The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For most viewers, PBS costs $0 per month. PBS.org, the PBS app, many local livestreams and PBS KIDS programming are free. The expanded PBS Passport catalog is usually available after a qualifying donation to your local PBS station—often about $5 per month or $60 per year, although each station sets its own threshold. Amazon PBS channels and live-TV services such as YouTube TV are separate paid options.
Prices, station policies, streaming rights and device support can change. Information below was last checked August 18, 2026.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The American Experience: The Donner Party | $16.14 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
The American Revolution: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein & David Schmidt DVD | $84.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
NOVA: The Planets DVD | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Lewis & Clark - The Journey of the Corps of Discovery | $19.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The War: A Ken Burns Film | $28.18 | Buy on Amazon |
PBS cost at a glance
| Access method | Typical cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| PBS.org | $0 | Many current episodes, news, documentaries and other programs during their rights windows; some videos do not require an account. |
| PBS app | $0 | Free app for supported devices. A PBS account is required on streaming devices. |
| Local PBS livestream | $0 | Live programming from an eligible station in its service area, where that station offers a stream. |
| PBS Passport | Usually about $5/month or $60/year; station-dependent | An extended on-demand benefit attached to qualifying support of a local PBS member station. |
| PBS-branded Amazon channels | $2.99–$5.99/month per channel, according to PBS | Separate Prime Video channels with their own catalogs and billing. |
| YouTube TV | Variable; verify with your ZIP code | A separate live-TV bundle that carries more than 100 local PBS stations in many markets. |
| Over-the-air antenna | Product price not stated | Local broadcast PBS where reception and station coverage permit; no recurring PBS fee. |
See PBS’s cost explanation at PBS Help.
Is PBS free?
PBS.org
Many programs stream at no charge on PBS.org. PBS specifically lists programs such as PBS NewsHour, Frontline, Nature, NOVA, Antiques Roadshow and American Experience. Availability changes as licensing windows expire, so a program shown on television may not remain on demand.
The PBS app
The app is free to download for Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV, Google TV, Samsung TV, VIZIO SmartCast, Chromecast, iPhone, iPad and Android mobile devices, among others listed by PBS. Device support can change. On a streaming device, open the app and sign in or create a free PBS account; payment is not required for ordinary free videos. PBS’s device and cord-cutting guidance is at How to watch PBS without cable.
#1 Best Overall
- Factory sealed DVD
Local livestreams
A participating local station’s livestream generally requires neither a donation nor Passport. You normally must be inside that station’s broadcast service area, and schedules and rights differ by station. PBS explains these restrictions at PBS Live Streaming FAQ. Local livestreams are limited to the United States and its territories.
PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS videos are available through pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app on supported devices. This access is separate from Passport and from paid live-TV services.
What is PBS Passport?
PBS Passport is an extended-access membership benefit for eligible donors to participating local PBS member stations. It is not a single nationwide streaming subscription with one price. Your contribution goes to the station you support; that station processes the gift and enables Passport on your PBS account.
Rank #2
- The American Revolution
- Ken Burns
- History
- America
- PBS
Passport titles carry a Passport icon in PBS interfaces. Depending on current rights, the benefit can add older seasons, full-season access, early releases, films and specials, including selected NOVA, Great Performances, Masterpiece and Ken Burns productions. It does not unlock every PBS program, every local station’s content or titles whose rights have expired. Learn more at PBS Passport and the PBS Foundation FAQ.
How much does PBS Passport cost?
The common benchmark
PBS says most stations commonly set eligibility around $5 per month or $60 per year. That is a widely used guideline, not a national price. Stations can choose a different qualifying contribution, offer different membership levels or change their requirements.
Why your station may charge more
Georgia Public Broadcasting, for example, displays an $8 monthly or $96 annual Passport contribution. PBS Fire TV donation screens show common presets of $5, $8 and $12 per month and $60, $90 and $150 annually; presets are not a universal qualification rule. PBS12 describes at least $5 monthly or $60 annually while also offering higher levels with different thank-you gifts. Check your station before paying through the PBS station finder.
Rank #3
Donation or subscription?
The payment is normally described as a contribution or donation, with Passport as the associated benefit. The tax-deductible portion can depend on benefits received; keep the station’s receipt and ask a tax professional about your circumstances. PBS discusses the distinction at Does PBS Passport cost anything?.
