Peacock Select is the mid-tier streaming plan that costs $5.99 per month with ads
Peacock Select sits between the free tier and Peacock Premium. You pay $5.99 monthly and see ads during shows and movies. You get access to most of Peacock's library — NBC shows, movies, sports, news — but with some restrictions on newer releases and live sports.
The main trade-off is simple: lower price means ads and fewer simultaneous streams. If you want to watch without interruption, you would need Premium instead. If you rarely watch or only catch up on older shows, Select covers most of what you need.
Select works best for people who watch alone or in sequence, do not mind commercial breaks, and want a larger library than the free tier without paying for Premium. It is the option most people choose when they decide to move beyond free streaming.
Key Takeaways
- Peacock Select costs $5.99 per month and includes ads throughout content.
- You can stream on one device at a time, so household members cannot watch simultaneously.
- Most NBC shows, movies, and sports are included, but some live events and new releases require Premium.
- You can cancel anytime without penalty, and Peacock does not lock you into a contract.
- You can upgrade to Premium or downgrade to free at any time through your account settings.
What content is included with Select
Select gives you access to the bulk of Peacock's catalog. That includes past seasons of NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, and Saturday Night Live. You also get movies, reality TV, and news from NBC News. The library rotates, so titles move in and out over time.
Sports coverage on Select is limited. You can watch some Premier League soccer matches, but not all live games. Major events like the Super Bowl or Olympics may require Premium or a separate cable login. Check the Peacock app for which specific games are included in your plan before game day.
Newer movies and recent TV episodes sometimes premiere on Premium first, then move to Select weeks or months later. The exact timing varies by title. If you want to watch something the day it releases, Premium is usually the only option. Older films and completed series are typically available on Select immediately.
How many people can watch at once
Select allows one stream at a time. If you start watching on your phone, nobody else in your household can watch simultaneously on another device. Once you stop, the next person can start. This is the biggest practical limitation of the plan.
Premium allows two simultaneous streams, which matters if you share with a partner or roommate. If simultaneous viewing is important to you, Premium is the practical choice, even though it costs more. Families with multiple viewers often find Premium worth the extra $6 per month.
Ads and interruptions
Select includes ads, and they appear throughout shows and movies. The number and length of ad breaks varies by content — some shows have more interruptions than others. You cannot skip ads or fast-forward through them. Most viewers report between 4 and 8 minutes of ads per hour of content.
Peacock Premium removes ads entirely. If ad interruptions bother you, Premium costs $11.99 per month. Some people find Select tolerable for the price difference; others find ads too disruptive to enjoy watching. The only way to know is to try Select for a month.
How to sign up and cancel
You create a Peacock account on the website or through the app, enter payment information, and select Select as your plan. The subscription starts immediately. You can watch on any device where you log in — phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. Your first month begins the day you sign up.
Cancellation is straightforward: go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and choose to cancel. There is no contract, no cancellation fee, and no waiting period. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle, so you can watch until your next billing date even after you cancel.
Select versus Premium and the free tier
| Feature | Free | Select ($5.99/month) | Premium ($11.99/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ads | Yes | Yes | No |
| Simultaneous streams | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Full library access | Limited | Most content | All content |
| Live sports | Some | Limited | Most |
| New releases | No | Delayed | Day one |
The free tier gives you a smaller library and ads, but costs nothing. Select adds most of the library for $5.99. Premium removes ads and adds simultaneous streams and day-one access to new content for $11.99.
If you watch occasionally and do not mind ads, Select is the middle ground. If you watch daily or share with others, Premium pays for itself. If you barely watch, the free tier might be enough. Most people who commit to a paid plan choose Select because the price is low enough to justify the ads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade or downgrade my plan anytime?
Yes. You can change from Select to Premium or back to the free tier at any time through your account settings. Changes take effect immediately for Premium upgrades. Downgrades take effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
Does Peacock Select work on all devices?
Select works on phones, tablets, computers, and most smart TVs. Compatibility depends on your device and its operating system. Check the Peacock website for a full list of supported devices before signing up.
What happens if two people try to watch at the same time on Select?
The second person will see an error message saying the stream limit has been reached. They can watch once the first person stops. Premium allows two simultaneous streams to avoid this problem.
Are there any hidden fees or price increases?
Peacock charges only the monthly subscription price. There are no hidden fees. Peacock has raised prices in the past, but you will receive notice before any increase takes effect on your account.
Can I use Select with a VPN or outside the United States?
Peacock is only available in the United States. Using a VPN to watch from outside the U.S. violates Peacock's terms of service and may result in account suspension. Check Peacock's current policies if you are traveling.