Wondering whether to choose Peacock or YouTube TV for your streaming needs? This comprehensive guide compares features, content, pricing, and more to help you decide.
Quick Overview
Peacock and YouTube TV both offer robust streaming options, but focus on different types of content.
Peacock serves up a deep library of classic shows like The Office and 30 Rock, along with originals and some live sports. Pricing starts free with ads.
YouTube TV provides 85+ live TV channels spanning entertainment, news, and sports. It features unlimited cloud DVR and on-demand content. Pricing starts at $64.99/month.
Pricing and Plans Compared
YouTube TV costs significantly more than Peacock but also includes far more content. Breakdowns of each service’s offerings are below.
Peacock Plans and Pricing
- Peacock Free – Ads included, next day NBC shows
- Peacock Premium – $4.99/month, full catalogue of shows & movies
- Premium Plus – $9.99/month, all content without ads
YouTube TV Pricing
- $64.99/month – 85+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR
- Add-ons like HBO Max available à la carte from $9.99/month
Verdict: YouTube TV is better for live TV access but much pricier. Peacock offers strong on-demand catalogue at just $4.99/month.
Channels and Content Comparison
YouTube TV and Peacock take very different approaches when it comes to channel lineups and content offerings.
Peacock Channel and Content Highlights
- Iconic NBC comedies like The Office, 30 Rock, Parks & Rec
- Universal movies like the Fast & Furious, Jason Bourne, and Despicable Me franchises
- Every WWE pay-per-view event
- Select live sports like Sunday Night Football and Premier League matches
- Peacock offers over 15,000 hours of content according to this Peacock review.
- Peacock Originals such as Bel-Air, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, and more
- Peacock allows you to stream on LG TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and more.
YouTube TV Programming Highlights
- 85+ channels across news, entertainment, and more
- Sports networks like ESPN, MLB Network, NBA TV
- Access to ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates depends on your location entered during sign-up. You can change your location to get different local channel availability.
- Unlimited cloud DVR to record content, stored for 9 months
- On-demand shows and movies from channels you subscribe to
Verdict: YouTube TV is superior for live TV, sports, local channels, and cloud DVR. Peacock excels in the on-demand space.
Important Feature Comparisons
Beyond cost and content, we evaluated how Peacock and YouTube TV stack up on other key streaming service features.
| Feature | Peacock | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 7 days free | 5-30 days based on promotion |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 | 3 |
| Mobile Apps | Android, iOS, Fire tablets | Android, iOS, Fire tablets |
| Offline Download | Yes | Yes, with $9.99/month add-on |
| Video Quality | Up to 4K | Up to 4K |
| Supported Devices | Roku, Fire TV, iOS, Android TV | Roku, Fire TV, iOS, Android TV |
Verdict: Overall streaming features are very similar. Peacock includes mobile downloads while YouTube TV has better DVR. More 4K content on YouTube TV too.
Expert Recommendations
Based on our evaluations, here are some final recommendations:
- Cord-cutters wanting to emulate cable TV should choose YouTube TV for its unrivaled live TV and cloud DVR. Add-ons also available for more content. Just be prepared to pay $65/month.
- Viewers interested primarily in on-demand shows and movies can better value with Peacock. Its Premium plan unlocks tens of thousands of hours of content for just $4.99/month.
- Comcast Xfinity subscribers get Peacock Premium for free, making it a no-brainer addition.
No matter what streaming service you ultimately go with, we always recommend taking full advantage of the free trial period available to preview offerings firsthand before committing.
Choose the service that best aligns with your personal viewing preferences. Keep the detailed breakdowns in this guide handy as you evaluate Peacock versus YouTube TV!
FAQs About Peacock and YouTube TV (5 Questions)
Does YouTube TV include Peacock?
No. Although YouTube TV features content from NBC channels, a Peacock subscription is not included with YouTube TV and must be purchased separately.
What channels are on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV provides over 85 live TV channels spanning entertainment, news, sports and more. Local ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates from your area are also typically available based on your zip code entered at sign-up.
Is Peacock worth it in 2024?
For fans of NBC shows and Universal movies, absolutely. The on-demand library is vast. And you can stream EPL soccer matches live or on-demand. For just $4.99 per month, Peacock provides incredible value.
Can I get Peacock free with Comcast?
Yes. Comcast Xfinity customers can get a Peacock Premium subscription (normally $4.99 per month) included completely free with their existing Xfinity service. This grants access to Peacock’s full on-demand catalogue without needing to watch ads.
Which is better, Hulu or Peacock?
This depends on what content you are most interested in. Hulu is better for next-day access to shows airing on ABC, NBC, Fox, and popular cable networks. Peacock has a stronger catalogue of classic sitcoms like The Office and 30 Rock. Check the libraries and free trials before deciding.
