Peacock has changed its plan structure and pricing multiple times since launch
Peacock shifted its plan lineup in October 2024, moving from a three-tier system to a two-tier system. The service discontinued its mid-level Premium plan and consolidated offerings into Peacock (with ads) and Peacock Premium Plus (ad-free). Pricing also increased: Peacock with ads moved to $5.99 per month (up from $5.99, though the price stayed the same), while Premium Plus became $11.99 per month (up from $9.99). These changes affect what content you can watch, how many simultaneous streams you get, and whether you see advertisements.
Before October 2024, Peacock offered Free, Premium ($5.99/month with ads), and Premium Plus ($9.99/month ad-free). The Free tier still exists but with reduced content access. The removal of the middle Premium tier means subscribers now choose between a cheaper ad-supported plan or paying more for ad-free viewing—there is no longer a middle ground at the previous $5.99 price point without ads.
Key Takeaways
- Peacock eliminated its middle Premium plan in October 2024 and now offers only Peacock (with ads) and Peacock Premium Plus (ad-free).
- Peacock Premium Plus price increased from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, while the ad-supported plan remains at $5.99 per month.
- The Free tier still exists but includes fewer movies, shows, and sports events than paid plans.
- Premium Plus subscribers can stream on up to four devices at once, while the ad-supported plan allows two simultaneous streams.
What each current plan includes
Peacock (with ads) costs $5.99 per month and includes most NBC shows, movies, and sports content, but with commercial breaks. You can stream on two devices at the same time. Some premium content—including certain live sports events and new movie releases—requires the Premium Plus tier even if you pay for the ad-supported plan.
Peacock Premium Plus costs $11.99 per month and removes advertisements from all content. You get the same library as the ad-supported plan but can stream on up to four devices simultaneously. This plan also includes offline downloads on select titles, letting you watch without an internet connection.
The Free tier remains available at no cost but limits you to a smaller selection of older shows, movies, and clips. You cannot watch current-season NBC programs or most live sports on the free plan. Free users see ads and can stream on one device only.
Why Peacock made these changes
Streaming services consolidate plans to simplify their offerings and push more subscribers toward higher-priced tiers. By removing the middle option, Peacock made the choice starker: either accept ads at $5.99 or pay $11.99 for ad-free viewing. This structure encourages price-sensitive users to stay on the cheaper plan while making the premium tier feel like the "complete" experience.
The price increase on Premium Plus reflects rising costs for content licensing and production. NBC's sports rights—particularly for NFL games, Premier League soccer, and the Olympics—are expensive, and those costs get passed to subscribers. Peacock also competes with Netflix, Disney+, and other services that have raised prices over the past two years.
How to check your current plan
Open the Peacock app or website and go to your account settings. On the web, click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Account." On mobile, tap the profile icon at the bottom right. Your current plan name appears under "Subscription." If you are on the old Premium plan, Peacock will notify you that the plan is being phased out and ask you to choose between the new ad-supported or Premium Plus option.
If you have not received a notification yet, your account may still be on a legacy plan. Peacock typically gives subscribers a grace period before forcing a change, but you can switch plans yourself at any time without penalty. Downgrading from Premium Plus to the ad-supported plan takes effect when ready.
What happens if you were on the old Premium plan
Subscribers on the discontinued Premium plan (the old $5.99 ad-free tier) received a notice from Peacock asking them to choose a new plan. Some accounts were given a temporary extension to stay on the old plan at the old price, but this grace period is ending. You must switch to either Peacock (with ads) at $5.99 or Premium Plus at $11.99.
If you want to keep ad-free viewing, Premium Plus is your only option now, though it costs $2 more per month than your old Premium plan. If you want to stay at $5.99, you must switch to the ad-supported Peacock plan. Peacock does not offer a refund for the price difference if you were mid-subscription when the change happened.
Comparing Peacock to other streaming services
Peacock's pricing now sits in the middle range of streaming services. Netflix's ad-supported plan starts at $6.99 per month, while its ad-free Standard plan is $15.49. Disney+ with ads costs $7.99 per month, and Hulu with ads is $7.99. Amazon Prime Video is $14.99 per month (or $139 annually) and includes other Prime benefits. HBO Max (Max) starts at $5.99 with ads and $15.99 ad-free.
Peacock's advantage is its sports content—live NFL games, Premier League soccer, and Olympic coverage are included with both paid tiers, whereas other services charge extra for sports or do not carry them. If you watch mainly NBC shows and sports, Peacock may cost less than subscribing to multiple services. If you want only movies and prestige dramas, a competitor might offer better value.
How to switch plans or cancel
To change your plan, go to your account settings and select "Manage Subscription" or "Change Plan." You can upgrade to Premium Plus or downgrade to the ad-supported plan. The change takes effect when ready, and you will be charged the new rate on your next billing date. If you downgrade mid-month, you will not receive a refund for the difference.
To cancel Peacock entirely, go to account settings, select "Manage Subscription," and choose "Cancel Subscription." You will lose access at the end of your current billing period. If you signed up through a third-party service like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video Channels, you must cancel through that service instead of directly through Peacock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old Premium plan at the old price?
No. Peacock phased out the old Premium plan entirely. If you were on it, you must choose between Peacock (with ads) at $5.99 or Premium Plus at $11.99. Some accounts received a temporary extension, but that period has ended or is ending soon.
Do I lose my shows and watchlist if I downgrade to the ad-supported plan?
No. Your watchlist, saved shows, and viewing history stay with your account regardless of which plan you choose. The only difference is that you will see ads and can stream on only two devices instead of four.
Is there a student or family discount for Peacock?
Peacock does not currently offer a student discount. However, if you have a Comcast or Cox internet subscription, you may get Peacock Premium Plus included at no extra cost. Check your provider's website or call customer service to see if you may have access to.
What happens to my account if I do not choose a new plan?
Peacock will eventually force legacy Premium subscribers to pick a new plan. You will receive multiple notifications before this happens. If you do not choose, your account will likely be downgraded to the ad-supported plan automatically to keep your subscription active.
Can I share my Peacock account with family members?
Peacock allows multiple simultaneous streams based on your plan—two for the ad-supported plan and four for Premium Plus. However, the service has not enforced strict account-sharing rules like Netflix has. Peacock's terms say the account is for personal use, but enforcement varies.