DirecTV Now for Apple TV is Another Viable Way for Users to Cut the Cord
In just the span of a few weeks, the ability for many of us to cut the cord has gotten much more viable, especially if you happen to have an Apple TV. Sony’s PlayStation Vue launched earlier this month and DirecTV Now for Apple TV has just thrown its hat into the ring this week.
Starting at $35 per month
Along with the Apple TV, you can access the streaming service on your iPhone or iPad and other outlets as well.
A subscription starts at $35 per month, and there are pricing tiers that go all the way to $70 monthly. You can add premium channels HBO and Cinemax for $5 each per month, which is a very nice deal.
My colleague, Bryan M. Wolfe ran down all of the important information about subscribing, so we also wanted to take a closer look at the service so you can determine if it’s right for you.
Home sweet home
On the home screen, you can see what's on now along with a look at other on-demand content and movies.
Suggested content
The on-demand content is also split into a number of different sections to help find what you like to watch. You can also view programming by network.
A guided tour
If you're looking for a more traditional view of what's on TV, there's a great guide section. The channels are shown alphabetically, and you can see what's on now or in the future. You can also select specific channels to appear on a guide of favorites.
How it compares
Compared to Sling TV and PlayStation Vue, DirecTV Now has some serious catching up to do. There is no DVR service of any kind, something already available to Vue users and coming soon to at least some devices connecting to Sling TV.
Also, you can only access DirecTV Now on two devices at the same time, less than the five device limit on PlayStation Vue and the three devices allowed on Sling TV’s Blue option.
The lack of major channels available through the other services like CBS, NFL RedZone, Showtime, and others is also a big downside. The amount of local channels you’ll receive is dependent on your location as well, and looks to be problematic.
Even though the DirecTV Now site said I would receive my local NBC station, it was conspicuously absent on the Apple TV version even though I could access it on my iPhone.
I wasn’t exactly wild about the layout on DirecTV Now, much-preferring UI on both Sling TV’s and PlayStation Vue on the Apple TV.
A few perks
Prepay for three months of any DirecTV now and receive a free, fourth-generation Apple TV. That's a great offer if you still haven't made the move to Apple's latest streaming device.
But there are still a few reasons to look at DirecTV Now. To celebrate the launch, for a limited time, the Go Big package will be $35 per month instead of its usual $60 monthly price tag. Subscribers will be able to keep that rate as long as they continue with the service.
Also, if you’re still in the market for a new Apple TV, you can prepay for three months of service and receive the set-top box for free. You can also sign-up for a free, seven-day trial.
And anyone who is a current AT&T mobile customer can stream from the service without it counting against their data limits, which could be a big perk for some possible subscribers.
But for now, take a look at Sling TV and PlayStation Vue first if you’re wanting to cut the cord and say goodbye to the cable company once and for all.
Download the app now
Other, better options for most