DIRECTV NOW Review (now AT&T TV NOW)

AT&T TV NOW Review

AT&T TV NOW (formerly DIRECTV NOW) is no longer available to new customers. AT&T migrated this service to AT&T TV and later rebranded it as DIRECTV STREAM — now marketed as DIRECTV via Internet. If you’re deciding today, compare DIRECTV via Internet’s current tiers — Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier — which include unlimited cloud DVR and support up to 20 simultaneous in‑home streams (DIRECTV packages; AT&T transition notice). For a broader view, weigh it against other live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, and Philo using each provider’s official plan pages.

AT&T TV NOW vs. Other Live TV Streaming Services

*Varies by location

AT&T TV NOW’s Claim

AT&T TV NOW originally promised to “stream TV live and on demand — anytime, anywhere.” The active successor, DIRECTV via Internet, offers live and on‑demand streaming across major devices with unlimited cloud DVR and generous at‑home stream limits. Current plan features and channel lineups are detailed on DIRECTV’s official packages page, and AT&T’s support page confirms the brand transition from AT&T TV NOW to DIRECTV STREAM/DIRECTV via Internet (AT&T support).

Is it true?

Yes, with modern limits. DIRECTV via Internet supports popular streaming players, smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers; it allows up to 20 simultaneous streams on the same home network and up to 3 out of home (DIRECTV stream limits). Local channels depend on your ZIP code and affiliate agreements — verify your lineup on each provider’s channel‑lookup page before you switch: DIRECTV lineup by ZIP, YouTube TV channels by location, and Hulu + Live TV channels by location. Sling TV intentionally limits locals (no CBS, FOX/NBC only in select markets), which is why it recommends pairing service with an antenna (Sling local channels).

AT&T TV NOW Pros

✓ Successor service (DIRECTV via Internet) includes unlimited cloud DVR and up to 20 in‑home streams — strong for large households (DIRECTV packages; stream limits)

✓ Choice tier and above typically add regional sports networks in supported markets; verify RSN availability and any market‑specific fees during checkout (DIRECTV packages)

AT&T TV NOW Cons

✗ Higher starting price than single‑tier competitors; RSN fees and taxes may apply in some markets (DIRECTV packages; Fubo plans)

✗ AT&T TV NOW plans are closed to new sign‑ups; you must choose among current DIRECTV via Internet tiers (AT&T support)

AT&T TV NOW Compatible Devices

Device support now lives under the consolidated DIRECTV app experience. Current compatibility covers Apple TV (HD/4K on supported tvOS), Roku models that still receive OS updates, Amazon Fire TV (recent Sticks and Cube), Google TV/Android TV devices (e.g., Chromecast with Google TV, Shield), many Samsung Smart TVs (generally 2017+), iOS/iPadOS and Android phones/tablets, and modern web browsers. DIRECTV’s own Gemini and Gemini Air streaming devices are also supported and receive features first (DIRECTV supported devices; Samsung TV models; Fire TV setup).

Roku

Use current Roku players and Roku TV models that are still updated to the latest Roku OS. Install the DIRECTV app and sign in with your account (supported devices).

• Roku TV models on a current Roku OS
• Roku Express/Express 4K (current, supported models)
• Roku Streaming Stick/Streaming Stick 4K (current, supported models)
• Roku Ultra (current models)
• Very old Roku hardware that no longer updates may be unsupported

Apple TV

Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models on current tvOS builds are supported; older pre‑tvOS models are not (supported devices).

• Apple TV HD (4th generation)
• Apple TV 4K (all generations on current tvOS)

Amazon Fire TV

Recent Fire TV Sticks (including 4K/4K Max), Fire TV Cube, and many Fire TV Edition/Fire TV Smart TVs are supported; very old devices may be unsupported (Fire TV guide).

• Fire TV Stick (supported generations)
• Fire TV Stick 4K/4K Max
• Fire TV Cube (current generation)
• Fire TV Edition and Fire TV Smart TVs (supported models)

Google Chromecast

Chromecast with Google TV and other certified Android TV/Google TV devices running a current OS are supported; many TVs have Chromecast built in (supported devices).

• Chromecast with Google TV
• Android TV/Google TV devices (e.g., Nvidia Shield) on a current OS

Samsung Smart TV

Install DIRECTV from your TV’s app store. Supported Samsung Smart TV models are generally 2017 and newer (Tizen); confirm your exact model on the official list (Samsung supported models).

• Samsung Smart TV (typically 2017+)

Apple and Android Mobile Devices

• iPhone and iPad on a current iOS/iPadOS version
• Android phones and tablets on a current Android version
• DIRECTV app updates required for best compatibility

Internet browsers

Stream via the web on current versions of major browsers (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Edge) on supported operating systems; sign in with your DIRECTV credentials (system requirements).

