AT&T TV Now is no longer available to new customers. If you were considering AT&T TV Now, you’ll need to instead move over to AT&T TV and use its “no annual contract” subscription options. Our AT&T TV review reveals a few changes to the service, finding most things are the same, with one key difference: AT&T’s option just got more expensive.
What is AT&T TV?
AT&T TV Now was an internet-based streaming TV service offered by AT&T. Even though AT&T TV Now used similar branding to other AT&T properties, it is a completely separate service with different features, subscription plans, and channel lineups.
AT&T launched its AT&T TV Now service in 2016 with much fanfare. Between 2016 and the end of 2018, the service managed to amass nearly 2 million customers. That made it one of the most-used services of its kind on the market, second only to Sling TV.
However, early in 2019, the company restructured its service, significantly raised prices, and reduced the size of its introductory packages. That led to a mass exodus. As of April 2019, AT&T TV Now lost around 20 percent of its subscribers after hitting its peak in October 2018. That’s 350,000 AT&T TV Now subscribers who decided to take their dollars elsewhere.
And then, in 2021, AT&T completely disbanded the service after it bled subscribers dry with continuously strange price hikes and package restructuring. You can still get no-contract live TV streaming through AT&T through its similarly-named AT&T TV service.
AT&T TV 60-Second Review
AT&T TV’s no-contract offer provides a service that is similar to the previous AT&T TV Now service. That includes a (somewhat limited) cloud DVR option and a 72-hour rewind feature.
In 2019, AT&TÂ increased its prices dramatically. This drove customers away and now leaves the service in a somewhat precarious position compared to other, lower-cost options like Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, and YouTube TV.
AT&T TV might still have a subscriber base out there, even as it still continues to bleed customers. But it will likely have to make some dramatic changes if it wants the service to remain competitive and attract new customers (or bring back previous customers).
AT&T TV Pros and Cons
Unfortunately, the bad may outweigh the good for AT&T’s internet TV streaming service.
Pros
- Full list of local broadcast networks. Most competing services don’t offer every popular local broadcast network. AT&T TV, however, has the full list: ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX, as well as a few others many cord-cutters may want.
- Large number of supported apps. AT&T TV has among the largest number of supported devices for a service of its kind.
- 72-hour rewind feature. It’s 72-hour rewind feature is not unique, but a distinct benefit to using the service as it allows a constant stream of on-demand content without using DVR storage.
Cons
- Pricey. AT&T TV is the most expensive service of its kind on the market while offering fewer channels for the price than its competitors.
- Decent app library. Many users complain about AT&T TV’s downtime and service interruptions that occur on a regular basis.
- Limited DVR. AT&T TV dragged its feet adding a DVR option. Then, when it did, it added a very limited DVR. The service currently offers the worst cloud DVR on the market.
- Limited device support. AT&T TV works on a wide number of devices, but there’s a glaring lack of game console apps and limited web browser support.
AT&T TV Channels, Pricing, and Packages
AT&T TV is now the most expensive service on the market in terms of cost. Its two introductory packages, PLUS and MAX, cost $65 and $80, respectively.
You’ll get 65+ channels with the Entertainment package, 90+ channels with the Choice package, and 130+ channels with the Ultimate package.
These package options can easily leave most cord-cutters reeling a bit, and understandably so. At the high end, AT&T TV is more expensive than some traditional cable TV packages. Yes, you’ll mostly get well-known and popular networks, but the cost leaves a lot to be desired when compared to other services.
AT&T TV Channels
This service offers the following channels in its different streaming packages (not an exhaustive list):
- ABC (select markets)
- Accuweather
- Audience
- BET
- Boomerang
- Bravo
- Cartoon Network
- CBS (select markets)
- Cheddar
- CNBC
- CNBC World
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- CW
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- DisneyXD
- E!
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- Fox (select markets)
- Fox News Channel
- Fox Sports 1
- FreeForm
- FX
- FX Movie Channel
- FXX
- Hallmark Channel
- HBO
- HBO Family
- HBO Latino
- HLN
- MSNBC
- My Network TV (select markets)
- Nat Geo WILD
- National Geographic Channel
- Nickelodeon
- Nick Jr.
