Which NOW TV package should I choose? Pick Entertainment for general Sky shows and kids content, Entertainment & HBO Max for the broader HBO Max catalogue, Cinema for films, Sports Day for one event, or Sports Month for regular Sky Sports viewing. Add Boost or Ultra Boost only for supported picture, sound, advert and multi-stream benefits.
NOW is the service’s current name, although many people still search for it as “NOW TV”. The best choice depends on the content you want, how often you watch and whether your device supports higher-quality streaming.
Key takeaways
- Entertainment costs £7.99 a month on the flexible reference price and is the starting point for Sky Originals, exclusive shows, returning HBO Max series and kids content.
- Entertainment & HBO Max costs £9.99 a month and adds HBO Max Basic with Ads, making it the better choice when the broader HBO Max catalogue is the priority.
- Cinema costs £9.99 a month and is the dedicated option for Sky Cinema channels, Sky Original films and a larger movie selection.
- Sports Day costs £14.99 for 24 hours, while Sports Month costs £34.99 and both provide the 12 Sky Sports channels plus Sky Sports+ streams.
- Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches are not included in NOW Sports; UK coverage is on TNT Sports instead.
- Boost and Ultra Boost are viewing upgrades rather than content packages: Boost costs £6 a month, while Ultra Boost costs £9 a month.
Which NOW TV package should I choose?
Which NOW TV package should I choose? Pick Entertainment for general Sky shows and kids content, Entertainment & HBO Max for the broader HBO Max catalogue, Cinema for films, Sports Day for one event, or Sports Month for regular Sky Sports viewing. Add Boost or Ultra Boost only for supported picture, sound, advert and multi-stream benefits.
NOW is the service’s current name, although many people still search for it as “NOW TV”. Prices, catalogues, promotional offers and device support can change, so treat the flexible prices below as reference prices and check the checkout page before subscribing.
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Which NOW package is best for my viewing?
The right NOW membership depends more on what you watch than on the number of channels. Use this quick decision guide:
| If you mainly want… | Choose… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Originals, general entertainment or kids shows | Entertainment | It is the core TV package and includes Sky Originals, exclusive shows, returning HBO Max series and kids content. |
| The broadest HBO Max catalogue available through NOW | Entertainment & HBO Max | It includes Entertainment plus HBO Max Basic with Ads. |
| Mostly films | Cinema | It adds Sky Cinema channels, new and exclusive Sky Original films and hundreds of movies. |
| One match, race or short sports-viewing window | Sports Day | It provides the Sky Sports offering for 24 hours as a one-off purchase. |
| Regular Sky Sports viewing throughout a month | Sports Month | It provides the Sky Sports offering for the month without buying repeated day passes. |
What is the difference between Entertainment and Entertainment & HBO Max?
Entertainment & HBO Max is the broader choice because it includes the standard Entertainment membership plus HBO Max Basic with Ads; Entertainment alone does not provide the same HBO Max catalogue depth. NOW describes the two memberships on its official Entertainment membership page.
| Membership | Flexible reference price | What it is best for | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | £7.99/month | Sky Originals, exclusive shows, returning HBO Max series and kids content | It is not a substitute for the broader HBO Max catalogue. |
| Entertainment & HBO Max | £9.99/month | Viewers who specifically want more HBO Max catalogue access | The included service is HBO Max Basic with Ads, not an ad-free or unqualified “full HBO Max” tier. |
The £2 monthly difference between the flexible reference prices is relatively small if HBO Max catalogue depth is central to your decision. If you only want the core NOW selection, Entertainment avoids paying for an extra catalogue you may not use. Minimum-term saver plans may be cheaper, but promotional prices and terms vary.
Is NOW Cinema worth it if I mostly watch films?
NOW Cinema is the logical choice for a film-first household because it is built around Sky Cinema channels, new and exclusive Sky Original films and hundreds of movies. Entertainment should not be presented as an equivalent replacement for the full Sky Cinema range; see NOW’s Cinema membership information.
| Choice | Flexible reference price | Best match | What to remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | £7.99/month | Mixed viewing: shows, entertainment and kids content | Not the dedicated Sky Cinema package. |
| Cinema | £9.99/month | Regular movie viewing | Provides the Sky Cinema channels and movie-focused catalogue. |
For occasional films, Entertainment may be sufficient if the specific titles you want are included there. For a household that regularly watches movie channels or wants the wider Sky Cinema selection, Cinema is the clearer fit.
