Peacock vs. Paramount+ vs. Hulu : Comparing Price, Content and Live TV

The modern streaming environment is incredibly fragmented, turning the simple act of choosing a platform into a confusing game of balancing budget and entertainment needs. Three of the most formidable competitors vying for your monthly subscription fee are NBCUniversal's Peacock, Paramount Global's Paramount+, and Disney-owned Hulu. Each media service offers a distinctive mix of popular TV series, blockbuster films, and live broadcasts, but discerning which one provides the best overall value can be tricky. So Peacock vs Hulu vs Paramount+: which Is best? What is the best streaming service for streaming?This detailed comparison guide is designed to cut through the complexity, providing a definitive breakdown of their cost tiers, the strength of their on-demand catalogs, and the nuances of their live television access.

📊Peacock vs. Paramount+ vs. Hulu Quick Comparison: At a Glance

The table below summarizes the key differences between the standard, on-demand plans of Peacock, Paramount+, and Hulu.

📝Peacock vs. Paramount+ vs. Hulu: Full Reviews

1.Peacock: Best for NBC fans

1.2 What Is Peacock?

Peacock's content basket is a savory helping of NBC, Bravo, and Universal Pictures movies and originals combined with live programming in sports, news and always-on channels. The streaming service has upgraded its offerings with new video games, interactive and AI-powered features, along with the return of NBA on NBC (and Peacock) that's bringing an enhanced, immersive experience to both its mobile and TV apps. We know the price increased, but its large catalog offers value with classic shows and movies and consistent delivery of new titles, which is why it's earned a CNET Editors' Choice Award in 2025.

With roughly 41 million subscribers, NBCUniversal streaming service Peacock has found more and more fans since its 2020 launch. After adding buzzy series like The Day of the Jackal, The Traitors and box-office hits like Wicked, it's leveling up its new and original content. The service's live sports offering is a strength, and you can watch with a standard Premium subscription. It has NFL Sunday Night Football, the US Open, WWE wrestling, the Premier League, the Olympics and, starting in the fall of 2025, live NBA games.

1.3 Device Compatibility

Peacock supports a wide range of devices, including :

• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio, Roku TV)

• Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast)

• Game consoles (PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

• Mobile devices (iOS and Android)

• Web browsers

1.4 User Experience and Features

• Simultaneous Streams: An account can stream on up to three devices at the same time .

• Profiles & Parental Controls: You can create up to six profiles per account. The service also offers robust parental controls, allowing you to set up Kids Profiles and restrict content by rating .

• User Interface: The interface is generally considered clean and easy to navigate, with content organized into clear categories like Live TV, Sports, Movies, and Kids .

• Offline Downloads: The ability to download select shows and movies for offline viewing is available only for Premium Plus subscribers

1.5 Pros and Cons

1.6 Final Verdict

Peacock positions itself as a high-value, budget-friendly streaming service . It is an excellent choice for:

• Superfans of NBC, Bravo, and Universal content.

• Sports enthusiasts, particularly of the Premier League, WWE, and NFL Sunday Night Football.

• Cord-cutters looking for a cost-effective way to access live sports and next-day TV without a full live TV package.

Its main strengths lie in its affordable pricing, strong sports lineup, and extensive catalog of popular network TV shows

2.Paramount+:Best for CBS fans

2.1 Ownership & positioning

Paramount+ is from Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). It offers on‑demand streaming (shows, movies, originals) plus live TV components (especially local CBS feed, sports like NFL on CBS, Champions League) in its higher tier.

2.2 What is Paramount+?

Paramount Plus is a subscription streaming service from Paramount Global, formerly ViacomCBS. It includes select programs from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, The Smithsonian Channel, and more. You also get 24/7 news programming and next-day access to news programs like "60 Minutes" and "Face the Nation."

New and classic Paramount movies are included as well, and the library features Paramount Plus originals you won't find anywhere else, like "Evil" and several "Star Trek" programs. The Premium plan also adds access to everything on the Showtime cable channel and livestreaming support for your local CBS network.

2.3 Device Compatibility

• Smart TVs (Android,Samsung, LG, VIDAA and some other smart TVs )

• Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Portal TV)

• Game consoles (PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

• Mobile devices (iOS and Android)

• Web browsers

2.4 User Experience and Features

• User Experience: The interface is generally tidy and intuitive, following the familiar layout of rows of content found on most streaming services . It includes standard features like user profiles, a "My List" watchlist, and personalized recommendations .

