Joyn offers its users a wide range of live stream and on-demand content. In a premium version, the platform promises further advantages. But what can Joyn Plus actually do and is the subscription worth it?
The Joyn streaming platform offers customers the advantages of streaming the entire program of the ProSiebenSat.1 and Discovery channels without any costs or registration. Other partners are now on board, including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and many more. Both the broadcaster’s live program and the film and series content can be played back afterwards. At the end of November 2019, Joyn expanded its platform and since then has also been offering the Joyn Plus service, which is subject to a fee. TECHBOOK has checked the offer and costs.
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What is Joyn?
With Joyn, the German provider combines the advantages of streaming services and live TV, thereby introducing a completely new concept. Behind it is ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE and Discovery. The free TV offer gives users access to over 60 channels via live stream. Here you can enjoy many SD and HD channels, including ProSieben, Sat. 1, ARD, ZDF, DMAX, Comedy Central and many other popular TV channels.
However, supporters of RTL Group television stations must be put off: RTL, VOX, RTL II and Co. are missing from Joyn’s range. Another disadvantage of the provider is the fact that the platform has fewer offers in the media library than the competition. In this respect, Joyn cannot compete with the much broader streaming offer from Netflix, Amazon Prime and Sky.
Photo: JoynPhoto: Joyn
What advantages does Joyn Plus offer over Joyn?
In both versions, linear television, on-demand content and in-house productions are available as streams. In the basic version, series, films and co. are also available as streams, but not all episodes of a season are released for streaming in some series, for example. You can only view these as a premium member. Additionally, in the free version, advertisements appear more frequently, which regularly interrupts the content playback.
A Joyn Plus account offers the advantage that in addition to an expanded program and unlimited availability of all content (e.g. all episodes of a season), you also benefit from fewer commercials. The premium version not only reduces annoying advertising, but also shows all available content and live channels in HD quality. With the free version, only the few public broadcasters and on-demand content can shine with HD quality.
Both as a basic member and as a Joyn Plus customer, you not only have access to the services in the browser, you can also enjoy the Joyn app for Android/iOS, Amazon Fire TV Stick and smart TVs Joyn come.
Joyn Plus relies on advantages through exclusive offers
According to the provider, Joyn Plus can do “everything that Joyn can do – and much more”. This includes a larger blockbuster offering, popular series like “Grey’s Anatomy” or the Dutch “4 Blocks” competition, “Mocro Maffia”. With live TV, too, the paying user can look forward to more channels to choose from. In the free version there are around 60, with Joyn Plus over 70, including several pay TV channels such as ProSieben Fun, Sat.1 Emotions, Eurosport 2 and the Discovery Channel. In contrast to the normal variant, everything in the premium version is also available in HD quality, if available.
Another mainstay of the paid subscription are the self-produced “Joyn Originals”. The specially produced TV formats are also available in the basic version for streaming. But Joyn Plus offers the advantage that you can watch the “Originals” in HD quality and before they are broadcast on TV.
Also read: Joyn launches its own online channel “Primetime”
How much does Joyn Plus cost?
The regular monthly rate from Joyn Plus is 6.99 euros. If you are interested, you can first try the platform during a free trial month and then cancel your subscription on a monthly basis. Unfortunately, the advertising is not completely eliminated even in the paid model, but is only reduced.
What advantages does Joyn Plus have over other live stream providers?
In relation to other live stream offerings like Zattoo or waipu.tv Joyn stands out with its complementary range of on-demand content. If you want to watch your own program, you can simply select a series or a film in the media library and stream it.
Conclusion: For whom is Joyn Plus worthwhile?
The basic version of Joyn is actually worthwhile for everyone, since it is a free offer and it does not even require registration. The paid version Joyn Plus, on the other hand, is mainly suitable for people who are also interested in the special program of the platform. The selection is limited and not every film and series is available. If the channels and selection of on-demand content are right up your alley, then the premium subscription is a good choice.
However, the competition never sleeps. RTL Plus costs two euros less per month and offers a wider range of TV formats. In this regard, Joyn can expand its program even further and add other formats. The advantages of Joyn Plus are only worthwhile for those who are particularly interested in the series, films or channels offered there.