Peacock switched from a free tier to an ad-supported model in 2024
Peacock removed its completely free plan in early 2024. If you had a free account before that date, you kept it, but new users cannot sign up for a free tier anymore. The streaming service now offers two paid tiers: Peacock Premium with ads for $5.99 per month, and Peacock Premium Plus without ads for $11.99 per month.
The change affected what content is available at each price point. Some shows and movies that were free before now require a paid subscription. Live sports, NBC broadcasts, and exclusive Peacock originals moved behind the paywall or shifted to the ad-supported tier only.
If you had a free account before the change, Peacock grandfathered you in—meaning you can keep using it at no cost. However, you may see ads, and your access to newer content is more limited than paid subscribers get. The company did not force existing free users to pay, but they also did not add new features to the free tier.
Key Takeaways
- Peacock ended its free plan for new users in 2024, though existing free account holders kept their access.
- The Premium tier with ads costs $5.99 per month and includes most movies, shows, and live sports.
- The Premium Plus tier costs $11.99 per month and removes ads from the same content.
- Content availability changed—some titles that were free before now require a paid subscription.
- Bundling Peacock with other services (like Hulu or Disney+) may offer a lower combined price than paying separately.
What content moved behind the paywall
NBC's live broadcasts, including news, sports, and primetime shows, now require a paid Peacock subscription. Before the change, some of this content was free with ads. Peacock originals like The Traitors, Poker Face, and Yellowstone: 1883 are now exclusive to paid tiers.
Movies and older TV series remain available, but the library rotates. Titles that were free may disappear or move to Premium Plus only. If you want to watch a specific show or movie, check Peacock's current listings—availability changes monthly based on licensing agreements.
How the two paid tiers compare
| Feature | Premium ($5.99/month) | Premium Plus ($11.99/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Ads | Yes | No |
| Movies and TV shows | Yes | Yes |
| Live sports and NBC broadcasts | Yes | Yes |
| Peacock originals | Yes | Yes |
| read to watch offline | Limited | Yes |
| 4K streaming | No | Yes |
Premium Plus also lets you read episodes to watch without an internet connection and stream in 4K resolution on compatible devices. Premium works on most devices but streams at 1080p maximum. Both tiers let you create multiple profiles and watch on up to four screens at once (Premium Plus allows simultaneous streams; Premium may limit this depending on your device).
Bundling options that might save money
Comcast cable customers may get Peacock included with their internet or TV package—check your bill or contact Comcast directly. Some plans include Premium or Premium Plus at no extra cost.
Disney offers a bundle that includes Peacock Premium, Disney+, and Hulu with ads for $14.99 per month. If you want Hulu without ads, the bundle costs more. This bundle is cheaper than paying for each service separately ($5.99 + $7.99 + $7.99 = $21.97), so it makes sense if you use all three.
Verizon wireless customers on certain plans may receive Peacock Premium included. Check your Verizon account online or call customer service to see if you may have access to.
What happened to existing free account holders
If you created a Peacock account before the free tier ended, you can keep using it without paying. Your account remains active, and you can still watch content available on the free tier. However, you will see ads, and your library is smaller than what paid subscribers see.
Peacock does not force free users to upgrade, but the company may eventually phase out the free tier entirely. If that happens, Peacock would likely give existing free users advance notice and time to decide whether to pay or cancel.
Why Peacock made these changes
Streaming services lose money when they offer free content with ads because ad revenue does not cover production costs. Peacock, owned by NBCUniversal, needed to increase revenue to compete with Netflix, Disney+, and other services. Moving to a paid model with ads lets the company earn money from subscriptions and advertising simultaneously.
The shift also reflects a broader trend in streaming: free tiers are disappearing across the industry. Netflix removed its free plan in most countries, and other services have raised prices or added ad-supported options. Peacock's change puts it in line with how the streaming market operates now.
How to check your current Peacock account status
Log into your Peacock account on the website or app and go to Account Settings. Look for your subscription status—it will show whether you have a free account, Premium, or Premium Plus. If you have a free account, you will see a message explaining what content is available to you.
If you are unsure whether you are grandfathered into the free tier, check your email for any messages from Peacock about account changes. The company sent notifications to existing free users before the change took effect. You can also contact Peacock support through the app or website if you have questions about your specific account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still watch Peacock for free?
Only if you had an account before early 2024. New users must choose between Premium with ads ($5.99/month) or Premium Plus without ads ($11.99/month). Existing free account holders keep their access but see ads and have a limited library.
Do I have to pay if I already had a free Peacock account?
No. Peacock grandfathered in all existing free users, so your account remains free. However, you will not gain access to new content or features added after the change. You can keep watching what is available on the free tier indefinitely.
Is the Disney bundle cheaper than paying for Peacock alone?
Yes, if you use Disney+ and Hulu. The bundle with ads costs $14.99 per month for all three services, compared to $5.99 for Peacock Premium alone. If you want only Peacock, paying separately is cheaper.
Can I read shows on Peacock Premium?
Premium does not include downloads. Only Premium Plus ($11.99/month) lets you read episodes to watch offline. Premium streams online only.
Does Peacock Premium include live sports?
Yes. Both Premium and Premium Plus include live sports, NBC broadcasts, and Sunday Night Football. The only difference is that Premium has ads and Premium Plus does not.