PlayOn Desktop, a once-trusted tool for recording streaming videos, released its final update in October 2021 and was later replaced by PlayOn Home.
Although PlayOn Desktop can still be used on Windows 8.1 and 10, its performance has decreased over time, leading users to seek better alternatives.
In this article, we'll explore why PlayOn Desktop was discontinued and suggest better options for downloading streaming videos.
What Is PlayOn Desktop?
PlayOn Desktop, developed by MediaMall Technologies, is a software that allows users to stream and record TV shows, movies, and other videos from various channels and platforms.
However, support for PlayOn Desktop ended in October 2021, and since then, it's no longer available for purchase and won't receive any more updates.
Despite PlayOn Desktop's discontinuation, MediaMall continues to support other products like PlayOn Home and PlayOn Cloud, which offer similar features.
Why Was PlayOn Desktop Discontinued?
In 2021, the release of Windows 11 caused compatibility issues for PlayOn Desktop due to changes in the new Chromium-based Edge browser. Despite attempts to fix these issues during the Windows 11 beta phase, PlayOn Desktop remained unreliable. As a result, MediaMall decided to replace it with PlayOn Home.
Users with lifetime PlayOn Desktop licenses were offered at least 3 free months of PlayOn Home. They also had the option to continue using PlayOn Desktop on Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 PCs, but it may become less stable over time without updates.
This decision disappointed some users, especially those with lifetime licenses who only received temporary access to PlayOn Home. As a result, some users switched to PlayOn Home, while others looked for PlayOn alternatives.
The Best PlayOn Desktop Alternatives
In this section, we'll walk through how to use PlayOn Home, the official replacement for PlayOn Desktop, and also introduce another best PlayOn alternative, KeepStreams.
PlayOn Home
PlayOn Home replaces PlayOn Desktop, offering similar functions with additional features. It's priced at $39.99 per year ($3.33/month) or $14.97 every 3 months ($4.99/month).
Here's how to record your favorite streaming videos with PlayOn Home:
- Download and install PlayOn Home on your Windows computer.
- Launch the PlayOn Home application and sign in to your account.
- Choose your desired streaming service from the available channels.
- Browse the media library of your chosen streaming service and select the video you want to record.
If you prefer recording on mobile devices and macOS computers (as PlayOn Home is compatible with Windows only), consider using PlayOn Cloud.
KeepStreams
If you're looking for a new PlayOn alternative, KeepStreams is worth considering. Unlike PlayOn, which records videos, KeepStreams downloads videos directly from the original source, removing restrictions imposed by streaming services. It then outputs videos in MP4 or MKV formats, allowing you to save and transfer them easily.
Key features of KeepStreams include:
- Compatibility across Windows and macOS computers
- Extensive support for over 3,000 streaming websites
- High-quality resolution and audio for downloads
- Simultaneous batch downloading of multiple videos
- Scheduled new video downloads at preferred times
- Selection from multiple language audio and subtitles
- Embedded or separate-file download of subtitles
- Automatic removal of advertisements during downloads
Here's how to download your favorite streaming videos with KeepStreams:
- Visit the official KeepStreams website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
- Install KeepStreams on your computer and open the application.
- Navigate to the VIP Services tab and select your desired streaming service.
- Alternatively, enter the streaming service's website URL directly into KeepStreams' browser on the Home tab.
- Choose the video you want to download and play it. KeepStreams will analyze the video.
- Once the video is ready for download, select your preferred output settings, then click Download Now to start the download process.
Final Thoughts
If you're seeking an alternative to PlayOn Desktop, both PlayOn Home and KeepStreams are excellent options. However, if you prioritize high-quality video downloads at fast speeds, KeepStreams is your best bet.
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