Paramount+ vs Peacock 2026: Sports, Movies & Price Compared
Paramount+
Subscription streaming service featuring CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, and live sports content
Movie enthusiasts, CBS fans, and cord-cutters seeking traditional entertainment
Peacock
NBCUniversal's video streaming platform with TV, movies, sports, and entertainment.
Sports enthusiasts, NBC/Bravo fans, and viewers seeking innovative streaming features
Quick Answer
AI SummaryPeacock vs Paramount+ (Paramount Plus) in 2026: here's the head-to-head on live sports, movie libraries, and price to settle which streaming service wins. Paramount+ and Peacock are competing streaming services in 2026, with Paramount+ offering stronger content from CBS, MTV, and movies, while Peacock excels in live sports and NBC programming. Both have grown substantially, with Paramount+ at 55.9 million subscribers and Peacock at 46 million paying subscribers, making the choice dependent on your content preferences and budget.
Read full verdictParamount+ leads in overall subscriber numbers and content volume with its vast movie and series library, making it ideal for mainstream entertainment. Peacock differentiates itself through live sports coverage and innovative viewing features, appealing to sports enthusiasts and NBC/Bravo fans. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize cinematic content and traditional series (Paramount+) or live sports and interactive features (Peacock).
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Movie enthusiasts, CBS fans, and cord-cutters seeking traditional entertainment
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Best pickSports enthusiasts, NBC/Bravo fans, and viewers seeking innovative streaming features
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Subscriber Base:✓ Paramount+ wins(55.9 million global subscribers vs 46 million paying subscribers)
- Viewing Hours (Annual):✓ Paramount+ wins(10.4 billion hours (up 22% YoY) vs Data not disclosed)
- Primary Content Focus:CBS shows, movies, Paramount films vs NBC programming, live sports, Olympics
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Peacock vs Hulu
Key Facts & Figures
16 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Paramount+ | Peacock | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viewing Hours (Annual) | 10.4 billion hours (up 22% YoY) | Data not disclosed | — |
| User Engagement | Consistent growth trajectory | 25% more content engagement than traditional TV | — |
| Global Subscribers(millions) | Paramount+ | Peacock | |
| YoY Growth Rate(percent) | Paramount+ | Peacock | — |
| Viewer Engagement Boost(percent) | Paramount+ | Peacock | — |
| Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) | $13.99 | $11.99 | |
| Original Series (2024-2025)(series) | 28 new originals | 18 new originals | |
| 4K HDR Content Available(titles) | 60% of library | — | — |
| Free Trial Period(days) | 7 | — | — |
| Premium Monthly Price (USD)(USD) | $11.99 | $5.99 | |
| Annual Premium Cost(USD) | $143.88/year | $71.88/year | |
| Base Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) | $5.99 | — | — |
| Premium Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) | $11.99 | — | — |
| Original Series Count(series) | 42 originals | 90+ | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 0 (streaming only) | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Ad-Free Tier)(devices) | 4 devices | — | — |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
8 attributes compared head-to-head
- 55.9 million global subscribers(winner)Subscriber Base46 million paying subscribers
- 10.4 billion hours (up 22% YoY)(winner)Viewing Hours (Annual)Data not disclosed
- CBS shows, movies, Paramount filmsPrimary Content FocusNBC programming, live sports, Olympics
- Limited sports contentLive Sports CoverageNBA, Winter Olympics, extensive live events(winner)
- Strong CBS/Paramount franchises(winner)Original Series QualityBravo originals, NBC content
- Standard streaming interfaceInnovative FeaturesVertical video for live events, personalized feeds(winner)
- Extensive Paramount film catalog(winner)Movie LibraryLimited film selection
- Consistent growth trajectoryUser Engagement25% more content engagement than traditional TV(winner)
- Subscriber Base
Paramount+
55.9 million global subscribers(winner)
Peacock
46 million paying subscribers
- Viewing Hours (Annual)
Paramount+
10.4 billion hours (up 22% YoY)(winner)
Peacock
Data not disclosed
- Primary Content Focus
Paramount+
CBS shows, movies, Paramount films
Peacock
NBC programming, live sports, Olympics
- Live Sports Coverage
Paramount+
Limited sports content
Peacock
NBA, Winter Olympics, extensive live events(winner)
- Original Series Quality
Paramount+
Strong CBS/Paramount franchises(winner)
Peacock
Bravo originals, NBC content
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Paramount+ | Peacock |
|---|---|---|
| Viewing Hours (Annual) | 10.4 billion hours (up 22% YoY)(winner) | Data not disclosed |
| Live Sports Coverage | Limited sports content | NBA, Winter Olympics, extensive live events(winner) |
| Original Series Quality | Strong CBS/Paramount franchises(winner) | Bravo originals, NBC content |
| Innovative Features | Standard streaming interface | Vertical video for live events, personalized feeds(winner) |
| Movie Library | Extensive Paramount film catalog(winner) | Limited film selection |
Show 1 more attributeUser Engagement Consistent growth trajectory 25% more content engagement than traditional TV | ||
| Global Subscribers(millions) | Paramount+(winner) | Peacock |
| YoY Growth Rate(percent) | Paramount+ | Peacock |
| Viewer Engagement Boost(percent) | Paramount+ | Peacock |
| Original Content Strength | Paramount+ | Peacock |
| Original Series (2024-2025)(series) | 28 new originals(winner) | 18 new originals |
