The core difference: what each service streams
Paramount+ and Peacock are both owned by major media companies—Paramount Global and NBCUniversal respectively—and they stock their libraries with shows and movies from their own studios. That means Paramount+ carries CBS, MTV, and Nickelodeon content, while Peacock carries NBC, Universal, and DreamWorks content. If you watch a lot of one network's shows, that network's streaming service will have more of what you want.
Paramount+ focuses heavily on CBS dramas and reality shows, plus movies from Paramount Pictures. Peacock emphasizes NBC's news, sports, and late-night talk shows, along with Universal's film catalog. Neither service has everything—both rely on licensing deals for content outside their corporate families, so what's available changes month to month.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ is the better choice if you watch CBS shows, reality competition programs, or Paramount movies; Peacock is better for NBC content, sports, and Universal films.
- Peacock's free tier offers a real selection of shows and movies with ads, while Paramount+ requires a paid subscription to watch almost anything.
- Paramount+ costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 without; Peacock costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 without, with identical pricing.
- Peacock includes live sports like NFL games and Premier League soccer; Paramount+ does not carry live sports.
- Both services offer a one-week free trial, so you can test each one before committing to a subscription.
Paramount+ if you watch CBS and reality TV
Paramount+ is the home for current and past CBS shows. If you follow The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, NCIS, or Star Trek series, Paramount+ will have them. The service also streams reality competition shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race, plus Paramount Pictures movies like the Mission: Impossible and Sonic franchises.
Paramount+ also carries content from MTV, BET, and Nickelodeon, so if you want older episodes of Jersey Shore, The Real Housewives franchises, or Nickelodeon cartoons, you'll find them here. The service launched in 2021 and has been steadily adding back catalog material from its parent company's archives.
Peacock if you watch NBC and sports
Peacock is the streaming home for NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. If you want to watch The Bachelor, The Voice, or Law & Order franchises, Peacock has them. The service also carries DreamWorks animated films and a rotating selection of Universal movies.
The biggest advantage Peacock has over Paramount+ is live sports. Peacock streams NFL games on Thursday nights, Premier League soccer matches, and select Olympic events. If live sports matter to your decision, Peacock is the only choice between these two. Paramount+ does not carry live sports at all.
Free tier: Peacock wins by a wide margin
Peacock offers a genuine free tier with ads. You can watch a rotating selection of full episodes, movies, and clips without paying anything. The free tier is limited—you won't get the newest episodes or the full back catalog—but it's enough to sample the service and watch some complete shows.
Paramount+ has a free tier in name only. The free version shows you trailers, clips, and promotional material, but almost no full episodes or movies. To watch actual content on Paramount+, you need to pay. If you want to test either service before spending money, Peacock's free tier is far more useful.
Price and subscription tiers
Both services cost the same: $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. Both also offer annual plans at a discount if you commit upfront. Paramount+ charges $59.99 per year with ads or $119.99 without; Peacock charges $59.99 per year with ads or $119.99 without. The pricing is identical, so cost alone won't decide between them.
Both services offer a one-week free trial, though you'll need to enter a payment method to start it. If you sign up for the trial, set a reminder to cancel before the week ends if you don't want to be charged.
Picture quality and device support
Both Paramount+ and Peacock stream in 4K on supported devices and plans, though the ad-supported tiers may cap out at 1080p depending on your device. Both work on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming boxes like Roku and Apple TV. Neither service has a major advantage in technical performance—both are reliable and widely compatible.
Paramount+ allows simultaneous streaming on up to four devices with a paid subscription. Peacock allows simultaneous streaming on four devices as well. If multiple people in your household watch at the same time, both services handle that equally.
Which one to choose
Choose Paramount+ if you primarily watch CBS shows, reality competition programs, or Paramount movies. Choose Peacock if you primarily watch NBC shows, want access to live sports, or value the free tier as a way to sample content before paying.
Many people subscribe to both because they carry different networks' content and the combined cost is still less than a cable subscription. If you can only afford one, think about which network's shows you watch most often in a typical week. That network's streaming service will give you the most value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch The Office on Paramount+?
No. The Office is a Universal/NBC show, so it streams on Peacock, not Paramount+. Paramount+ carries CBS shows and Paramount-owned content. If The Office is important to you, Peacock is the service you need.
Does Paramount+ have a free tier that actually works?
Paramount+ has a free tier, but it's mostly trailers and clips. You won't watch full episodes or movies without paying. Peacock's free tier is much more useful—it includes complete episodes and movies with ads. If a working free tier matters to you, Peacock is the better option.
Can I watch live NFL games on Paramount+?
No. Paramount+ does not carry live sports. Peacock streams NFL games on Thursday nights and other live sports events. If live sports are important, Peacock is your only choice between these two services.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
You lose access to the service when ready. Your account stays on file, so if you resubscribe later, your watchlist and viewing history remain. Neither service charges a cancellation fee—you can cancel anytime without penalty.
Do both services work on my smart TV?
Both Paramount+ and Peacock work on most modern smart TVs, Roku devices, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV. Check the app store on your specific device to confirm, but compatibility is broad for both services.