NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, initially launched with a free ad-supported tier in 2020, allowing users to access a limited library of TV shows, movies, and live sports without paying a subscription fee. However, in early 2023, Peacock discontinued its free plan for new users, shifting toward a paid subscription model. This move left many wondering: What replaced Peacock’s free plan, and what options are now available?
In this detailed analysis, we’ll explore:
- Why Peacock phased out its free tier
- The current subscription plans available
- How the new model compares to competitors
- Whether any free content remains
- Alternatives for budget-conscious viewers
1. The End of Peacock’s Free Tier: Why Did It Happen?
When Peacock first launched in July 2020, it stood out among streaming services by offering a free, ad-supported plan alongside two paid tiers (Premium and Premium Plus). This strategy aimed to attract a large user base quickly, competing with other ad-supported platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel.
However, by early 2023, NBCUniversal announced that new users could no longer sign up for the free plan, though existing free-tier users could continue accessing it temporarily. The company cited several reasons for this shift:
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A. Financial Sustainability
- Streaming services require significant investment in content, and ad revenue from the free tier wasn’t enough to offset costs.
- NBCUniversal prioritized converting users to paid subscriptions to boost profitability.
B. Competitive Pressure
- Competitors like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max (now Max) had already established strong paid models.
- Peacock needed to invest more in original programming and live sports (like WWE and Premier League), which are expensive to license.
C. Focus on Higher Revenue Streams
- Paid subscribers generate more consistent revenue than ad-supported users.
- The shift allowed Peacock to bundle with other services (like Xfinity and Spectrum) and offer exclusive perks.
2. What Replaced Peacock’s Free Plan? The Current Subscription Tiers
With the free tier gone for new users, Peacock now offers two paid subscription options, both of which include ads but provide full access to the content library:
A. Peacock Premium ($5.99/month or $59.99/year)
- Full access to Peacock’s library (TV shows, movies, originals, and live sports).
- Includes ads during streaming (similar to Hulu’s basic plan).
- Early access to NBC shows the next day.
- Live sports & events, including Premier League, WWE, NFL, and the Olympics.
B. Peacock Premium Plus ($11.99/month or $119.99/year)
- Same content as Premium but with no ads for most on-demand content.
- Still includes ads for live TV and some programming (due to licensing agreements).
- Downloadable content for offline viewing.
Comparison to the Old Free Plan
FeatureOld Free PlanPremium ($5.99)Premium Plus ($11.99)
Content AccessLimited libraryFull libraryFull library
AdsYesYesNo (except live TV)
DownloadsNoNoYes
Live SportsLimitedFull accessFull access
NBC Next-Day EpisodesNoYesYes
3. Is There Any Free Content Left on Peacock?
While the standalone free tier is gone, Peacock still offers some free content in select ways:
A. Existing Free-Tier Users (Grandfathered In)
- Users who signed up before the change can still access the free plan, but with severely limited content.
- No new sign-ups are allowed.
B. Peacock’s Free Channels on Other Platforms
- Some Peacock content is available for free on Xumo Play, The Roku Channel, and Tubi as part of NBCUniversal’s syndication deals.
- These include select episodes of shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation.
C. Promotional Free Trials
- Peacock occasionally offers 7-day free trials for new subscribers.
- Some cable providers (like Xfinity) bundle Peacock Premium for free with certain plans.
4. How Does Peacock’s New Model Compare to Competitors?
Most major streaming services have moved away from free tiers, focusing instead on ad-supported paid plans. Here’s how Peacock compares:
ServiceStarting PriceFree Tier?Ad-Free Option?
Peacock$5.99/monthNo (except grandfathered)$11.99/month
Hulu$7.99/month (ads)No$17.99/month
Paramount+$5.99/month (ads)No (but has free CBS app)$11.99/month
Max (HBO)$9.99/month (ads)No$15.99/month
TubiFreeYesNo
Peacock remains one of the more affordable options, especially for sports fans, but it no longer competes with fully free services like Tubi or Pluto TV.
5. Are There Alternatives for Free or Cheap Streaming?
If you’re looking for free or low-cost alternatives to Peacock, consider:
A. Free Ad-Supported Streaming (FAST) Services
- Tubi (Fox-owned, large library)
- Pluto TV (ViacomCBS-owned, live channels)
- The Roku Channel (Free movies & shows)
- Crackle (Sony-owned, classic films)
B. Network-Specific Free Apps
- CW App (Free next-day episodes)
- ABC, NBC, Fox apps (Limited free content with ads)
C. Library-Based Streaming
- Hoopla/Kanopy (Free with a library card)
6. Final Verdict: Was Removing the Free Tier a Good Move?
Peacock’s decision to eliminate its free plan reflects the broader trend in streaming: Profitability over user growth. While the free tier helped Peacock gain initial traction, the shift to paid subscriptions allows NBCUniversal to invest more in content and compete with giants like Netflix and Disney+.
For consumers, the loss of a free option is disappointing, but Peacock remains one of the cheaper premium streaming services, especially for sports and NBCUniversal content. If you’re looking for completely free alternatives, FAST services like Tubi and Pluto TV are the best options.
Ultimately, Peacock’s new model is designed to maximize revenue while keeping prices competitive, ensuring its long-term survival in the crowded streaming market.
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Conclusion
Peacock’s free plan is no longer available for new users, replaced by two paid tiers: Premium ($5.99/month with ads) and Premium Plus ($11.99/month, mostly ad-free). While some free content remains through third-party platforms, Peacock’s focus is now on paid subscriptions. For budget-conscious viewers, free ad-supported streaming services offer an alternative, but Peacock remains a strong option for NBC, Universal, and sports fans at a relatively low cost.
