NOW TV Channels Guide 2024

What is NOW TV?

NOW TV is a contract-free streaming service similar to services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. If you subscribe to the platform, you won’t need to worry about minimum contract agreements or cancellation fees because there are none. You pay for the TV channels you want each month and can change or cancel your agreement when you like. In the latter case, you will need to remember to cancel your TV membership because these subscriptions auto-renew every month.

Another difference from other streaming services is that you’re able to watch popular Sky channels for a fraction of the price, including Sky Atlantic, Sky Sports and Sky Cinema. Sports fans can purchase Sky Sports ‘day passes’ to watch, which allow you to watch events without making a long-term commitment. In addition to Sky channels, you can sign up to watch films, documentaries, live channels such as MTV or choose from more than 300 box sets available on demand or through catch-up.

You can set up and watch NOW TV on a range of different devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and laptops. You can also access services through a set-top box or NOW TV stick if you don’t have a smart TV. To watch NOW TV, you’ll need to create a free account and choose from one of four NOW memberships, which can be amended at any time. Passes are often cheaper when you purchase them along with a broadband deal - they are:

• NOW Entertainment
• NOW Cinema
• NOW Sports
• Hayu

Memberships are essentially packages made up of a selection of different channels. If you prefer to watch ad-free and in full HD (high definition), you can ‘bolt-on’ a NOW Boost package for an additional £6 per month.

How to get NOW TV

To watch NOW TV, you’ll need to install broadband with a minimum broadband speed of 2.5Mbps or a 4G or 5G connection for mobile devices. Next, you’ll need to create an account and decide how you want to watch, either via a smart TV or using a NOW TV box or smart stick. You can then connect to the platform on your TV using a WiFi connection. Sign in when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you’re using a smartphone, search for the NOW app and download it, and if you’re using a laptop, search for the NOW Player online and download the app. When you’ve downloaded the app, you can then sign in with your NOW account details. You cannot stream NOW TV directly via your browser – only through the NOW Player app.

What channels are on NOW TV?

Each of the four NOW memberships gives you access to specific channels, but you can buy one or more membership packs. Memberships are priced separately and you can cancel or change at any time. As well as what’s available in your package, you’ll also be able to watch selected movies and TV box sets on demand.

Here’s a summary of each membership and the channels they offer:

Hayu membership

Hayu features reality TV and true-crime programmes, including long-running shows such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the Real Housewives series and The Only Way is Essex. Hayu normally costs £4.99 per month but new members can get a seven-day free trial before deciding to sign up.

NOW TV and broadband packages

As well as a pay-TV service, users can also sign up to NOW Broadband. Launched in 2016, it has already earned a reputation as an award-winning broadband service. There’s no activation fee but there is a £10 delivery charge and a minimum contract length of 12 months. You can choose from one of three NOW Broadband Membership packages:

• Super Fibre: NOW Broadband’s fastest download package with an average speed of 63Mbps. It currently costs £23 per month.
• Fab Fibre: Average broadband speed of 36Mbps, which currently costs £23 per month.
• Brilliant Broadband: Average broadband speed of 11Mbps, which is ideal for light internet users, costing £20 per month.

Is NOW TV worth having?

To make it easier to work out if NOW TV is right for you, here’s a summary of pros and cons: