Rather than tie you into a one or two-year contract, Now the rebranded Now TV offers TV passes for different types of content that you purchase on a monthly basis. It's quick and easy to get started with Now , but it's well worth knowing a few of the important details in advance.
Prefer the sound of a combined TV and broadband deal with Sky? Find out how it compares to other companies by reading our round up of the best and worst TV and broadband providers.
How does Now work?
Unlike Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Now lets you choose what you'd like to watch using passes there are five on offer Entertainment, Cinema, Hayu, Kids and Sports. The content on most is self explanatory, though Hayu is a dedicated reality TV channel. When you sign up to Now, you choose which pass or passes to subscribe to. Most of them are available month by month, though the Now Sports pass is also available for a day or a week. See below for more information about the channels each pass includes and how much they cost.
How to get Now
A Now account can be set up through your web browser. Just head to nowtv.com/shopto get started. A small warning you will have to enter payment details, even if you only intend to take a free trial.
Is the Now app free?
Yes, in the sense that there's no charge to download it. However, you won't be able to access any premium content through it until you sign up for a pass of your choosing.
How do you cancel Now?
Now premium content comes in the form of monthly 'passes', but they essentially act the same as a rolling subscription. If you don't cancel before your next month beings you'll be charged for another 30 days. Head to the Now website, go to My Account and then click the large Cancel button next to the pass you wish to terminate.
What is Now Boost?
Now Boost is an add-on that offers extra features, including Full 1080p HD quality, Dolby 5.1 sound, and the ability to stream on three devices instead of two.
It typically costs an extra £3 on top of one of the passes. Note that the packages shown below do not include Now Boost, even though the Now website shows the monthly cost with this included. If you do not wish to purchase Boost as part of your pass, you can remove it at checkout.
How much does Now cost?
The basic rates are as follows:
- £9.99 for the Entertainment Pass
- £11.99 for the Sky Cinema Pass
- £33.99 for the Sky Sports Month Pass
- £9.99 for Sky Sports Day Pass.
- £4.99 for Hayu
- £3.99 for the Kids Pass
Now usually offers some sort of offer for new sign-ups, so be sure to check the Now site thoroughly before paying up. Combination deals are often available, too.
To see how Now compares to other streaming services on price, read our guide to TV streaming services explained.
Can you watch Sky Sports on Now ?
Yes, although the Sky Sports Pass works a little differently to the others. You can buy either a day pass [£9.99] or monthly rolling pass [£33.99]. Ideal if there's only a certain match or tournament that you're interested in watching though that month-long pass is undeniably pricey. You get access to all 10 Sky Sports channels regardless of the duration of the pass you purchase.
If you're a fan of catching sports on the go, Now offers a fourth, more affordable option. The Sky Sports Mobile Month Pass costs £5.99 a month, but the catch is it can only be viewed on smartphones. It doesn't include all 10 channels either, but Sky Sports, Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports News are all included.
What do I need to watch Now ?
What devices can I use Now on?
Sky offers its own line of Now boxes, which connect directly to a TV to offer access to Now content. You can also watch Now on Roku's own range of streamers, the Apple TV, Google Chromecast, EETV, the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Xbox One, and Sony PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. Confused by all of the options on offer? Read our guide on how to buy the best internet TV box.
But you may not need any additional devices at all. You can also watch via almost any Samsung or LG-made Smart TV, any iOS or Android device, or via your Windows or Mac computer.
Can Now be used on multiple devices?
Yes. Each account can have up to four different devices registered to it, with the ability to watch what you want on any two simultaneously. See how this compares to other popular services using our comparison of TV streaming services.
Can I use the Now box without paying?
Yes. The Now box offers access to a range of on-demand content that doesn't involve paying for a monthly pass. This includes popular services such as All 4, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub and Demand 5, all of which are preloaded on the device.
You'll also find over 50 additional apps, including YouTube, Spotify, BBC News, BBC Sports, Fox News, Sky News and TED Talks. These can be installed from the App store from the Now Box home screen - simply browse the range available and choose the ones you want to download.
Now reviewed
Weighing up whether to sign up to Now? Get help with your decision using our review in the table below. Which? members can log in to see the scores and star ratings it earned in our latest survey of over 2000 people. Not yet a member? Join Which? now to get instant access to all of our reviews.
What channels do you get on Now ?
As well as the on-demand services and apps listed above, the range of monthly passes unlock access to a wide range of premium content, split conveniently by category so you can decide what to pay for based on what you want to watch.
What channels do you get with the Now Entertainment Pass?
The Entertainment Pass adds a range of channels focused around TV shows but also includes Sky's box-sets, where you can catch up on entire series' at once. It contains on-demand, catch-up and live content from 11 channels:
- Sky One
- Sky Atlantic
- Sky Living
- Sky Arts
- Fox
- Comedy Central
- MTV
- Challenge
- Viceland
- ABC Studios
- Discovery Channel
- Nat Geo Wild
- Pick
- SyFy
Read our review of the Entertainment Pass to see how users rated its range of television shows and value for money.
What channels do I get with the Now Cinema Pass?
The Sky Cinema Pass is for movie lovers, and as the name suggests, gets you on-demand access to everything aired on the following Sky Cinema channels:
- Select
- Greats
- Sci-Fi & Horror
- Family, Premiere
- Drama
- Hits
- Thriller
- Action
- Comedy
- Disney
It also include access to over 1000 films.
What do I get with the Now Kids Pass?
The Kids Pass is great for keeping the little ones entertained, and includes six channels:
- Boomerang
- Cartoonito
- Cartoon Network
- Nickelodeon
- Nick Jr
- Nick Toons
What do I get with the Now Sky Sports Pass?
The Sky Sports Pass has all ten sports channels available to watch live:
- Main Event
- Premier League
- Football
- Cricket
- Golf
- F1
- Action
- Arena
- Sky Sports News
- Eurosport
What do I get with the Now Hayu Pass?
The Hayu Pass is for fans of reality TV. Kardashians, Real Housewives and Dance Moms are all included. Rather than including access to certain channels, Hayu offer access to reality TV shows on the same day they are released in the US.
Not sure whether Now is a better option than a combined broadband and television deal? Read our guide on how to get the best TV package to review your options.
Can you get Netflix on Now ?
You can watch Netflix using a Now Box or Smart Stick, though you'll need a separate subscription. Most devices will include a Netflix app which you can use to sign up you'll find it in 'My apps'. If you can't find it initially, you might need to download it from the App Store first. If you already have a Netflix subscription, you'll simply need to sign in once you open the app.
Weighing up whether to commit to Netflix? Read our Netflix review to see whether it will suit you or not.
Can you get Now on Amazon Fire TV Stick?
Unfortunately not - Now isn't currently supported by the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
You'll need either Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku or Now own Smart Stick instead.
Read our TV streaming device reviews to weigh up the pros and cons of each.
For more information on Now or to sign up for one or more of the monthly passes, visit Now.