In the digital panorama of 2026, the use of multimedia content has reached unprecedented levels of flexibility and technical quality. If you're wondering how does NOW work, know that you are facing one of the most complete and versatile streaming platforms currently available on the Italian market. NOW, Sky's streaming service, has evolved constantly, permanently eliminating the need for parables, bulky decoders or long contractual constraints. Today, accessing the Sky catalogue means you can enjoy original productions, international cinema and great live sports with a simple click, taking advantage of the speed of modern fiber optic connections. The main feature that defines this service is its modular nature: the user is not obliged to subscribe to an all-inclusive package, but can choose between different Thematic Passes based on their personal tastes. Whether you're a fan of award-winning TV series, a camera looking for the latest innovations in 4K or a blurred fan who doesn't want to miss a single minute of the Champions League, NOW offers a tailor-made solution that adapts to the needs of the modern consumer, increasingly oriented towards the philosophy of pay-per-use and freedom of immediate cancellation without penalty or bureaucratic complications.
Commercial offer and types of Pass available
Thematic packages for cinema and entertainment
The NOW universe is articulated through a package structure called Pass, which represent the pulsating heart of the commercial offer. For those who want to immerse themselves in the most engaging narratives Pass Entertainment is the compulsory choice. This package includes the great Sky Original productions, international TV series signed HBO and the most prestigious documentaries, as well as a wide range of successful TV shows such as MasterChef and X Factor. In 2026, the variety of content increased exponentially, integrating more and more local and international productions in high definition. The cost of this Pass varies according to the formula chosen: the annual subscription offers significant savings for those who know they want to use the long-term service, while the monthly formula guarantees maximum freedom of movement for those who prefer a seasonal approach.
For lovers of seventh art, the Pass Cinema represents a true temple of the great digital screen. With over 1000 on-demand titles and new first visions every week, this package allows you to transform your living room into a cinema room. The integration with Sky Cinema channels ensures constant linear programming, enriched by the possibility of accessing entire cinematic sagas in on-demand mode. Often, NOW offers combined packages that combine Cinema and Entertainment at an advantageous price, allowing you to have a full 360-degree entertainment experience. It is important to emphasize that the quality of streaming has stabilized on very high standards, supporting high definition and, in combination with the Premium option, also superior technical characteristics for the most advanced home theater systems.
Premium option and benefits of contemporary vision
A fundamental element to fully understand how does NOW work concerns the Premium option. Introduced to meet the needs of the most demanding households and users, this integration allows to unlock advanced features that drastically improve user experience. The main advantage is the possibility to enjoy two contemporary visions on different devices, which means that in one room you can watch a football game while in another you follow the last episode of a TV series, all using a single account. In addition, the Premium option eliminates advertising ads from on-demand content, ensuring smooth and seamless vision, ideal for binge-watchers.
In addition to the management of simultaneous flows, Premium brings with it improvements on the technical front, such as Dolby Digital 5.1 immersive audio, essential for those who own a soundbar or a multichannel audio system. The cost of this option is usually contained and can be added to any active Pass combination. It is interesting to note that NOW has maintained a transparency policy: if you decide to turn off your main Passes, the Premium option will also be automatically suspended, avoiding unwanted charges. This attention to the customer is one of the reasons why the platform continues to dominate the streaming market in Italy, offering total control over its monthly expenditure and the configuration of its user profile.
Technical requirements and compatible devices in 2026
Internet connection and signal stability
To fully enjoy the content offered by NOW, it is essential to have an internet connection that meets certain speed and stability parameters. Although the historical minimum requirements indicated a speed of 2.5 Mbps, in 2026 the recommendation for a high definition fluid experience moved to 10-15 stable Mbps. If your intention is to take advantage of the highest possible video quality, especially for live sports events where frame rate is essential for action fluidity, a fiber optic connection (FTTH or FTTC) is highly recommended. The platform uses adaptive bitrate systems, which means that the quality of the video automatically adapts to the speed of your network, but a higher bandwidth ensures the constant maintenance of the highest quality profile.
Another crucial aspect concerns latency and service coverage. NOW is officially available in Italy, the Republic of San Marino and the Vatican City. Moreover, thanks to European legislation on cross-border portability, you can continue to look at your preferred programs even when you are temporarily in one of the EU Member States. This makes NOW an ideal travel companion for those who move for work or holiday, ensuring that access to the subscribed content is never interrupted. Before proceeding with the subscription, it is always good to carry out a speed test of your line to verify that there are no saturations or technical problems that could compromise the vision of streaming flows.
Hardware support: from smartphones to consoles
The versatility of NOW is manifested in its extraordinary compatibility with a multitude of electronic devices. From computer, the use takes place comfortably through major web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Safari, without the need to install obsolete plugins or heavy dedicated software. For those who prefer mobility, applications for Android and iOS/iPadOS offer an intuitive and optimized interface for touch screens, allowing you to download some content for offline viewing, a life-saving feature during air flights or long train routes where network coverage could be dancer.
- Smart TV latest generation: native support for Samsung, LG and Sony models produced from 2015 onwards.
