In the ever-evolving world of streaming platforms, a new peacock has spread its vibrant feathers, aiming to captivate viewers with its brilliant display of content.
NBCUniversal's Peacock is the latest entrant in the digital arena, looking to carve out its own niche amidst the crowded landscape of Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
Our review will take you on a guided tour through this newcomer's offerings, examining its unique features, pricing plans, and extensive content library.
Can this plucky peacock truly hold its own against the established titans of streaming? Let's dive in and find out.
Peacock TV Review Summary
Peacock Worth It? A Detailed Look into NBC's Streaming Platform $5.99/month
Name: Peacock
Description: Peacock is a popular streaming service owned and operated by NBCUniversal. It offers a vast selection of hit movies and TV shows, including original series, current NBC and Bravo hits, and the most live sports of any streaming platform.
Offer price: Starting from $5.99 per month with ads
Currency: USD
Application Category: Streaming, Movies/Series
- Movies / Series / Live TV Selection
- Price Comparison
- Video Quality / Userability
Summary
The service is considered one of the more affordable major media streamers on the market, which has contributed to its appeal among viewers. In addition to its on-demand content, Peacock also offers timely updates and timeless classics, making it a comprehensive source for entertainment. Users can access Peacock through various platforms, including an app available on Google Play.
Is Peacock TV free?
Yes, Peacock TV does offer a free tier.
This version is ad-supported and provides access to a limited portion of Peacock's content library, allowing you to stream up to 40,000 hours of movies and TV shows.
Important update (2023):
While Peacock initially provided a free entry-level plan, this option is no longer available to new subscribers.
Nonetheless, individuals who registered for the free plan before February 2023 may still continue to enjoy access to specific content without the need for a subscription. Information is accurate as of 7 September 2023.
The goods news is, you may still be able to access Peacock for free with Xfinity internet…
How to Get Peacock Premium for Free with Xfinity internet
For Xfinity internet or TV subscribers, there's a special perk. You might be able to get Peacock Premium for free as part of your existing subscription.
Important update: As of June 26, Xfinity cable customers can no longer get Peacock Premium for free. However, there are still ways for specific Xfinity customers to access Peacock Premium at no additional cost.
If you have Xfinity internet and meet certain criteria, you might be eligible. For instance, Xfinity internet customers with gigabit speed can get Peacock Premium for free for two years. Xfinity internet customers who are diamond or platinum tier members may also qualify for the offer.
To activate your free Peacock Premium subscription, you can sign into Xfinity Assistant and click “Activate Now”.
If you've used Peacock before, enter the same email address and password you used previously.
Alternatively, if you're having trouble adding Peacock Premium to your Comcast Xfinity account, try going to the Xfinity rewards page (https://customer.xfinity.com/rewards), sign in, and click on “Get Peacock Premium at no extra cost”, then follow the instructions provided.
Peacock Premium Plus, which is mostly ad-free and allows viewers to download and watch select titles offline and offers local NBC channels live, is not included in these offers and requires a separate subscription.
Why is Peacock TV no longer free? (Latest update)
Peacock TV initially offered a free tier for its users, distinguishing it from many other streaming services.
However, recent changes indicate that Peacock TV has removed its free tier, including for Comcast customers who previously had access to Peacock Premium at no additional cost as part of their Xfinity bundle.
One reason for this change could be NBCUniversal's focus on monetizing premium content. By removing the free tier, the company encourages users to subscribe to their paid tiers, which can generate more revenue.
Also, as of June 26, Xfinity cable customers are no longer eligible for free Peacock Premium. However, those with Xfinity internet may still qualify for some benefits.
The cost for most Comcast customers is now $2.99 per month.
Please note that these changes reflect the company's business decisions and strategies, which may evolve over time.
What is the Difference Between Peacock Premium and Premium Plus
| Features | Peacock Premium | Peacock Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price per month/year | $5.99/month or $59.99/year | $11.99/month or $119.99/year |
| Ad-supported | Yes | No (with some exceptions for a few shows and channels) |
| Access to entire content library | Yes | Yes |
| Access to live sports and events | Yes | Yes |
| Download and watch offline | No | Yes |
| Number of streams at once | 3 | 3 |
| 4K HDR support | No | No |
Is Peacock TV free with Netflix?
No, Peacock TV is not free with a Netflix subscription. They are separate streaming platforms and each platform requires its own subscription.
Is Peacock or Netflix better?
