Several video downloaders and recorders are available out there, offering specific features and perks. Diverse variety brings you more and more options to choose from. However, sometimes things become tricky when you get stuck between two options, wondering which one is worth getting.

If you are in the same boat, we have got you covered! In our blog section, we also focus on comparing different applications and software, assisting you in deciding which one you should get. This piece of information is also one from the comparison series featuring all you should know about PlayOn vs PlayLater and PlayOn alternative, i.e., Y2Mate DRM Downloader. Hop on below to get started!

What Is PlayOn?

A streaming media and software-producing brand, PlayOn is an ultimate platform that enables users from around the globe to record video content from various streaming platforms. Currently, PlayOn is offering two apps, PlayOn Cloud and PlayOn Home.

PlayOn Cloud, a Cloud DVR, enables users to record content in 1080p from over 25 channels on a PC or Mac. It comes with a free trial and costs $4.99 per month for 30 recordings credit.

PlayOn Home is another robust application launched by the one and only PlayOn. It transforms your PC into a reliable and powerful video streaming DVR. Besides downloading it for free, you can also get its subscription for 44.99 per month for unlimited recordings.

Give this article a quick read to learn about PlayOn Cloud.

Key Features of PlayOn

PlayOn has lots of features that one can't stop appreciating, as they are worth it. Let’s learn about some of them!

Ad-Skip – PlayOn can automatically remove ads whenever you record ad-loaded video content. This way, it opens the door for an ad-free offline streaming experience.

Video Quality – You can download videos with video quality, Full HD, HD, or SD. It gives several options to choose from.

Auto-Download Recordings – PlayOn enables you to set the recordings to auto-download over Wi-Fi for sparing bandwidth or during designated hours.

Cast to Your TV – You can cast the downloaded recording to your TV for viewing on a bigger screen. You will need streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, FireTV, and more.

Syncing Across Devices – With it, you can conveniently sync recordings across your devices, i.e., macOS, Android, and iOS. You can also download the recording to another device, Android TV, or a computer.

24/7 E-mail Support – PlayOn Support Team is accessible 24/7 to answer your queries and help you resolve the errors you are facing. Just mail them to [email protected].

Here is all you should learn about what PlayOn Chrome Extension is and how it works.

What Is PlayLater?

PlayOn was primarily PlayLater. In September 2015, it rolled into PlayOn and PlayLater is no longer accessible as a stand-alone product. Being released in September 2011, PlayLater was a robust DVR for online videos. It helped record content from various streaming platforms that could be accessed for streaming offline without the need for a stable internet connection.

Key Features of PlayLater

Following are some of the features that PlayLater used to offer:

Supported Streaming Platforms – It enabled downloading content from over 40 streaming platforms, including the popular ones, i.e., Disney Plus, Netflix, ESPN, Discovery, and more.

Video Quality – It supported downloading content in HD and SD video qualities. However, the video quality of the output file was chiefly dependent on the stability of your internet connection.

User-Friendly Interface – The interface of PlayLater was user-friendly and easy to navigate. Meaning recording videos was as easy as a piece of cake.

Supported Playback Devices – Users could playback offline on various devices, including Roku and other TV set-top boxes and mobile devices.

Money-Back Guarantee – It used to come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a responsive Support Team.

Transfer Videos to Mobile – You could transfer downloaded videos to your mobile devices for a more convenient streaming experience.

How to Use PlayOn/PlayLater?

Here is how you can record streaming videos with PlayOn/PlayLater.

• Download and install the PlayOn/PlayLater on your compatible device from the official website. On termination of installation, launch PlayOn/PlayLater.
• Navigate to the Channels tab, search, and select the channel from which you wish to download video content.
• Sign into your selected streaming service account using your E-mail and Password.
• Now, search for your desired video and click on its title to pop up the details featuring screen.
• Click Record to begin recording. To record multiple episodes of the series, hit the Record All button on the upper right corner of the season listing screen.

Note: You must have an active account on the relevant streaming platform. Otherwise, you can’t access content or record it.

PlayOn Vs PlayLater

Let’s now discuss PlayOn PlayLater difference, mainly focusing on their features and services.

