formerly HBO Max), and others. Unlike Netflix, Peacock offers a free tier with ads, which means you can watch without paying anything. Unlike Disney+, Peacock includes live sports and news alongside on-demand shows and movies. Max includes HBO content and Warner Bros. films, which Peacock does not.
If you want NBC shows and sports, Peacock is the primary source for that content. If you want a broader film library, Netflix or Max may have more options. If you want Disney and Marvel content, you need Disney+ or Hulu. Most people who subscribe to multiple services do so because each one has content the others do not.
Peacock's free tier is its main advantage over competitors that do not offer free access. The trade-off is that the free library is smaller and includes ads. The paid tiers cost less than some competitors but more than others, depending on current pricing.
Technical requirements and device compatibility
Peacock works on most modern devices. On phones and tablets, read the Peacock app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. On computers, go to peacocktv.com and watch in your web browser. On smart TVs, search for the Peacock app in your TV's app store — compatibility depends on your TV's brand and age.
For streaming devices, Peacock is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and some others. Check the Peacock website for a full list of supported devices. Older devices may not support Peacock, and you may need to update your device's software to use it.
Peacock requires an internet connection to stream. Video quality depends on your internet speed — Peacock recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD quality and 25 Mbps for 4K, though 4K is not available on all content or devices. If your connection is slow, video may buffer or play at lower quality automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Peacock offline or read shows to watch later?
Peacock does not currently offer offline viewing or the ability to read shows and movies to your device. You must be connected to the internet to stream. Some competitors like Netflix and Disney+ do offer downloads, so this is a difference worth considering if offline viewing matters to you.
What happens if I share my password with someone outside my household?
Peacock's terms of service say accounts are for personal, non-commercial use by the subscriber and household members only. Sharing passwords with people outside your home technically violates the terms. Peacock may restrict or terminate access if it detects unauthorized use, though enforcement varies. The safest approach is for each person to have their own account.
Does Peacock include live TV or just on-demand shows?
Peacock includes both. You can watch on-demand episodes and movies anytime, and you can also watch live streams of sports events, news, and some NBC programming. Live content is available on paid tiers; the free tier has limited live options. Check the Peacock app or website to see what is currently streaming live.
Can I change my subscription tier without canceling?
Yes. Go to your account settings and select a different subscription option. If you upgrade mid-month, you will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing period. If you downgrade, the change takes effect on your next renewal date.
Is Peacock available outside the United States?
Peacock is primarily available in the United States. Some content may be available in other countries through different services or under different names, but the Peacock app and website are not fully supported internationally. If you are outside the US, check whether Peacock is available in your region before signing up.