Unbiased Ballstreams Review (Ballstreams.com)

Ballstreams gives you access to live HD NBA video streaming for many different devices, from the same people who brought you Hockey Streams (hockeystreams.com). I stumbled upon the site while I was reading reviews for NBA League Pass (NBA LP). NBA LP blacks out all national broadcasts (everything on ESPN, TNT, ABC, or NBA TV) and local broadcast so customers can't watch every game. This and the $199 price tag was a big let down for me. Ballstreams lets you stream all live and old NBA games in HD for a $89.99/year "donation" on your computer, Roku, Boxee, Android, Apple, XBMC, XBox 360, and PS3 device.

BallStreams - Desktop Browser

BallStreams - Full Screen

I was a bit skeptical but for what they're offering it seems like a much better deal than the NBA LP. I tested the service out with a one month membership for $17.49. I was going to test it out with the one day membership for $5.99, but for $5 more I could've done the one week trial ($12.49), and for an additional $5 more I got the month membership ($17.49). The pricing structure is well thought out as I went from testing with a one day membership to a month's membership.


My first impression: I installed the Ballstreams channel to my Roku and watched the Kings vs Blazers game live. The game was streaming the Comcast Sportsnet broadcast (with Sacramento's local commercials too) in 720P. I did experience a few stutters and lag but overall it was not an issue (look at my speed test to see what I am using). The few games I watched so far have about a few seconds delay on my computer but a 30-40 second delay from real time on my Roku but keep in mind NBA LP also has a delay from real time so this is not a big deal.

Speed Test Results

Ballstreams also lets you watch archived games and they usual post the games right after the game is over.

Ballstreams lets you stream through multiple devices at the same time. I am streaming different games on my computer and Roku on one account. You can also stream multiple games at once through their desktop site. I am not sure if they allow multiple IP addresses logged in to one account but from what I read online it does not seem like you can share an account with a friend.

Overall, I am very pleased with my experience with Ballstreams. I would strongly recommend this over NBA LP based on both experience and price. I didn't jump into the one year membership because I was worried about the site getting shut down (I don't know how legal this is; they stream everything from their servers in the Netherlands). This is their first season launch but keep in mind that their other site, Hockeystreams, has been up and running for over 5 years. I will post a follow up review after my membership ends in a few weeks.

For new review (November 2015), read here.

Please share your experience for others to read and feel free to ask me any questions too.

Unbiased Ballstreams Roku Channel Review

Ballstreams supports multiple devices including the Roku. Here is my full length review on the Ballstreams Roku channel.

The initial channel set up is really easy.

How-to add Ballstreams channel to your Roku

• Add the channel by going to https://owner.roku.com/Add/ballstreams
• Log in to Roku account
• Add channel
• Go to Options and do a 'System Update'

The channel requires a login, so you will need to pay a "donation" to receive access. The login is required upon initial channel set up, afterwards you will always be directed to the home screen upon opening the channel.

The home screen is very simple and easy to navigate around. The top row contain today's live games. You have the option of watching the live stream or you can start from the beginning. You can also resume from you left off. Most games will have the home or away broadcast and commercials. All games are broadcasted in English at 720P. The quality is great, it's like I am watching cable TV; especially since the streams are usually from a big broadcast network. I did notice that live games on the Roku have about a 30-40 second delay compared to a few second delay if you're watching it through the browser version.

The next few rows allows you to watch past archived games, commercial free or with commercial. You can search by date or by team. It dates back to preseason games.

The streams, including the live streams, plays well. I rarely notice a stutter or any delays. I have attached my speed test results.

This picture was taken as the game was in action which is why it's a little blurry

Please note that I have only tested out Ballstreams for a few days but overall if it continues the way it has been performing I will purchase the year subscription. I am thoroughly pleased with Ballstreams. You get every single NBA game, including preseason, regular season, All-Star weekend, and Playoffs, summer league, and the Olympics. As an added bonus, you can also the NCAA Final Four tournament games. I will post a follow up review when my membership is up in 1 month.  

Need an invite to Ballstreams.com?

1. Go to http://www.ballstreams.com/ref/3749 
2. Hit Create an Account on the top right corner.
3. Click on the Request an Invite
4. An invitation should be sent to your email address within 48 hours. 
5. After the email has been sent, follow the directions to create an account.



If you have not received an invite in 48 hours, please leave your email address in the comments field and I will send you an invitation right away! Ballstreams is a NBA HD Streaming site for live and past games. Read my review of Ballstreams here.

UPDATE: Ballstreams registration is currently closed. If you are looking for a NBA streaming service, try Reborn4HDLive. They offer a free trial so you can test it out before you subscribe.

For Reborn4HDLive review, read here.