The comparison between Peacock and Netflix depends largely on individual preferences as each service offers unique features.
| Features | Peacock | Netflix |
|---|---|---|
| Price per month (highest tier) | $11.99 | $19.99 |
| Ad-supported | Yes (Free and Premium tiers) | No |
| Access to entire content library | Only with Premium Plus | Yes, all tiers |
| Download and watch offline | Only with Premium Plus | Yes, all tiers |
| Number of streams at once | Up to 3 | 1 (Basic), 2 (Standard), 4 (Premium) |
| 4K HDR support | No | Yes (Premium tier) |
| Original Content | Yes | Yes |
Netflix's Premium package, despite being four times the price of Peacock's, is often considered better value due to its ad-free content and support for downloads. It has an overall score of 4.6 according to ratings on Knoji, indicating high user satisfaction.
On the other hand, some argue that Peacock is a better streaming service than Netflix. It has been noted for having more relevant and popular shows. Furthermore, Peacock TV is estimated to have better brand recognition. It supports payment through debit and prepaid cards, Apple Pay, and gift cards.
In terms of competition, while Peacock would like to compete with Netflix, it's more likely to face up against Hulu and HBO Max, which are relative newcomers in the streaming service industry.
Ultimately, the choice between Peacock and Netflix may come down to personal preferences, such as preferred content, tolerance for ads, and budget.
>> Click here to read our in-depth review of Netflix
How does Peacock line up against Hulu and Max
| Features | Peacock | Hulu | HBO Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per month (with ads) | $5.99 (with ads) | $5.99 (with ads) | $9.99 (with ads) |
| Price per month (highest tier) | $11.99 | $69.99 (Hulu + Live TV) | $15.99 |
| Ad-supported | Yes (Free and Premium tiers) | Yes (Lowest tier) | Yes (Lowest tier) |
| Access to entire content library | Only with Premium Plus | Yes, all tiers | Yes, all tiers |
| Download and watch offline | Only with Premium Plus | Yes, on certain plans | Yes |
| Number of streams at once | Up to 3 | Up to 2 (more with Unlimited Screens add-on) | Up to 3 |
| 4K HDR support | No | Yes (on certain content) | Yes (on certain content) |
| Original Content | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live TV | No | Yes (With Hulu + Live TV) | No |
Why is it called Peacock TV?
Peacock TV is named after the iconic logo of NBC, which is a colorful peacock. The peacock logo, designed by John J. Graham for the NBC television network, signifies richness in color. The name choice for their streaming service reflects NBC's history and brand recognition.
The Peacock, which was first introduced to represent the broadcaster's color programming, has earned NBC the nickname of “The Peacock Network”. When NBCUniversal launched their own streaming service, they chose to name it “Peacock” as a nod to their well-known logo and branding.
In addition to its connection to the NBC logo, the name “Peacock” also stands out among the names of other streaming services, potentially making it more memorable to consumers.
The Peacock streaming service features a mix of new and old series, some of NBC's live programming, big films fresh from theaters, hit movies and TV shows, live sports, and more, offering a rich variety of content much like the multitude of colors in a peacock's feathers.
The 6 Most Popular Titles on Peacock TV in 2023
- “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” – This show is a new addition to Peacock's offerings and has already gained significant popularity.
- “The Office” – This classic sitcom remains one of the most-watched shows on the platform.
- “Parks and Recreation” – Another beloved sitcom, Parks and Recreation is consistently popular among viewers.
- “Poker Face” – This show is among the stellar offerings recommended by AV Club.
- “Mrs. Davis” – Mrs. Davis is another highly recommended title available for streaming on Peacock.
- “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip” – This reality show is among the great titles you'll want to stream this month.
What countries are Peacock available in?
As of September 7, 2023, Peacock TV is available in the United States and certain U.S. territories including American Samoa, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands.
In Europe, it is accessible for Sky and NOW subscribers in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Please note that availability may change or expand over time.
The Pros and Cons of Peacock TV in 2023
Benefits:
- Affordable: Peacock TV offers a competitive pricing structure compared to other streaming services. The Premium plan costs $5.99/mo., while the Premium Plus plan costs $11.99/mo.
- Variety of Content: With the paid plans, you get access to 80,000 hours of content, including many NBC, Bravo, and Syfy favorites.
- Mix of Live Sports and Other Programming: In addition to on-demand content, Peacock TV offers a mix of live sports and other programming.
- Popular NBC Shows: You can stream popular NBC TV shows and many notable movies.
- Strong Movies and Live Events Offerings: Peacock's strong movies and live events offerings are helping it stand out.
Drawback:
- No Free Plan: As of February 2023, the service no longer offers a free plan.
- No Live Local NBC Access: Peacock TV does not offer live local NBC access, which might be a drawback for some potential users.
- No Offline Download Features: Unlike some other streaming services, Peacock TV doesn't offer offline download features. This means you can't download shows or movies to watch when you don't have an internet connection.