PlayOn Vs PlayLater – Streaming Platforms

PlayOn Home and PlayOn Cloud enable recording content from over 25 channels, and PlayLater enabled recording from over 40 different platforms.

PlayOn Vs PlayLater – Video Quality

PlayOn Home can record videos with 720p and SD video qualities, and PlayOn Cloud supports recording with Full HD, i.e., 1080p. Contrastingly, PlayLater could record content in SD and HD qualities depending on your internet quality.

PlayOn Vs PlayLater – Ad-Removal

Both apps of PlayOn remove all the ads when downloading content so that you can stream it without interruption. However, with PlayLater, ads and other download interruptions used to show up. It also took up lots of disk space.

PlayOn Vs PlayLater – Supported OS

PlayOn can record content on Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS, whereas PLayLater was compatible with PC only. There was no Mac version of it.

PlayOn Vs PlayLater – Recording Speed

PlayOn Home and PlayOn Cloud have impressive recording speeds. These also have batch-recording features. On the other hand, PlayLater used to take more time recording content than the opponent in the PlayOn Vs PlayLater battle.

PlayOn Vs PlayLater – Pricing

PlayOn Home and PlayOn Cloud are accessible with a monthly subscription fee of $4.99. PlayOn Home enables you to record unlimited videos, while the latter enables only 30 videos. Whereas, PlayLater had a lifetime subscription plan of $39.99 and a per-year plan of $ 19.99.

PlayOn Vs PlayLater – Who Is the Winner?

PlayOn applications are better in most aspects, and they should be, as these are advanced versions of the opponent PlayLater. However, the former still lacks in aspects as users have reported facing errors like PlayOn not recording, PlayOn recording Subscription being failed, and more.

These drawbacks might leave you browsing for alternatives to PlayOn. If that’s the case, hop on below to discover the best-of-the-best PlayOn alternative you can shift to.

Best PlayOn Alternative – Y2Mate DRM Downloader

Y2Mate DRM Downloader makes a worthwhile alternative to PlayOn. It's an excellent downloader you can rely on for downloading content from over 50 streaming platforms and over 1000 websites. Yeah, you read it right!

Besides this broad support for streaming platforms, Y2Mate has bundles of other features. Why not have a look at them?

Key Features of Y2Mate

Following are some of the features of Y2Mate:

Download Videos in MP4 Format - It allows downloading videos to MP4 and MKV formats. Both of these formats are playable on almost all streaming devices.

Regional Support – Y2Mate enables downloading content from regional websites. It doesn’t impose any regional restrictions.

Supported Video Qualities – With Y2Mate, you can download videos with 8k, 4k, 1080p, and 720p video qualities.

Audio Channels – Being a blessing for audiophiles, Y2Mate enables downloading videos with various audio channels of preferred languages. Supported audio channels include AC3 5.1, EAC3 5.1, or AAC 2.0.

Built-In Browser – It has a built-in browser to allow searching for video within the software. The browser has all the movies, shows, and other video content, as does the source websites.

Removal of Ads – All videos downloaded with Y2AMte are free of ads. You can stream content without interruptions caused by errors, ads, and internet connectivity issues.

How to Use Y2Mate?

Follow the guidelines below to learn how to download content with the outstanding Y2Mate!

• Hop on the official Y2Mate website to download and install the software on your device. When the installation completes, launch the software.

• Navigate to the VIP Section and select any of the supported streaming services.
• Log into your chosen streaming platform’s account using your credentials when prompted.
• Browse for the "to be downloaded" video, and click on its title once found.
• Tweak subtitles and audio tracks settings according to your preference.
• Hit Download o begin downloading. You can also batch download multiple videos with an impressive 32MB per second speed.

Wrapping Up

PlayLater is no more accessible as it had rolled into PlayOn. Although PlayLater was a worthy Digital Video Recorder, PlayOn has surpassed it in various aspects, including the downloading speed, ad-removing capability, support for Mac, and more.

In this article, we have explained the PlayOn PlayLater difference, i.e., PlayOn vs PlayLater. We have also answered frequently asked queries like is PlayLater and PlayOn the same thing and why Y2Mate is the best alternative to PlayOn. Hope you found it worth reading!