There are several different ways to store local media for streaming from a media server with Plex (or Emby, Kodi, and Jellyfin). You will also need content stored or accessible locally for Plex to catalog. Amazon Fire TV, Roku devices, etc.) with Plex client app to play files from a Plex media server. Plex server - A media server with Plex running constantly and ready to serve media at the request of Plex clients.Successfully using Plex requires at least 2 components: Plex Media Server catalogs your media and makes content available to the Plex app on client devices. – FREE and BETTER Options] Requirements to Setup a Media Server with Plex Jellyfin is a great open-source and completely free alternative to Plex with support for several clients. A lifetime Plex Pass is highly recommended. Viewing media content on Plex TV client apps requires an in-app purchase of $5 per device. Buying or building a media server for Plex incurs costs. Plex media server itself is free for use with the web app for viewing. You can even hack it watch IPTV channels on Plex, even though Plex discontinued channels/addons support few years back. With supported TV tuners, you can watch OTA channels. Free movies and TV shows officially from Plex.Some of the key features of Plex Pass are: You can stream content locally or remotely across the Internet with a Plex Pass premium subscription. The Plex media server software runs in the background on a computer with qualified hardware components. Plex allows streaming media content to devices on your network. Plex media server allows streaming your locally owned digital media content to various devices inside or outside your home.

Based on research and the last four years of personal experiences, here are some awesome options for media server with Plex support.īe sure to read on till the end for the surprising bonus option that a typical Plex user rarely thinks of.

The biggest hurdle was finding a media server for Plex that could support the growing streaming needs: multiple streams, multiple transcodes, 4k support, etc.

Our move to Plex was a bit bumpy but these Kodi to Plex migration tips helped. But Plex is easier to maintain on client devices, remotely available during travel, sharable with friends, and easier library sync. The biggest benefits of Kodi were addons and customizability. We were avid Kodi users/supporters but slowly transitioned to Plex in 2018.

Plex home media server