PlayOn review
A practical streaming DVR for offline viewing, with recording instead of source-file downloads.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
PlayOn is streaming DVR software for consumers who want to record subscribed streaming content, download it for offline viewing, or cast it to other devices. PlayOn Home runs on Windows PCs, while PlayOn Cloud records through iOS, Android, and macOS apps. Supported services include Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Apple TV, Starz, Peacock, Discovery+, Pluto TV, Paramount+, Tubi, Roku Channel, The CW, CBS, ABC, and PBS.
The pricing structure separates local recording from cloud recording. PlayOn Home costs $4.99 per month and includes unlimited recordings, 1080p recording, ad skipping, series recording, and casting. PlayOn Cloud offers 100 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB plans, each with 30 recording credits per month and the corresponding cloud-storage capacity. A free plan is also available. The standout workflow is automated recording: users can record an entire series with one click, capture new episodes automatically, and schedule recordings or downloads during off-peak hours.
PlayOn fits households that want a single recording and offline-viewing workflow across supported services, with closed captions, subtitles, MP4 downloads, and casting to Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, and other devices. Its focus is narrower than a general video downloader because it records streaming playback rather than directly downloading source media. Recordings are limited to up to 1080p, and PlayOn Home is tied to Windows PCs, while PlayOn Cloud uses the mobile and macOS app ecosystem. Choose PlayOn for streaming DVR features, offline copies, commercial skipping, and series automation; choose another tool if direct source-media downloads are the priority.
PlayOn pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Records supported streaming services in up to 1080p
- Skips commercials and records new series episodes automatically
- Downloads MP4 recordings for offline viewing and supports casting
- Where it doesn't
- Records rather than directly downloading source media
- PlayOn Home runs on Windows PCs
- Cloud plans provide 30 recording credits per month
PlayOn fact sheet, pricing and score →
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