As more and more streaming platforms are stepping into the world of streaming, video downloaders are also increasing in diversity. From single platforms video downloaders to the ones that download content from multiple platforms, we have got so much to choose from, depending on our needs. However, we have tried to make things easier for you with our unbiased video downloader reviews.
The following review on our blog is of PlayOn, a rising name in the streaming world. In this article, we will take you through an unbiased PlayOn review, helping you decide if PlayOn is worth it and, if it's not, how Y2Mate makes its best alternative.
What Is the Function of PlayOn?
PlayOn is a renowned video recording and downloading platform for downloading videos from Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon, HBO Max, Hulu, and more. It was created by MediaMall Technologies to provide streamers with an affordable and easy-to-use platform to access offline streaming and take it to another level!
Currently, PlayOn is offering two platforms, i.e., PlayOn Home and PlayOn Cloud. Both have multiple feature features in common but differ in compatibility and recording video quality. Let’s have a look at their brief details!
PlayOn Home
PlayOn Home is used to download videos from over 25 channels in 720p and SD quality. It only downloads videos on a PC, but once a video is downloaded, you can transfer it to your mobile or cast it to your TV.
PlayOn Cloud
PlayOn Cloud is your best bet for recording and downloading videos on your PC or Mac. It enables downloading in Full HD 1080p and makes offline streaming commercial-free and accessible anywhere, anytime.
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Key Features of PlayOn
In this section of our PlayOn review, we will discuss different features of PlayOn that make it worth getting. Let’s have a look!
- Ad-Skip - Are you tired of getting ads again and again when streaming? PlayOn can automatically remove ads from your recordings, giving you access to worth-joyful ad-free streaming!
- Cat Media to Your TV – You can enjoy streaming your downloaded videos on a big screen by casting them to your TV using Chromecast, Roku, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV, or Android TV.
- No Recording Limit – PlayOn doesn't impose any limit on the number of videos that you can download. By paying a minimal monthly fee, you can download videos as you like.
- Auto-Record New Episodes – PlayOn can automatically record new episodes as soon as they get released on streaming platforms. You can also spare your bandwidth by setting the recordings to auto-download over Wi-Fi.
- Closed Captioning Support – You can close subtitles and captioning if needed with PlayOn.
- 24/7 Email Support – Whether you are stuck with any error or have any other query, the PlayOn Support team is there to resolve your issue and answer queries as early as possible.
- Record an Entire Series – PlayOn allows you to record a whole series or season boasting multiple episodes in a single click.
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PlayOn Review – Is PlayOn Free?
NO, PlayOn is not free to use. You can download unlimited videos with PlayOn Home for just $4.99 per month. Currently, Harvest Sale offers the same product at just $39.99 per year or $14.97 for free months.
On the other hand, PlayOn Cloud charges $4.99 for only 30 recordings. Besides these 30 recordings, it comes with seven free recording credits, which must be used within seven days.
PlayOn Review – How to PlayOn Download?
Wondering what the process of PlayOn download is? Get your answer below!
To download and install PlayOn apps, visit the PlayOn website on your PC, tablet, or mobile. You can also download from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
How to Record/Download Videos with PlayOn?
After completing the PlayOn download process, you must ponder how to record or download video content using it. If that’s the case, hop on the instructions below.
- Launch the PlayOn app you have downloaded by just clicking on the icon.
- Select the streaming service from where you want to record videos and browse for the ‘To be recorded’ video.
- The following window will ask you to log into your streaming service account, say Netflix. Do so using your credentials and search for the video to record.
- Once found, click on the video title and hit Record. You can also record all episodes of a series simultaneously by clicking on Record All.
PlayOn Review – What Are PlayOn Settings?
PlayOn enables you to customize different features according to your needs. Here is how you can use PlayOn settings to tweak your recordings.
To go to the PlayOn settings, go to the gear icon and click on it. Here, you will see different tabs:
- General Tab – In General Tab, you can tweak video performance settings, manage parental controls, check the server status, and even get technical support.
