The main differences between Paramount+ and Peacock

Paramount+ and Peacock are both owned by major media companies—Paramount Global and NBCUniversal—but they carry different libraries and cost structures. Paramount+ focuses on movies and shows from the CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central back catalogs, plus original series like Yellowstone and Star Trek: Discovery. Peacock carries NBC, Universal, and DreamWorks content, with originals like The Office (exclusive to Peacock), Parks and Recreation, and Saturday Night Live episodes.

The pricing is different too. Paramount+ offers a free tier with ads and paid tiers starting around $6 per month with ads or $12 per month ad-free (prices vary by region and change periodically). Peacock also has a free tier with ads, a $6 per month tier with ads, and a $12 per month ad-free tier. Both services rotate which shows and movies appear on the free tier, so what you can watch without paying changes monthly.

Neither service is objectively "better"—it depends on what you want to watch. If you care most about the shows and movies available, you need to check what's currently on each service's library, because that changes constantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ carries CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central shows; Peacock carries NBC, Universal, and DreamWorks content, so the choice depends on which networks' shows you watch most.
  • Both services offer free tiers with ads, so you can test what each one has before paying anything.
  • Both charge around $6 per month with ads or $12 per month without ads, though prices vary by region and change over time.
  • The free tier on both services rotates content monthly, so a show you see free one month may move to a paid tier the next.
  • Many people subscribe to both for a few months at a time to watch specific shows, then cancel and switch.

What's on Paramount+ that Peacock doesn't have

Paramount+ owns the back catalog of Star Trek shows and movies, including the newer series Strange New Worlds and Picard. If you want to watch the full Star Trek universe, Paramount+ is the only place to do it. The service also has exclusive access to Yellowstone and its prequel 1883, plus The Offer (about the making of The Godfather) and Halo (the video game adaptation).

Paramount+ also carries the full library of movies from Paramount Pictures, which includes franchises like Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, and Transformers. The service gets new Paramount theatrical releases roughly 45 days after they leave movie theaters, so you can watch recent films sooner than on other services.

If you watch a lot of MTV, VH1, or Comedy Central content—including South Park, The Daily Show, and Ridiculousness—Paramount+ is where most of that library lives.

What's on Peacock that Paramount+ doesn't have

The Office is exclusive to Peacock and not available on any other streaming service. If that show is your main reason to subscribe, Peacock is your only option. Peacock also has Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live (full episodes and clips), and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Peacock owns the DreamWorks animation library, so you'll find movies like Shrek, Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon, and Kung Fu Panda there. The service also carries Universal movie releases, including recent films from franchises like Fast & Furious and Jurassic World.

Peacock also streams live sports, including Premier League soccer, WWE wrestling, and select NFL games (though some games require a paid tier). If sports are part of what you want to watch, Peacock offers more live content than Paramount+.

Cost comparison and free trials

Both services cost roughly the same: around $6 per month with ads or $12 per month without ads. Paramount+ sometimes bundles with other services—for example, you can add it to a Showtime subscription or bundle it with other Paramount services. Peacock occasionally offers promotional pricing for new subscribers, though these deals change frequently.

Both services offer free tiers, so you can watch some content without paying anything. The free tier on each service is limited—you get fewer shows and movies, and the free content rotates monthly. Neither service currently offers a traditional free trial period where you get full access for 30 days; instead, you get permanent free access to a rotating subset of content.

If you want to test both services before committing to a paid subscription, start with the free tier on each one. Spend a week or two watching what's available for free and see which service has more shows or movies you actually want to watch.

How to decide based on what you watch

Make a list of 5 to 10 shows or movies you want to watch right now. Then visit Paramount+ and Peacock's websites and search for each title. See which service has more of what you want. This is the most honest way to decide, because both services change their libraries constantly and what's available today may not be there in three months.

If you're torn between the two, consider subscribing to one for a month, watching what you want, then canceling and switching to the other. Many people do this instead of paying for both services year-round. You can watch The Office on Peacock one month, then switch to Paramount+ the next month to watch Star Trek.

If you have a cable or internet provider, check whether they offer either service as part of your plan. Some internet packages include Peacock at no extra cost, and some cable packages include Paramount+. This can save you money if you already subscribe to one of those services.

Picture and sound quality on both services

Both Paramount+ and Peacock stream in 4K (ultra-high definition) on supported devices, but only if you pay for the ad-free tier. The free tier and the ad-supported paid tier stream in 1080p (standard high definition). If picture quality matters to you and you have a 4K TV, you'll need the $12 per month plan on either service.

Both services support surround sound (Dolby Digital 5.1) on most content, though not every show or movie has it. Paramount+ supports Dolby Atmos on some titles, which is a more advanced surround sound format. The difference is noticeable only if you have a high-end sound system; on a TV's built-in speakers, you won't hear much difference.

read options are available on both services, so you can watch shows and movies offline on a phone or tablet. This is useful if you travel or have spotty internet at home.

Device compatibility and simultaneous streams

Both services work on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, and gaming consoles. If you use a specific device, check the service's website to confirm it's supported before you subscribe.

Paramount+ allows 4 simultaneous streams on the ad-free plan and 1 simultaneous stream on the ad-supported plan. This means if you pay for ad-free, four people in your household can watch different shows at the same time. Peacock allows 4 simultaneous streams on both the ad-supported and ad-free paid tiers, but only 1 stream on the free tier.

If you have a large household and multiple people want to watch at the same time, Peacock's paid tier is slightly more flexible. If you're the only person watching, this difference won't matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch both services' free tiers without a credit card?

Yes. Both Paramount+ and Peacock let you create a free account and watch their free content without entering payment information. You only need a credit card if you want to upgrade to a paid tier.

Do either service have sports?

Peacock streams live sports, including Premier League soccer, WWE wrestling, and some NFL games. Paramount+ does not focus on live sports. If sports are important to you, Peacock is the better choice.

Can I share my password with someone outside my household?

Both services' terms of service say accounts are for household use only, and both are cracking down on password sharing. Sharing your password with someone who doesn't live with you may violate the terms and could result in your account being suspended. Check each service's current policy before sharing.

Which service has better customer support?

Both services offer help through their websites and apps. Paramount+ and Peacock do not have phone support; you contact them through online chat or email. Response times vary. If you need when ready help, neither service is ideal, but both have searchable help sections that answer common questions.

What happens to my shows if I cancel my subscription?

You lose access to everything on the service. If you read shows to watch offline, those downloads also disappear once your subscription ends. If you want to keep watching a show, you need to stay subscribed or resubscribe later.