• Current Chrome
• Current Safari

How We Evaluated AT&T TV NOW

Because AT&T TV NOW has been sunset, we evaluate its successor (DIRECTV via Internet) against leading vMVPDs using official plan pages: DIRECTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling, and Philo. We prioritized DVR capacity and retention policies, simultaneous stream limits, local channel coverage by ZIP code, and RSN availability/fees.

DVR and streams at a glance (2025): DIRECTV via Internet, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV all include unlimited cloud DVR; Fubo offers up to 1,000 hours; Sling includes 50 hours (200 with add‑on); Philo includes unlimited DVR with 1‑year retention (DIRECTV; YouTube TV features; Hulu DVR policy; Fubo plans; Sling compare; Philo features). Concurrency differs: DIRECTV allows up to 20 at home (3 out of home), YouTube TV allows 3 (unlimited at home with 4K Plus), Hulu allows 2 (Unlimited Screens add‑on can make it unlimited at home with up to 3 mobile), Fubo markets up to 10 at‑home screens, Sling varies 1–3 by plan, and Philo allows 3 (DIRECTV stream limits).

Stingy DVR storage and simultaneous streams

Legacy AT&T TV NOW plans once limited DVR to 20 hours for 30 days. Today, the landscape has shifted: DIRECTV via Internet, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV include unlimited cloud DVR, while Fubo’s core plans include up to 1,000 hours and Sling provides 50 hours unless you upgrade (DIRECTV; YouTube TV features; Hulu DVR policy; Fubo plans; Sling compare). For DIRECTV via Internet specifically, recordings are unlimited, and while many titles persist for months, the provider does not publish a single fixed retention window; availability can vary by network rights (see plan details on DIRECTV packages). Stream limits also improved: DIRECTV allows up to 20 simultaneous streams at home and 3 out of home, which is among the highest without add‑ons (DIRECTV stream limits).

Note: The image above reflects a historical snapshot. Today’s leading services generally include unlimited DVR and higher in‑home stream ceilings than when AT&T TV NOW launched; confirm current policies on each provider’s site.

Local channels are a key differentiator. DIRECTV via Internet, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV offer the big four locals (ABC/CBS/FOX/NBC) in most markets, and YouTube TV also carries PBS and The CW affiliates in many areas; always verify by ZIP: DIRECTV lineup tool, YouTube TV channel lookup, Hulu channel lookup. Sling’s approach is different: it keeps prices low by carrying few locals (no CBS; FOX/NBC only in select cities) and recommends pairing an antenna (Sling local channels). If you only need CBS locally, Paramount+ with Showtime includes a live stream of your area CBS station in most markets (Paramount+ local CBS).

Wider selection of packages

DIRECTV via Internet currently offers four tiers — Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier — with no annual contract, unlimited cloud DVR, and up to 20 in‑home streams on every plan. Choice and above typically add regional sports networks where available; pricing and RSN availability vary by ZIP code (see DIRECTV packages).

Average user experience

Across modern devices, the DIRECTV app presents a familiar grid guide with live and on‑demand browsing that’s comparable to other vMVPDs. User experience quality often depends on your device and network, so keep apps and OS versions up to date. As streaming UX evolves, platforms emphasize responsiveness and accessibility — for web playback, Google’s Interaction to Next Paint (INP) replaced FID as a Core Web Vital, with “good” interactions under 200 ms (INP guidance).

Images above are historical interface examples. For current features and device behaviors, consult each provider’s official pages (DIRECTV; YouTube TV; Hulu + Live TV).

The Bottom Line

AT&T TV NOW is discontinued. If you want a cable‑replacement with robust regional sports coverage and many in‑home streams, DIRECTV via Internet (Choice or higher) is a strong option; confirm RSN availability and any fees for your ZIP (DIRECTV packages). If RSNs aren’t essential and you want a lower monthly price, consider YouTube TV ($72.99) or Hulu + Live TV (from $76.99, usually bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+) — both include unlimited DVR (YouTube TV; Hulu + Live TV). For the lowest entry prices, Sling (limited locals; pair with an antenna) or Philo (no locals; entertainment‑focused with 1‑year unlimited DVR) can cut costs substantially (Sling; Philo). Always verify local channel coverage by ZIP and check each provider’s latest pricing, DVR policies, stream limits, and any regional sports fees before you switch (DIRECTV lineup; YouTube TV by location; Hulu by location; Sling locals). If you primarily need locals, remember that an antenna is free to use and the FCC’s map can estimate reception at your address (FCC DTV reception maps).

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