- NBC (select markets)
- NBC Sports Network
- MTV
- Ovation
- Oxygen
- Revolt
- SYFY
- TBS
- TCM
- TNT
- TruTV
- Universal Kids
- USA Network
- VH1
- BTN
- CBS Sports Network
- Cinemax
- ESPNEWS
- ESPNU
- Fox Sports 2
- Golf Channel
- Longhorn Network
- MSG (select markets)
- MSG+ (select markets)
- Olympic Channel
- SEC Network
- YES Network (select markets)
- A&E
- AMC
- Animal Planet
- AXS TV
- Baby First
- BBC America
- BET
- Bloomberg TV
- C-SPAN
- C-SPAN2
- CMT
- Comedy Central
- Discovery Channel
- Food Network
- Galavision
- Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
- HGTV
- History Channel
- Investigation Discovery
- Lifetime
- Motor Trend
- MTV
- MTV2
- Nick Jr.
- Nickelodeon / Nick at Nite
- One America News
- Paramount Network
- REELZ
- RFD-TV
- TeenNick
- Telemundo (select markets)
- TLC
- TV Land
- Univision (select markets)
- VH1
- Viceland
- We TV
- A Wealth of Entertainment
- Comedy TV
- Cooking Channel
- Fuse
- Fusion
- GSN
- IFC
- Justice Central
- MLB Network
- Nicktoons
- OWN
- Pop
- Science
- SNY (select markets)
- SundanceTV
- Tennis Channel
- Travel Channel
- TV One
- Unimas
- Up
- The Weather Channel
- Aspire
- BBC World News
- CBS Sports Network
- Destination America
- Discovery Family Channel
- Discovery Life
- DIY Network
- FM
- LMN
- Logo
- MTV Classic
- NBA TV
- Sportsman Channel
- TVG
- Universo
- El Rey
- Starz Encore Action
- Starz Encore Black
- Starz Encore Classic
- Starz Encore East
- Starz Encore Family
- Starz Encore Suspense
- Starz Encore West
- Univision Deportes Network
AT&T TV Local Channels
One of AT&T TV’s best selling points is the fact that it has the most number of local broadcast networks and regional sports networks. Through this service, you may be able to access:
- ABC
- CBS
- FOX
- NBC
- Telemundo
- The CW
- FOX regional sports networks
- NBC regional sports networks
As with other services, your access to these networks depends on whether or not AT&T was able to secure broadcast rights through your local provider. If not, you won’t get that channel, although you may get an “On-Demand” version of that network that allows you to watch nationally-broadcast shows and events after they air.
In some instances, you may also get the HD version of the network, or a standard version.
Use AT&T TV’s Channel Lookup Tool to determine which local networks AT&T TV offers in your area.
AT&T TV Stream Quality
The biggest limitation of AT&T TV’s video streams is on its mobile apps. Smartphones, as well as tablets with LTE chips, by default only stream video at 480p. You can unlock this and enable high-definition streaming (typically 720p). Unless you qualify for AT&T Wireless’s free TV feature, you could also face throttling if you exceed your data caps.
As long as you have a Wi-Fi or a wired connection, however, AT&T TV streams everything in at least 720p high definition. The exact resolution varies by channel – some provide a 1080p feed while others only stream at 720p.
AT&T TV will also adjust the streaming quality based on the quality of your internet connection. It recommends that households have internet connections running at least 12 Mbps to ensure the best quality.
Unfortunately, you may face a lot of service disruptions while trying to stream. A common complaint with AT&T TV is downtime. You can find a regular stream of complaints about this at DownDetector, which tracks downtime for numerous websites.
AT&T TV Device Support
AT&T TV has apps for Apple TV and Roku set-top boxes as well as devices built on the Chromecast or Amazon Fire platforms can watch AT&T TV too. But the streaming service has some major gaps in its device support strategy. Game console owners, for example, are left in the cold without app support.
Subscribers can stream content on three devices at a time.Â
Browser support is the biggest hole in AT&T TV service. The streaming service only supports Chrome and Safari web browsers.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up, 5th gen and up for 4K), Amazon Fire TV (2nd gen and up, 1st gen for Cube), Chromecast (2nd gen and up), Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: Samsung TV (2017 and 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV (7000X), Mi TV, Amazon Fire TV Edition smart TV (2nd gen and up), Chromecast Built-in TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (10 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Desktop browsers: Chrome and Safari recommended
AT&T TVÂ on Roku
The AT&T TV app can be used on most Roku devices, including Roku Express, Roku TV, and Roku Streaming sticks. Some device version limitations may apply, and your experience may be limited with older versions. The Roku version of the app has a 3.3 out of 5-star rating on the Roku Channels store.