Rank #2
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- Elevate your entertainment experience with a powerful processor for lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Enjoy the show in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
Which NOW Sports pass do I need?
Choose Sports Day for one event or a short viewing period and Sports Month for frequent viewing during the month. According to NOW’s current Sports Membership help page, “You get access to all 12 Sky Sports channels for the period covered by your membership.” Both passes also include Sky Sports+ streams.
| Sports membership | Price | Access period | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Day | £14.99 one-off | 24 hours | A single event or a concentrated day of viewing. |
| Sports Month | £34.99/month | The membership month | Regular Sky Sports viewing and multiple events across the month. |
The simple break-even calculation is two Sports Day purchases (£29.98) versus one Sports Month at £34.99, so a month pass is not automatically cheaper if you only need two isolated days. A third day pass would cost £44.97, making Sports Month the lower reference price for that pattern. The decision also depends on whether your viewing days are consecutive and whether the month pass’s terms suit you.
Does NOW include Champions League?
NOW Sports does not include Champions League, Europa League or Conference League matches in the UK. Those competitions are carried by TNT Sports, so buying a NOW Sports Day or Sports Month membership will not provide the requested European club matches; check the official NOW Sports comparison and exclusions before purchasing.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsNOW Sports is relevant for sports carried on its Sky Sports channels, including Premier League action, SPFL and EFL-related coverage. Carabao Cup matches shown on Sky Sports Football require Sports Day or Sports Month rather than Sports Mobile. Rights can change, so check the broadcaster for a particular fixture before paying for a pass.
Do I need Boost or Ultra Boost?
Boost and Ultra Boost change the viewing experience, not the content catalogue. They are optional paid upgrades that can improve resolution and sound, remove advertising from eligible on-demand content and increase the number of simultaneous streams. They do not add films, shows or sports rights to a membership.
Rank #3
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
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- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
| Option | Price | Benefits | Choose it when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Included with the membership | 720p streaming | You watch alone and standard picture quality is adequate. |
| Boost | £6/month | Full HD 1080p, Dolby Digital 5.1 and two simultaneous streams | You want better picture and sound or a second simultaneous stream without specifically needing 4K. |
| Ultra Boost | £9/month | Up to 4K Ultra HD HDR, Dolby Atmos and three simultaneous streams on supported content and devices | You have compatible equipment and genuinely want selected UHD/HDR content, Atmos or three streams. |
NOW says both upgrades can remove adverts from eligible on-demand shows, films and sport. Live-channel advertising and promotional trailers may remain. Ultra Boost’s “up to 4K” description is important: resolution, HDR and Dolby Atmos depend on the individual programme, device and setup. Check NOW’s Boost and Ultra Boost guidance and its supported-device list before paying.
For example, the flexible reference price for Entertainment plus Boost would be £13.99 per month (£7.99 + £6), while Entertainment & HBO Max plus Ultra Boost would be £18.99 per month (£9.99 + £9). These are arithmetic examples, not guaranteed checkout prices, and minimum-term or promotional plans may change the total.
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The flexible reference prices supplied for the main packages are shown below. NOW also offers minimum-term saver plans at changing promotional prices, so the cheapest displayed monthly figure may come with a commitment.
| Package | Flexible reference price | Contract pattern | Decision caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | £7.99/month | Flexible or minimum-term saver options may be available | Check the term and the price after any offer. |
| Entertainment & HBO Max | £9.99/month | Flexible or minimum-term saver options may be available | Confirm that HBO Max Basic with Ads is the included tier. |
| Cinema | £9.99/month | Flexible or minimum-term saver options may be available | Confirm the current catalogue and renewal price. |
| Sports Day | £14.99 one-off | 24-hour access | Suitable for a single viewing window, not a month of regular sport. |
| Sports Month | £34.99/month | Monthly access | Check whether the membership renews and when cancellation takes effect. |
A minimum-term plan can reduce the monthly price, but cancellation during the minimum term does not take effect until the term ends. Before accepting an offer, record four details: the minimum term, the promotional price, the post-offer renewal price and the cancellation date. NOW’s membership information explains the need to check the applicable plan terms; offers can vary by date, account and billing route.
