Peacock has three subscription tiers: a free version with ads, a $5.99-per-month ad-supported plan, and a $11.99-per-month ad-free plan

Peacock is NBCUniversal's streaming service, owned by Comcast. The free tier lets you watch a limited library with ads; the paid tiers unlock more content and remove or reduce advertising. The $5.99 plan includes most of Peacock's catalog but still shows ads during playback. The $11.99 plan removes ads entirely and is the only way to watch certain premium content like live sports and new movies without interruption.

All three tiers work on the same devices — phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming boxes. You can stream on up to four devices at once on the paid plans, though only one stream can play at a time on the free tier. Peacock does not offer a trial period, so you pay immediately when you sign up.

Key Takeaways

  • The free tier gives you access to a rotating selection of shows and movies with ads, and requires no payment or credit card.
  • The $5.99-per-month plan unlocks most of Peacock's full library but still includes ads during playback.
  • The $11.99-per-month plan removes ads and is required to watch live sports, new theatrical releases, and certain premium content without interruption.
  • You can cancel anytime without penalty, and your access stops at the end of your current billing cycle.
  • If you have Comcast cable or certain other services, you may already have Peacock Premium included at no extra cost.

What content is actually available on each tier

The free tier rotates its catalog — shows and movies appear and disappear on a schedule set by Peacock, so you cannot count on a specific title being there next month. Free users get access to some NBC shows, a selection of older movies, and limited sports content. The library is real but smaller than what paid subscribers see.

The $5.99 plan gives you the full Peacock library without rotation, meaning if a show is on Peacock, you can watch it whenever you want. This includes most NBC series (both current and archived), movies, reality shows, and some sports. However, ads still play during content — typically a few minutes per hour, similar to cable television.

The $11.99 plan is identical in library size but removes ads from on-demand content. Live sports, breaking news, and some special events may still include ads even on the ad-free plan, because those are often part of the broadcast feed. This tier also gets early or exclusive access to some new movies and special releases.

How to sign up and what payment methods work

You sign up directly on Peacock's website or through the Peacock app on your device. For the free tier, you need an email address and password — no payment information required. For paid tiers, you enter a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Peacock charges monthly on the same date each month.

You can also sign up through your cable or phone provider if they offer Peacock as part of a bundle. Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and some other providers include Peacock Premium (the $11.99 tier) at no extra cost for certain service packages. If you have one of these services, log in with your provider credentials instead of creating a separate Peacock account.

Peacock also runs occasional promotional offers — sometimes a discounted first month or a free trial period for specific groups. These promotions change frequently and are advertised on the Peacock website and app.

Canceling your subscription and what happens to your account

You can cancel anytime through your Peacock account settings, your device's app store (if you signed up through Apple or Google), or your cable provider's website (if you signed up through them). Cancellation takes effect immediately, but you keep access through the end of your current billing cycle. If you paid for a month on the 15th, you can watch until the 15th of the next month even after canceling.

Your watchlist, viewing history, and saved preferences stay in your account if you cancel and return later. There is no penalty for canceling, and you do not have to contact customer service — the option is in your account settings.

Peacock Premium through your cable or phone provider

Comcast Xfinity customers with certain packages get Peacock Premium included. Cox Communications, Dish Network, and some regional providers also bundle it in. Check your provider's website or call to confirm whether Peacock is part of your plan — you may already have access without paying separately.

If Peacock is included, you log in with your provider username and password instead of creating a Peacock account. You still get the full ad-free experience and access to all content. If you later switch providers or downgrade your service, you lose access to Peacock unless you pay for it separately.

How Peacock compares to other streaming services

Peacock's $11.99 ad-free price is in the middle of the streaming market. Netflix's ad-free plan costs $15.49 per month; Disney+ costs $13.99 per month without ads. Hulu costs $7.99 with ads or $14.99 without. Peacock's strength is NBC content — if you watch a lot of network television, talk shows, or sports, Peacock has more of that than most competitors. Its weakness is movies; the film library is smaller than Netflix or Disney+.

Many people subscribe to multiple services rather than choosing one. A common approach is to use the free tier of Peacock while paying for one or two other services, then upgrade to paid Peacock if you find yourself watching it regularly.

Technical requirements and device support

Peacock works on most modern devices: iPhones and iPads (iOS 12 or later), Android phones and tablets, computers running Windows or Mac, Amazon Fire devices, Apple TV, Roku, Google TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and LG Smart TVs. It also works on gaming consoles including PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X/S.

You need an internet connection with at least 5 Mbps download speed for standard definition and 25 Mbps for 4K. Peacock streams in up to 4K on supported devices, though most content is available in 1080p HD. The app is free to download; you only pay for the subscription itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Peacock account with family members?

Peacock allows up to four simultaneous streams on paid plans, so multiple people can watch at the same time on different devices. However, the account holder is responsible for the subscription, and Peacock's terms of service restrict account sharing to people in your household. Sharing login credentials with people outside your home violates the terms.

Does Peacock have live TV?

Peacock streams some live content — primarily live sports (NFL, Premier League soccer, WWE), breaking news, and special events. Not all live events are available on all tiers; some require the ad-free plan. It is not a full cable replacement like YouTube TV or Hulu Live, which offer dozens of live channels.

What happens if I pause my subscription?

Peacock does not offer a pause option. You can cancel anytime and rejoin later without penalty. Your watchlist and history remain saved if you return within a reasonable time, though Peacock does not specify exactly how long they keep inactive accounts.

Is there a student discount?

Peacock does not currently offer a student discount. However, if you are a Comcast Xfinity customer through a student plan, you may have Peacock Premium included depending on your package.

Can I watch Peacock offline?

Peacock does not support offline downloads. You need an active internet connection to stream. Some competing services like Netflix and Disney+ allow downloads on certain content, but Peacock does not offer this feature.