Infuse and Plex are two of the most popular media players available today, each with its own set of features and capabilities.

In this post, we will review Infuse (firecore) and compare Infuse to Plex to help you decide which one is better for your video requirements.

Related: 13 Best Video Players for iPad Pro and Air

We’ll look at the features, user interface, pricing, and more to determine which one offers the most value. Ultimately, we’ll let you decide which one is better: Infuse or Plex?

Related: 10 Best Video Players for iPhone

Plex vs Infuse: Should you pay for infuse or just use plex?

If you’re trying to decide between Infuse and Plex, the choice ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors to consider.

• Infuse has had issues with handling large libraries and metadata refreshing, although this has improved over time – Plex is generally more efficient than Infuse when handling large libraries.
• Infuse offers superior subtitles with a better font and a darker, more comfortable color for HDR content. Plex’s white subtitles can be overly bright, which may be uncomfortable for some users.
• Infuse provides mini thumbnails for easy video scrubbing, allowing for easier navigation during playback. Plex has this feature, but it seemed more difficult for me to find specific parts of the video (or moments) during playback.

What is Infuse?

Outside of being a great look app, there is a lot under the hood of Infuse. Infuse supports playback of 4K (Ultra-HD) HDR video, with efficient hardware decoding of h.264 and h.265. It can also download subtitles from OpenSubtitles.org.

Infuse lets you go beyond iTunes and helps you avoid wasting hours converting or transcoding files. Infuse’s powerful playback engine supports jalmost every video file format. These include: MKV, MP4, AVI, ISO, DVD, BDMV, and many others.

Related: 21 Best Video Players for Mac

If you aren’t running a media server, you can load video from AirDrop, iTunes, FTP, or a web browser. It also supports native Split View and Picture-in-Picture on supported devices. It works with versatile zoom, crop, aspect ratio, and alignment options in high-end theater environments.

Related: How to get New Movies on Plex

What are the benefits to using Infuse?

Infuse is a very well known media player that offers several benefits for users, including:

1. Stream from several devices and apps: Users can stream content from various devices and apps, making it easy to access your favorite movies and shows no matter where you are.
2. Supports nearly every video format: Infuse supports almost all video formats, which means that users don’t have to worry about converting files before playing them.
3. Handles metadata of movies and shows: You’ll be able to automatically downloads and displays metadata for movies and TV shows, providing users with information about the plot, cast, and crew.
4. Syncs to additional devices: Infuse makes it easy to sync your media library and playback progress to other devices, ensuring that you never miss a beat.

Related: Jellyfin vs Plex vs Emby: Which is better?

What are the disadvantages to infuse?

Infuse, like many other media players, offers some additional features through a pro subscription, which requires an annual in-app purchase.

However, if you are not interested in paying for the pro features, you will still have access to the basic functionalities.

• One limitation of Infuse is that users are not able to manually edit metadata or thumbnails for home videos, which can be frustrating for some.
• Infuse’s device-side metadata fetching can be slow at times, causing some delays when searching for information on your media library.
• I didn’t like that there wasn’t much information regarding small errors I had when using the app on Apple TV and iPhone.

Infuse Review: Is it better than Plex?

In this review, we will not only review Infuse, but also compare it to Plex to determine which media player is the better option.

Features: Free vs paid features

One of my favorite features is a variable speed playback, though. If you are trying to work through a big backlog of content, you can speed your video up to 1.5x or 2x playback.

Here’s a table we researched of all the features in the free version and what they do:

Related: VLC Media Player: Is it still the Best Video Player?

Below is a list of all the paid features:

Related: VLC vs Windows Media Player vs PotPlayer

User Interface

Upon launching Infuse, I was immediately struck by the app’s skeuomorphic interface, which features a wooden shelf design reminiscent of Apple’s iBooks app. The top half of the screen was dedicated to displaying my media artwork, while the bottom half showed the thumbnails of my media files.

One of the things that impressed me about Infuse was its ability to pull poster art and fan art from the web, using information from TheMovieDB and TVDB.

Related: 13 Best Video Players for iPad Pro and Air

The app uses both the file name and underlying metadata to find the best movie thumbnail, and it does an impressive job with remarkable accuracy.

Another great feature of Infuse is its theater mode. By turning my device upside down, the app transformed into a theater-like mode where most of the screen was occupied by the video’s teaser graphics, with thumbnails lined up along the bottom.