Can I still get Hayu on NOW?
Hayu is not a stable normal package recommendation for new NOW customers. NOW states, “From 10 July 2026, NOW Hayu Membership will no longer be available for new members to buy.” NOW also states, “On 10 August, this membership will be closing for existing members.” Both dates refer to 2026 in the service-change notice on NOW’s Hayu Membership help page.
Rank #4
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- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
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Selected Hayu shows, including reality titles such as The Real Housewives and Below Deck, remain available in Entertainment and Entertainment & HBO Max, but some Hayu content will disappear. Anyone who needs Hayu’s full catalogue should use a direct Hayu subscription after the NOW membership closure rather than choosing NOW on the assumption that Hayu remains a permanent add-on.
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What device do I need to watch NOW?
You do not need a particular NOW-branded box: NOW supports many smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, computers and mobile devices. The official list includes Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Nvidia Shield, EE TV, BT, TalkTalk and YouView. NOW also warns that some older NOW and Roku devices are losing support, while the NOW Smart Stick and NOW Smart Box are no longer available to buy; check the current device-support list.
If your television does not already support the NOW app, a compatible streaming stick such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K may be useful. NOW lists Fire TV Stick 4K as supported, and its Boost documentation lists Fire TV Stick 4K and 4K Max among devices compatible with selected higher-quality features. The device does not include a NOW membership, does not guarantee UHD for every title and is not an official endorsement by NOW. Check the exact Fire TV model and the programme’s support before choosing it for Ultra Boost.
Final choice: which NOW package fits you?
- Choose Entertainment for general TV, Sky Originals, exclusive shows and kids content.
- Choose Entertainment & HBO Max when the broader HBO Max catalogue matters more than the lowest entertainment price.
- Choose Cinema when films are the main reason for subscribing.
- Choose Sports Day for one event or a single 24-hour viewing window.
- Choose Sports Month for regular Sky Sports viewing across a month.
- Do not choose NOW Sports for Champions League, Europa League or Conference League matches; those UK rights sit with TNT Sports.
- Add Boost or Ultra Boost only after checking the total price, supported device, supported content and number of simultaneous viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NOW Entertainment and Entertainment & HBO Max?
Entertainment & HBO Max includes the standard Entertainment membership plus HBO Max Basic with Ads. Entertainment is cheaper and covers the core NOW selection, while Entertainment & HBO Max is better when access to the broader HBO Max catalogue is the deciding factor.
Does NOW include Champions League?
No. NOW Sports does not include Champions League, Europa League or Conference League matches in the UK. Those competitions are shown on TNT Sports instead.
Best Value
- This bundle contains Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select and 2-Year Protection Plan.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- Find it fast. Watch it now. – Easily find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
Which NOW Sports pass should I buy?
Choose Sports Day for one event or a 24-hour viewing period, and Sports Month for frequent Sky Sports viewing across a month. Sports Day costs £14.99 one-off and Sports Month costs £34.99 per month at the stated flexible reference prices.
Do I need NOW Boost or Ultra Boost?
Boost and Ultra Boost are optional viewing upgrades, not extra content packages. Boost provides Full HD, Dolby Digital 5.1 and two simultaneous streams; Ultra Boost provides up to 4K Ultra HD HDR, Dolby Atmos and three simultaneous streams on supported devices and content.
Can I still get Hayu through NOW?
NOW Hayu Membership is not a reliable new-package choice after the stated withdrawal dates: new sales end on 10 July 2026 and existing NOW Hayu access closes on 10 August 2026. Selected Hayu shows remain in some Entertainment tiers, but the full catalogue requires direct Hayu access.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Entertainment is the sensible default for general TV, Entertainment & HBO Max is for viewers who specifically want the wider HBO Max catalogue, Cinema is for film households, and Sports Day or Sports Month depends on how often you watch. Boost and Ultra Boost improve playback but do not expand the catalogue, while Hayu should not be treated as a normal new NOW package after its 2026 closure dates.
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