| Original Series Count(series) | 42 originals | 90+(winner) |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 0 (streaming only) | — |
| Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) | $13.99 | $11.99(winner) |
| Premium Monthly Price (USD)(USD) | $11.99 | $5.99(winner) |
| Free Ad-Supported Tier Available | No | Yes (7,000+ hours) |
| Annual Premium Cost(USD) | $143.88/year | $71.88/year(winner) |
| Base Monthly Price (Ad-Supported)(USD) | $5.99 | — |
Show 1 more attributePremium Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) $11.99 — | ||
| Live TV Channels (with Live TV Plan)(count) | Not available | — |
| Disney Bundle Compatibility | Not available | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Ad-Free Tier)(devices) | 4 devices | — |
| 4K HDR Content Available(titles) | 60% of library | — |
| Free Trial Period(days) | 7 | — |
| 4K/Ultra HD Content Availability(coverage %) | Premium tier only (limited) | All tiers (extensive) |
Paramount+PeacockShow 1 more attribute
Show 1 more attribute
Pros & Cons
8 pros·6 cons across both
Paramount+
Pros
Cons
Peacock
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions
Both are worth subscribing to if you watch their key content. Paramount+ is worth it if you watch: Star Trek, CBS shows (NCIS, Survivor), Yellowstone universe (1883, 1923), Champions League soccer, or want SHOWTIME content. Peacock is worth it if you watch: The Office (available nowhere else in the US), NBC shows, Bravo reality (Real Housewives), Olympics coverage, or WWE. If you have Xfinity internet, Peacock may be included at no extra cost. Many subscribers rotate — subscribing for 1–2 months to watch a specific series, then canceling. Neither is a strong "always-on" subscription compared to Netflix or HBO Max unless you're a superfan of their core content.
Yes to both, but for different games. Paramount+ streams CBS's NFL games — this includes AFC games (the AFC is on CBS) and Super Bowl years when CBS airs it. You can watch CBS NFL games on Paramount+ Essential ($7.99/month). Peacock streams NBC's NFL games — this includes Sunday Night Football (the highest-rated program in US TV) and Peacock has secured exclusive streaming rights for some playoff games. In 2024, Peacock exclusively streamed a Wildcard playoff game (Bills vs Steelers), which was controversial for putting a free-TV game behind a paywall. If you want Sunday Night Football, Peacock is required for streaming. If you want CBS AFC games, Paramount+ works.
Yes — Peacock has all 9 seasons of The Office (US) exclusively in the United States. The Office left Netflix in January 2021 and became a Peacock exclusive. This was a major driver of Peacock subscriber growth — The Office is one of the most rewatched shows in streaming history. All 201 episodes are available on Peacock Premium ($7.99/month); a limited selection is available on the free tier. It is not available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or any other major US streaming service. If The Office is a primary reason you want to subscribe to something, Peacock is your only option.
Analysis: Paramount+ vs Peacock
Paramount+ and Peacock are two of the mid-tier streaming services competing for subscriber attention between Netflix and Disney+ in most American households. By 2026, both have built out their content libraries substantially, but their strengths and their strategies for growth differ in meaningful ways.
Paramount+: Evolved from CBS All Access in 2021, Paramount+ is the streaming home for theatrical releases from Paramount Pictures (typically available 30-45 days post-theatrical debut), CBS live broadcast (including NFL games and March Madness on Premium tier), and content from MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, BET, and the Smithsonian Channel. Pricing in 2026: Paramount+ Essential ($7.99/month with ads) and Paramount+ with Showtime ($13.99/month, ad-free on Paramount content plus full Showtime access). The with-Showtime bundle is notable — it effectively adds Yellowstone spin-offs, Dexter: Original Sin, Billions, and Showtime's film library for $6 more per month, making it one of the stronger content bundles at its price tier. Paramount's originals have improved in profile: "Halo" and "Tulsa King" (Sylvester Stallone) built audiences, and the "Yellowstone" extended universe (1883, 1923, 6666) drives significant subscriber retention. CBS broadcast access differentiates Paramount+ for cord-cutters who want local network TV without a cable package.
Peacock: NBCUniversal's streaming service, owned by Comcast, has three tiers in 2026: Free (limited catalog), Premium ($7.99/month with ads), and Premium Plus ($13.99/month). Peacock's distinguishing strength is live sports: Sunday Night Football (the most-watched TV program in America), Premier League soccer (US rights through 2028), WWE, the Olympics (alternating years), and USA Network sports. Peacock Originals include "Ted" (the series spinoff from the film), "Poker Face" (Rian Johnson's acclaimed mystery), and various reality formats. Peacock also carries next-day NBC shows — a draw for fans of The Voice, Law & Order, and Tonight Show clips. The Peacock interface has improved substantially since launch but still trails competitors in responsiveness and content discoverability.
Read 1 more paragraphShow less
The 2026 verdict: Peacock wins for live sports subscribers — Sunday Night Football and Premier League soccer alone justify the subscription for millions of fans. Paramount+ with Showtime wins for scripted TV depth and the CBS live-stream for cord-cutters. Neither is a standalone must-have for the average viewer (both have solid but not must-see originals), but in combination they cover most broadcast and premium cable content at a fraction of the cable bill. Both run frequent promotions (Apple One bundles, carrier deals, promotional free trials) that reward seasonal subscribers.
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