Peacock Premium includes ads by design—it's the lower-cost tier
Peacock Premium shows ads because it is the mid-tier subscription, priced lower than Peacock Premium Plus. NBCUniversal offers three tiers: the free Peacock with ads, Peacock Premium with ads (currently around $5.99 per month), and Peacock Premium Plus without ads (currently around $11.99 per month). The ads on Premium are how the company keeps that tier affordable.
This is different from some other streaming services. Netflix, for example, removed ads from its standard plan years ago. But Peacock's structure mirrors what you see on Hulu, which also charges less for an ad-supported plan and more for ad-free viewing. If you want to watch without interruptions, you would need to upgrade to Premium Plus.
Key Takeaways
- Peacock Premium is the middle subscription tier and includes ads; Premium Plus is the ad-free option at a higher monthly cost.
- The number and length of ads on Premium can vary by show or movie, and some content may have fewer interruptions than others.
- Upgrading to Premium Plus removes ads entirely, though the price is roughly double what you pay for Premium.
- Free Peacock shows ads too, so Premium is an intermediate option between free and completely ad-free viewing.
How many ads you'll see on Peacock Premium
The exact number of ads varies depending on what you watch. Movies typically have ad breaks similar to what you'd see on cable television—usually a few minutes of commercials spread throughout. TV shows usually have ads at natural breaks between scenes, similar to how they air on NBC's broadcast network.
Peacock does not publish a specific count of how many ad minutes per hour you should expect. Some users report that Premium feels less cluttered than free Peacock, but more interrupted than Premium Plus. The experience can also differ based on your device—the Peacock app on a smart TV may show ads differently than the web player on a computer.
What content is included in Premium versus Premium Plus
Both Premium and Premium Plus give you access to the same library of shows, movies, sports, and news. The only difference is the ads. You are not locked out of any content by staying on Premium; you straightforward see commercials while watching it.
This means if you are willing to tolerate ads, Premium is a cost-effective way to watch NBC shows, movies, and live sports like Sunday Night Football. If ads are a dealbreaker for you, Premium Plus is the only option that removes them entirely.
The cost difference between Premium and Premium Plus
Peacock Premium costs around $5.99 per month, while Premium Plus costs around $11.99 per month. The exact prices can change, and Peacock occasionally runs promotional rates for new subscribers. Some people find the $6 monthly difference worth it to avoid ads; others prefer to save money and accept the interruptions.
If you have a Comcast or Cox internet subscription, you may have access to Peacock Premium at no extra cost as part of your internet package. Check your Comcast or Cox account online to see if Premium is included. This does not give you Premium Plus—only the ad-supported Premium tier.
How to upgrade to Premium Plus if you want no ads
To upgrade from Premium to Premium Plus, open the Peacock app or go to Peacock.com on your browser. Look for your account menu (usually in the top right corner or in settings). Select "Manage Subscription" or "Upgrade Plan," then choose Premium Plus and confirm the payment method.
The upgrade takes effect when ready, and you should stop seeing ads on your next video. If ads continue after upgrading, try logging out and back in, or restart the app. If the problem persists, contact Peacock support through the app's help menu.
Why Peacock uses this pricing model
Streaming services use tiered pricing to reach different audiences. Some people will never pay for streaming and watch free with ads. Others will pay a small amount to reduce ads. A third group will pay more to remove ads entirely. By offering three tiers, Peacock captures revenue from all three groups.
This model also lets Peacock compete on price. If you only want to spend $6 a month on streaming, Peacock Premium is cheaper than many competitors' ad-free plans. The trade-off is that you see ads, but the lower price point attracts budget-conscious viewers who might otherwise choose a different service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Peacock Premium on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, Peacock Premium allows simultaneous streaming on multiple devices. The exact number varies, but you can typically watch on a phone, tablet, and TV at the same time. Premium Plus has the same simultaneous streaming limits as Premium.
Do I have to watch ads on live sports with Peacock Premium?
Yes, live sports on Peacock Premium include ads, just like regular programming. Premium Plus removes ads from live sports as well. Some sporting events may have natural breaks where ads appear, similar to broadcast television.
Will Peacock ever remove ads from the Premium tier?
NBCUniversal has not announced plans to remove ads from Premium. The company uses the ad-supported tier as a lower-cost option to attract more subscribers. Changes to this model are possible in the future, but there is no current indication that Premium will become ad-free.
Can I pause or skip ads on Peacock Premium?
No, you cannot skip ads on Peacock Premium. Ads play automatically and must run to completion before your show or movie resumes. This is standard across most ad-supported streaming services.
Is there a way to get Premium Plus for less money?
Peacock occasionally offers promotional pricing for new subscribers, including discounted rates on Premium Plus for the first few months. Check the Peacock website or app for current offers. Some bundle deals with other services may also include Premium Plus at a reduced rate.