Peacock shutters free tier for new customers — plans now start at $5 a month

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Peacock is a premium-only service from now on

The Peacock app
(Image credit: Future)

If you want to start subscribing to Peacock, the streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, you’re going to have to pay for it from now on. It’s been confirmed (via TechCrunch) that Peacock’s free tier has been virtually shut down. That means anyone who isn't already on that plan can't sign up for it.

According to an NBC spokesperson, Peacock will be shifting its focus onto its Premium plans to try and stay competitive in the ever-growing streaming market. The free tier isn’t going away completely, though. Users already subscribed to the plan won’t be affected, while premium customers that cancel their subscription will be automatically downgraded to the free tier. 

It’s only new customers who will be affected, and forced to choose between the $5-a-month ad-supported tier or the $10-a-month ad-free subscription. Though the premium options may be the better choice for anyone hoping to watch a decent amount of content.

These changes have already taken effect, and anyone that tries to sign up to Peacock right now will be given the choice between Peacock Premium and Premium Plus. However, the streamer is currently offering an annual Peacock Premium subscription for $30 — which is $20 off the usual price. That tier is also free for Comcast customers, who can also upgrade to Premium Plus for $5 a month.

Tom Pritchard
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.