With so many streaming platforms out there, choosing the right one can get pretty confusing. Two of the big names you’ll likely come across are Peacock and Amazon Prime Video. Both have tons to offer, but their strengths and vibe are quite different. Here’s my take on what sets them apart, so you can figure out which one makes more sense for you.
Peacock: A Home for NBCUniversal Fans
If you grew up on NBC shows or love catching live sports, Peacock is tough to beat. It brings you a massive library of NBC, Bravo, and Universal Pictures content.
Everything from old favorites to trending shows, plus sports like Premier League matches and WWE. One thing I find pretty handy is that Peacock lets you watch quite a bit for free though you’ll have to put up with ads. If you’re thinking about offline viewing, though, just know you’ll have to spring for their Premium Plus plan to download Peacock videos on different devices.
Amazon Prime Video: Much More Than Streaming
Amazon Prime Video is really part of the larger Amazon Prime deal.So, if you’ve already got Prime for the shipping perks, you automatically have access to loads of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. There’s no free version, but you do get ad-free viewing in most cases and a much wider range of titles. Everything from blockbuster films to quirky indie originals. Just a heads-up: Amazon Prime Video subtitles is protected by DRM, which can be a pain if you want to copy or use them outside the app.
Comparing Their Content
- Peacock leans into its NBC roots, so you’ll notice a lot of sitcoms, reality TV, and of course, sports. If you’re after those specific shows or events, it’s definitely worth a look.
- Prime Video feels more like a giant buffet — you get a bit of everything, including Amazon’s own popular series like “The Boys” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” plus movies from all over the world.
How Much Do They Cost?
Peacock offers a tiered structure: a totally free (ad-supported) tier, a paid Premium tier with more shows (still with some ads), and a Premium Plus option with the most perks and fewer ads—with those valuable offline downloads. Amazon Prime Video, on the other hand, is either included in your Prime subscription or you can pay for it alone if you’re just interested in streaming.
The Features That Matter
- 4K HDR Streaming: Both platforms support high-quality streaming on selected titles.
- Downloading for Offline Viewing: You can download content on Prime Video’s mobile app. With Peacock, downloads are available just for Premium Plus subscribers.
- Ads: If you hate ads, Prime Video is mostly ad-free during shows and movies, while Peacock’s lower tiers do include advertisements.
Peacock or Prime Video: Which One Wins?
Honestly, it comes down to what you’re looking for. If you’re a die-hard fan of NBC shows or live sports, or you want a totally free way to stream, Peacock is an easy pick. If you already pay for Amazon Prime (or just want a bigger, ad-free range of content), Prime Video is really convenient and offers more variety. My suggestion? See if you can sign up for a trial and just browse around for yourself. You’ll know pretty quickly which one fits you best. Happy streaming!
