Peacock has raised prices across all its subscription tiers, marking the fourth price increase in four years. The new rates took effect on August 18 for new and returning subscribers, while existing customers will see the increase on their billing date on or after September 17, according to the company's support page as reported by TechRadar.
The streamer's ad-free Premium Plus plan now costs $19.99 per month, up from $16.99, and the ad-supported Premium tier has increased to $12.99 from $10.99, as reported by both syracuse.com and TechRadar. Annual plans also rose: Select Annual went from $79.99 to $89.99, Premium Annual from $109.99 to $129.99, and Premium Plus Annual from $169.99 to $199.99, according to TechRadar.
Peacock attributed the increase to its commitment to improving the viewer experience. "These price changes allow Peacock to continue to create the best experience for its viewers, remain competitive in the marketplace, and deliver unique content across all genres," the company said in a statement cited by TechRadar. The statement also noted that current annual subscribers and users on promotional offers would keep their existing prices until those plans or offers expire.
The hike comes on the heels of Peacock's first-ever profitable quarter, with the service reaching 48 million paid subscribers, as reported by syracuse.com, citing Variety. The move also follows a broader trend of streaming platforms raising fees, with Netflix having increased its US prices in March, according to TechRadar.
Bundles and Memberships Offer Relief
For consumers looking to offset the higher costs, several options remain available. One notable workaround is the Apple TV and Peacock bundle, which was not affected by the price increase, syracuse.com reports. The ad-free bundle costs $19.99 per month, saving nearly 39% compared to subscribing to Peacock Premium Plus ($19.99) and Apple TV ($12.99) separately. The bundle combines Peacock's library—which includes "Love Island USA," "The Traitors," "Poker Face," "Twisted Metal," NBC and Bravo favorites, NFL Sunday Night Football, NBA coverage, WNBA games, and Premier League soccer—with Apple TV originals such as "Severance," "Ted Lasso," "The Studio," "Pluribus," and "Widow's Bay," per syracuse.com.
Other membership-based options can also reduce the effective cost. A Walmart+ annual subscription for $98 includes the option of a free Paramount+ or Peacock subscription, as reported by TechRadar. Additionally, an Instacart+ yearly membership at $99 includes a free Peacock subscription, which undercuts the standalone Peacock Premium annual plan price of $129.99, TechRadar notes. For those wanting to test the waters, a 30-day Walmart+ trial for $1 includes Peacock Premium at no extra cost, after which the membership renews at $12.95 per month, according to syracuse.com. DIRECTV is also offering Peacock Premium free for two months with its Movies Extra Pack, syracuse.com adds.
The price increase has sparked discussions among users, with some Redditors sharing workarounds to avoid the higher fees, according to TechRadar. While Peacock's statement frames the hike as a way to remain competitive and deliver unique content, subscribers may find the various bundles and memberships a pragmatic way to keep the service within budget.