• Streaming Quality: The Essential plan streams in up to 1080p Full HD. The Premium "with SHOWTIME" plan offers higher-quality 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision for supported titles .

• Device Compatibility: Paramount+ is widely accessible. You can stream on smartphones (iOS/Android), smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast), and gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)

2.5 Pros and Cons

2.6 Final Verdict

Paramount+ is an excellent value, especially if your entertainment tastes align with its strengths . It's a top-tier choice for:

• CBS superfans who want to watch current and classic shows.

• "Star Trek" enthusiasts with its growing roster of exclusive series.

• Sports fans, particularly of the NFL and European soccer.

• Viewers seeking a budget-friendly way to access a large library of familiar TV shows and movies alongside some live TV.

3.Hulu: Best for ABC and FOX fans

Hulu is particularly good for:

• ● Cable Cutters & Live TV Replacements: Viewers who need a serious cable replacement will find the Hulu + Live TV bundle to be one of the best available options.

• ● Network TV Fans: Anyone who wants to watch current shows from ABC and Fox without waiting for the full season to drop.

• ● Bundle Seekers: Users looking for maximum streaming value and content diversity who can benefit from bundling Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+.

• ● Prestige TV Enthusiasts:

  Those seeking sophisticated, adult-oriented programming from the FX and Hulu Originals slate.

⏰Peacock vs. Paramount+ vs. Hulu: The Ultimate Streaming Guide

All three services utilize a tiered pricing model, allowing consumers to balance cost against features like ad-free viewing and live content access.

✳️Peacock (NBC Universal)

Peacock updated its pricing in July 2025, introducing a new, lower-cost tier alongside price increases for its main plans. The table below breaks down the current Peacock plans and pricing for you.

💡How to Choose the Right Peacock Plan

Your choice ultimately depends on your viewing preferences and budget:

• Choose 'Premium' if you want the full Peacock experience with live sports and originals and are okay with ads for the best value.

• Choose 'Premium Plus' if you are a heavy user who prefers an ad-free experience, wants to download content for offline viewing, or needs to stream your local NBC channel.

• Choose 'Select' if your viewing is strictly limited to NBC and Bravo scripted shows and reality series, and you want the lowest possible price.

✳️Paramount+ (Paramount Global/CBS)

Paramount+ keeps its tiers simple, primarily separating users based on live CBS local access and ad frequency.

💡How to Choose the Right Paramount+ Plan

• Choose 'Paramount+ Essential' if you want the most budget-friendly way to access the on-demand library and some live sports and don't mind watching ads.

• Choose 'Paramount+ Premium' if you are a fan of SHOWTIME content, want to watch your local CBS station live, prefer an ad-free experience, or need to download content for offline viewing

✳️Hulu (Disney/FX)

Hulu is unique because it acts as both a traditional on-demand library and a full cable replacement service (Hulu + Live TV).

The strength of each platform is heavily tied to its parent company's vast library and its commitment to original programming.

✳️Peacock (NBC Universal)

• Back Catalog: Home to iconic NBC comedies like The Office (exclusively), Parks and Recreation, and 30 Rock.

• Current TV: Current season episodes of NBC and Bravo shows, often available the day after airing.

• Originals: Features growing titles like Poker Face, Bel-Air, and reality TV spin-offs.

• Movies: Access to Universal's movie vault and new releases, including films moving off the theatrical window relatively quickly.

• Unique Content: WWE Network is fully integrated, making Peacock the exclusive home for all WWE pay-per-views and archives.

✳️Paramount+ (Paramount Global/CBS)

• Back Catalog: Deep library from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and the full catalog of Showtime content (in the Premium tier).

• Franchise Focus: The exclusive home for all new Star Trek series (e.g., Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds) and the entire Yellowstone universe spinoffs (1883, 1923).

• Originals: Strong focus on gritty dramas and crime procedurals, as well as children's content from Nickelodeon.

• Movies: Home to the extensive Paramount Pictures film catalog (The Godfather, Mission: Impossible).

✳️Hulu (Disney/FX)

• Back Catalog: Draws heavily from the combined libraries of ABC, 20th Century Fox, and Disney's general entertainment division (Hulu is majority-owned by Disney).

• Next-Day TV: Known for having the best next-day access to current season episodes from major broadcast networks, often beating competitors.

• Originals: Critically acclaimed series from FX on Hulu (e.g., The Bear, Shōgun) and Hulu Originals (The Handmaid's Tale).

