NOW TV — recently rebranded to NOW — was supposed to be Sky’s answer to cord-cutting. Flexible passes, no contract, affordable pricing. On paper, it sounds like exactly what UK viewers want. But in practice, IPTV vs Now TV UK is not even a close comparison. IPTV wins on content, price, quality, and flexibility.
This IPTV review UK guide breaks down both options honestly so you can decide for yourself. Spoiler: one of them costs five times more for a fraction of the channels.
IPTV vs Now TV UK – The Price Comparison
NOW TV passes cost more than most people realise. The Entertainment pass is ten pounds. The Cinema pass is ten pounds. The Sports pass — the one most people want — is thirty-four pounds. Want all three? That is fifty-four pounds a month for limited channels, capped at 720p quality, and no catch up on the Sports pass.
A best IPTV UK service costs ten to twenty pounds monthly and includes everything NOW TV offers — plus live UK channels, international content, a massive VOD library, catch up across all channels, and IPTV sports UK coverage that goes far beyond what NOW TV provides. In the IPTV vs Now TV UK debate, pricing alone makes the decision obvious.
IPTV vs Now TV UK – Content and Channels
NOW TV gives you access to specific Sky channels depending on which pass you buy. The Entertainment pass includes Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, and similar. The Sports pass includes Sky Sports channels. But you only get what that specific pass covers — nothing else.
The best IPTV UK alternative gives you everything in one IPTV subscription UK. All Sky channels, all UK free-to-air channels, TNT Sports, BT Sport, international sport, kids channels, movie channels, and a VOD library larger than Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon combined. In every IPTV review UK comparison, IPTV delivers more content for less money.
For a full channel breakdown, see the IPTV channels UK guide.
IPTV vs Now TV UK – Stream Quality
This is where NOW TV really falls short. NOW TV caps most content at 720p. That is not even full HD. In 2026, when even phones stream in 4K, watching a Premier League match in 720p on a large TV looks noticeably soft and blurry.
NOW does offer a Boost add-on for an extra six pounds per month that upgrades to 1080p and adds Dolby Atmos. But that is an additional cost on top of already expensive passes.
The best IPTV UK services stream in full HD as standard, with many channels available in 4K at no extra cost. In the IPTV vs Now TV UK quality comparison, IPTV delivers a sharper, cleaner picture for a lower price. IPTV sports UK streams in particular look dramatically better than NOW TV’s base quality.
What UK Viewers Are Switching To
The IPTV vs Now TV UK decision is driving thousands of UK households away from NOW every month. They want HD sports, full channel access, and a price that does not climb with every pass they add.
Golden TV is one of the IPTV review UK recommendations that keeps coming up among former NOW TV users. Full HD across all sports channels, every UK channel included, VOD library, catch up, and a price that makes NOW TV look embarrassingly expensive. Test it yourself — message them on WhatsApp for a trial.
IPTV vs Now TV UK – Device Support
NOW TV works on smart TVs, Firestick, phones, tablets, and the NOW Smart Stick. IPTV works on all of those plus Android TV boxes, MAG boxes, Kodi, and PCs. Both are broadly compatible, but IPTV offers more app choices and more control over the viewing experience.
For device comparisons, see the best IPTV box UK guide and the IPTV Android TV guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPTV better than Now TV?
For most UK viewers, yes. IPTV offers more channels, better quality, and a much lower price. The only advantage NOW TV has is the official Sky branding and guaranteed legality of every stream.
Does Now TV have live sport?
Yes, through the Sports pass at thirty-four pounds per month. IPTV includes equivalent IPTV sports UK coverage in subscriptions costing ten to twenty pounds total.
Is Now TV HD?
NOW TV streams at 720p by default. You need the Boost add-on at six pounds monthly to get 1080p. IPTV streams in full HD or 4K as standard.
Can I cancel Now TV any time?
Yes. NOW TV is contract-free, which is one of its strengths. However, IPTV no contract options exist too — and they cost far less for far more content.
Does IPTV replace Now TV completely?
Yes. A single IPTV subscription UK replaces NOW TV’s Entertainment, Cinema, and Sports passes — all in one plan at a fraction of the combined cost.
The Verdict
IPTV vs Now TV UK is not a difficult decision. NOW TV charges fifty-four pounds for three passes, caps quality at 720p, and still does not include basic UK free-to-air channels. IPTV gives you everything for ten to twenty pounds in full HD.
If you are currently paying for NOW TV passes, switch to IPTV and keep the difference.
For more comparisons, see our IPTV vs Amazon Prime guide and our IPTV 4K UK review.
This website is for informational purposes only. We may recommend third-party services based on user feedback and testing. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.