- Streaming devices: Full compatibility with Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google TV Streamer and Apple TV 4K.
- Game console: Dedicated applications for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.
- Chromecast: Possibility to transmit content from your smartphone directly to your TV with a simple touch.
At home, video game consoles have become real multimedia hubs thanks to NOW. The computing power of systems such as PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X ensures navigation between extremely fast menus and stable video playback. HDMI flash drives, like the famous Fire TV Stick, also represent an economical and effective solution to make “smart” any old TV with HDMI port. This democratization of technological access allows anyone, regardless of the budget invested in hardware, to enjoy high quality programming with a simple and immediate configuration.
The Sport Pass: football, motors and great live events
Football programming and European cups
The Sport Pass of NOW is without doubt the most suitable package by fans of competitions. In 2026, the sports offer reached incredible peaks, including most UEFA Champions League matches, with 185 matches on 203 broadcast exclusively. The UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League matches add to this, making NOW the undisputed home of European football. As for the Italian championship, the Pass includes three matches for each day of Serie A, as well as the full coverage of the Serie C, which always receives a great success of local audiences.
But it is not just a matter of quantity; it is the quality of the Sky sports tale applied to streaming to make the difference. Each event is accompanied by pre-part studies, in-depth technical analysis, exclusive interviews and the possibility to access thematic channels such as Sky Sport 24 to stay constantly updated on the latest news. The “On Demand” section of the sport also allows to review the highlights, synthesis of the matches or entire meetings already played, offering total flexibility to those who cannot follow the live event but do not want to give up the emotion of the competition. This integration between live and deferred represents the flagship of the sports experience on NOW.
Motors, tennis and international basketball
In addition to football, the NOW Sport Pass is the benchmark for speed and precision lovers. All Grand Prix Formula 1 and MotoGP are broadcast in full, from free practice to qualifying until Sunday race. Thanks to the multi-cam technology available on some devices, the user can sometimes choose different frames or follow the times on the turn in real time, living an immersive experience worthy of a professional box. The stability of the streaming signal is fundamental in these contexts, and NOW has invested massively in server optimization to manage traffic peaks during the most followed races of the year.
- World tennis: Exclusive coverage of the Wimbledon tournament and all ATP and WTA Tour tournaments.
- NBA and Basket: The emotions of the American basketball league and the EuroLeague for fans of European basketball.
- Rugby and Golf: The great international events, including the most prestigious tours and challenges among nationals.
- Athletics and other sports: Ample space for Olympic disciplines and international meetings of athletics.
Tennis, in particular, experienced an explosion of popularity and NOW responds by offering a capillary coverage ranging from Nitto ATP Finals to WTA Finals, passing through the Slam tournaments. The ability to follow multiple fields simultaneously during the first rounds of big tournaments is an advantage that only a streaming platform can offer compared to traditional television. Whether you're a Sinner fan or an NBA basketball fan who likes to follow the games during the night, the Pass Sport guarantees a high level editorial coverage, with experienced commentators and cutting-edge graphics that enrich every single broadcast.
Enrollment and account management procedures
How to create a profile and activate the Pass
Starting adventure on NOW is an extremely fast process, designed to be completed in a few minutes also by those who have no particular familiarity with digital tools. The first step is to connect to the official website of the platform and click on the button dedicated to offers or subscriptions. Here you will be presented a clear overview of all available Passes, with its prices and duration options (monthly or annual). Once you have selected your offer, you will need to create your account by entering a valid email address and a secure password. It is essential to use credentials that you remember easily, since they will be the same as you will use to access all your devices, from Smart TV to smartphone.
After entering the required personal data, you will arrive at the payment stage. NOW accepts the main electronic payment methods, including credit cards, prepaid debit cards and PayPal. Once you have confirmed the operation, the chosen steps will be immediately active and you can start looking at the contents without having to wait for technical activation time. Remember that NOW is an independent service from Sky Satellite: you don't need to be a Sky customer to subscribe to NOW, and if you're already a Sky customer, you'll still need to create a separate account if you want to specifically use the NOW platform, although the content is often stackable to those on Sky Go.
Device management and subscription renewal
One of the most appreciated aspects of NOW is the total control that you have on your personal area. By accessing the “Account Manager” section, you can monitor in real time what steps are active and what will be the date of the next renewal. If you decide that a certain package no longer needs you, you can turn off automatic renewal with a simple click. There are no exit costs: you can continue to see the contents until the natural expiry of the already paid period. This transparency is one of the pillars on which the success of the service is based, eliminating that feeling of “contractual trap” that often afflicts traditional pay-per-view services.
The flexibility of NOW allows you to activate the Sport Pass only for the month in which a specific event takes place, such as a final or a particular tournament, and then cancel it immediately without penalty.
You can also manage the associated devices within the personal area. For security reasons and to comply with the terms of service, NOW allows you to associate a maximum number of devices to your account. If you reach the limit and want to add a new tablet or a new console, just remove one of the devices no longer in use to make room for the newcomer. This operation is immediate and allows you to keep your digital ecosystem always updated. Also, you can change your payment method at any time or update your billing data, all independently and without having to contact a call center.
