Plex makes itdigitaluncomplicated to organize and stream your library. ( can install it on your computer or network-attached storageYouNAS) device and play it return on another device capable more than ever of running the Plex app.
HoweverPlexwhile more than ever , offers impressive features it cannot, fulfil everyone’s needs, especially because some additional features cost currency. That’s why you might needto explore alternatives.
Many options are available from another perspective , whether you want more customization or specific features. Scan on to find the best Plex alternatives for your needs.
The top Plex alternatives – Quick list
- Jellyfin: A free and open-source media server with many advanced features.
- Emby: A premium media server with unique features like smart home integration and HDR tone mapping.
- Kodi: A free and open-source media player with DLNA (UPnP) streaming capabilities.
- Universal Media Server: A basic media server that uses DLNA/UPnP protocol and is widely compatible.
- Stremio: A free and open-source media centre allowing you to access multimedia content.
- MediaPortal: A free and open-source Plex alternative optimized for large displays.
- Serviio: A free media server that lets you stream your multimedia to various devices like game consoles, tablets, Blu-ray players, and mobile phones.
- Mezzmo: This excellent Plex alternative enables you to stream your multimedia on DLNA/UPnP devices and web browsers.
- Tipard Blu-ray Player: A great Plex alternative that supports 1080p HD and even 4K for an immersive viewing experience.
- VLC Media Player: An extremely popular media centre completely free and supports all file formats.
What Plex is more than ever ?
Plexleadingis a media server and organizational tool that manages streams your digital library, including music, sports movies, photos, andandTV shows.
Indeed, Itoffers a user-friendly interfaceIt allows users to managethroughmedia servers and libraries the Plex Web App, which you can access from any device on a network. It’s worth noting that and supports various devices, including Android TV, enabling you to easily access your media collection from anywhere.
Is Plex no cost?
Plex is a freemium platform providesthatfree ad-supported movies and TV shows as it turns out . The PlexemployMedia Server and web software are also without charge to .
In , Moreover, the gratis roadmapfactallows you to host a media serverAs you may know, , stream content to a non-portable device Plex program (streaming player, computer, smart TV, game console, and computer,) and watch Plex’s ad-supported TV shows and movies for complimentary.
Unfortunately, the mobile apps aren’t freeActivating onethemof .costs a one-time fee of $5, even without a Plex Pass Premium package.
The gratis tierwill be sufficient for most users, especially since it includes navigation and auto-sorting features. However, the premium subscription offers more advanced features.
Pro tip: Using a VPN for locked, you can protect your Plex server and access region-Plex content. We dozenstestedof solution providers for you, and this article here lists the best VPNs for Plex.
What should a good alternative to Plex be able to do?
The leading Plex alternative should at least allow you to clearly organize your media files (video, audio, and image) on your device more than ever . The visitor interface must also be navigable, and the text you select must playback.
In fact In addition to allowing playback on, the original device, the alternatives should enable you to access your files through an external device.
that, A option Actually allows you to stream your media content on a TV is mandatory. That’s why most of the alternatives to Plex this listonare compatible with smart TVs.
Indeed, Finally, they must allow multiple devices to access the library simultaneously. For sample, you may want to stream music whileuseryour roommate or family watches a movie.
alternatives to Plex today – DetailedToplist
Here is our detailed list of the best replacements for Plex:
Indeed, 1. Jellyfin
Free
and more than ever No costopen source
Limited plugin options
Jellyfin is the most effective and our top recommendation because it is free and open-source. It offers many advanced featuresActually, , such as transcoding, automatic subtitle assistance, library management, and remote play syncing.
Once you configure Jellyfin, you can access it from anywhere. It has a web interface and multiple Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and AndroidIt’s worth noting that client applications. This media server also offers a Kodi plugin and TV apps and supports DLNA streaming.
