Walmart takes aim at Amazon with new free streaming service

Walmart is adding another perk to its subscription service as it ramps up its battle with Amazon. 

Starting September 15, Walmart+ members will get Peacock’s ad-tier plan at no extra cost. 

That means subscribers can can stream shows including Real Housewives, SNL, The Traitors, plus NFL, NBA, and Olympic coverage — for less than buying the service directly. 

Peacock’s annual ad-tier price jumped to $109.99 in August, while Walmart+ with video streaming costs $98 a year.

The move builds on Walmart’s subscription perks. 

For the past three years, the company bundled in Paramount+, but now members can choose between that and Peacock. 

Walmart+ users can switch between the two streaming services every 90 days. 

‘By offering the ability to switch between two top-tier video streaming services, we’re empowering our members to customize their entertainment experience and enjoy significant savings,’ Deepak Maini, the senior vice president of Walmart+, said. 

Walmart takes aim at Amazon with new free streaming service

Sydney Sweeney is a regular on SNL, which is a top show on Peacock

The deal is the latest salvo in Walmart’s rivalry with Amazon.

Amazon offers its own streaming service, Prime Video, bundled with its $139-a-year Prime membership. 

Amazon has been bulking up its catalog with NFL games, James Bond films, and major studio deals. 

Walmart and Amazon have been locked in a bitter rivalry for years, each vying to claim the title of America’s largest retailer by sales. 

The battle stretches across brick-and-mortar stores, e-commerce, and increasingly, subscription services and streaming content, as both companies look for ways to capture consumer loyalty and dominate everyday spending. 

Walmart+ launched in September 2020, as a direct competitor to Amazon Prime, which began in February 2005.

More recently, Walmart Deals has been launched to compete with Amazon Prime Day. 

Meanwhile, Walmart’s deal for free Peacock comes the month after the streaming service increased prices.

Walmart upped its subscription streaming offerings with a partnership with Peacock - its the latest in a war between America's two biggest companies

Walmart upped its subscription streaming offerings with a partnership with Peacock – its the latest in a war between America’s two biggest companies

Sabrina Carpenter and Pedro Pascal during the viral 'Domingo: Vow Renewal' sketch on SNL on February 16, 2025

Sabrina Carpenter and Pedro Pascal during the viral ‘Domingo: Vow Renewal’ sketch on SNL on February 16, 2025

Peacock, which has Yellowstone on its service, is putting up prices by $3 a month for its standard service, taking the cost to $10.99 a month

In July, Peacock said it was raising prices by as much as 40 percent

Apple TV’s monthly subscription price also jumped from $9.99 to $12.99 in August

Over the past 18 months, nearly all major streamers have raised prices. 

In January, Netflix raised prices for its ad tier subscription to $7.99. Paramount Plus did the same last June

Max, Hulu, and Disney+ now all cost at least $9.99 after rises last summer, while Prime Video costs $8.99 a month when taken on its own. 


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