How to get and activate Passport
- Find your local station at pbs.org/stations.
- Open its membership or donation page and confirm the contribution that qualifies for Passport.
- Make the contribution using the station’s process.
- Wait for the station’s confirmation or activation instructions; the station must process the gift first.
- Sign in to the PBS account whose email matches the membership record and complete the Passport activation flow.
- On PBS.org or in the PBS app, choose programs marked with the Passport icon.
Already donate? Do not automatically pay again. Use PBS’s eligibility lookup or contact the station to check whether your existing contribution qualifies. Activation guidance is at Getting started with PBS Passport.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Ways to watch PBS without cable
- Use PBS.org or the PBS app for free on-demand videos and selected live programming.
- Watch your local livestream where the station offers one and you are inside its service area.
- Use an antenna for the local over-the-air broadcast signal if reception is adequate.
- Support your station for Passport when you need more seasons, films or specials.
- Choose a paid live-TV service only when you also want a broad bundle of broadcast and cable networks.
How PBS compares with paid alternatives
Amazon PBS channels
PBS says its Prime Video channels cost $2.99 to $5.99 per month per channel, depending on the channel. Confirm the current amount on Amazon’s Prime Video storefront. These channels are watched in Amazon’s website or Prime Video app and are separate from Passport: a Passport donation does not unlock them, and an Amazon channel subscription does not unlock Passport videos on PBS.org or the PBS app. Some channels may also require a separate Prime or Prime Video membership; terms and prices can change.
Rank #4
YouTube TV
PBS says YouTube TV carries more than 100 local PBS stations, but availability depends on your market and ZIP code. It is a full live-TV subscription, not a PBS membership. Do not rely on the old $49.99 figure displayed in an older PBS help article. Check the current plan and local lineup at tv.youtube.com and YouTube TV’s availability checker.
Over-the-air antenna
An antenna can deliver your local PBS broadcast without a monthly bill, but reception depends on geography, building materials, antenna placement and local broadcast infrastructure. It does not provide Passport’s on-demand library or guarantee every PBS-affiliated subchannel.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which option is right for you?
| Your goal | Best starting point | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional shows or current news | PBS.org or the free PBS app | Episodes and films can leave after rights windows. |
| More seasons, documentaries and specials | Local-station Passport contribution | Threshold and catalog vary by station and rights. |
| PBS plus many live networks | YouTube TV or another live-TV provider | You pay for a broad bundle and PBS availability varies by market. |
| A particular PBS-branded collection in Prime Video | An Amazon PBS channel | Separate billing and no Passport access. |
| Local broadcast with no recurring fee | Over-the-air antenna | Reception and channel availability are location-dependent. |
Common problems and fixes
“I donated, but Passport is not working.”
- Check the donation confirmation and station name.
- Make sure the PBS account email matches the email used for the contribution.
- Confirm the station has processed the gift and complete activation.
- Sign out and back into the PBS app on each device.
- Verify that the program actually has a Passport icon.
- Ask the local station about membership or payment records; contact PBS for account or app problems.
“Why can I watch a show on television but not on demand?”
Broadcast, livestream and on-demand rights are different. A station may legally stream a program live while lacking permission to keep it online, or a title may be available only for a limited period.
Best Value
“Why does my station ask for $8 when another asks for $5?”
Local stations set their own qualifying contribution levels, membership structures and thank-you gifts. A neighboring station’s amount does not establish yours.
“Can I watch every local PBS station with one account?”
No. Local livestream access is tied to a station’s service area, and Passport is connected to the station receiving your qualifying support. Local programming and benefits differ.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PBS account?
Many PBS.org videos play without an account. The PBS app on supported streaming devices requires a free PBS account, and Passport requires signing in to the account linked to your station contribution.
Does Passport work on Roku and smart TVs?
Passport is available through PBS.org and supported versions of the PBS app, including devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, Samsung TV and VIZIO SmartCast. PBS can change its supported-device list.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallDoes a Passport donation unlock Amazon PBS channels?
No. Amazon channels and Passport are separate services, subscriptions and viewing environments.
Is PBS Passport available outside the United States?
PBS explicitly limits local livestreams to the United States and its territories. Passport and individual on-demand titles can have separate geographic and rights restrictions; check the availability shown in your location.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