Settings

In terms of settings, Infuse provides a range of options to customize the user experience.

I particularly appreciated the ability to show synced videos, display full filenames instead of titles, and adjust the default sort order for browsing files. Other settings included toggling light/dark mode, allowing metadata and artwork to be fetched from The Movie Database (TMDb), and enabling the app to download subtitles automatically for local content.

Overall, I found Infuse’s user interface to be intuitive and well-designed, with a range of settings that allowed me to customize the app to my preferences.

The app’s attention to detail and ability to fetch metadata and artwork from the web made for a seamless and enjoyable media viewing experience.

Compatibility

I’ve done an extensive amount of research to figure out the compatibility of Infuse. Below we’ll cover every aspect of this in 4 different charts (Devices, video formats. subtitles and audio)

Infuse Compatibility Chart: Devices

Infuse supported: Video Formats

Infuse supported Audio Tracks

Infuse supported Subtitle Formats

Video performance

When it comes to video playback, Infuse stands out compared to Plex with its exceptional performance, surpassing many other options on the market.

I found Infuse to outperform Plex in some cases, particularly with seamless playback of certain formats and seamless audio.

While Plex has made improvements in this area over time, Infuse still has an edge. Additionally, Infuse supports high-quality 4K HDR video playback, efficient hardware decoding of h.264 and h.265, and quick subtitle downloads from OpenSubtitles.org.

Optimal settings for infuse

Best settings for Apple TV 4K and Infuse to play downloaded content (always be sure it is your own content and it is legal).

For optimal performance on Apple TV 4K and Infuse, it’s recommended to enable the Match Content option on your Apple TV. This will allow Infuse to adjust the video output to match the content being played, providing the best possible viewing experience.

With Match Content enabled, you can choose from any of the available video output options, such as HDR 60Hz and SDR 60Hz, without having to worry about default settings impacting your playback.

However, some users may prefer to have menus displayed in SDR, while others may prefer everything in HDR – ultimately, this comes down to personal preference.

Infuse compared to other options

While Infuse is optimized for iOS 12 and has powerful streaming options, subtitle support, and trakt sync, there are over 50 alternatives available across multiple platforms, including VLC Media Player, Kodi, AIMP, Jellyfin, and Plex.

Infuse alternatives mainly include media servers, media centers, or media players, and users can filter by specific functionality to find the best alternative.

Bottom Line

Infuse and Plex are two media players that offer distinct advantages depending on the user’s specific needs and preferences. Infuse boasts features like superior subtitles and mini thumbnails, setting it apart from Plex in terms of usability.

However, it’s worth noting that Infuse requires an annual in-app purchase for access to pro features, which may be a drawback for some users. While Infuse has some limitations, it still offers a powerful and compelling option for those seeking a media player with advanced features and smooth playback capabilities.

Related: Jellyfin vs Plex vs Emby: Which is better?

With our comprehensive guide, you can find the perfect media server for your needs by comparing the best Plex alternatives on the market. So let’s dive in and explore the world of media servers!

Related: How to get New Movies on Plex (Free)

Key Takeaways – At a glance

• Jellyfin and Emby are among the best alternatives to Plex. They offer very comparable functionality as media centers (with sharing capabilities).
• The main advantages of choosing these are the supportive community that can assist with resolving complex issues.
• Jellyfin and Plex are highly popular options that closely rival Plex in terms of features and overall functionality.
• There are many other option to choose from if you aren’t looking to choose Jellyfin/Plex.

Ideal Features of a Good Plex Alternative

A good alternative to Plex should be able to offer a wide range of features that are comparable or even better than what Plex offers. This includes streaming capabilities, an extensive library of media files, parental controls, support for external devices, and compatibility with a variety of operating systems and platforms.

Additionally, it should have an intuitive user interface so that users can easily access their entire library and access content from external sources such as Netflix or YouTube.

Related: Best Roku Private Channels: Jailbreak List of Secret Codes

It should also provide real-time transcoding and the ability to transcode video clips into different resolutions in order to optimize playback on different devices.

Finally, the server should be able to run on both mobile devices and more powerful hardware like Raspberry Pi or Windows Media Services.

