AT&T’s WatchTV Offers 30+ Live Channels for Only $15 a Month
AT&T recently released its live streaming television service, WatchTV, into the ever-growing landscape of streaming television options.
When it comes to pricing, WatchTV is extremely competitive, but its channel offerings may leave some wanting more.
AT&T WatchTV
What exactly does WatchTV bring to the streaming TV party? Sit back while we review the details.
Pricing
AT&T has priced its live streaming service at the low end of the streaming pricing structure.
$15 per month will get you access to WatchTV’s only plan which provides 30+ live TV channels. Which, for some, may be more than enough.
AT&T has added an additional wrinkle, though.
If you subscribe to AT&T’s Unlimited &More wireless plan, then WatchTV is absolutely FREE. Just add WatchTV to your account and you can access the streaming TV offerings via any supported streaming device.
Not sure I’d change my cell service/plan just to access WatchTV for free. In fact, I absolutely wouldn’t. But, if you’re a current AT&T Unlimited &More subscriber, why not take advantage of the FREE deal?
Channel Lineup
What channels, exactly, do you get for $15 per month (or free if you’re an AT&T Unlimited &More subscriber)?
First, let me state what channels you won’t get.
- No local channels
- No sports channels
The lack of sports channels is how AT&T is able to offer such rock-bottom pricing.
And while no sports channels is a deal breaker for some, others may not mind so much, especially when considering the price.
If sports aren’t your thing, then here’s what you will get for your $15 per month.
Not a bad lineup for only $15 per month.
You’ll also have access to 15,000 on-demand movies and shows.
You will not, however, get any sort of DVR service. If you miss your live show and it’s not part of the on-demand service, you’re out of luck.
And, each WatchTV account can stream on only one device at a time. So, you won’t be able to watch one show on your television while the kids watch another on their tablet.
Viewing Specs
WatchTV, like most of the other streaming services, allows you to watch via a number of streaming devices. Below is a list of currently supported devices.
- Apple TV (4th generation)
- Apple TV 4K (5th generation)
- Amazon Fire TV (2nd generation or higher)
- Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd generation or higher)
- Amazon Fire TV Edition Smart TV (2nd generation or higher)
- Google Chromecast (2nd generation or higher)
- Chromecast Built-in TV
- Samsung Smart TV (2017 and 2018 models)
Unfortunately, it appears Roku users will not be able to access WatchTV. This may change as WatchTV evolves.
Of course, WatchTV will also be available on most smartphones, tablets, and web browsers in addition to the streaming devices listed above.
Give WatchTV a Try
Click this link to view WatchTV’s website and sign-up for service
As with most (all?) streaming services, you can get a 7-day free trial of WatchTV to see if the service is right for you.
Simply click the “Start Free Trial” link, create an account where you’ll be asked to enter payment information, and your 7-day free trial will begin immediately.
After the trial is over, you’ll automatically be charged $15 per month until you cancel.
The Streaming Competition
Live television streaming services are becoming more mainstream as consumers push for more flexibility and lower pricing when it comes to their TV entertainment.
There are currently five major live TV streaming services (not counting the new AT&T WatchTV) vying for your attention, and monthly subscriptions, with a few others nobly giving it their best, but not having the name-brand recognition and financial backing to lead the pack.
We’ve written about most and have linked to our posts below. Additionally, we’ve noted the current pricing for each service’s lowest priced plan for comparison’s sake. Channels available in each service tier will vary from provider to provider.
Playstation Vue – $44.99 per month
DirecTV Now – $40 per month
Sling TV – $25 per month
YouTube TV – $40 per month
Hulu with Live TV – $39.99 per month
Philo – $16 per month
Pluto – Free
What’s nice, most if not all of these live TV streaming providers offer free trials so you can see if a specific service is right for you.
And, once signed up, the services are month-to-month, allowing you to move to another service…or have no television service at all…whenever you want.
Pricing information listed above is current as of July 2018. Information within each post may be dated, but the general overview is still the same.
Wrap Up
Based on the lowest priced plans of all the major live TV streaming providers, AT&T’s WatchTV offers the best monthly price at only $15.
However, that’s based on a limited number of channels…and, most importantly, a plan that does not include any local or sports channels.
Depending on your viewing habits, WatchTV’s limited lineup might be fine, or it might be an out and out deal killer.
What are your thoughts on WatchTV?
