PBS Passport

At a glance

• Editor score
  5.1 / 10
• Pricing
  Paid
• Best for
  Viewers wanting extended access to PBS programs
• Free plan
  No
• Facts checked
  3 Oct 2026

• Where it wins

  • Keeps selected programs available after general streaming ends
  • Works through PBS.org and the PBS app on supported devices
  • Catalog spans drama, mystery, documentaries, arts, food and science

• Where it doesn't

  • Eligibility and donation requirements vary by local station
  • No free plan or offline downloads
  • Access is limited to selected PBS programs

Our verdict on PBS Passport

PBS Passport is an on-demand streaming benefit from participating PBS member stations, intended for eligible donors who want extended access to selected public television programs. It is especially relevant to viewers who want to keep watching titles after they are no longer generally available for streaming. The catalog includes dramas, mysteries, documentaries, history, arts, food and science programming, so the appeal is broad within PBS rather than spanning unrelated services. Viewers sign in to PBS.org or the PBS app using the account linked to their benefit; Passport does not have a separate app.

Access is tied to local station eligibility rather than a uniform subscription. Donation thresholds vary by station, and most stations set eligibility around $5 per month or $60 per year, according to PBS. That makes the cost dependent on a viewer's participating station, not a single PBS Passport price. There is no free plan. Prospective members should check their local station's requirements before treating Passport as a predictable monthly streaming subscription.

Device support includes computers and laptops, iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, VIZIO SmartCast TV, LG Smart TV, and Comcast X1, Flex and Xumo devices. PBS also says Passport supports simultaneous use across multiple devices. It suits donors who value additional time with PBS titles across web, mobile and TV screens. Viewers seeking unrestricted access to all streaming programs, offline viewing, or one consistent subscription price should look elsewhere; Passport is a focused extension to selected PBS programming, not an all-purpose streaming catalog.

PBS Passport pricing

PBS Passport fact sheet

Alternatives to PBS Passport

• PVPrime VideoA broad mix of streaming, rentals, live sports, and optional channel subscriptions.9.4
• PPlexPlex pairs free ad-supported streaming with tools for organizing and watching personal media.9.2
• DDisney+A family-focused streaming subscription with broad catalogs, shared viewing and Vision Pro features.9.1

See all PBS Passport alternatives →

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 3 Oct 2026 · How we research and update