Plex has been a beloved media center for many years, but with so many alternatives available, it’s important to explore what else is out there. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best alternatives to Plex and see which one might be right for you.

Plex alternatives: Top Media Centers That Can Replace Plex

There are many options available for those looking for a comprehensive media solution or a simpler server that can handle audio and video files. Let’s dive in!

Related: Best Streaming Devices for Smart TVs

1. Jellyfin: A Promising Alternative to Plex

Jellyfin is an open-source, free media server that provides many of the features found in Plex and other popular solutions. It is based on the codebase of Emby, a powerful media server with a great user interface and expansive library support. With Jellyfin, users can easily organize their entire library of videos, audio files, and image files for streaming to any device or platform.

Side note: The most challenging aspect of the entire configuration process is configuring GPU passthrough to the Jellyfin container when using it in a Proxmox container.

It supports almost every major video format and can transcode content in real-time for better performance on low power devices such as mobile phones.

Also see: Roku Hacks: How to Jailbreak Roku Unlocked Streaming

I found it integrates with external sources such as online streaming services and physical media collections like CDs/DVDs/Blu-rays.

With its wide range of features and compatibility with multiple operating systems including Raspberry Pi and Android TV, Jellyfin is one of the best alternatives to Plex for managing your personal media server.

2. Mezzmo: A Viable Alternative to Plex

Mezzmo is a comprehensive multimedia solution for Windows, offering users the ability to stream and share content from a wide range of sources.

Thanks to its easy-to-use user interface, Mezzmo allows you to quickly organize your media library and access content from mobile devices, external hard drives, or online streaming services like YouTube.

The software also offers support for Windows Media Services and transcoding of audio files for playback on different devices.

Related: FireStick Keeps Going to Screensaver

Mezzmo can be used as a media server that can stream media to any compatible device within your home network or over the Internet.

Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to manage your library of audio and video files or just need something simple enough to stream content on the go, Mezzmo could be the perfect fit.

3. Kodi: A Popular Media Center as an Alternative to Plex

Kodi is an open source media center developed by the XBMC Foundation and distributed under the GNU-GPL license. It allows users to organize, view and play audio and video content from a wide range of sources, such as local storage devices, external hard drives and online streaming services.

Kodi also supports hardware transcoding for real-time video playback as well as parental controls for restricting access to certain types of content. I’ve used Kodi on my Samsung TV before i swapped to Vizio.

Related: How to Add Apps to Vizio Smart TV Not in App Store

With its easy-to-use user interface and comprehensive library management tools, Kodi provides an intuitive way of organizing your entire library of multimedia files.

Whether you’re looking for a way to manage your media collection or just need something simple enough to stream your favorite movies and TV shows, Kodi could be the perfect solution.

4. MediaPortal: A Comprehensive Media Center Alternative to Plex

MediaPortal is a free and open source media player for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS and Linux. Developed by the MediaPortal team, it provides users with an intuitive way to enjoy their entire library of multimedia files.

It supports a wide range of audio and video formats, as well as external media sources such as TV cards, online streaming services and internet radio. Additionally, MediaPortal also offers powerful library management tools to help users sort content according to their preferences.

Related: 9 Best Streaming Devices with a Web Browser

With its user friendly interface and versatile features, MediaPortal allows you to easily manage your personal media collection on any device – from PCs to mobile phones and games consoles. Whether you’re looking for a universal media server or just need something simple enough to stream your favourite videos and music in real-time, MediaPortal is the perfect solution for all your multimedia needs.

5. MediaMonkey: A Media Manager for Serious Collectors and a Good Alternative to Plex

MediaMonkey is the media manager for serious music and video collectors. It offers a powerful yet intuitive way to organize, sort and play your entire library of music, audio books, podcasts and videos – all from one easy-to-use interface.

With MediaMonkey you can store over 100,000+ songs, audiobooks and videos on your hard drive or network device such as a NAS. You can also stream content from cloud storage or other online sources if needed.

Thanks to its user friendly interface, powerful library management tools and available upgrade to a gold license, MediaMonkey is the perfect Plex alternative for serious media enthusiasts. With MediaMonkey you can customize your experience with addons and skins that match your tastes. Whether it’s organizing large libraries of music or streaming real-time video clips, MediaMonkey is the go-to solution for all your multimedia needs.

