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Entertainment · head to head

Jellyfin vs Peacock

Jellyfin logo

Jellyfin

Entertainment

The free software media system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Peacock logo

Peacock

Entertainment

Stream iconic movies, shows, and live sports

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Jellyfin no commercial support or SLA available; project is volunteer-maintained; Peacock geographic restrictions prevent US access verification
  • They diverge on capability: Jellyfin covers Media server, Peacock covers Live sports.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Jellyfin and Peacock actually diverge.

Attributes where Jellyfin and Peacock differ
AttributeJellyfinPeacock
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, DockerWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv
Founded20182020

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Entertainment).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Jellyfin

  • Media server
  • Library management
  • Open source
  • Self-hosted
  • Streaming devices
  • Open source audit
  • Self-hosted security
  • User management

Only in Peacock

  • Live sports
  • News
  • Original content
  • Parental controls
  • Profile PINs

Both cover

  • Streaming
  • Smart TVs
  • Mobile devices
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support
  • Smart-tv support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Jellyfin

  • Open-source media streamingnot Peacock
  • Self-hosted librarynot Peacock

Peacock

  • Streamingnot Jellyfin
  • Sportsnot Jellyfin
  • Newsnot Jellyfin

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Jellyfin

  • No commercial support or SLA available; project is volunteer-maintained
  • Self-hosted deployment required; no cloud hosting provided by project

Peacock

  • Geographic restrictions prevent US access verification

Pricing, plan by plan

Jellyfin

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited streaming
    • Open source
    • No ads

Peacock

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited content
    • Ads
  • Premium$5.99/month
    • Full library
    • Ads
  • Premium Plus$11.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Downloads

Which should you pick?

Choose Jellyfin if

  • You need media server.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker.
  • You also want library management.
Jellyfin review

Choose Peacock if

  • You need live sports.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv.
  • You also want news.
Peacock review

Questions people ask

Is Jellyfin or Peacock better?
Neither clearly leads. Jellyfin starts at Free and Peacock at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Jellyfin or Peacock?
Jellyfin starts at Free and Peacock at Free.
Does Jellyfin or Peacock run on more platforms?
Jellyfin runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker. Peacock runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv.
Can I use Jellyfin for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Jellyfin best used for?
Jellyfin is most often used for open-source media streaming, self-hosted library. Of those, open-source media streaming and self-hosted library are not what Peacock is typically brought in for.
What can Jellyfin do that Peacock cannot?
Jellyfin covers Media server, Library management, Open source, Self-hosted. Peacock covers Live sports, News, Original content, Parental controls. Both handle Streaming, Smart TVs, Mobile devices, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Jellyfin: How much does Jellyfin cost?

Jellyfin is completely free with no costs, hidden fees, or subscriptions. The Jellyfin server and official clients are free to download and use for personal, commercial, or any other purpose. There are no paid tiers or premium features.

Source
Peacock: What is Peacock's pricing?

Peacock pricing information is not available. The website shows geographic restrictions and states the service requires US physical location for domestic customers.

Source
Jellyfin: Is Jellyfin open source?

Yes, Jellyfin is free and open-source software distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). Users can download, use, study, modify, and distribute it at no cost. The project is maintained by volunteers and supported through user donations.

Source
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