When it comes to digital audio content, such as the full-cast dramas produced by Big Finish Productions, there are two main ways providers make their content available – streaming and downloading. 

Streaming is when media is hosted online as you play it, such as when you watch a YouTube video or listen to a podcast on Spotify. Downloading is when you are given access to the file and save it to your personal device, then can play it without an internet connection. 

When you buy an audio drama direct from Big Finish, you are able to download it in either mp3 or m4b format. Here are some of the reasons why we think download to own (DTO) is a better option for the listener than streaming… 

True ownership 

When you stream audio through a subscription service, you're paying to rent access to a library of content. With many services, if you cancel your subscription, you lose access to the streaming catalogue. And we've all experienced the frustration of being halfway through a series only for it to be taken down from the service. 

But with download to own, once you've paid a one-off fee, the products are yours to keep forever, no subscription required. You're free to store them where you want (in fact, we recommend it) and even transfer them between your devices, completely legally.  

The best quality product 

When you purchase an audio drama from Big Finish, you’ll be able to download the highest quality audio files – as the director and sound designers would like you to hear them. Unlike with some streaming services, there’s no risk of the media being additionally compressed (and sound quality compromised) in order to match variable internet speeds. 

We also package our audio adventures with plenty of bonus content, including behind-the-scenes interviews, music suites, and digital cover art. So, you’re getting the best version of our releases that we can possibly provide. 

Offline freedom 

To stream audio media, you need a consistent internet connection. That might work at home, but if you're listening on the move – especially in the countryside, or on a train or plane – you might be in trouble. 

With downloads stored on your device, you can listen wherever you are, with no fear of the signal dropping out just as you're getting to the exciting bit. 

It’s easily giftable 

Since downloading an audio drama means you own it, our productions can be a brilliant gift idea. 

You can give a friend a gift card to purchase the latest adventure of their favourite Doctor, which will be theirs to keep forever – a more personal and substantial gift than, e.g. a month’s paid access to a streaming service.  

It saves data and power 

Streaming audio files while on the go uses up your phone’s data allowance, and its battery too, as it requires the phone to be in constant online contact with a data centre. 

When you download a file, you only have to make that contact once, and if you make the download at home over your Wi-fi connection, you don’t need to use your data at all. So it’s more efficient for you, and because you’re using less power, is better for the planet. 

Ad-free listening  

Advertising can be a constant presence in everyday life. Many streaming platforms interrupt your listening with marketing messages – whether it's ads for premium upgrades or third-party products. Even some paid services have experimented with inserting promotional content. 

But when you download a Big Finish production to your device, you'll find it blissfully free of ads. You can relax and listen to the full adventure, uninterrupted. 

No one tracking you 

With many streaming services, everything you play is tracked, and an algorithm will use this data to recommend you media, select adverts and push you towards premium content. There have also been many cases of users’ data being sold to third parties or being stolen in hacking incidents. Increasingly, many people are concerned about their online data privacy. 

But when you download an audio drama from Big Finish, no one is tracking your listening habits. We will never push content to you based on our own priorities via an algorithm or monetise your personal data. It's entirely up to you what you listen to. 

Beat subscription fatigue 

Paying a monthly fee to access a streaming platform can seem like a good deal, but the costs add up, particularly when you’re subscribed to multiple services. When you calculate how much you’re spending on subscriptions, and how much you’re actually using them all, you might wonder where all your money’s going! 

With download to own services like Big Finish, you pay for the products you want, when you want, and no more. If you take a month off from buying anything from us, there’s nothing to cancel, and we won’t raid your wallet. 

No walled garden  

Most streaming services require you to use their proprietary app to access content. You're locked into their ecosystem and can't use your preferred media player. These are called "closed platforms" or "walled gardens," and they use digital rights management (DRM) to restrict or even rescind your access. 

While we recommend the Big Finish App as the best listening experience for the audio dramas we produce, it's not compulsory. You can use your favourite media player to listen to any of your Big Finish downloads, DRM-free!