Are you tired of missing your favorite TV shows or sports events because you can’t be in front of your TV at the right time? Do you wish you could record and watch your shows whenever and wherever you want? If so, you might have come across PlayOn, a popular digital video recorder (DVR) that allows you to record and stream your favorite TV shows, movies, and sports events. But, does PlayOn cost money? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at PlayOn’s pricing models, features, and benefits to help you decide if it’s worth the investment.
What is PlayOn?
Before we dive into the pricing, let’s take a brief look at what PlayOn is and what it has to offer. PlayOn is a cloud-based DVR that allows you to record and watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and sports events from various streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. With PlayOn, you can record any show or movie and store it in the cloud, allowing you to access it from anywhere, at any time, and on any device.
PlayOn offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for cord-cutters and TV enthusiasts. These features include:
- Cloud-based recording: Record any show or movie and store it in the cloud, allowing you to access it from anywhere.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Watch your recordings on any device, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
- Ad skipping: Skip ads and commercials with the touch of a button.
- TV show and movie organization: Organize your recordings into folders and playlists, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
- Search and discovery: Search for specific shows or movies, and discover new ones with personalized recommendations.
Pricing Models: Is PlayOn Free or Paid?
Now, let’s talk about the pricing models. PlayOn offers a range of pricing options to suit different needs and budgets. Here are the current pricing models:
- Free Trial: PlayOn offers a 30-day free trial, allowing you to try out the service and test its features.
- PlayOn Cloud: The basic cloud plan costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. This plan allows you to record and store up to 30 hours of content in the cloud.
- PlayOn Cloud DVR: The DVR plan costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. This plan includes all the features of the basic cloud plan, plus additional features such as ad skipping, TV show and movie organization, and search and discovery.
- PlayOn Cloud DVR with Storage: This plan costs $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. It includes all the features of the DVR plan, plus additional storage for your recordings.
What’s the Catch?
While PlayOn’s pricing models might seem straightforward, there are some additional costs to consider. For example:
- Storage: If you need more storage for your recordings, you’ll need to purchase additional storage from PlayOn. Storage prices start at $1.99 per month for 100 hours of storage.
- Subscription services: To record shows and movies from streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu, you’ll need to have an active subscription to those services. These subscription costs are not included in PlayOn’s pricing models.
Is PlayOn Worth the Cost?
So, is PlayOn worth the cost? The answer depends on your TV viewing habits and needs. If you’re a casual TV viewer who only watches a few shows per week, you might not need a DVR service like PlayOn. However, if you’re a TV enthusiast who records multiple shows and movies per week, PlayOn can be a valuable investment.
Here are some scenarios where PlayOn might be worth the cost:
- You record multiple shows per week: If you record multiple shows per week, PlayOn’s cloud-based recording feature can save you time and hassle by storing your recordings in one place.
- You travel frequently: If you travel frequently, PlayOn’s cross-platform compatibility and cloud-based storage can ensure that you can access your recordings from anywhere.
- You want to skip ads: If you hate watching ads and commercials, PlayOn’s ad skipping feature can save you time and frustration.
On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget or have limited TV viewing habits, you might not need a DVR service like PlayOn.
Alternatives to PlayOn
If you’re not convinced that PlayOn is worth the cost, there are alternative DVR services available. Here are a few options:
- TiVo: TiVo is a popular DVR service that offers a range of features, including cloud-based recording and ad skipping. TiVo’s pricing models start at $14.99 per month.
- Tablo: Tablo is a cord-cutting DVR service that offers cloud-based recording and streaming capabilities. Tablo’s pricing models start at $3.99 per month.
- Channel Master: Channel Master is a DVR service that offers cloud-based recording and streaming capabilities. Channel Master’s pricing models start at $2.99 per month.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while PlayOn does cost money, it can be a valuable investment for TV enthusiasts who record multiple shows and movies per week. With its range of pricing models and features, PlayOn offers a flexible and convenient way to record and watch your favorite TV shows and movies. However, it’s essential to consider your TV viewing habits and needs before investing in a DVR service like PlayOn.
