Do You Have To Pay For Peacock Tv?

Peacock TV has quickly become a go-to option for many viewers, thanks to its diverse content library featuring popular NBC shows, original programming, and a vast collection of movies. 

While the streaming service initially launched with a free ad-supported tier, Peacock TV started charging for its premium plans in January 2022.

As of 2024, Peacock TV no longer offers a free tier. To get access to the platform, you need a subscription, which allows you to enjoy original series, live sports, and an ad-free viewing experience. 

Let’s view Peacock TV’s pricing plans and understand what they offer below to help you decide whether to proceed!

Is Peacock TV Free? 

The short answer is no. Peacock TV doesn’t offer a free tier service; you need a subscription to stream content on Peacock TV.

 With a subscription you can access Peacock TV’s extensive library, including original series, live sports, and get an ad-free viewing. 

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Even if it’s not free, there are some ways to access Peacock TV for free.

• Instacart Plus: If you’re an Instacart Plus subscriber, you can add a free Peacock Premium subscription to your perks.

• Xfinity Internet Customers: Xfinity Internet customers with the highest tier of service (Gigabit or Gigabit Plus) receive Peacock Premium at no extra cost for two years.

Peacock TV Subscription Models:

Subscribing to one of their plans will give you access to its content, and here are the plans you can choose from : 

Plans	Price
Peacock Premium	$5.99/month or $59.99/year
Peacock Premium Plus	$11.99/month or $119.99/year

Peacock Premium vs Premium Plus: Understanding The Difference 

Let’s explore the differences between Peacock Premium and Premium Plus

Peacock Premium	Peacock Premium Plus
$5.99 per month or $59.99 for a year (essentially two months free).	$11.99 per month or $119.99 for a year.
Access to over 80,000 hours of TV shows, movies, and live sports.	No ads! Enjoy the same content as Peacock Premium without interruptions.
Enjoy Peacock originals like “Based on a True Story,” “Poker Face,” and “Bel-Air.”	Download select movies and shows for offline viewing on mobile devices.
Watch the latest NBC shows the day after they air on live TV.	Watch your local NBC channel live.

Both plans offer access to the same content library, but Premium Plus adds ad-free convenience and offline downloads.

Peacock Free Trial:

Peacock TV initially offered a 7-day free trial period for its Premium and Premium Plus subscription tiers. 

This free trial allowed new subscribers to explore the platform’s full content library and features without any commitment. However, in November 2021, Peacock decided to discontinue this free trial offer.

The discontinuation of the free trial period means that new subscribers can no longer access the Premium or Premium Plus content for a trial period before deciding whether to subscribe or not. Instead, they must choose between the available subscription plans immediately.

Changes in Peacock TV’s Pricing Model:

Let’s take a look into the recent changes in Peacock TV’s pricing model and explore why you now have to pay for it.

1. Free Trial Discontinued:

As of November 2021, Peacock TV discontinued its free trial offer for new subscribers. Previously, users could enjoy a 7-day trial of Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus, allowing them to explore the platform’s full content library and features before committing to a paid subscription. 

However, this free trial option has been removed, so new users will have to subscribe to one of the paid plans to access Peacock TV’s content.

2. Customer Impact:

For those previously relying on the free trial to explore Peacock TV’s offerings, discontinuing this option means that they will now need to choose and subscribe to one of the paid plans to continue accessing the platform’s content.

Existing Peacock TV subscribers who were already paying for a subscription plan will not be directly affected by these changes, as their subscriptions will continue as usual. However, if they decide to switch between the Premium and Premium Plus tiers or modify their subscription in any way, the new pricing structure will apply.

While removing the free trial and introducing mandatory paid subscriptions may have been a disappointing change for some viewers, it’s important to understand that Peacock TV’s decision to monetize its service more heavily is likely aimed at supporting the creation and acquisition of high-quality, exclusive content. 

Whether the paid subscription plans are worth the investment will depend on each individual’s viewing preferences, budget, and the perceived value they place on Peacock TV’s unique content offerings. 

Is Peacock TV Worth Paying For?

Let’s take a look at what Peacock TV has offer : 

1. Content Variety:

Peacock offers a vast library of NBC Universal content, including popular shows and movies.

It’s the home of “The Office” and other NBC series, making it appealing for fans of these shows.

2. Affordability:

Despite a recent price hike, Peacock remains relatively affordable. The entry-level Peacock Premium plan starts at $5.99 per month, making it one of the cheapest streaming services available.

3. Sports Coverage:

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate Peacock’s coverage, including live events like the Olympics and Premier League matches.

For sports fans, the subscription fee is justified by the content offered.

Considering its content library and reasonable pricing, Peacock is a great value, especially if you’re a fan of NBC shows or sports.

Peacock TV Alternatives (with Free Options):

While Peacock TV offers a compelling content library, some viewers may be looking for free alternatives, especially after discontinuing the platform’s free trial. 

Fortunately, several other streaming services provide free, ad-supported content options. Here are a few notable alternatives:

1. Pluto TV: Owned by Paramount Global, Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a wide range of live TV channels and on-demand content.

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With over 250 channels spanning various genres, including movies, TV shows, news, sports, and more, Pluto TV provides a cable-like experience without the need for a subscription.

2. Tubi: Owned by Fox Corporation, Tubi is another popular free, ad-supported streaming service that boasts an impressive library of over 40,000 movies and TV shows. 

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From classic films to popular series, Tubi offers a diverse selection of content across various genres, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious viewers.

3. The Roku Channel: Available on Roku devices as well as other platforms, The Roku Channel offers a mix of live TV channels, on-demand movies, and TV shows, all free with advertisements. 

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While the content library may not be as extensive as some paid services, The Roku Channel provides a convenient way to access free entertainment.

4. Crackle: Owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Crackle is a free, ad-supported streaming service specializing in movies and TV shows. 

With a focus on popular genres like action, comedy, and drama, Crackle offers a curated selection of content that may appeal to specific audiences.

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While free alternatives can be a cost-effective solution, paid subscription services often offer a more comprehensive and ad-free viewing experience.

Conclusion: You Have to Pay $5.99/month For Peacock TV

Peacock TV has transitioned away from offering a free, ad-supported tier and now requires users to subscribe to one of its paid plans to access the platform’s content library.

With the discontinuation of the free trial option in November 2021, new users no longer have the opportunity to explore Peacock TV’s offerings before committing to a subscription. 

Instead, you can opt for Peacock Premium plan at $5.99 per month (or $59.99 annually).

The paid subscription plan is a worthwhile investment for those who value Peacock TV’s diverse library of popular shows, original programming, and live sports. However, alternatives like Pluto TV, Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Crackle remain viable for viewers seeking free, ad-supported content.