The details
Despite being a newcomer in the streaming service industry, Peacock’s free tier is surprisingly generous. It not only streams popular TV shows but movie titles you won’t find on other streaming services. However, you have to put up with annoying commercial interruptions.
Content
The free subscription provides access to 7500 hours of video content. This includes 20,000 TV shows, exclusive original programming, movies, news, and sports programming. You will also enjoy current-season NBC broadcasts a week after being aired, plus a decent mix of classics.
Peacock’s popular shows include Parks and Recreation, The Office, Cheers, Downtown Abbey, Chicago Fire, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and more. However, if you want to watch originals like the Brave New World, you’d need to pay for Peacock’s Premium tier.
Ease of use
Peacock’s web interface combines three types of experiences: a traditional streaming interface, Live-TV and curation of small newsy moments. The premise is to ensure subscribers using TVs, and mobile devices have unique viewing experiences.
The browsing section is what we’re already used to, with icons displaying Trending watches and Channels. However, we found the app rather crowded, with some features still in development.
Streaming speed
The free tier plan restricts users to HD video content. As such, a minimum internet speed of 2.5 Mbps provides a buffer-free viewing experience. However, Peacock recommends internet connections higher than 2.5 Mbps for buffer-free 4K streaming.
Value
Peacock’s premium subscription provides up to 13000 hours of content. However, the free tier plan allows access to 7500 hours, more than half of the premium plan. This is great value for an already free service.
What’s more, Peacock offers a free tier plan to Xfinity Cable subscribers using a Flex device or X1 box, Cox Stream Players, and Cox Contour boxes.
Final verdict
Peacock’s free tier plan is pretty appealing as users still access critically acclaimed TV shows and movies. Also, the fact that you can sample service originals like Intelligence and Brave New World without subscribing to the Premium plan is a bonus.
