AT&T TV NOW Review 2021

Chantel Buchi
Jan 12, 2021
Icon Time To Read8 min read

We may earn money when you click our links.

Plan
Price
TV channel count
Details

AT&T TV NOW is a live TV streaming service that gives you a traditional cable TV experience without the contract (thank goodness).

You’ll get lots of channels, and AT&T TV NOW might have the best channel lineup for you. But the price of AT&T TV NOW is higher than that of most other live TV streaming services (we’re talking more than $1 per channel). So you’ll want to budget accordingly.

But let’s dive into the details to see if this service is or isn’t perfect for your home.

Pros
  • AT&T TV NOW gives you a traditional TV experience.
  • This live TV streaming service offers a high number of channels.
Cons
  • AT&T TV NOW is the priciest live TV streaming service.
  • The dollar to channel ratio is high.

How much does AT&T TV NOW cost?

Let’s just say the prices need to lower if AT&T wants to compete against other live TV streaming services

AT&T TV NOW will no doubt give you a great live TV streaming experience. But is it worth the price?

In comparison to other live TV streaming services, YouTube TV gives you 85+ channels for $65/month, and fuboTV gives you 150+ channels for $80/month.

At least AT&T TV NOW’s MAX package comes with HBO Max, and maybe AT&T TV NOW has a better channel lineup for you than the other services.

How much is AT&T TV NOW?
Plan
Price
TV channel count
Details

Does AT&T TV NOW have a contract or fees?

AT&T TV NOW doesn’t have a contract or fees. Phew.

Which channels does AT&T TV NOW have?

This is your guide to which package you should get

It’s going to come down to the channel lineup to help you decide if AT&T TV NOW is worth the monthly payment. But we will say the OPTIMO MÀS package is definitely worth the price for your Spanish-speaking Mama or Abuelita.

Good thing AT&T TV NOW has some solid channels, including some premium channels. Find the perfect package for you and your family.

But if you’re here for the sports, scroll down to the mighty sports channels section.

The PLUS package includes the following channels:

  • ABC
  • Boomerang
  • Cartoon Network
  • CBS
  • CNN
  • Disney Channel
  • ESPN
  • FOX
  • FS1
  • FX
  • Hallmark Channel
  • MSNBC
  • Nickelodeon
  • Telemundo

The MAX package includes the following channels:

  • Big Ten Network
  • Cinemax
  • HBO
  • HBO Family
  • HBO Latino
  • ESPNews
  • Golf Channel
  • Tennis Channel
  • TV Land
  • Olympic Channel
  • Paramount Network
  • YES Network

The ENTERTAINMENT package includes the following channels:

  • A&E
  • Animal Planet
  • BBC America
  • BET
  • Bloomberg TV
  • C-SPAN
  • Discovery Channel
  • Food Network
  • Galavision
  • Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
  • HGTV
  • HISTORY
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Lifetime
  • Univision
  • Vice

The CHOICE package includes the following channels:

  • Big Ten Network
  • Cheddar
  • Comedy TV
  • Cooking Channel
  • Fuse
  • Game Show Network (GSN)
  • IFC
  • MLB Network
  • NickToons
  • OWN
  • Pop
  • Science Channel
  • Tastemade
  • Travel Channel

The XTRA package includes the following channels:

  • BBC World News
  • BET Her
  • Destination America
  • Discovery Family Channel
  • DIY Network
  • FX Movie Channel
  • Lifetime Movie Network
  • MTV Classic
  • NBA TV
  • NHL Network
  • Universal Kids
  • Universo

The ULTIMATE package includes the following channels:

  • STARZ Encore Action
  • STARZ Encore Classic
  • STARZ Encore Family
  • STARZ Encore Suspense
  • STARZ Encore Westerns
  • Univision Deportes Network

The PREMIER package includes the following channels:

  • ActionMax
  • Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
  • HSN
  • Showtime East
  • Showtime Extreme
  • STARZ Kids & Family
  • WGN America

The OPTIMO MÀS package includes the following channels:

  • SUR Perú
  • TeleCentro
  • Telefe
  • Telemundo
  • TV Chile
  • Unimás
  • Universo
  • Univision
  • Univision Deportes Network
  • Univision Tlnovelas
  • ViendoMovies
  • WAPA América

How much are AT&T TV NOW's premium channels and add-ons?

A big upside to AT&T TV NOW is it offers all of the premium channels.

AT&T TV NOW is the only live TV streaming service that allows you to have all of your premium channels in one place (most other services will be without one or two).

How much are AT&T TV NOW's premium channels?
Channel
Monthly price*
Details

HBO

Included with MAX, or $15/mo.

View Plans

SHOWTIME

$11/mo.

View Plans

CINEMAX

$11/mo.

View Plans

STARZ

$11/mo.

View Plans

EPIX

$6/mo.

View Plans

*Data effective 12/2/2020.