AT&T TV on Fire TV Stick
The AT&T TV app works on 2nd Generation Amazon Fire TV devices, including the Fire TV Stick. The app is rather poorly received on Amazon Fire, however, with a 2.8 out of 5 stars on the app store.
AT&T TV on Apple TV
Apple TV users can download the AT&T TV app on Apple TV (4th Generation or newer) and Apple TV 4K (5th Generation or newer).
AT&T TV on iPhones and iPads
The AT&T TV app is available for use on iPhones or iPads through the App Store. You’ll need an Apple device running iOS 10+. The iOS app is poorly rated, however, with a 2.3 out of 5 stars. Users consistently point to issues with the app freezing.
AT&T TV on Android Phones and Tablets
Android users can download the AT&T TV app on devices running Android 5.0 or newer. Be warned: the app has a paltry 2.7 out of 5 rating on Google Play. Users appear to be particularly displeased with streams that won’t load, freezing, and the price increases.
AT&T TV On-Demand Library
According to AT&T, its AT&T TV service has 40,000 to 55,000+ titles in its on-demand library, depending on the package you choose. Some of that is thanks to the 72-hour rewind feature, which keeps broadcasts from its channels available to users for 3 days after they air.
However, much of that content is owned by AT&T, making it content that is likely going to stay in place for quite a while.
You can get to the on-demand content in two key ways. You can easily choose the “Discover” option, or you can use the search function to look up specific TV shows or channels. Any on-demand content available from those channels or with those titles will be there for you to stream immediately.
AT&T TV DVR
AT&T TV offers a cloud DVR for subscribers, but it’s the worst in the market, by far. Regardless of which package you choose, you’ll get a 20-hour cloud DVR. That’s smaller than anything any other service offers, but it’s worse: AT&T TV also puts a time limit on videos. Your recorded videos will expire in 90 days. And if you’re recording episodes of a single series, you’re limited to 30 episodes from that series.
The service does let you boost that to 500 hours of storage for an additional $10 per month with any of its packages.
You can get to your saved videos by going to “My Library”. The cloud DVR works on most, but not all, of AT&T TV supported devices, and in some cases, you can skip through commercials.
Note that other services either use a storage limit approach or a time-limited approach. AT&T TV uses both, and it has a low limit on both. You cannot increase your storage in any fashion, either, even if you’re willing to pay for more. AT&T TV has hinted that it’s testing out more storage through a Beta program, but the company has been fairly silent on the progress of this initiative.
AT&T TV Customer Support
You can get direct customer support from AT&T TV from 7 AM to 1 AM EST. You won’t find support directly on the AT&T TV website. Instead, you’ll need to go to AT&T’s support website.
From there, you’ll find a few support options:
- Phone support
- Knowledgebase Help Center articles
- Live chat
- Community forum
- Social media (Twitter, Facebook)
To put it frankly, AT&T TV support page is a mess. It’s altogether difficult to find what you’re looking for. Your best options are to either use phone support if you can tolerate that option, or the online live chat if an agent is available.
I always opt for live chat, and I found that that option was at least fast. The agent was helpful as well.
How to Cancel AT&T TV
You can easily cancel AT&T TV through your account settings. Just do the following:
- Open your account and click on the gear symbol for the account settings
- Click on “Account details”
- Click on “Manage subscription”
- At the bottom, select “I want to cancel”
- In the next screen, select “Continue to cancel”
- Click “No need to chat, continue to cancel”
Now that you can negotiate for a lower subscription price if you do choose the chat option before you cancel.
AT&T TV Refund Policy
You cannot get a refund from AT&T TV. This is a policy that exists across the internet TV industry. AT&T TV will let you finish the remainder of your paid-for subscription period after you cancel.
Final Comments
Even with the state of things as they are, AT&T TV could still be a good option if you’re trying to replace cable TV. At $69.99 per month at a minimum, the lowest cost option isn’t the best on the market, but it might come with a complete line-up of local channels for you and is one of the few live TV services left still offering regional sports networks.
Still, you may be able to work out a better deal through other options. AT&T TV’s pricing leaves a lot to be desired, and its poor app quality may provide a frustrating experience. But if you can muscle through for the regional sports, it’s still a safe subscribe.
