What is the difference between NFL+ and NFL+ Premium? This question is on the minds of many football fans eager to stream games without cable. With the NFL+ service offering two tiers—Standard and Premium—understanding exactly what each includes (and what sets them apart) is essential. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore pricing, features, limitations, and how to choose the right option for your viewing needs.
1. Understanding NFL+ – The Foundation
NFL+ is the NFL’s standalone streaming subscription service available exclusively in the United States WikipediaWhat to Watch. It’s accessible via the NFL app or through nfl.com. The base tier, often referred to simply as “NFL+”, offers:
- Live local and primetime NFL games on mobile devices (in-market only)
- Live out-of-market preseason games across devices
- Live audio broadcasts for every game (home, away, and national)
- On-demand NFL Network and NFL Films content
- Fantasy+ features and ad-free highlights PFSNCableTV.comWhat to Watch
Priced at approximately $6.99 per month, or around $49.99 per year, NFL+ offers core content for fans who want mobile access without a cable subscription What to WatchCableTV.com.
2. NFL+ Premium – All the Extras
The Premium tier builds on the Standard features and includes three major enhancements that are game-changing:
- Full game replays, condensed versions, and Coaches Film including All-22 views
- NFL RedZone access for live in-season highlights
- NFL Pro analytics, including Next Gen Stats for fantasy players What to WatchPFSNHotDog.comNFL.com
NFL+ Premium costs around $14.99 per month, or $99.99 per year—often with promotional discounts offered What to WatchCableTV.com.
3. Price Comparison Snapshot
| Tier | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL+ (Standard) | $6.99 | $49.99 | Live in-market games, preseason, NFL Network, audio |
| NFL+ Premium | $14.99 | $99.99 | All Standard + replays, RedZone, NFL Pro analytics |
Occasionally, promotional discounts reduce annual prices to ~$39.99 for Standard and ~$79.99 for Premium What to Watch.
4. What You Get: Game Access & Coverage
With NFL+ (Standard):
- In-market regular season and primetime games on mobile
- Out-of-market preseason on all devices
- Live game audio and NFL Network streaming WikipediaWhat to WatchCableTV.com
With NFL+ Premium:
- All the above, plus replay access
- NFL RedZone live
- Coaches Film including All-22 & full/condensed modes
- Fantasy and analytics enhancements through NFL Pro PFSNHotDog.comNFL.com
5. Devices: What You Can (and Can’t) Use
- Live games and audio: Only on mobile devices (phones and tablets) due to exclusive mobile licensing CableTV.comHotDog.com.
- Replays and RedZone: Available across all supported platforms including Smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and PCs (for Premium subscribers) HotDog.com.
6. Who Should Choose NFL+? And When to Upgrade to Premium
Opt for NFL+ if:
- You want live in-market games on your mobile device
- You listen to game audio regularly
- You prefer on-demand NFL Films and highlights
Upgrade to NFL+ Premium if:
- You want every game available to watch at your own pace (full or condensed)
- You enjoy NFL RedZone’s nonstop action
- You value advanced analytics and fantasy insights with NFL Pro
7. Community Insights
A Reddit user explains:
“NFL+ lets you watch live in-market games on your phone or tablet—it’s fairly reliable when I’m not home.” Reddit
Still, some fans call for more flexibility—especially for TV viewing—but the service remains a great value for mobile streaming.
8. The Evolution from Game Pass
NFL+ replaced the former US-focused Game Pass and Game Rewind services. At launch in 2022, the base tier was introduced as a mobile-first alternative, while the Premium tier keeps replay and deep analysis capabilities alive for serious fans Wikipedia+1.
9. Limitations to Be Aware Of
- Live game access: Only for in-market games on mobiles; not ideal if you rely on TV viewing CableTV.comDecider.
- No free trial: NFL+ does not typically provide free trials What to WatchDecider.
- Yearly cost still significant: Combined streaming needs (like Sunday Ticket) may total much higher over a season Tom’s Guide.
10. Why the Difference Matters for Different Types of Fans
When considering what is the difference between NFL+ and NFL+ Premium, it’s important to think about how you watch football. The real separation between these two tiers lies not only in the features but also in the type of NFL fan you are.
- Casual Viewer: If you only follow your hometown team and watch a game or two a week, NFL+ is probably all you need. It delivers in-market live games on your phone or tablet, and you’ll still have access to highlights, audio coverage, and NFL Network.
- Hardcore NFL Enthusiast: If you can’t stand missing any action from across the league and want to watch every touchdown as it happens, NFL+ Premium is the clear choice. With NFL RedZone, you get a rapid-fire look at scoring plays and game-changing moments from all Sunday afternoon games.
- Fantasy Football Player: Premium’s advanced stats, All-22 Coaches Film, and replay capabilities are gold for fantasy managers. You can analyze player performance beyond the box score and make smarter weekly lineup decisions.
11. How NFL+ and NFL+ Premium Compare to Other Services
While both tiers are valuable, neither fully replaces packages like NFL Sunday Ticket or a traditional cable sports bundle. NFL Sunday Ticket offers every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game live on TV and streaming platforms, while NFL+ focuses on mobile and tablet access for in-market games.
The key takeaway is that NFL+ is more affordable but comes with broadcast restrictions. If you want to cut the cord and watch exclusively on your mobile device, it’s a budget-friendly choice. If you want full replay libraries and real-time league coverage through RedZone, Premium justifies the upgrade.
12. Choosing the Right Tier: Questions to Ask Yourself
Before deciding between NFL+ and NFL+ Premium, ask:
- Do I watch more than just my local team’s games?
If yes, Premium will give you more value. - Am I okay with watching live games only on my phone or tablet?
If no, you may need a different service or pairing NFL+ with another option. - Do I want advanced analytics and film breakdowns?
Fantasy players and analysts will find Premium worth it.
13. The Bottom Line
In the end, the answer to what is the difference between NFL+ and NFL+ Premium? comes down to scope and flexibility. NFL+ is for mobile-first viewing of local games with basic extras, while NFL+ Premium is a complete replay, stats, and multi-game coverage package. By understanding your viewing habits and needs, you can pick the tier that delivers the most NFL excitement for your budget.
Final Thoughts
What is the difference between NFL+ and NFL+ Premium? In short:
- NFL+ offers live in-market mobile access, audio, and on-demand NFL content.
- NFL+ Premium adds replays, RedZone, analytics, and multi-device support.
If you’re prioritizing live mobile access on a budget, the Standard tier fits well. But serious fans—especially fantasy and analytics enthusiasts—will likely find Premium well worth the price.
