Paramount+ and Peacock are the two 'second tier' major streaming services — cheaper than Netflix or Max, backed by legacy media conglomerates, and built around their broadcast network libraries. Both have found real subscribers despite being less glamorous than their rivals.
Peacock
Peacock edges ahead for most cord-cutters thanks to better sports rights (NFL, Premier League) and a slightly more polished free tier.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Paramount+ | Peacock |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-supported tier | $7.99/mo | $7.99/mo |
| Ad-free tier | $13.99/mo (with Showtime) | $13.99/mo |
| Free tier | No | Yes (limited) |
| NFL games | CBS games | Exclusive playoff games |
| Live local CBS | Yes (most markets) | No |
| Premier League | No | Yes |
Content Libraries
Paramount+ runs on the CBS and MTV library, plus Nickelodeon for kids, Comedy Central classics, and Paramount film titles. The Showtime add-on (now integrated into Paramount+ with Showtime) adds prestige content like Yellowstone, Dexter, and Billions at a higher price.
Peacock runs on NBCUniversal content: NBC shows, Bravo, E!, Syfy, USA Network, plus classic Universal films and the full Jurassic Park / Fast & Furious franchise. The catalog feels broad if unglamorous.
Sports Rights
Peacock has exclusive NFL playoff games and some Sunday Night Football streams, Premier League soccer, and WWE. These are real, live events that drove significant subscriber spikes. NBC's Olympics coverage has also streamed on Peacock.
Paramount+ has NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League soccer, and some March Madness streams. Both have genuine sports appeal, but Peacock's NFL exclusives drove more subscriber conversation in 2024–2025.
Pricing
Peacock Premium is $7.99/mo (with ads) or $13.99/mo (no ads). Paramount+ Essential (with ads) is $7.99/mo; Paramount+ with Showtime (no ads) is $13.99/mo. They're essentially identical on price.
Peacock has a meaningful free tier with limited content and ads. Paramount+ has no free tier, though it bundles with some credit cards and through Walmart+.
Paramount+ Strengths
- CBS live TV included on Essential plan
- Paramount+ with Showtime adds Yellowstone, Billions
- Strong international soccer (UEFA Champions League)
- Nickelodeon library for families
Peacock Strengths
- NFL exclusive playoff game streams
- Premier League soccer + WWE
- Free tier available (ad-supported, limited content)
- Slightly better app interface
Paramount+ Weaknesses
- No free tier
- Showtime content requires higher-priced plan
- App has reported stability issues
Peacock Weaknesses
- Free tier is heavily restricted
- No-ads plan is $13.99/mo, same as Paramount+ with Showtime
- Catalog feels thin outside sports and NBC shows
Best For
- a: CBS viewers, Champions League soccer fans, and Paramount/Showtime content followers
- b: NFL fans wanting exclusive streams, Premier League viewers, and WWE subscribers
FAQ
Is Paramount+ worth it without Showtime?
At $7.99/mo, the Essential plan gives you CBS live TV, CBS originals, and Paramount+ exclusives. It's decent value if CBS programming appeals to you, but without Showtime the prestige content is thin.
Can I watch Peacock's NFL games for free?
Peacock's exclusive NFL games require a paid Premium subscription. The free tier doesn't include live sports events.