6. Universal Media Server: A Reliable Alternative to Plex for Media Streaming

Universal Media Server is an open source media server written in Java. It is a powerful alternative to Plex and it offers a great range of device compatibility, allowing users to stream music, videos, and images onto devices that support DNLA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and UPnP (Universal Plug & Play).

This includes PS4, Xbox 360, iPhone, Android devices, and various smart TVs. Universal Media Server runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS systems so you can use it on any operating system. With its multiple versions and user friendly interface it is easy to set up and manage your library of multimedia content. It also offers parental controls for added security.

Thanks to its real-time transcoding capabilities you can even access external media sources with ease. Universal Media Server is the perfect software media solution for anyone looking for a powerful personal media server.

7. Stremio: A Feature-rich Media Center Alternative to Plex

Stremio is an innovative media center that offers users a wide range of online content, including movies, TV shows, YouTube videos and audio files. It is designed to be easy to use with its user-friendly interface and its advanced search function makes it simple to find exactly what you are looking for.

Stremio also has the ability to play your entire library of video files from Windows Media Services or Plex in the same application. With access to a vast range of streaming services, you can easily access all your favorite content from one place.

Additionally, hardware transcoding allows for smoother playback on mobile devices and games consoles.

For those who want more control over their media library, Stremio Premiere offers a premium tier with cloud storage and automated backups so you don’t have to worry about missing any of your favorite content. Whether it’s streaming on demand or managing your own media library, Stremio provides an impressive solution for everyone’s entertainment needs.

8. TVersity: A Versatile Media Server Alternative to Plex

TVersity is an innovative multimedia platform that allows users to access their media library on any device including PCs, tablets, and gaming consoles. TVersity’s mission is to provide an easy-to-use interface and rich video experience for users.

It supports all the major video formats and provides real-time transcoding so you can stream your videos in the highest quality, regardless of what device you are using.

Additionally, TVersity offers parental controls so parents can make sure their children only see appropriate content. Its advanced search capabilities allow you to quickly find the content you want without having to navigate through menus or type out long queries.

With its universal media server, TVersity also allows users to access external media sources such as YouTube, Netflix, Hulu and more from one place. All these features make it one of the most comprehensive software solutions for managing your personal multimedia collection across multiple devices.

9. Emby: A Robust Media Center and a Competent Alternative to Plex

Emby is a powerful and feature-rich media server that allows users to access their entire library of audio and video files from anywhere. It enables users to quickly and easily stream their own personal media across multiple devices, including mobile phones, tablets, PCs, gaming consoles, smart TVs and more. It also provides automatic content recognition for added convenience. With Emby’s intuitive user interface, users can easily navigate through their entire library with just a few clicks.

The platform also offers hardware transcoding for better performance on mobile devices or other low-powered systems. Additionally, Emby supports Windows Media Services in order to provide an even wider range of online content. Finally, the Emby Premiere subscription provides unlimited streaming of video clips as well as advanced features such as parental controls and remote access to your media library. All these features make Emby a great choice when it comes to managing your personal media server solution.

Comparing the Best Alternatives to Plex: Table Comparison

Many users are seeking media server alternatives with improved features and user experience.

This table compares various options to Plex, taking into account factors such as operating system, Raspberry Pi and Android TV support, video and audio content types, gaming console and external media compatibility, ease of use, and real-time transcoding capabilities.

Some alternatives include Universal Media Server and solutions that work well with Android mobile devices and Chromecast. This comparison is useful for those seeking a media server solution that meets their requirements.

Direct Playback on TV or Media Streamer: A Key Feature of Plex Alternatives

Many people with a personal media server are looking for the simplest and most convenient way to access their library. Direct playback on a TV or media streamer is an option that many users overlook.

Many TVs, consoles, and media streamers can play media directly from an attached USB drive. Support and exact methods will vary from device to device, but this can potentially be the simplest way of accessing your library.

All the more so if you’re using a portable drive, since you can take your collection on the road. If you decide to go down this route, just make sure that you have a backup handy in case the drive gets lost, damaged, or corrupted.

Related: Streaming Device Comparison Charts & Tables (Visual Guide)

Using a USB drive to directly access your library can be a simple and convenient way to get the most out of your media server. But which free media server is best for you? That’s the question we’ll answer next!

Free Media Server Options: Which is the Best Alternative to Plex?

