Table of contents
Quick Overview of PlayOn and StreamFab
PlayOn and StreamFab are both tools for acquiring streaming videos, allowing users to permanently save videos from streaming sites in common formats such as MP4 or MKV. The fundamental difference between them lies in their working methods: PlayOn is a recorder that records and saves content being played on streaming websites, whereas StreamFab All-in-One is a downloader that directly downloads videos from streaming sites.
So, PlayOn vs. StreamFab, which one comes out on top, and which tool is worth having? I have tested both software extensively and provided a detailed comparison to help you invest your money in the better experience.
PlayOn vs. StreamFab: In-Depth Comparison
1. User Satisfaction
User ratings on Trustpilot also reflect certain issues.
- PlayOn：1.5/5.0 (Bad ☹️)
- Sreamfab: 4.5/5.0 (Excellent 🤩)
PlayOn's rating on Trustpilot is significantly low, with 1-star reviews reaching 90%. Many users have reported issues such as poor recording quality, frequent lag and stuttering when recording in 1080p, misleading lifetime plans, and poor customer support.
In comparison, StreamFab has a significantly higher rating distribution, with 74% of users giving it 5 stars and 14% awarding it 4 stars—far surpassing PlayOn. Many reviews have praised StreamFab for its download quality and customer support services. If you encounter any issues while using StreamFab, they can be resolved promptly, ensuring your investment is well-protected.
2. Subscription Plan
PlayOn offers two distinct versions, each requiring separate payments and providing different services. PlayOn Home is only available for Windows PCs, which means Mac users cannot access it. However, PlayOn’s other product, PlayOn Cloud, supports Android and iOS mobile devices as well as Windows and macOS systems. Additionally, PlayOn Cloud allows users to store recorded videos in online storage, though pricing varies based on the amount of storage, generally making it more expensive than PlayOn Home.
Notably, if your PlayOn Cloud subscription expires, you will lose access to and be unable to download any videos stored in the cloud. This means continuous subscription is necessary to retain access to your recorded content. Therefore, in the short term, PlayOn offers more flexible payment options, but from a long-term perspective, investing in PlayOn can still be a considerable expense, especially for users who need to record a large volume of content.
In contrast, the StreamFab Video Downloader lifetime pack is undoubtedly more cost-effective in the long run. With a one-time payment, you gain unlimited downloads and lifetime access to your favorite content. As long as you have sufficient storage, StreamFab allows you to create a personal library tailored to your preferences.
3. Video Quality
Both PlayOn and StreamFab support video acquisition at a maximum resolution of 1080p. However, due to their different methods of operation, PlayOn often struggles to deliver the same quality as a direct download. During my experience with PlayOn, I encountered issues with video stuttering, which significantly affected the viewing experience.
>> PlayOn output file sample:
In contrast, videos downloaded through StreamFab were smooth and seamless. If video quality and a superior viewing experience are your priorities, StreamFab is the clear choice.
4. Download Speed
One significant drawback of PlayOn as a recorder is its considerably slower video acquisition speed compared to StreamFab as a downloader. Why is this the case? Typically, recording a video requires you to play it in full. This means that if you want to record a 60-minute video, you'll have to spend at least 60 minutes watching it.
In contrast, StreamFab allows you to download at speeds typically maintained around 5 MB/s, reaching up to 7 MB/s at peak. This means you can acquire a complete 2h video in just 10-20 minutes.
- Additionally, I found that PlayOn often has high CPU usage during the recording process, especially when capturing 1080p videos. This can lead to recording delays, and in some cases, may cause your device to freeze, go black, or shut down altogether, resulting in slow recording speeds or failed attempts.
- You also can’t effectively use your device for other tasks while recording. On the other hand, when using StreamFab to download videos on the same device, I could browse the web and send messages on social media without any interruptions.
Exclusive Functions of PlayOn and StreamFab
1. Ad-Free Viewing:
With both PlayOn and StreamFab, you can enjoy your recorded or downloaded videos without the annoyance of ads.
2. Scheduled Content:
Both PlayOn and StreamFab allow you to schedule upcoming shows you're interested in, automatically recording or downloading them as soon as they air.
PlayOn vs. StreamFab: Which One Wins?
Based on the usage comparison of PlayOn and Streamfab, I believe that StreamFab, as an outstanding stream video downloader, excels over PlayOn in terms of content acquisition efficiency, stability, and video quality.
Currently, StreamFab offers all new users the opportunity to download any three videos of any length for free. Feel free to choose three of your favorite shows to see if StreamFab meets your needs.
How to Use StreamFab Video Downloader
Step 1: Click the button above to download and install the StreamFab Video Downloader on your device.
Step 2: Launch StreamFab, click on the VIP Services module, and select the platform where the video is located.
Step 3: Log in to your platform account using the built-in browser, search for the content you want to download, and click play.
Step 4: Once playback starts, a pop-up window will appear asking whether you want to download the video immediately or add it to your download queue for later.
Step 5: If you click the "Download Now" button, the video will start downloading immediately under the "Task Queue" > "Downloading" tab. Here, you can monitor the download progress in real time.
Conclusion
This article compares PlayOn and StreamFab as streaming grabbers in terms of functionality, user satisfaction, subscription plans, video quality, and grabbing speed. While PlayOn offers more flexible subscription options, StreamFab stands out with superior performance. Hoping this comparison review provides valuable insights to help you choose the best option.