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Peacock killed its free tier for new US subscribers in early 2023, per TechCrunch — so if you're wondering whether you can still watch without paying, the short answer is: not anymore. That said, there are still smart ways to minimize costs, from student discounts to annual billing deals. If you're weighing your options, it's also worth checking out tips on getting Netflix for free or exploring streaming service bundles that can stretch your dollar further. Here's everything you need to know about Peacock's current plans and how to pay less for them.
Quick Answer
Peacock is no longer free for new US subscribers. The free tier was eliminated in early 2023. Paid plans start with an ad-supported option, though you can reduce costs through student discounts or annual billing. Existing free-tier users may have been grandfathered in, but new sign-ups require a paid subscription.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is Peacock Free? | Not free (paid plans only) | Understanding what's changed since 2023 | Visit Site |
| Peacock Select | $7.99/month or $79.99/year | Budget viewers who skip live sports | Visit Site |
| Peacock Premium | $13.99/month or $139.99/year | Full access including live sports & Originals | Visit Site |
| Student Discount | ~$1.99–$4.99/month (varies) | College students wanting the lowest rate | Visit Site |
| Free Trial | $0 (limited availability) | New subscribers testing before committing | See details |
| Annual Deals | Up to ~$56/year savings vs. monthly | Committed viewers who want the lowest annual cost | See details |
Is Peacock Free? Complete Guide to Peacock's Free vs Premium Plans [2026]
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
Peacock previously offered a free tier, but according to TechCrunch, Peacock eliminated its free tier for new customers in 2023. Existing free-tier users were eventually migrated to paid plans, meaning the streaming service is no longer free for most viewers. To access any content, new subscribers must choose a paid plan.
What this means for you:
- Free tier: No longer available to new customers
- Paid plans start at approximately $7.99/month
- Some limited free content may still be accessible via partner services (Xfinity, Cox)
Peacock Select (formerly Peacock Premium) is the entry-level paid subscription, making it the most affordable way to access the platform after the free tier was discontinued. It costs around $7.99/month and includes ads, which is the trade-off for the lower price point. For budget-conscious viewers wondering about cost, this is the cheapest current option.
Plan details:
- Price: ~$7.99/month with advertisements
- Access to live sports, NBC shows, and Peacock originals
- No offline downloads included
Peacock Premium is the ad-free upgrade tier for viewers who want uninterrupted streaming after losing the free access option. Priced at approximately $13.99/month, it removes ads and adds download capability for offline viewing. For those who streamed free content previously, this represents the biggest price jump but delivers the cleanest experience.
What you get:
- Price: ~$13.99/month, no advertisements
- Offline downloads available on mobile devices
- Full library access including exclusive Peacock originals and live sports
Students can access Peacock Premium at a reduced rate, making it one of the more affordable paths if you no longer qualify for a free tier. Peacock has offered student pricing through verification services like UNiDAYS, which can bring the monthly cost down significantly compared to the standard Premium or Premium Plus plans.
What to know:
- Verify eligibility through UNiDAYS or SheerID with a valid .edu email
- Discounted rate is typically around 50% off standard Premium pricing
- Requires annual re-verification of student status
5. Free Trial
If you've never subscribed before, a Peacock free trial is one of the quickest ways to access Premium content without paying upfront. Trial offers vary by promotion — some are tied to partner deals through Xfinity, Cox, or certain credit cards — so availability depends on your current provider relationships rather than a universal sign-up page.
Key details:
- Standard trials typically run 7 days for new subscribers
- Partner-extended trials (e.g., via Xfinity) can reach 30+ days
- Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges
6. Annual Deals
Paying annually instead of monthly is one of the most practical ways to lower your Peacock cost if the service is no longer free for you. Peacock periodically runs promotional annual pricing — sometimes during Black Friday or major sporting events — that can cut the effective monthly rate by roughly 20–30% compared to rolling month-to-month billing. If you're already planning to keep the subscription long-term, locking in an annual deal during a sale makes sense. You can also find free Firestick movie apps to supplement your streaming lineup and reduce how much you rely on any single paid service.
Notable perks:
- Black Friday deals have dropped annual Premium Plus to as low as $19.99/year
- Saves $20–$40 annually vs. monthly billing at standard rates
Final Words
Peacock doesn't have to cost you a dime if you know the right moves. Whether you prefer trials, bundles, student deals, or exploring free movie apps as an alternative, one of these six options will fit your situation — pick the one that works and start streaming today.