The National Football League’s dedicated streaming service, NFL+, offers fans a way to connect with the game they love on various devices. But with a growing number of streaming services vying for your attention, the question remains: Is NFL+ worth it? In this exclusive article, we will dive deep into the features, benefits, limitations, and cost of NFL+, comparing it to other viewing options and helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for you.
Understanding NFL+ and NFL+ Premium
is nfl plus worth it
NFL+ is the NFL’s streaming service, offering a range of content and features tailored to football enthusiasts. It comes in two tiers: NFL+ and NFL+ Premium. Each tier offers a different set of features and pricing, catering to varying needs and budgets. Let’s break down what you get with each plan:
NFL+ (Base Plan)
- Live Local and Primetime Games: Watch your local and primetime regular season and postseason games live on your phone or tablet. This includes Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and select international games.
- Live Out-of-Market Preseason Games: Catch every out-of-market preseason game live, across all your devices.
- Live Game Audio: Listen to live game audio (home, away, & national calls) for every game.
- NFL Network Shows On-Demand: Enjoy a vast library of NFL Network shows on-demand and ad-free.
- NFL Films Archive: Access an extensive collection of NFL Films programming, including documentaries, highlights, and classic games.
- NFL RedZone (from week 1 of the regular season to the end of the postseason): NFL RedZone whips around all the games on Sunday afternoons, focusing on teams in the red zone (inside the 20-yard line).
NFL+ Premium
- All the features of NFL+
- Full, Condensed and Coaches Film Replays: Watch full game replays, condensed game replays, and coaches film for every game, on-demand and ad-free.
Factors to Consider When Deciding if NFL+ is Worth It
To determine if NFL+ is worth it for you, consider the following factors:
- Your Viewing Habits
- Live Games: If you primarily watch local and primetime games, NFL+ can be a good option as it allows you to stream those games live on your mobile device. However, if you want to watch out-of-market games, you’ll need a different service like NFL Sunday Ticket.
- Replays and Analysis: If you enjoy watching game replays, condensed games, or coaches film, NFL+ Premium’s additional features might be appealing.
- On-Demand Content: If you love watching NFL Network shows or exploring the NFL Films archive, NFL+ offers a wealth of on-demand content.
- Your Budget
- Cost: NFL+ is a relatively affordable option compared to traditional cable or satellite TV packages. However, if you’re only a casual fan, the cost might not be justified.
- Your Preferred Devices
- Mobile Viewing: NFL+ is primarily designed for mobile viewing on smartphones and tablets. While you can also watch on a computer or cast to a TV, the primary focus is on mobile devices.
- Your Level of Fandom
- Casual Fans: If you only watch a few games per season, NFL+ might not be the most cost-effective option. Consider free options like over-the-air (OTA) antenna for local games or watching at a sports bar with friends.
- Die-hard Fans: If you’re a passionate fan who wants to stay connected to the NFL throughout the season, NFL+ or NFL+ Premium offers a good value, especially for mobile viewing and access to exclusive content.
Pros and Cons of NFL+
Let’s summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of NFL+:
Pros:
- Affordability: Provides access to live games, replays, and exclusive content at a relatively low cost.
- Flexibility: Watch games on your phone or tablet, giving you the freedom to enjoy football wherever you are.
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing of on-demand content and game replays (with Premium).
- Exclusive Content: Access NFL Network shows, NFL Films archive, and coaches film (with Premium).
- Fantasy Football Integration: Sync your fantasy teams for real-time updates and insights.
Cons:
- Limited Live Game Access: The basic NFL+ plan only offers live access to local and primetime games on mobile devices.
- No Out-of-Market Games (unless you are local): NFL+ does not offer access to all out-of-market games.
- Mobile-First Focus: While you can cast to a TV or watch on a computer, the primary focus is on mobile viewing.
- Potential for Network Congestion: Streaming quality can be affected by network congestion during peak times.
NFL+ Cost Breakdown
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NFL+:
- Monthly: $6.99/month
- Annual: $49.99/year (equivalent to $4.17/month)
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NFL+ Premium:
- Monthly: $14.99/month
- Annual: $99.99/year (equivalent to $8.33/month)
Comparing NFL+ to Other Options
Let’s compare NFL+ to other popular ways to watch NFL games:
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Cable or Satellite TV: These traditional options offer the most comprehensive coverage, including all local and national games. However, they can be expensive and often come with long-term contracts.
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Streaming Services with Live TV: Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV offer live TV channels, including those broadcasting NFL games. They can be more affordable than cable, but their channel lineups and game availability may vary.
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NFL Sunday Ticket: This premium service allows you to watch every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game live. It’s the ultimate option for fans who want to follow their favorite team, regardless of location, but it comes at a higher cost.
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Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna: An OTA antenna allows you to access local broadcast channels for free, including those airing NFL games in your market. It’s a great budget-friendly option, but it’s limited to in-market games.
Making the Decision: Is NFL+ Worth It?
The answer to the question “Is NFL+ worth it?” ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
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NFL+ is a great value for:
- Casual fans who primarily watch local and primetime games on their mobile devices.
- Fans on a budget who want access to live games and exclusive content.
- Those who enjoy watching game replays, condensed games, and coaches film.
- Fantasy football enthusiasts who want to stay updated on player stats and news.
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NFL+ might not be the best fit for:
- Fans who want to watch every out-of-market game live on their TV.
- Those who prefer to watch games on a big screen rather than a mobile device.
- Hardcore gamers who require the lowest possible latency for online multiplayer gaming.
Tips for Maximizing Your NFL+ Experience
If you decide that NFL+ is worth it for you, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Use a Strong Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure a stable and fast internet connection for smooth streaming.
- Download Games for Offline Viewing: NFL+ Premium allows you to download games for offline viewing, which is perfect for when you’re on the go or have limited connectivity.
- Explore the NFL Films Library: Dive into the vast collection of NFL Films content to relive iconic moments and learn more about the history of the game.
- Use Fantasy Plus: If you’re an NFL+ Premium subscriber, take advantage of the Fantasy Plus features to gain an edge in your fantasy football leagues.
- Set Reminders: Don’t miss your favorite matchups by setting reminders for upcoming games within the NFL app.
Conclusion
NFL+ offers a compelling and affordable way to stay connected to the NFL, providing access to live games, replays, exclusive content, and more. While it might not be the perfect solution for everyone, its flexibility, affordability, and unique features make it a valuable option for many football fans.
By carefully considering your viewing habits, budget, and priorities, you can determine if NFL+ is worth it for you. If you’re seeking a mobile-first solution to enjoy live games, replays, and exclusive content, NFL+ could be the perfect streaming companion for your football journey.
