In not ideal news, Comcast's Peacock raised its monthly plan prices by $3 starting on July 23.
New Peacock Premium subscribers will see a monthly rate rise from $7.99 to $10.99. Meanwhile, Premium Plus members can get ad-free content for the new price of $16.99 per month, up from $13.99. If you already have a plan, the price change will be effective around August 22 or whenever your August renewal is.
Annual billers will also notice a substantial increase in costs. Both annual plans will rise by $30, bringing Peacock Premium to $109.99 and Premium Plus to $169.99.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
So, this begs the question: Is Peacock still worth the money? And are there ways around paying these higher rates?
Here's what Peacock offers
I've had Peacock for years since it houses a lot of diverse content from original NBC and Bravo shows, such as "Love Island USA" and the Real Housewives series, as well as Premier League matches. The platform is clean, easy to use and includes new movie releases.
The service is also user-friendly for streaming movies if you have the ad-supported plan. It used to be they would play about three minutes of commercials up front, then you had your movie ad-free.
Unfortunately, Peacock caught on, adding a three-minute commercial break in the middle of the movie. That said, it's still better than many ad-supported streaming services where you encounter frequent ad breaks.
The service is also a smart buy for casual sports fans. Select NBA, NFL and college sports air on the platform, as do soccer matches, NASCAR and golf tournaments. And if you're a WWE fan, you can stream premium live events.
Is Peacock good value with the price increase?
It depends on your viewing habits and budget. If you enjoy NBC and Bravo shows, then the extra costs could be worth it, as you can stream new episodes of current shows the day after they air. It makes it less expensive than any live-streaming app.
However, for my home, better options exist. The Hulu and Disney Plus bundle is $10.99 per month for ad-supported versions of each plan, and offers a much more diverse lineup of shows, documentaries and movies. This makes it a better overall deal for us.
HBO Max also has tremendous value now compared to Peacock. HBO Max's ad-supported plan is $9.99 and includes original HBO content, TCM and a larger library than Peacock. So, there are options out there that are less expensive and offer more content.
How to save on a Peacock subscription
If you're still interested in Peacock, buying the annual subscription is one of the best ways to save money, as the discount equates to only paying for 10 months of service. The ad-supported Premium Plan is $79.99 annually, while the Premium Plus plan is $139.99.
Another tip is to wait until around Black Friday when streaming providers offer deals. Peacock has offered exceptional deals in the past, where its annual ad-supported plan was $19.99.
You can also earn Peacock for free if you're an Instacart Plus member or subscribe to Xfinity Now TV. And if you're a new subscriber, you can try the service for free for seven days, giving you time to determine if it's the right fit for you.
Overall, Peacock's price hike is significant, making its ad-supported plan more expensive than Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max. This is why I'm dropping it. However, if you enjoy streaming NBC and Bravo content and select sports, this service could still be a good value.
Buy the annual subscription as it will save you 17%, or wait until Black Friday to see what kind of deal Comcast cooks up.
Related content
-
Dow Rises 497 Points on December Rate Cut: Stock Market TodayThe basic questions for market participants and policymakers remain the same after a widely expected Fed rate cut.
-
Top 22 Gifts for Grandkids from WalmartFrom PlayStation to Labubu, you'll find the hottest gifts of 2025 for your grandkids at Walmart this year. Some of them are up to 78% off.
-
I'm retired with $2.2 million. Should I give my shifts to a young coworker?Should she quit her job so a struggling young colleague can take her shifts? We asked certified financial planners for advice.
-
The Top 22 Gifts for Grandkids from Walmart in 2025
From PlayStation to Labubu, you'll find the hottest gifts of 2025 for your grandkids at Walmart this year. Some of them are up to 78% off.
-
CD vs. Money Market: Where to Put Your Year-End Bonus NowFalling interest rates have savers wondering where to park cash. Here's how much $10,000 earns in today's best CDs versus leading money market accounts.
-
Meet the World's Unluckiest — Not to Mention Entitled — Porch PirateThis teen swiped a booby-trapped package that showered him with glitter, and then he hurt his wrist while fleeing. This is why no lawyer will represent him.
-
Smart Business: How Community Engagement Can Help Fuel GrowthAs a financial professional, you can strengthen your brand while making a difference in your community. See how these pros turned community spirit into growth.
-
Smart Money Moves Savers Should Make in 2026These steps will get you on the road to achieving your 2026 savings goals.
-
How Much Would a $50,000 HELOC Cost Per Month?Thinking about tapping your home’s equity? Here’s what a $50,000 HELOC might cost you each month based on current rates.
-
My First $1 Million: Self-Employed Trader, 50, San FranciscoEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Waiting for Retirement to Give to Charity? Here Are 3 Reasons to Do It Now, From a Financial PlannerYou could wait until retirement, but making charitable giving part of your financial plan now could be far more beneficial for you and the causes you support.
