For those of us dedicated to the cord-cutting life, one thing remains constant: change. And often, that change comes in the form of a price increase from our favorite streaming services. This time, it's Peacock's turn to adjust its rates, and while it's never fun to pay more, being informed is the best way to navigate these shifts.
Let's break down exactly what's happening with Peacock's new pricing and, more importantly, how you might be able to keep a few more dollars in your pocket.
The New Peacock Pricing Breakdown and Content Differences
Effective very soon, both Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus will see a $3 increase in their monthly and annual subscription fees. This change also formalizes the introduction of a new, more limited ad-supported tier.
Here's a clear look at the new costs compared to the old ones for the main tiers:
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Peacock Premium (ad-supported)
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Old Price: $7.99/month or $79.99/year
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New Price: $10.99/month or $109.99/year
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Peacock Premium Plus (limited ads)
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Old Price: $13.99/month or $139.99/year
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New Price: $16.99/month or $169.99/year
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To help you understand exactly what each tier offers, especially with the introduction of "Peacock Select," here's a detailed comparison of their content:
Peacock TV Tier Content Comparison (Monthly Prices)
| Feature | Peacock Select ($7.99/month, Ad-Supported) | Peacock Premium ($10.99/month, Ad-Supported) | Peacock Premium Plus ($16.99/month, Mostly Ad-Free) |
| Price (Monthly) | $7.99 (Ad-supported) | $10.99 (Ad-supported) | $16.99 (Mostly Ad-Free) |
| Full Content Library (80,000+ hrs) | Limited Selection (broad assortment) | Yes | Yes |
| Peacock Originals | No | Yes | Yes |
| Live Sports & Events | No | Yes (NFL, Premier League, WWE, Olympics, NBA, etc.) | Yes (NFL, Premier League, WWE, Olympics, NBA, etc.) |
| Current NBC & Bravo Shows | Yes (Current Seasons) | Yes (Current Seasons & More) | Yes (Current Seasons & More) |
| Always-On Channels (50+) | Likely a limited selection of these. | Yes | Yes |
| Local NBC Channel LIVE, 24/7 | No | No | Yes |
| Offline Downloads | No | No | Yes |
| Ad Experience | Full Ads | Full Ads | Limited Ads (Ads may still appear on some live events, channels, and specific shows/movies) |
This chart illustrates that the $7.99 Peacock Select tier is primarily for a basic content offering of current NBC and Bravo shows and a selection of library content. To access Peacock Originals, live sports, and the full content library, you'll need at least the Peacock Premium tier. The Peacock Premium Plus tier, at $16.99/month, adds a mostly ad-free experience, offline downloads, and your local live NBC channel.
When the New Prices Kick In
The timing of this price hike depends on whether you're a new, returning, or current subscriber:
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For New and Returning Subscribers: The new prices go into effect on July 23, 2025.
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For Current Subscribers: You'll see the price increase applied on August 22, 2025, or your next billing cycle if it falls after that date.
Why the Increase? Peacock's Rationale
Streaming services often cite increased content costs and investments in new programming as reasons for price hikes. Peacock is no different, attributing these changes to the success of its current content lineup and an aggressive upcoming slate that includes more live sports, award-winning films, and new series. With the NBA returning to NBC/Peacock in the fall of 2025, a significant investment has clearly been made to bolster their live sports offerings.
How to "Lock In" Your Current Peacock Price (and Save!)
This is the most important section for many of you! Given the different effective dates, there's a valuable strategy you can employ to potentially delay paying the higher price: switch to an annual plan.
If you are currently on a monthly plan or are considering subscribing:
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Sign up for an annual Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus plan before July 23, 2025. By doing so, you'll pay the current, lower annual rate for a full 12 months. This effectively locks in your price for a year, protecting you from the increase until your next renewal date.
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Remember, an annual plan already offers a discount compared to paying monthly (you get 12 months for the price of 10). Combining this with beating the price hike makes it an even better deal.
If you're already an annual subscriber, good news! You won't be hit with the new price until your current 12-month term is up.
Is Peacock Still Worth It?
A price increase is always a good time to re-evaluate your subscriptions. Ask yourself:
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Do you regularly watch Peacock's exclusive content, like their Originals, next-day NBC and Bravo shows, or extensive sports offerings (including the Premier League, WWE, and soon the NBA)?
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Does the value you get from the service still outweigh the new cost for your household?
Peacock continues to be a strong option for specific content niches, especially for sports fans and those who keep up with NBC and Bravo programming. Weigh these benefits against the new price.
Final Thoughts on Streaming in a Shifting Landscape
Price adjustments are an ongoing reality in the streaming world. As cord-cutters, we've always adapted, found new ways to save, and made informed decisions about where our entertainment dollars go. Staying vigilant about these changes allows us to continue enjoying our favorite content without breaking the bank. My Streaming Life has always been about balancing access to great shows and movies with smart budgeting, and staying on top of these announcements is key to that balance.
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