Now TV occupies an interesting position in the UK streaming market. It is Sky’s own contract-free platform — a way to access Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and Sky Entertainment without signing an 18-month Sky contract or having a satellite dish installed. For viewers who want flexibility without commitment, Now TV has been an attractive option.
IPTV occupies a similar niche — contract-free, broadband-delivered television — but with a substantially different cost structure and channel offering. This comparison examines both honestly.
What Now TV Offers
Now TV is structured around “Passes” — individual monthly subscriptions for each content category:
Now TV Pass Content Monthly Price
Sports Pass All Sky Sports channels ~£34/month
Entertainment Pass Sky drama, entertainment ~£9/month
Cinema Pass Sky Cinema films ~£11/month
Hayu Pass Reality TV ~£6/month
To replicate a complete Sky experience through Now TV, you would typically subscribe to the Sports and Entertainment Passes as a minimum — approximately £43 per month, without any contract obligation.
What IPTV Offers by Comparison
A comprehensivealternative to Now TV UKIPTV subscription typically provides all Sky Sports channels, Sky Cinema, Sky entertainment channels, TNT Sports, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and thousands of additional UK and international channels — for £10–20 per month.
The channel breadth difference is significant. Now TV is specifically curated around Sky’s content library. IPTV includes everything Now TV covers and substantially more.
Contract Flexibility — Where Both Services Are Equal
Both Now TV and IPTV offer monthly subscription options with no minimum term. This is where Now TV’s main structural advantage lies over a full Sky contract — the same flexibility that IPTV provides.
The difference is purely in price and channel scope once the contract question is resolved.
Picture Quality and Reliability
Now TV streams at up to 720p on most plans. Now TV Boost (an add-on) increases this to 1080p Full HD and removes adverts during on-demand content. Even with Boost, Now TV’s streaming quality has historically been regarded as below the HD quality delivered by Sky Q or comparable IPTV services.
Quality IPTV services stream Sky Sports in Full HD (1080p) as standard. For sports viewing in particular, the picture quality difference between Now TV standard and a good IPTV service is noticeable.
When Now TV Makes Sense
When you specifically want access to Sky’s on-demand content library, which is integrated into Now TV
When you want the comfort of an official, regulated service
When you need only one Pass (e.g., just Sports for a specific tournament) rather than a full package
When IPTV Makes More Sense
When you want the full range of Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and entertainment channels at lower cost
When you also want TNT Sports, international channels or content beyond Sky’s ecosystem
When value for money is the primary driver
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPTV cheaper than Now TV?
Significantly so. A comprehensive IPTV subscription covering all Sky Sports and entertainment channels typically costs £10–20 per month. An equivalent Now TV Sports and Entertainment Pass combination costs around £43 per month.
Does IPTV have better picture quality than Now TV?
Quality IPTV services stream in Full HD (1080p) as standard. Now TV standard streams in 720p; the Now TV Boost add-on increases this to 1080p at extra cost. IPTV is generally comparable or better for HD quality.
Can I get Now TV channels through IPTV?
IPTV subscriptions include the channels that Now TV distributes (Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, etc.) but through a different access mechanism. The Now TV platform itself, including its on-demand content library, is separate.
Is Now TV or iptv free trial better for sport?
IPTV covers the same Sky Sports channels as Now TV plus TNT Sports at a lower monthly cost. For comprehensive UK sports viewing, IPTV offers better value.
Does Now TV include TNT Sports?
No. Now TV does not include TNT Sports channels. To access Champions League and other TNT Sports content alongside Now TV, you would need a separate TNT Sports subscription — pushing costs even higher.
Conclusion
For most UK viewers comparing Now TV and IPTV, the financial case for IPTV is clear. The same core content — Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, entertainment channels — is available through quality IPTV at a significantly lower monthly cost, with the additional benefit of TNT Sports and a far broader channel selection. Now TV’s advantage lies in its official status and integrated on-demand library for those who prioritise those specific attributes over cost savings.