Directv Now – 100 Channels for $35 a month Until January 9th
AT&T’s DirecTV Now is the latest Over the Top streaming service that targets cord cutters by offering a low-cost basic TV package. You get more than 100 channels for just $35 a month and can cancel anytime. DirecTV Now is set to compete with Sling TV and Sony Playstation View. However, time is running out to get the special introductory 100 channel bundle (called “Go Big”) for just $35 a month. AT&T has announced the end of the $35, 100 channel bundle on January 9th. After which, the price will be $60 a month.
Other packages
DirecTV Now normally starts at just $35 for 60 channels, but for those that want a more cable-like experience (at cable-like prices), packages can go up to $70 for more than 120 channels. Subscribers can also add HBO and Cinemax for just $5 more a month which is a pretty good deal.
- Live a Little: 60-plus channels for $35 per month
- Just Right: 80-plus channels for $50 per month
- Go Big: 100-plus channels for $60 per month ($35 until January 9th)
- Gotta Have It: 120-plus channels for $70 per month
Comparisons with Sling TV and Playstation Vue
If you want to stay at $20, Sling TV is the only way to go. If you are open to spending $30 – $35 a month or a little more the comparisons are more relevant with Playstation Vue and Sling TVs higher tier packages. With more than 100 channels (for now), DirecTV Now certainly can compete with the similarly priced Playstation Vue and Sling TV packages. Most of the big channels are available for all three services – channels like ESPN, CNN and HGTV. However, you need to check which channels are important to you because even channels like The Weather Channel, CBS, Discovery or NFL Network are not available on all services, regardless of plan or prices.
Local Channels
Just like with other streaming services, local channel availability depends on your market (CBS is excluded). However, with DirecTV Now local channels are included in the base price for those markets if available at all. With Playstation Vue you will pay $10 extra a month and with Sling TV you will need to step up to their $25 package to get most local channels, CBS is excluded .
Devices/Platforms
DirecTV Now subscribers can watch on their TVs via Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and more. They can also watch on their PCs at directvnow.com or on their phones and tablets. Roku fans, don’t worry. DirecTV Now will be coming to Roku’s platform in the first quarter of 2017.
Final Analysis
Overall we still like Playstation Vue the best, but we like football and the NFL Network is only available on Playstation Vue for now and we get most of whatever else we like/need with Sony’s streaming service. The bigger bonus of Playstation Vue is their DVR which isn’t offered with DirecTV Now. If you like to watch live TV, then take a look at the full channel offerings from DirecTV Now, but do it soon. Pricing for their 100+ channel Go Big plan will be $35 just until January 9th.