- System Check Tab – You can access optional PlayOn Software Updates and perform System Tests in this tab. This system test lets you know about the performance of your PC's processor, the storage space you are left with, and more helpful information.
- Channels Tab – This tab boasts the options for configuring accounts, sorting channels, or disabling them.
- Media Library Tab – PlayOn enables you to stream videos, play music, and see pictures from your media library. Here is where you can set it up! You can add files to your Media Library, convert video format, and check for transcode speed.
PlayOn Review – How to Have PlayOn 1080p Recording?
PlayOn enables recording videos in 1080p on PlayOn Cloud only; PlayOn Home doesn’t support this feature. To enable recording in 1080p quality, go to PlayOn Settings and from video quality, select Full HD.
With this feature enabled, PlayOn resizes the invisible window to 1080p when recording and compressing. Note that 1080p is the best video quality available on Chrome and looks much better than the rival, 720p video quality on the big screen.
Note: 1080p recordings take three credits per recording as it demands higher processing.
Supported Devices for Streaming 1080p Recorded Videos
PlayOn compresses the video recording with H.265 encoding to make the file size manageable. However, to stream them, your device must be compatible with H.265. Some of the compatible devices include:
- Roku 4k devices
- iPhone 6 and above
- Chromecast with Google TV and Chromecast Ultra
- Apple TV 4th generation and above
- Fire TV Stick – Basic (2017) and above.
The Best PlayOn Alternative: Y2Mate
Although PlayOn can be your best buddy, due to a limited number of supported streaming platforms, it might not be worth that much. To cover up for this, we are here to introduce you to the best-of-the-best PlayOn alternative, i.e., Y2Mate DRM Downloader.
Key Features of Y2Mate
Here are some of the key features of Y2Mate that make it the ideal alternative to PlayOn.
Various Audio Channels
Y2Mate supports various audio channels to make audiophiles’ streaming more fun. You can choose between EAC3 5.1, AC3 5.1, or AAC 2.0 channels.
Download Videos in High-Quality
With Y2Mate, you can download videos from 720p, 1080p to 4k, and even 8k. It supports both the lowest video quality and the highest one!
Fast-Speed Batch Download
It can download multiple videos at an impressive speed, i.e., 32MB/s. This batch downloading feature saves a lot of your time which gets wasted in downloading each video manually.
Different Language Subtitles
Y2Mate enables you to download videos with different language subtitles according to your preference. You can download subtitles separately as an SRT file or embedded in the video.
No Download Limit
Y2Mate breaks the download limit different streaming platforms impose on direct video downloading. Now, you can download as many videos as you can! Moreover, there is no need to worry about video expiry or removal too.
Download Content from 500+ Platforms
It allows you to download video content from over 500 streaming platforms, including 40 subscription-based. In addition, it supports 1000+ websites for recording.
Ad-Free Streaming
It enables you to access ad-free and error-free streaming. You can stream whatever you want without the annoyance of recurrent ads.
How to Download Videos with Y2Mate?
Downloading videos with Y2Mate DRM Downloader is quite easy. Just follow these steps, and you are done!
- Download and install Y2Mate from the official website.
- Once installed, launch it and go to the VIP Services section in the left bar.
- Choose the streaming platform from where you wish to download the video.
- Log into that specific streaming service using your Email and Password.
- Browse for the video to download it. Once found, adjust the audio and video settings and hit Download.
- If you want to download all videos in a batch, click Add in Queue and later download them.
- You can check the progress of your downloading videos in the Downloading menu of the left bar.
Wrap Up
PlayOn Home and PlayOn Cloud make amazing video recorders, but due to the lesser number of supported platforms, they might not be a good choice. However, according to our PlayOn Review, Y2Mate is a better option, as it supports 500+ streaming platforms and 1000+ websites.
That was all about our PlayOn review explaining everything you must know to make an informed decision about whether PlayOn is worth it and more.