• Movies: A rotating selection of movies, including releases from Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios.

Live content is a key differentiator, particularly in the realm of sports and local news access.

✳️Peacock (Live Content)

Peacock’s live offerings are focused but niche:

• Sports: Exclusive US home for Premier League soccer. Also airs major events like Sunday Night Football, Olympic coverage, and select WWE pay-per-views.

• News: 24/7 news channels like NBC News Now.

• Local TV: Does not offer a live stream of your local NBC affiliate station.

✳️Paramount+ (Live Content)

Paramount+'s live focus is tied directly to the CBS brand:

• Sports: Home of live NFL on CBS games (via a separate stream in the Essential tier, or the local feed in the Premium tier), UEFA Champions League, and college basketball.

• News: 24/7 access to CBS News Live (CBSN).

• Local TV: The Paramount+ with Showtime tier provides a live, local CBS channel feed.

✳️Hulu (Live Content)

Hulu’s Live TV package is a comprehensive cable replacement service:

• Channels: Over 90 live channels, including local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates, plus cable sports networks (ESPN, FS1), news (CNN, Fox News), and entertainment.

• Sports: Offers the broadest live sports coverage due to the wide channel selection and the bundled ESPN+ access.

• DVR: Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage.

• Flexibility: The base Hulu tiers (Ad-Supported and No Ads) do not include live TV functionality.

💎How to Choose: Which Platform Is Right for You?

🧐 How to Decide: Key Questions & Which Platform Fits

✴️Platform Strengths Recap

⭕Platform Limitations

🔍 Recommendation Flow

⏩Check your viewing behaviour:

• ☑  Mostly streaming shows, maybe movies, rarely live sports/news → go for Peacock or Paramount+.
• ☑  Watch live sports + news + many channels + streaming content → lean Hulu.

⏩Check your favourite networks/content:

• ☑  If you follow CBS shows, Viacom networks (Nickelodeon, MTV) → Paramount+.
• ☑ If you like NBC/Universal catalogue, themed channels, or want lowest cost → Peacock.
• ☑ If you watch ABC/FOX/NBC live feeds, lots of channels + bundles → Hulu.

⏩Budget & ads tolerance:

• ☑   If ads are okay → cheaper tiers work.
• ☑  If you hate ads and want offline downloads → pick premium tiers (Paramount+ Premium, Hulu No Ads, Peacock Premium Plus).

⏩Future proofing / bundles:

• ☑  If you also use Disney+ / ESPN+, Hulu’s bundle may give extra value.
• ☑ If you want simplicity and less complexity, minimalist set‑up → simpler services (Peacock or Paramount+).

🤔 Conclusion: Which Platform Should You Choose?

Your ideal service depends entirely on your viewing preferences.

🔶Choose Peacock if...

• ☑ You are obsessed with Bravo reality TV or watch a lot of NBC primetime.
• ☑ You want to stream Premier League Soccer or WWE events.
• ☑ You only want to watch Universal Pictures movies in their first streaming window.
• ☑ You want a free option to test the platform or watch a few shows.

🔶Choose Paramount+ if...

• ☑ You are a major NFL fan or follow European club soccer (UEFA Champions League is exclusive).
• ☑ You want to access the full library of Showtime originals (Yellowjackets, Billions) without a separate subscription.
• ☑ You are primarily interested in the Star Trek franchise or the Yellowstone universe spin-offs.

🔶Choose Hulu if...

• ☑ You want to follow current, primetime network TV shows from ABC or Fox (like The Bachelor or The Resident) the very next day.
• ☑ You are looking for prestige, mature originals like The Bear or The Handmaid’s Tale.
• ☑ You plan to get the Disney Bundle (Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+) for maximum household variety.

You can also mix and match! These services are not mutually exclusive. Many users subscribe to one or two that fit their primary interests and rotate subscriptions based on new releases or sporting seasons. All three services typically offer free trial periods, so you can test them out before fully committing .

Final Thoughts

• If price is the primary concern and you mainly watch on‑demand: Peacock offers very good value.

• If you want a targeted niche (CBS/Viacom/SHOWTIME + some live sports) and don’t need full channel bundle: Paramount+ is smart.

• If you want a full live TV + streaming bundle, replacing much of your cable/satellite experience: Hulu + Live TV is the strongest, though costlier.

⚠️Common FAQs & Solutions for Peacock, Paramount+ and Hulu

Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing common questions and answers when comparing Peacock, Paramount+, and Hulu as streaming platforms in 2025: