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Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, is about to raise the prices of its two main subscription plans. The new prices will take effect on Wednesday, July 23 for new and returning subscribers. If you’re already subscribed, the higher prices will be reflected on your bill starting August 23, depending on your billing cycle.
The Premium plan, which includes ads, will go from $7.99 to $10.99 per month, or from $79.99 to $109.99 per year. The Premium Plus plan, which has fewer ads, will go from $13.99 to $16.99 per month, or from $139.99 to $169.99 per year. This is the third time Peacock has raised its prices since it launched in 2020, and it’s the biggest increase so far.
Many users are not happy about the change. Some have already gone online to say they’ve cancelled their subscriptions. People are frustrated because they feel they’re paying more but not getting enough in return. Peacock is now more expensive than similar plans from Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Paramount+.
One of the primary reasons for the price hike is Peacock’s increasing emphasis on live sports. The service has been spending a lot of money to get the rights to big sporting events, including deals with the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and the Premier League. NBCUniversal has said that sports are a major reason people are signing up for Peacock, but those rights cost a lot, and the price increase is meant to help cover those costs.
For viewers primarily interested in regular shows and movies, this change may not seem worthwhile. Peacock’s content library is smaller than that of many other streaming services, although it does offer popular NBC shows like Law & Order and Chicago Fire, as well as some original series, such as Poker Face and Twisted Metal.
If you’re looking to save money, the best time to subscribe to Peacock is during big sale periods like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Last year, Peacock offered 75% off an annual plan during those events. Choosing an annual plan instead of monthly payments can also help you save around 17%. And if you’re new to the service or haven’t subscribed in a while, you might still be able to get a free trial.
In short, Peacock is getting more expensive, and while it’s adding more live sports, not everyone feels that justifies the price. If you don’t watch a lot of sports, it might be worth waiting for a discount or exploring other streaming options.