Plex Alternatives: 4 Best Alternatives to Plex 2023

Last Updated on 2023-11-03 Margot
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Nothing is perfect, and so is the case with the Plex media server. Plex media player is a media center that allows users to watch their favorite movies, TV shows, and news online. If you are not satisfied with the Plex media player for some reason, you can always switch to alternatives to Plex. Here we have explained some of the best Plex alternatives.

Introduction

Launched in late 2007, Plex media is a media center that provides streaming services to its users. Media centers are a space where you can save your images or videos. After you save your content there, the platform makes sure that it is discovered and watched. You might find some difficulties in the case of some Media centers, but Plex media center is an exception.

Do you want to watch movies without having to download them? No doubt, there are many streaming services to watch movies and TV shows online. But all of these platforms require you to buy a subscription. On the other hand, Plex media player lets you watch movies, TV shows, and podcasts for free. But you can also enjoy the premium version for a better experience.

So, Plex allows you to save and explore videos. But you need to sign up to enjoy live videos or podcasts. If you are looking for a media center or any other platform to enjoy all these perks, you might be comfortable with Plex. There are also various free alternatives to plex media server designed to stream media in such a case. Here we have discussed some of the plex cloud alternatives.

plex alternatives

Why Look For Plex Alternatives

No doubt, Plex is, in many ways, the best streaming site one can wish for. But nothing is perfect, and there might be some flaws in Plex that may lead its users to look for Plex cloud alternatives. For instance, Plex gives only limited access to users having a free account, and you must buy premium to enjoy functions like parental control or live TV.

Moreover, in Plex, there are videos on specific channels that use Geo-restrictions, thus can be played only in some areas of the world. There might be a lot of other reasons that persuade the client to look for alternatives to Plex media server. Here we are about to discuss some of the best Plex alternatives.

Best Alternatives to Plex Media Server

Plex is undoubtedly the best media server to stream movies online. It offers an excellent package for free and paid users, and there is only a limited number of Plex alternatives worth discussing. If you are searching for paid or free alternatives to Plex, you have come to the right place. So, without further ado, let's get into the best alternatives to Plex media server.

1. Kodi:

Kodi was first designed and launched in 2004 for Xbox users and was named Xbox Media Center or XBMC. Kodi can work as both a free cross-platform and an open-source platform. The platform is available for almost all kinds of electronic devices and is compatible with different OS, including MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, etc.

Kodi

Kodi supports audio, moves, TV and allows you to arrange your data to play it using a UI. Also, it might not be accurate to say it is an alternative for Plex as the Plex media server is based on Kodi. Here we have discussed some of the merits and demerits of the Plex alternatives, Kodi.

Pros:

  • Provides a whole lot of functions.
  • The platform is entirely free.
  • Developed and managed by an experienced team.

Cons:

  • A bit challenging to use.

2. Emby:

As soon as you start your research for free alternatives to Plex, you will undoubtedly come across Emby. The most beautiful thing about this platform is that it converts your media files, thus allowing you to stream those videos on any other device. The server allows you to stream video, and you can even share your media files with others using Emby.

Emby

While using Emby, you can create more than one profile for privacy or keep the adult content away from kids. Apart from being available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, Emby also provides its services for NAS, iOS, Android, etc. Like Plex, the free version of Emby also does not offer all the functions. So, you are required to buy a premium by paying only $4.99.

Mentioned below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the Plex alternatives, Emby.

PROS:

  • Available for all electronic devices.
  • Easy to use.
  • Account management is excellent.

CONS:

  • Functions are limited in the free version.
  • Limited Plugin support.

3. Serviio:

Although Serviio might not be as wonderful as Emby or other Plex alternatives, it sure holds its rank. Among the few media servers that use DLNA to stream videos and provide services for both Windows and Mac. If you want your data to be perfectly organized in a single place, Serviio allows you the means.

Serviio can be challenging for newbies, but it gets better with experience. The installation is simple, but you will need to put extra effort while using it. Also, the free version is limited, and you may have to spend up to $25 to buy premium. Here we have discussed some of the merits and demerits of the plex alternatives, Serviio.

PROS:

  • Provides app for Android.
  • Fourteen days free trial to the premium version.
  • Uses DLNA instead of PlayOn.

CONS:

  • A bit challenging to use.
  • Not compatible with iOS.

4. Stremio:

Stremio is an open-source media center that allows you to organize videos and access them on demand. It provides a way to access content from other streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix at a reasonable price. Like most media centers, it is also available for multiple devices. Discussed below are some of the merits and demerits of the plex alternatives, Stremio.

Stremio

PROS:

  • Easy to use
  • Integrates with online streaming services.

CONS:

  • Do not allow images and audio.

Conclusion

Online streaming platforms are getting famous day by day. People do not want to rent DVDs or go to cinemas to enjoy movies. Instead, they are becoming more familiar with online streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc. Plex media server is also a streaming platform where you can enjoy movies or web series. But if you are not ok with the Plex media server, you can always use the Plex alternatives discussed here.

FAQs

Q1. Is it legal to use the Plex media server?

The Plex media server is entirely legal to use. You can stream your videos or the videos provided by the server without any kind of inconvenience.

Q2: Are there any plex cloud alternatives batter than plex?

The plex alternatives discussed above are in some particular ways better than plex. Also, they may be worse than plex for other reasons. But Emby media server discussed above might be the best alternative for Plex.

Q3: Are plex and its alternatives safe to use?

Plex is undoubtedly one of the safest streaming platforms to use. As for its alternatives, some might use malware but the ones discussed above are well-known and safe to use.

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