AT&T's Movie Extra Pack gives you eight channels, including MGM, Sony Movie Channel, and HDNET Movies.

AT&T TV NOW DEPORTES is for the Spanish-speaking sports fans with ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes, GolTV, TyC Sports, and Univision Deportes Network.

If you have a house that’s language-divided, then get one of AT&T TV NOW’s packages and get the ESPAÑOL add-on which gives you 50 channels, such as Bandamax, Centroámerica TV, Cine Sony, CNN En Èspañol, and De Pelicula.

How much are AT&T TV NOW’s extras?
Extras
Monthly price*
Details

Movie Extra Pack

$5/mo.

View Extras

AT&T TV NOW DEPORTES

$5/mo.

View Extras

AT&T TV NOW ESPAÑOL

$15/mo.

View Extras

*Data effective 12/2/2020.

Which sports channels does AT&T TV NOW have?

If you’re basing your package decision on the sports channels, this will be an easy decision.

If you’re a minor sports fan, get PLUS. If you want to save as much money as possible but want a decent number of sports channels, get MAX. We think ENTERTAINMENT needs to rethink its name. If you want a significant amount of all types of channels for the family, get CHOICE. And of course, if you’re a mega-sports fan, you have to get XTRA, ULTIMATE, or PREMIER.

We list out every sports channel each package has because they come and go when you go from one package to another.

The PLUS package includes the following sports channels:

  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • FS1
  • NBC Sports Network

The MAX package includes the following sports channels:

  • ACCN
  • Big Ten Network
  • CBS Sports Network
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNews
  • ESPNU
  • FS1, FS2
  • Golf Channel
  • Longhorn Network
  • MSG
  • MSG+
  • NBC Sports Network
  • Olympic Channel
  • SEC Network
  • Tennis Channel

The ENTERTAINMENT package includes the following sports channels:

  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • FS1
  • NBC Sports Network

The CHOICE package includes the following sports channels:

  • Big Ten Network
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNews
  • ESPNU
  • FS1
  • MLB Network
  • NBC Sports Network
  • SEC Network
  • Tennis Channel

The XTRA package includes the following sports channels:

  • Big Ten Network
  • CBS Sports Network
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNews
  • ESPNU
  • FS1, FS2
  • Golf Channel
  • MLB Network
  • NBA TV
  • NBC Sports Network
  • NHL Network
  • Olympic Channel
  • SEC Network
  • Tennis Channel

The ULTIMATE package includes the following sports channels:

  • Big Ten Network
  • CBS Sports Network
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNews
  • ESPNU
  • FS1, FS2
  • Golf Channel
  • MLB Network
  • NBA TV
  • NBC Sports Network
  • NHL Network
  • Olympic Channel
  • SEC Network
  • Tennis Channel

The PREMIER package includes the following sports channels:

  • Big Ten Network
  • CBS Sports Network
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNews
  • ESPNU
  • FS1, FS2
  • FSN (your local FSN channel)
  • Golf Channel
  • MLB Network
  • NBA TV
  • NBC Sports (your local NBC Sports channel)
  • NBC Sports Network
  • NHL Network
  • Olympic Channel
  • SEC Network
  • Tennis Channel

How much storage space does AT&T TV NOW's DVR have?

AT&T TV NOW recently upgraded its DVR storage. Finally.

AT&T TV NOW now gives you 500 hours of cloud DVR storage instead of 20. And the DVR will save your recordings for 90 days.

That's what we like to see, AT&T.

It doesn't compare to YouTube TV’s unlimited storage for nine months, but it is free as opposed to the $5-per-month charge from Sling TV for only 50 hours of storage.

So if you’re working during the Los Angeles Lakers game, record it. If your daughter wants to see a new Disney movie that airs after her bedtime, record it. And if you want to watch all of the Hallmark spring and summer movies on your downtime, record them.

How many hours does AT&T TV NOW's DVR have?
DVR price
Storage hours
Length of storage

Included

500 hrs.

90 days

How does AT&T TV NOW work?

AT&T TV NOW’s user interface is easy and straightforward to use

When you open AT&T TV NOW, live TV will be at the forefront with the last channel you were watching. As you scroll down, you’ll find categories such as What’s On Now, Continue Watching, Trending, and Premium Series.

att tv now home page

When you click on the Library tab, this is where you’ll find all of your recordings. AT&T TV NOW conveniently has a bar at the top to let you know how many hours you have left to store.

The Discover tab is where you’ll find all of the on-demand content AT&T TV NOW offers. The on-demand movies and TV series include the following:

  • Joker
  • Ad Astra
  • Game of Thrones
  • Good Boys
  • The Sopranos
  • The Wire
  • Paw Patrol
  • Spongebob Squarepants
  • Justice League
  • Talladega Nights
  • Madagascar
  • Rick and Morty
att tv now discover tab

Now, for the guide. The guide has a traditional TV look and allows you to quickly jump to the next few hours to see what will be airing tonight while you’re babysitting. But the one feature we like the most: the guide has five categories.

