Peacock raised its prices in late 2024, and the streaming service also added new features to justify the increase
Peacock's standard plan went from $5.99 per month to $7.99 per month in October 2024. The Premium Plus plan (ad-free) jumped from $11.99 to $13.99 per month. A free tier with ads still exists, but it comes with fewer movies and shows than the paid plans. The price increase affects new subscribers immediately and existing subscribers when their renewal date arrives.
Along with the price hike, Peacock added features that weren't available before. The main addition is the ability to download shows and movies to watch offline — something people have asked for since the service launched. Premium Plus subscribers also gained access to live sports events that were previously exclusive to cable subscribers, including select NFL games, Premier League soccer, and WWE wrestling.
Key Takeaways
- Peacock's standard ad-supported plan costs $7.99 per month as of October 2024, up from $5.99, and the ad-free Premium Plus plan is now $13.99 instead of $11.99.
- The free tier with ads remains available but shows fewer titles than paid plans.
- Offline downloads are now available on both paid plans, letting you watch content without an internet connection.
- Premium Plus subscribers can watch some live sports events, including NFL games and Premier League soccer, that were previously only on cable.
What changed with the standard plan
The $7.99 standard plan includes ads during shows and movies, just like before. You get access to Peacock's full library of content — NBC shows, movies, sports, and original series. The offline download feature works on this tier, so you can save up to 25 titles at a time to your phone or tablet and watch them without WiFi or cellular data.
The main limitation of the standard plan is that you cannot remove ads. If you want to watch without interruption, you need the Premium Plus plan. The standard plan also does not include live sports events — those are Premium Plus only.
What changed with Premium Plus
Premium Plus at $13.99 per month removes all ads from on-demand content. You still see ads during live sports events, but recorded shows and movies play without interruption. This plan includes the offline download feature with a higher limit — you can save up to 100 titles instead of 25.
The biggest addition for Premium Plus is live sports. You can now watch select NFL games (Thursday Night Football and some playoff games), Premier League soccer matches, and WWE wrestling events. Not every game or match is included — Peacock shows a rotating selection, and some events still require a cable subscription or separate purchase. The sports content is the main reason to choose Premium Plus over the standard plan if you follow any of these leagues.
How the free tier compares
Peacock still offers a free plan with ads, but it is more limited than the paid tiers. The free version shows fewer movies and shows — Peacock does not publish exact numbers, but the difference is noticeable. You cannot download content on the free plan, and you have no access to live sports.
The free tier works if you want to sample the service or watch a specific show you know is available. For regular viewing, most people find the $7.99 standard plan worth the cost because you get the full library and offline downloads.
When the price increase takes effect
New subscribers pay the new prices immediately when they sign up. If you already have a Peacock account, the price increase takes effect on your next billing date — the date your subscription renews each month. Peacock sends an email notification before the increase happens, usually a few weeks in advance.
If you signed up for an annual plan before the price increase, your rate stays the same until your year is up. After that, you pay the new price when you renew. Monthly subscribers see the change on their next billing cycle.
Whether the new features justify the cost
The offline download feature is useful if you travel, commute on public transit, or have spotty internet at home. Being able to save 25 or 100 titles means you can watch during a flight or a long car ride without using data. This feature alone makes the standard plan more valuable than it was before.
The live sports addition matters only if you watch NFL, Premier League, or WWE. If you follow any of these, Premium Plus becomes a better value because you get live events you would otherwise need cable or a separate subscription to see. If you do not watch sports, the standard plan at $7.99 is probably enough.
Whether the price increase feels fair depends on what you watch and what you were paying before. If you were on the free tier, $7.99 for the full library and downloads is a reasonable cost. If you were already paying $5.99, the $2 increase might feel steep, but you are getting features that did not exist before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use Peacock for free?
Yes. Peacock offers a free ad-supported plan, but it has fewer movies and shows than the paid plans. You cannot download content or watch live sports on the free tier. It works if you want to try the service or watch specific shows you know are available.
Do I have to pay the new price right away?
Only if you are a new subscriber. Existing subscribers pay the new price on their next billing date. Peacock notifies you by email before the increase happens. If you have an annual plan, the new price applies when you renew next year.
Can I download shows on all plans?
Offline downloads are available on both the standard plan ($7.99) and Premium Plus ($13.99). The standard plan lets you save up to 25 titles, and Premium Plus lets you save up to 100. The free tier does not include downloads.
What sports can I watch on Premium Plus?
Premium Plus includes select NFL games (Thursday Night Football and some playoff games), Premier League soccer, and WWE wrestling. Not every game or match is available — Peacock shows a rotating selection. Some events still require cable or a separate purchase.
Is the price increase permanent?
Peacock has not announced any plans to lower prices. Streaming services typically raise prices over time as they add content and features. The new prices are what you should expect to pay going forward, though future increases are possible.