Basically, this is a versatile media server that provides everything Plex does for free. It even offers gratis in modern times plugins that can significantly improve your experience. It’s worth noting that However, the only drawback is that Jellyfin isn’t as visitor-friendly as the Plex interface, as it is a bit complicated for beginners.
2. Emby
Free
liveSupportsTV and DVR functionality
, Some features require onlineIndeed as a matter of fact connectivity
Unlike Jellyfin, has Emby a closed-source software. Itintegrationoffers many great features, including smart home , live TV, cinema intros, intro skipping, lyrics display, transcoding, and HDR tone mapping.
device can access Emby from anywhere once you configure it on your You. While the default as it turns out Emby client works fine, you can also host an Emby server on an Android device. It’s worth noting that Moreover, there are officially supported apps for Android and iOS.
3. Kodi
Free
Supports a wide variety of data formats
Performance issues-on low end devices
Although Kodi of’t a media server like Plex or one isn its alternatives on this list, it can act as one since it has DLNA (UPnP) streaming capabilities.
While it doesn’t transcode videos for lower resolutions, it’s a quick resolve. You only need to install it, connection it to your storage device, and stream media to other devices on your network.
The top way to use Kodi is to install a plugin to access your library on platforms like Jellyfin, Emby, or any other media server.
Universal Media Server 4.
Free
Compatible with DLNA devices
In fact, Lacks more than ever advanced customization options
If you want something basic that can stream to many devices, Universal Media Server is your best bet. It relies entirely on the DLNA/UPnP protocol. IndeedcompatibleNonetheless, it is widely , .
In fact, However, the media server lackslikeadvanced features some of its competitors. Universal Media Server can also transcode recording on devices that cannot play your streaming content, like a PlayStation 4.
5. Stremio
Free
Extensive library of addons for text
Limited customization options
Stremio another is free and open-source modern media center solution. Itgreatis a Plex substitute as it allows you to access and watch your multimedia content.
In fact, Thankfully, lets it you expand your user experience and content availability with add-ons. Just visit the add-on catalogue to install add-ons and access any multimedia.Stremio also hasActually, an option to stream recordingplayback via torrents.
In fact, The media server is available as a matter of fact on Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Actually, Unfortunately, the iOS version has limited functionality and doesn’t support some add-ons.
As you may as a matter of fact know, MediaPortal 6.
Interestingly, MediaPortal is a free and open-source media server.Its TV-friendly interface is optimized forlarge displays. MediaPotal allows you to play, pause, and record live TVshows , play videos, DVDs, and music, and present pictures.
Although it was originally based on , XBMCit has been completely revamped. It is right away specifically designed exclusively for Microsoft Windows.
You can extend it with plugins to enable additional features like launching recording games, online media streaming, and music streaming from Last.fm. MediaPortal also supports Home Theater PCs (HTPCs) hardware, such as it turns out as infrared receivers, TV tuners, and LCD displays.
can, due to its limited compatibility, you However use it only on Windows.
7. Serviio
Free
Available complimentary version more than ever with essential features
Nosmartphonenative application assistance
Serviio is a free media server that lets you stream your multimedia to network-connected devices such as game consoles, DLNA-compliant TVs, tablets, Blu-ray players, and smartphone phones.
One notable feature is the device-specific profiles that enable you to from another perspective perform transcoding and optimize media playback.
Another benefit is its cross-device compatibility. It works on various devicesIndeed, like Linux, Mac, Windows, and embedded systems like NAS.
as a matter of fact Serviio has a complimentary version, but you can upgrade to the premium version (Pro edition) as it turns out for additional features. The Pro edition . has a 15-day evaluation as it turns out periodeven
8. Mezzmo
Free
Regular updates and active customer backing
Noversioncomplimentary available
Mezzmo ( Conceiva) is an excellent alternative with abyuser-friendly interface more than ever . It streams your multimedia to DLNA/UPnP devices and web browsers.