If you’re unsure, you can try out PlayOn’s 30-day free trial to test its features and see if it’s worth the cost.
Is PlayOn a free service?
PlayOn offers a free trial period for new users, allowing them to test the service and its features without committing to a paid subscription. During this trial period, users can access all the features of PlayOn, including recording and streaming capabilities. However, the free trial is limited to a certain number of recordings and streaming hours.
After the trial period ends, users can choose to upgrade to a paid subscription to continue using PlayOn’s features without any limitations. The paid subscription offers additional features, such as increased storage capacity and priority customer support. While PlayOn is not entirely free, the trial period provides a risk-free opportunity for users to experience the service and decide if it’s worth the investment.
How much does PlayOn cost?
The cost of PlayOn varies depending on the subscription plan chosen. PlayOn offers several plans, including a monthly subscription, an annual subscription, and a lifetime subscription. The monthly subscription is the most affordable option, with a low monthly fee that provides access to all the features of PlayOn. The annual subscription offers a discounted rate for users who commit to a year-long subscription.
The lifetime subscription is the most expensive option, but it provides a one-time payment for lifetime access to PlayOn’s features. This plan is ideal for heavy users who plan to use PlayOn extensively over an extended period. Regardless of the plan chosen, PlayOn is a cost-effective solution for users who want to record and stream their favorite TV shows and movies.
What are the benefits of using PlayOn?
PlayOn offers several benefits to users, including the ability to record and stream TV shows and movies from popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. PlayOn also allows users to skip commercials, fast-forward through intros, and customize their viewing experience. Additionally, PlayOn provides a convenient way to organize and manage recorded content, making it easy to find and watch favorite shows and movies.
Another benefit of using PlayOn is its ability to stream recorded content to multiple devices, including TVs, tablets, and smartphones. This feature allows users to watch their favorite shows and movies on the go, without being tied to a specific device or location. Overall, PlayOn provides a convenient and customizable way to enjoy TV shows and movies, making it a valuable addition to any home entertainment system.
Can I use PlayOn with multiple streaming services?
Yes, PlayOn allows users to record and stream content from multiple streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more. PlayOn supports a wide range of streaming services, and users can add or remove services as needed. This feature is particularly useful for users who subscribe to multiple streaming services and want to consolidate their content in one place.
With PlayOn, users can record and stream content from multiple services, creating a single library of recorded content that’s easy to manage and access. This feature saves users time and effort, as they no longer need to switch between multiple apps or services to access their favorite shows and movies.
Is PlayOn compatible with all devices?
PlayOn is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, and iOS devices. PlayOn also supports popular streaming devices like Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV. This means that users can access and stream their recorded content on multiple devices, without being limited to a specific device or platform.
In addition to device compatibility, PlayOn also supports various file formats, including MP4, AVI, and MOV. This allows users to record and stream content in their preferred format, making it easy to transfer and play back content on different devices.
Is PlayOn easy to use?
Yes, PlayOn is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The interface is intuitive, with clear menus and options that make it easy to navigate and use the service. PlayOn also provides a comprehensive guide and customer support to help users get started and resolve any issues they may encounter.
With PlayOn, users can easily record and stream their favorite TV shows and movies, without needing to understand complicated technical settings or configurations. The service is designed to be plug-and-play, allowing users to start recording and streaming content quickly and easily.
Is PlayOn legal?
Yes, PlayOn is a legal service that allows users to record and stream TV shows and movies from popular streaming services. PlayOn complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including copyright laws, and provides a legitimate way for users to access and enjoy their favorite content.
PlayOn’s technology is designed to respect the intellectual property rights of content owners, and the service does not facilitate piracy or copyright infringement in any way. By using PlayOn, users can enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies while also respecting the rights of content creators and owners.