The five categories, Favorites, TV Shows, Movies, Sports, and Kids, lets you find exactly what you want to watch within seconds. We really like that.

att tv now tv guide

Another cool feature AT&T TV NOW has: you can keep watching your current show while you’re looking through the TV guide. If you happen to not find something better to watch, click back on the little minimized screen at the bottom corner to go back to what you were watching.

Which devices are compatible with AT&T TV NOW?

AT&T TV NOW is compatible with almost every updated device. Watch live TV channels on these devices while you’re cooking, working, or entertaining.

  • iPhone, iPad
  • Android smartphones and tablets
  • Apple TV (4th generation and higher)
  • Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, Amazon Fire TV cube
  • Roku TV, Roku streaming stick, Roku Premiere
  • Chromecast
  • Samsung Smart TV
  • Chrome and Safari

We should also mention that AT&T TV NOW suggests you have at least an 8 Mbps internet connection for a smooth stream while using the app. (Not sure what internet speed you have? Test it out with our tool.)

Play Video

Recap: Is AT&T TV NOW worth it?

AT&T TV NOW is worth it if you want a large number of channels and a traditional TV experience

AT&T TV NOW is not for those who want an average number of channels for an affordable price, or for those who want a big library of on-demand content.

Out of all the live TV streaming services out there, AT&T TV NOW is the priciest. So you might be wondering why we’d recommend it. But it has some perks!

AT&T TV NOW is excellent if you want a large number of channels (like the ULTIMATE and PREMIER packages).

AT&T TV NOW is also great if you want a traditional TV experience, like the familiar guide and the fact that live TV starts right when you open the app.

But if you’re not convinced AT&T TV NOW is your next live TV streaming service, check out our favorites: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV.

FAQ

Q: What's the difference between AT&T TV NOW and AT&T TV?

AT&T TV NOW is a live TV streaming service with a fixed monthly rate, no fees, and no contracts.

AT&T TV is a streamable version of DIRECTV, the satellite provider. It's an option for people who don't want the hassle of installing a satellite dish or relying on it to work perfectly during bad weather conditions.

AT&T TV offers more channels than AT&T TV NOW, and AT&T TV is half the price. But AT&T TV has a two-year contract and those second-year price hikes. (So it would essentially be the price of AT&T TV NOW during year two of your contract.)

If you plan on keeping AT&T TV NOW for two years or longer, it might be worth going for AT&T TV because at least you'll be spending half the price for the same number of channels for your first year.

Is your house ready for AT&T TV NOW?

AT&T TV NOW requires a minimum download speed of 8 Mbps for a smooth stream. And if you and two other members of your family want to stream at the same time, that means you’ll be using 24 Mbps total.

So do you have the bandwidth to support your family’s streaming needs?

Recommended internet plans

Here are the internet plans we recommend to get the most out of your streaming services without clogging up your family’s whole network.

What are the best internet providers for streaming?
Monthly price
Download speeds
Learn more
$19.99-$120*75-2000 Mbps
$55-$225300-5000 Mbps
$50-$75100-940 Mbps
Data as of 04/05/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
* Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply.

Recommended cell phone plans

Not only do you need a good internet connection, but you’ll also need enough data to support your streaming needs if you’re a cell phone streamer.

And who isn’t a mobile streamer when it comes to passing the time during your lunch break, riding the train to work, or distracting your little ones while you’re grocery shopping?

We recommend an unlimited data plan for the family, so you never have to worry about limiting your binge-watching time. And we all know it could lead to a family crisis if someone uses more data than they were allowed.

What are the best unlimited cell phone plans?

Chantel Buchi
Written by
Chantel Buchi
Chantel is all about finding the best tv or streaming service to watch as many football games as possible to keep her Fantasy Football team in check. Prior to being a TV and Streaming Tech Reporter for Reviews.org, she worked for NFL Network and The Alliance of American Football. Before that, she received a B.A. of Communication at the University of Utah and an M.S. in Sports Journalism at USC. Go Utes and Fight On. Contact her at chantel@reviews.org

Related Articles

Football field at the 50-yard line
How to Watch Super Bowl LVII 2024
Don’t miss out on the best game of the year! fuboTV Fubo 4.75 Monthly price:$79.99–$99.99Channel...
Woman looking at bill near her laptop learning about cancellation fees
How to Avoid TV Cancellation Fees
Breaking up is hard to do, but much easier with our television service cancellation guide.
a football player makes a tackle
Quick Guide: Pro Sports Channels and TV Packages
Find TV packages that carry your favorite sports channels: NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network,...
YouTube TV Price Hike
YouTube TV Price Hike
YouTube TV raised its price $15. How will the price hike affect you? Is YouTube's...