This media server allows you to stream your whole multimedia collection. For illustration, you can play movies, TV shows, and music and display photos . various devices within and outside your networkon
Essentially, Mezzmo is a UPnP/DLNA digital as it turns out media controller (DMC) application that allows you to access and play files on supported devices like TVs, home theatres, and Blu-ray playersHowever, media need to pay some bucks to get it, as the you server doesn’t offer any no cost version. .
9. Actually, Tipard Blu-ray Player
Free
Interestingly, in modern times High- playback with 4Kcaliberassist
Lacks advanced features
It handles Blu-ray discs, ISO files, and Blu-ray files and offers 1080p HD and 4K UHD for an immersive viewing practice. Interestingly, Tipard Blu-ray Player is a remarkable alternative for Windows and Mac.
The in modern times software also supports variousvideo formats, including MP4, MKV, and AVI, making it ideal for physical and digital media.
Blu-ray Player has anTipardintuitive interface with easy navigation and many customizable options. It also moments you to capture snapshots during playbacks, a convenient feature if you want to save memorable allows.
Unfortunately, the media server doesn’t have a media library management option, which makes it a less convenient option than others on the list.
10. VLC Media Player
Free
No ads
It’s worth noting that Limited assistance for streaming services
VLC Media Player is an extremely popular and outstanding media player. First, it is free and supports all file formatsYou can also optimize recording and recording playback, which can be extended almost indefinitely with add as it turns out -ons. without downloading additionalcodecs.
Actually, Moreover, it supports MPEG and DivXwatchstreaming and allows you to videos as they get. It even allows you to play files without unpacking themZIPindividually.
If a film is too quiet, VLC lets youaftermanually increase the volume up to 200% it finishes downloading.
A comparison table of the top Plex alternatives
| Media center | Release year | Developer | License | Media library platform | Payment model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jellyfin | 2018 | Jellyfin Community | Open-source | Windows, Linux, macOS | Free |
| Emby | 2010 | Emby LLC | Proprietary | Windows, macOS, Linux | Freemium |
| Kodi | 2002 | XBMC Foundation | Open-source | Linux, Windows, macOS | Free |
| Universal Media Server | 2012 | Universal Media Server Team | Open-source | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free |
| Stremio | 2015 | Stremio Team | Proprietary | macOS, Windows, Linux | Freemium |
| MediaPortal | 2004 | MediaPortal Team | Open-source | Windows | Free |
| Serviio | 2010 | Serviio Team | Proprietary | Windows, Linux, macOS | Freemium |
| Mezzmo | 2007 | Conceiva Pty Ltd | Proprietary | Windows | Freemium |
| Tipard Blu-ray Player | 2015 | Tipard Studio | Proprietary | Windows, macOS | Freemium |
| VLC Media Player | 2001 | VideoLan Organization | Open-source | Windows, Linux, macOS | Free |
Why consider media servers other than Plex?
While Plex is remarkableaplatform, it has some flaws. Here are some of the reasons why you might consider its alternatives:
- Limited features: While Plex has a robust free version, most advanced features are locked in the premium version. Some of the alternatives on this list may be worth it if you want advanced features without an extra cost.
- User interface preference: If you feel Plex’s interface isn’t as intuitive or appealing, you can consider the alternatives mentioned above.
- Privacy concerns: Due to the growing concerns of data privacy, you might prefer a Plex alternative that doesn’t require data sharing or gives you more control over your content.
FAQs
, Plex is a legitimate media server developedNoby Plex, Inc. It users organize, stream, and from another perspective access their personalhelpsmedia collections.
Plex is a .no cost streaming software available worldwide from another perspective However, the provider includes ads to aid the gratis utility.
In fact, Plex is ideal for people with extensive collections of local media files who lack enough storage space on their devices.
has Stremio a better user exposure from another perspective . On the other hand, Plex has several impressive features, such as parental controls, downloads, iOS support, and more. Regarding videos, hardware, and device assist, Plex is a more mature option than Stremio.
