Peacock offers both free and paid tiers, so you don't have to pay to watch some content

Peacock has a free tier that lets you watch a selection of movies, TV shows, and sports without paying anything. You will see ads during playback. If you want to remove ads, watch more recent releases, or access the full library, you pay a monthly subscription — either $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month ad-free. Some people also get Peacock included free through their cable or internet provider.

The free tier is real and functional, not a trial that expires. You can use it as long as you want. The paid tiers unlock more content and remove interruptions, but neither is required to start watching.

Key Takeaways

  • Peacock's free tier includes hundreds of movies and shows with ads, and you can use it indefinitely without paying.
  • The $5.99 per month tier removes ads but has the same content library as the free version.
  • The $11.99 per month tier adds access to newer movies, recent TV episodes, and exclusive content not available on free or ad-supported paid tiers.
  • Some cable and internet providers include Peacock Premium (the $5.99 tier) at no extra cost as part of their service.
  • You can cancel a paid subscription at any time without penalty.

What's included in Peacock's free tier

The free version includes a rotating selection of older movies, classic TV series, and some live sports. NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Saturday Night Live clips are often available. You also get access to some Premier League soccer matches and WWE wrestling events. The exact titles change regularly as Peacock rotates content in and out.

Ads play during shows and movies on the free tier — typically a few per hour. You cannot skip them. The free tier also limits how many episodes of a series you can watch at once; some shows require you to wait a day before watching the next episode.

To use the free tier, you create a Peacock account with an email address. No payment method is required. You can watch on any device that has the Peacock app or through a web browser.

Peacock Premium ($5.99 per month with ads)

This tier removes ads from most content and lifts the episode-per-day limit, so you can binge entire seasons without waiting. The content library is the same as the free tier — you are paying for convenience, not access to more shows.

A few live sports events and some premium content still show ads even on this tier, but scripted shows and movies play ad-free. You can read episodes to watch offline on phones and tablets.

This tier is often bundled free with cable or internet plans from Comcast, Cox, or Verizon. If you have one of those providers, check your account to see whether Peacock Premium is already included before you pay separately.

Peacock Premium Plus ($11.99 per month, ad-free)

This is the highest tier and the only one that includes newer movies, recent TV episodes, and Peacock originals that are exclusive to paid subscribers. If you want to watch The Traitors, Poker Face, or recent theatrical releases, you need this tier.

All content plays without ads. You can read episodes and watch offline. This tier also includes access to some live sports events that are not on lower tiers.

This is the only tier that truly expands the library. The $5.99 tier removes ads but does not unlock new content.

How to check if you already have Peacock included

If you subscribe to Comcast Xfinity, Cox, or Verizon Fios, log into your cable or internet account online and look for a section called "Included Services," "Perks," or "Add-ons." Peacock Premium may already be listed there at no extra charge.

Some Comcast and Verizon plans include Peacock Premium automatically; others require you to set up it through your account. If you see it listed, follow the on-screen steps to link your cable login to a Peacock account. You will then have ad-free access without paying the $5.99 monthly fee.

If you are unsure whether your plan includes it, call your provider's customer service line. They can confirm in seconds.

Canceling a paid subscription

You can cancel Peacock at any time through your account settings. Go to your profile, select "Account," then "Manage Subscription," and choose "Cancel Subscription." The cancellation takes effect when ready, and you will not be charged again.

If you paid through a third-party platform like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video, you must cancel through that platform instead. Peacock's website will direct you to the right place when you try to cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the free tier forever?

Yes. The free tier does not expire and has no trial period. You can watch it indefinitely. The content rotates, but the tier itself remains available.

Do I need a credit card to use the free tier?

No. You create a free account with just an email address. No payment method is required unless you upgrade to a paid tier.

What's the difference between the $5.99 and $11.99 tiers?

The $5.99 tier removes ads but has the same content as free. The $11.99 tier adds newer movies, exclusive shows, and recent TV episodes. If you only want to remove ads, the $5.99 tier is enough. If you want access to newer content, you need the $11.99 tier.

Can I share my Peacock account with family members?

Peacock allows multiple profiles on one account, but the terms of service restrict sharing to members of your household. Sharing with people outside your home violates the terms. Each person can have their own profile and watch history on the same account.

Is there a student discount?

Peacock does not currently offer a student discount. Your best option is to check whether your internet or cable provider includes Peacock Premium as part of your plan.