tvplayer.com

The challenge of fitting our favorite shows into our busy schedule is a reality for most of us. However, this does not stop us from streaming Netflix in leisure time. The luxury of Netflix is something that not everybody can afford, which is why the pattern of consuming content is changing. A majority of Americans watch television through cable or satellite networks, though that's a huge number it's not a positive one. Instead, it indicates a steep decline from an earlier 96%. The rise of streaming services and mobile television has come at the expense of traditional TV viewing experiences.

Internet TV is no longer the only way to watch TV. Streaming services, such as TVPlayer, have risen in popularity because they offer a great selection of programs and movies, even if they're not as comprehensive or powerful as those offered by Netflix or Prime Video.

What is TVPlayer?

TVPlayer is a live streaming service that offers users access to a wide range of content, including premium channels. The most appealing part about TVPlayer is the fact that almost all of its content is free to watch, including channels like Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Capital TV. In addition, TVPlayer allows you to stream 70% of its content for free which makes it one of the most affordable live streaming services out there. Another aspect that I like about this service is that you get all the channels in one place. This allows you to access BBC iPlayer, which just shows BBC channels for £5.99 along with other channels. Additionally, the on-demand service has premium service TV channels with content available from the past one month.

History

TVPlayer started its journey in December 2013. It is an internet-based TV subscription service that streams live TV across a wide range of devices and features the UK's favorite free-to-air channels along with some premium channels.

Why should you stream on TVPlayer?

TVPlayer is packed with content. You can access more than 80 channels on premium services, including live tv and on-demand content from channels like BBC, ITV, Discovery, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. In terms of price range, TVPlayer is one of the best services out there. It's only beaten by Hulu in my opinion.

Compatibility is key

The best part about TVPlayer is that it offers an app for most devices. You can stream the service on your Android, iOS, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and even Xbox.

DVR Capabilities

TVPlayer allows you to save live TV so that you don't have to miss important events. You can use the recording feature to save some of the most memorable moments from your favorite shows. For instance, you won't need to wait for Ricky Gervais' crazy monologue or Dave Chapelle's acceptance speech for days when you have a live TV recording feature.

Affordable Plans

One of the many reasons why I fell in love with TVPlayer is because it is cost-effective. There are plenty of streaming services charging an unreal amount of money. If you thought that was worse, think about these free streaming websites which stream pirated content and even charge $30/per month. Compared to TVPlayer?s plan and pricing, you feel like subscribing to the network.

Design

TVPlayer's homepage is appealing. Sure, it doesn't have the most distinctive layout but they have got the basics right. The website is developed well and it is fairly easy to navigate. The white background with a light grey element really helps the black and red text to stand out.

Distinctive Color Combination

Many of the leading streaming services have dark websites, as seen in previous reviews. This makes TVPlayer's white and grey color combination very refreshing. Another aspect I love about TVPlayer is that they do not force you to receive daily newsletters when you sign up for the service.

Clean Hero Section

The main slider banner has three supporting texts right below it. These three details pertain to channels, pricing, and devices with a short text accompanying each of the CTAs. As you scroll down, you see tiny logos of all the channels on the network in three rows. As you scroll further, there's another banner with a CTA ?Try For Free?.

Well-Defined Categories

Upon entering the website, you'll find a header section with logo on the left, CTA and login panel on the right, and menus in the middle. There are five main categories - "Watch Live?", "On-Demand?", "TV Guide?", "Channels?" and "Apps?". Each of these categories has its own dedicated page which does exactly what the header says. So, if you want to stream live content, you can start by clicking on the "Watch Live" button.

Content

TVPlayer is a popular platform that caters to a wide range of audiences. With 50+ channels, it covers a variety of genres, including dramas, reality shows, news programs, sports broadcasts, and kid-oriented programming. However, the content is there and it?s a relevant option for Brits living in the States. The network does not have a large content library as Hulu does, but its selection of British channels makes up for it. It has free and premium British channels which make up for high-quality films, reality TV, live sports and TV series streaming experiences. The British influence on the network is evident in its channel lineup and thus if you're from the US, you would be less impressed with the lineup. However, the content is there and it's a relevant option for Brits living in the States.

Desktop/Mobile experience

I tried streaming the website in two ways- iPhone 7 and on a Roku device. Honestly, the app is so lightweight, I couldn't believe that the app was 4MB lighter than My5 app which I thought would be the lightest on my phone. The streaming experience from all the devices was exceptional, to say the least.

Basic is Free but not Ad-Free

Even if you don't want to subscribe to TVPlayer, you can still watch most of the free to air channels for free. These channels would carry ads through the TVPlayer to compensate for the free viewing experience. However, that takes nothing away from the whole experience as there are no third-party annoying pop-ups or clickbait ads.

Compatibility is not a problem

If you click on the app category in the main menu, you will be taken to a new page which provides links to compatible devices. Here, you will find app links for various devices such as Android, iOS, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and even gaming consoles such as Xbox.

Content availability can be a problem

Not being able to stream certain TV shows can get pretty frustrating. For example, recently I wasn't able to watch ITV and Channel 4's shows because of content restrictions.

Plans & Pricing

TVPlayer has two plans: Basic and Premium. The Basic plan offers free content but with advertising. It has free-to-air TV channels which can be watched on any of the devices mentioned above. The Premium plan costs £6.99 and it offers more than 80 channels which can be watched in HD clarity. One thing I would like to highlight is that you can only stream one device at a time. This is quite annoying, isn't it?

Suggestions I have for TVPlayer

I believe that the network needs to expand its reach beyond its British roots in order to compete with leading studios around the world. I would like TVPlayer to tie-up with other major studios so that their content can be available through our platform, ?Movies Anywhere.? I believe that this will improve our content library and make it more appealing to a global audience.

Conclusion

I am not complacent about the TVPlayer streaming service. However, when you compare it with the likes of leading services such as Hulu, Netflix or Prime Video, it is nowhere to be seen. I would suggest you stream TVPlayer for free if you want to watch the free-to-air content. And as far as premium content is concerned, I do not feel it is worth the investment.