NBCUniversal’s entrance into the streaming world is only recent, but Peacock (as the service is officially named) has already gained popularity. With both free and premium versions on offer, the platform appeals to all. And with on-demand content ranging from The Office to Law & Order, plus a sprinkling of live sports, you won’t ever be bored. If you can’t wait to get started with Peacock, then you’ll probably be wondering how to access it on your streaming device. So here’s how to watch Peacock on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick devices.
Peacock on Roku
Downloading the Peacock app on Roku devices is simple:
- First, head to the Peacock website to sign up or start a free trial.
- Open the main menu on your Roku device and head to the Roku Channel Store.
- Search for Peacock.
- Install the Peacock app by selecting Add Channel.
- Once it’s downloaded, click on the app’s icon and enter your new Peacock login details.
So what will Peacock look like when installed? Well, the interface is largely similar across all devices. As you’ll be using a TV with a Roku device, you’ll be taken straight to the main Browse section, which looks similar to the Netflix or Hulu interface. Essentially, it’s a collection of NBCUniversal’s catalog, laid out in rows of genres such as comedies and reality TV. Thankfully, it’s super easy to navigate.
You’ll also find a separate news and sports section that will usually be full of live content to watch. When a special sporting event is on, it will have a separate tab at the top of the homepage, so you can’t miss it. Peacock also has a Channels section to browse. This looks more like a regular TV schedule with channels dedicated to various interests like sports highlights or series like The Office. Note that these channels aren’t actually livestreams of well-known networks but curated content of various NBCUniversal titles.
Compatible devices
If you’re a Roku user, you’ll be glad to know that several Roku devices are compatible with the Peacock app. It reads as follows:
- Roku 2 (4210X model only)
- Roku 3 and 4 (model 4200X or later)
- Roku Streaming Stick (model 3600X or later)
- Roku Express and Express+ (model 3900X or later)
- Roku Premiere and Premiere+ (model 3920X or later)
- Roku Ultra and Ultra LT (model 4640X or later)
- Roku TV and Smart Soundbar (model 5000X or later)
If you’re looking to invest in a Roku device and don’t want to splash a lot of cash, opt for the Roku Express. At around $30, it’s Roku’s cheapest creation and gives you access to the full Roku interface with HD streaming. For the ultimate streaming experience, consider Roku Ultra. At just under $100, it’s pricier than many of the other models. But it’s Roku’s most powerful streamer with voice control and the ability to stream in 4K.
Peacock on Apple TV
To download Peacock on Apple TV, follow these steps:
- Sign up on the Peacock website.
- Head to the App Store on your Apple TV and search for Peacock.
- Click the Get button to begin the download.
- Navigate to the Peacock icon on your Apple TV menu and log in with your new account details.
The Peacock interface on Apple TV is exactly the same as it is on Roku devices. The main section is called Browse and sorts all of the content into handy genres for you to scroll through. The Channels section, on the other hand, is the place to go if you want a live TV experience (without the live). Its curated programming feeds are on for 24 hours, so you can choose whether you’d like to watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians or vital sports highlights. Sports and news do have their own tabs at the top of the screen, with any major live sports events appearing there, too.
Compatible devices
To download Peacock onto an Apple TV, you’ll need to ensure your device is an Apple TV HD model (4th Generation or above) with a minimum of tvOS 13. Apple TV HD devices cost $149 and come with a nifty voice-controlled Siri remote.
Peacock on Amazon Fire
Unfortunately, Amazon Fire products don’t officially support the Peacock app. While you’re waiting for Peacock and Amazon to confirm a contract, there is a workaround for those who have a smartphone and a third-party casting app on their Fire TV device. If you don’t have a casting app, you can download the likes of AllCast or TV Cast from the Amazon website — it’ll end up straight on your Fire device.
- Create a Peacock account on the Peacock website.
- Install the Peacock app on your iOS or Android phone and log in.
- Ensure your Amazon Fire device and phone are using the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the casting app on your Fire TV device.
- Choose a title to play on your phone’s Peacock app and click the Cast icon in the corner.
- Choose your Fire device from the list and prepare to see the content appear on your TV screen.
As you’ll be casting content from a mobile device, the Peacock interface will look slightly different. It’ll open up on the Trending page, which is a combination of short news, sports, and entertainment clips. Live sports will also be prominently placed here. You can, of course, head to the usual Browse and Channel sections to see the catalog split into genres or to watch specially created feeds.
Compatible devices
Opt for the Fire TV Stick 4K for a compact device that features the sharpest streaming resolution — it costs $50. And for the best smart home functionality, try the $120 Fire TV Cube. It has an in-built digital assistant to make your day.
The final cut
Watching Peacock is easy on most devices — just find it in the relevant app store and hit the download button to start streaming today.