What you get with a PBS subscription

PBS offers two main ways to watch: a free ad-supported streaming service called PBS.org and PBS apps, and a paid membership called PBS Passport that removes ads and unlocks early access to new episodes. PBS Passport costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year when you pay through the PBS website directly. The price is lower if you already support your local PBS station with a donation — members who give $5 or more per month to their station get Passport included at no extra cost.

With PBS Passport, you can watch thousands of hours of PBS programs on demand without ads, including documentaries, dramas, educational shows, and nature content. You also get early access to new episodes of popular series like Masterpiece, NOVA, and Nature — usually one week before they air on television. The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and some streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

Key Takeaways

  • PBS.org and the PBS app are free to use with ads; PBS Passport removes ads and costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year.
  • If you donate $5 or more monthly to your local PBS station, PBS Passport is included in your membership at no additional charge.
  • PBS Passport gives you early access to new episodes one week before they broadcast on television.
  • You can watch on computers, phones, tablets, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.

How to sign up for PBS Passport

To get PBS Passport, go to PBS.org and click the "Sign In" button in the top right corner. If you do not have a PBS account yet, select "Create Account" and enter your email address and a password. Once your account is set up, click on your profile icon and choose "Membership" or "Subscribe."

You will be taken to a page showing the monthly ($5.99) and annual ($59.99) options. Select which one you want and enter your payment information — PBS accepts credit cards and debit cards. Your subscription will start immediately, and you can begin watching ad-free content right away. You can cancel anytime through your account settings; if you cancel mid-month, you keep access until your billing date.

Getting PBS Passport free through your local station

If you support your local PBS station with a monthly donation of $5 or more, PBS Passport comes included in your membership. To set this up, visit your local station's website directly — each station has its own donation page. Look for a "Become a Member" or "Support PBS" button and choose the monthly giving option at $5 or higher.

After you complete your donation, the station will send you a membership code via email. Log into PBS.org with your account, go to your profile settings, and select "Redeem a Membership Code." Enter the code the station provided, and your Passport access will activate immediately. This route is often cheaper than paying PBS directly if you were already planning to donate to your station anyway.

What's included in free PBS.org access

You do not need to pay anything to watch PBS content on PBS.org or the PBS app. Free access includes thousands of full episodes and documentaries, though you will see ads before and during playback. The free version works on all the same devices as PBS Passport — computers, phones, tablets, and streaming devices.

The main limitation is that new episodes of popular series become available on the free version one week after they air on television, while PBS Passport members see them a week early. Some older content and entire series are available free, so if you do not mind waiting a week for new episodes and do not mind ads, the free version covers most viewing needs.

Watching PBS on streaming devices and TV apps

The PBS app is available on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Samsung Smart TVs. Download the app from your device's app store, open it, and sign in with your PBS account. If you have PBS Passport, your ad-free access will work across all these devices once you log in.

PBS also offers a channel on some cable and satellite providers, though this is traditional television, not streaming. If you have cable or satellite TV, check your provider's channel guide to find PBS. Streaming through the PBS app or PBS.org gives you more control over what you watch and when, since you can pause, rewind, and watch on demand rather than waiting for scheduled broadcasts.

Billing and cancellation

PBS Passport charges renew automatically on the same day each month (for monthly plans) or year (for annual plans). You can see your next billing date and manage your subscription by logging into PBS.org, clicking your profile icon, and selecting "Membership" or "Account Settings."

To cancel, go to the same Membership section and select "Cancel Membership." You will be asked why you are canceling, but this is optional. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period — if you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you keep watching until your next billing date. If you cancel an annual plan, you keep access for the full year you paid for. You can restart your subscription anytime by signing back in and choosing a plan again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch PBS on my smart TV without a streaming device?

Yes, if your TV is a Samsung Smart TV, Android TV, or has a built-in app store, you can download the PBS app directly. For other smart TVs, you will need a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. Check your TV's app store or manual to see which devices it supports.

Does PBS Passport work on multiple devices at the same time?

You can log into your PBS account on multiple devices, but PBS limits simultaneous streaming to prevent account sharing. If someone else tries to watch on a different device while you are already watching, one stream will stop. This is a standard limit across most streaming services.

What happens if I donate to PBS but do not want the free Passport membership?

You do not have to use the membership code your station sends you. Simply do not redeem it in your account settings. Your donation still supports your local station, and you can continue using the free PBS.org access with ads if you prefer.

Can I use PBS Passport if I live outside the United States?

PBS.org and the PBS app are designed for viewers in the United States. If you are outside the U.S., the site may not load or may block content. Some PBS programs are available through international broadcasters or streaming services in other countries, but this varies by location and program.

Is there a student or senior discount for PBS Passport?

PBS does not currently offer student or senior discounts for Passport. The standard price is $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Your best option for a lower cost is to donate $5 or more monthly to your local PBS station, which includes Passport at no extra charge.