User experience: smart interface and functionality
Navigation between categories and content search
The NOW user interface was designed according to the most modern user experience criteria (UX), making the discovery of new movies and TV series a pleasant and intuitive process. The main screen is organized in thematic rows: “Continuing to look” allows you to resume your vision exactly from where you interrupted it, regardless of the device used; “News” highlights the latest additions to the catalog; while custom recommendations use sophisticated algorithms to suggest titles in line with your previous tastes. At the top of the screen, the menus dedicated to Cinema, Entertainment and Sport allow you to instantly filter the content of your interest.
The search function is extremely powerful and fast, allowing you to find a specific title, an actor or a director in a few moments. Each content card is rich in useful information: from plot to duration, from cast to age classification, to suggestions of similar titles. If you find something that inspires you but don't have time to look at it right away, you can add it to your personal “Watchlist” (called Favorites), a list saved on the cloud that you will find synchronized on all your devices. This cross-platform approach is what makes how does NOW work so effective in 2026: the user is at the center of a fluid ecosystem where the barrier between the different screens is practically invisible.
Advanced video player functionality
The NOW video player offers all the features you expect from a premium service. A menu dedicated to language selection and subtitles is available in addition to the classic playback, pause and fast progress keys. Most of the content is available in the original language with subtitles in Italian, a fundamental function for those who love to enjoy the performances of actors without the dubbing filter or for those who want to practice with foreign languages. The quality of streaming adapts dynamically to the speed of connection, minimizing initial loading times (buffering) and ensuring a seamless view.
- Autoplay: Automatic switch to the next episode for TV series.
- Cloud Synchronization: Start on your PC, end up on your smartphone exactly from the same second.
- Parent control: Possibility to set a PIN to limit access to content not suitable for minors.
- Multichannel audio: Support for surround systems for a home cinema experience.
Another noteworthy feature is the stability of direct television. Watching the live streaming Sky channels on NOW is an experience identical to that of traditional TV, but with the advantage of being able to pause the live stream or restart a program from the beginning if you are late, thanks to the “Restart” function. This flexibility transforms linear vision into a semi-on-demand experience, eliminating the stress of having to be in front of the screen at a precise time. In 2026, these functions became market standard, but NOW continues to finish them to offer superior stability than competition.
Frequently Asked Questions about NOW
Can I watch NOW on two devices simultaneously?
Yes, you can watch NOW content on two different devices at the same time, but provided you have enabled the Premium option on your account. Without the Premium option, the service allows viewing on one screen at a time. This functionality is particularly useful for families or for those who share the house, ensuring to each one the possibility to choose what to look independently and without technical conflicts between the different screens of the house.
Is it mandatory to have a Sky subscription to use NOW?
Absolutely not. NOW is a fully independent streaming service from Sky's satellite pay TV. It does not require the installation of parables, it does not require a decoder and does not provide any kind of contractual bond with the traditional Sky subscription. You can subscribe to NOW simply with an internet connection and a valid payment method, enjoying the maximum freedom to activate and disable services according to your needs of the moment, without any activation or withdrawal costs.
What is the recommended minimum internet speed in 2026?
Although technically the service can work with lower speeds, in 2026 we strongly recommend a connection of at least 10-15 Mbps for a fluid vision in high definition (HD). If you want to look at content with superior quality or if you have multiple devices connected simultaneously to the same network, it is preferable to have a fiber optic connection from 30 Mbps or higher. A stable connection drastically reduces the risk of interruptions during live events, such as football matches, where fluidity is essential.
Can I cancel NOW at any time without paying any penalty?
Of course. The NOW philosophy is based on the maximum freedom of the user. You can decide to disable the automatic renewal of your Pass at any time, directly from the personal area of the official website. Once you cancel, you will continue to have access to the content included in your subscription until the end of the period already paid. There are no criminals, hidden costs or complicated bureaucratic procedures: deactivation is immediate and can be revoked equally easily if you change your mind in the future.
What sports are included in the NOW Sport Pass?
The NOW Sport Pass is extremely rich and includes a wide range of disciplines. In addition to most of the UEFA Champions League, all of the Europa League and the Conference League, you will have access to three Serie A games per turn and the entire Serie C. For motor lovers, all Formula 1 and MotoGP GPs are included. The package also includes the great international tennis (Wimbledon, ATP and WTA), basketball with NBA and EuroLeague, rugby, golf and Sky Sport 24 channels for news h24.
In conclusion, understanding how does NOW work means embracing a new entertainment philosophy that focuses on freedom of choice and quality of content. Thanks to a flexible structure, a huge hardware compatibility and a catalog ranging from big cinema to the most exciting sport on the planet, NOW is confirmed as one of the leading solutions in the 2026 streaming market. Whether you want to follow your heart team or immerse yourself in a critically acclaimed TV series, NOW offers the tools you need to do so under your conditions. We invite you to visit the official website to discover the active promotions and start your vision experience without limits today. Read the guide and choose the most suitable Pass for you!
