Peacock Premium includes ads by design — it is the lower tier of the service
Peacock Premium is not ad-free. Peacock Premium with ads is the standard paid tier, and it shows commercials during most content. If you are paying for Premium and seeing ads, you have the right subscription level — you are just not on the ad-free version. Peacock offers a higher tier called Peacock Premium Plus that removes ads from most shows and movies, but it costs more per month.
The confusion happens because the name "Premium" sounds like it should mean no ads. In reality, Peacock has three tiers: a free version with ads, Premium with ads, and Premium Plus without ads. Premium is the middle option, not the top one.
Key Takeaways
- Peacock Premium with ads is the standard paid tier and intentionally includes commercials during playback.
- Peacock Premium Plus removes ads from most content but costs extra per month beyond the Premium price.
- Some live sports and special events may show ads even on Premium Plus due to licensing agreements.
- You can upgrade from Premium to Premium Plus directly in the Peacock app or website settings without losing your account.
The difference between Peacock Premium and Premium Plus
Peacock Premium costs less per month because it includes ads. You will see 30 to 60 seconds of commercials at the start of a show or movie, and sometimes in the middle as well. The exact number and length of ads varies by title.
Peacock Premium Plus removes ads from the vast majority of on-demand content — shows, movies, and original series. However, some live sports events and special broadcasts may still show ads even on Premium Plus, because the rights to those events come with advertising requirements that Peacock cannot override. If you watch mostly on-demand content, Premium Plus will feel ad-free most of the time.
The price difference between the two tiers is usually $5 to $6 per month, depending on whether you pay monthly or annually. Check your Peacock account settings to see which tier you currently have and what the upgrade cost would be.
How to check which Peacock tier you have
Open the Peacock app or go to peacock.com and sign in. Tap or click the profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Account" or "Settings." Look for a section labeled "Subscription" or "Membership." It will show your current plan — either "Premium" or "Premium Plus" — and the renewal date.
If it says "Premium," you are on the tier that includes ads. If it says "Premium Plus," you should not be seeing ads on most content, and you may want to check whether the ads are appearing on live sports or a special event (which can show ads even on Premium Plus).
Why Peacock uses ads on Premium
Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, a company that makes money from advertising. Showing ads on the lower-priced tier lets them offer Premium at a lower cost than a fully ad-free service would be. The ad revenue helps offset what they pay for content rights and production.
This model is common across streaming services. Disney+, Hulu, and Max all offer ad-supported tiers at lower prices and ad-free tiers at higher prices. Peacock's approach is the same — you pay less if you accept ads, and more if you want them removed.
Upgrading to Premium Plus
To upgrade from Premium to Premium Plus, go to your account settings in the Peacock app or website. Select "Subscription" or "Membership," then look for an "Upgrade" or "Change Plan" button. Peacock will show you the new price and ask you to confirm. The upgrade takes effect when ready, and you will not lose any saved shows, watchlist items, or viewing history.
If you pay monthly, the upgrade price is usually prorated — meaning you only pay the difference for the remainder of your current billing cycle, then the full Premium Plus price starts on your next renewal date. If you pay annually, you may be able to upgrade to an annual Premium Plus plan at a discounted rate.
What content still has ads on Premium Plus
Most on-demand shows and movies on Premium Plus are ad-free. However, live sports, live news, and special events sometimes carry ads even on the highest tier. This happens because the broadcasting rights for those events include advertising requirements that Peacock must follow.
If you are seeing ads during a live event on Premium Plus, that is normal and not a sign of a problem with your account. If you are seeing ads on an on-demand show or movie on Premium Plus, contact Peacock support to report the issue — that would be unusual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go back to Premium if I upgrade to Premium Plus?
Yes. You can downgrade to Premium at any time through your account settings. The downgrade takes effect on your next billing date, and you will start seeing ads again. Any shows you have saved will remain in your account.
Do I have to watch the entire ad before the show starts?
Usually yes. Most streaming services require you to watch ads in full before content plays. Some services let you skip after a few seconds, but Peacock typically requires the full ad to play before you can proceed.
Why am I seeing ads on Premium Plus during a live game?
Live sports events often come with advertising requirements built into the broadcast rights. Even Premium Plus subscribers see ads during live games because Peacock is required to show them. This is different from on-demand sports content, which is usually ad-free on Premium Plus.
Is there a free tier on Peacock?
Yes. Peacock offers a free tier with ads that includes a limited library of shows and movies. The free version has fewer titles and lower video quality than Premium, but it costs nothing.
What happens if my Premium subscription expires?
If you do not renew, your account will revert to the free tier with ads. You will keep your account and watchlist, but you will only be able to watch content available in the free library.