Choosing the best free media server for your needs can be a difficult decision. It is important to consider factors such as the number of devices you need to access, the types of files you will be streaming, and any specific features you may need. Generally speaking, if you are looking for a powerful media server with a wide range of features and options, then Plex or Emby Premiere may be your best choice.

If you are looking for something more lightweight that runs on a Raspberry Pi or other low-power device, then Universal Media Server or Windows Media Services might be better suited to your needs. Additionally, if having parental controls and ease of use is important to you, then Android TV or Android devices running Emby may offer the most user-friendly experience.

Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what works best for your particular setup. Each platform has its own unique set of features and capabilities so it pays to do some research before making a final decision.

Our Criteria for Rating and Choosing These Alternatives to Plex

This section of the blog post outlines the criteria used for rating and selecting alternatives to Plex. Choosing the right alternative can be difficult, which is why factors such as features and functionality were taken into account.

Certain Plex alternatives were ranked higher due to their support for operating systems, compatibility with various devices, types of media content supported, and ease of use.

By considering these criteria, users can choose an alternative that best fits their needs.

Why you may not need Jellyfin, Emby, or plex

There is a simple solution for streaming media without the need for a powerful computer or a specific platform.

The solution involves streaming everything from a web server and organizing media with Kodi. You can set up a web server using Nginx on an Orange Pi Zero LTS and adding a network location in Kodi to access the media.

The method is easy to set up and works on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and TV boxes. Let’s dive in

How to use Kodi instead of Plex

To use Kodi instead of Emby, Plex, or Jellyfin, you need to install a web server like Nginx, serve media files from the server, install Kodi on your device, add a network location in Kodi by entering the IP address of your server and the folder containing your media files.

Next, name your source, refresh the media library in Kodi and (optionally) customize your media library by adding artwork and descriptions. This is simply a brief glance at this, but may be helpful for many with this knowledge.

This setup allows you to stream your media files without the need for Emby, Plex, or Jellyfin, and Kodi is a powerful media player that supports various file formats and is easy to use.

Why the file name is the most important part for using Plex and plex alternatives

Ensuring that files are identified correctly, proper file naming is crucial. A consistent and standardized way of naming files is necessary for best results, especially for long-term Plex users.

While pre-named files may have different formats, one simple way to ensure proper naming is to replace dots with spaces. It is unnecessary to replace spaces with a period as Plex can recognize it.

There are bulk file renamer tools available to streamline the process, or it can be done manually. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Plex and Its Alternatives 

Is Plex Still the Best Media Server?

Recently, media servers have become increasingly popular due to the rise of streaming services. Many people are now considering whether Plex is still the best option when it comes to media servers. The answer to this question is not a simple one, as there are many great alternatives available today.

One of the most attractive features of Plex is its compatibility with a wide range of devices including computers, mobile phones, tablets and smart TVs. It also offers parental control options and real-time transcoding with compatible hardware devices. However, some other free media servers such as Emby Premiere, Universal Media Server and Windows Media Services offer similar services.

External sources such as Android TV can also be used with these alternative software solutions for content streaming. Additionally, many of these platforms provide access to live shows and channels which Plex does not support.

Plex or Emby: Which is the Better Media Server Alternative?

The debate of which is better, Plex or Emby, has been ongoing for some time. Both platforms offer a comprehensive range of features and services, making the decision of which to use difficult.

Plex is well known for its user friendly interface and compatibility with a wide range of devices. It also offers real-time transcoding with compatible hardware devices, along with parental control options. On the other hand, Emby Premiere offers access to live shows and channels not supported by Plex, along with a library management system that can be used to organize your entire library.

When it comes to streaming content from external sources such as Android TV, both solutions work well. However, when compared side by side, Plex does seem to have the edge in terms of its user interface and overall user experience.

Ultimately, which platform you choose will come down to personal preference and individual requirements. If you’re looking for an affordable solution that covers all your needs then either platform could be suitable. However if you need more comprehensive features then choosing Plex may be the best choice for you.

Although Plex and Emby have been on the market for a while, Jellyfin has quickly built a large following.

Since all three programs are reliable and powerful, choosing between them is a challenge.

I personally use Plex now, here’s why: See How to get New Movies on Plex (Free)

We thoroughly tested Jellyfin, Plex, and Emby in several categories: from media conversion and streaming to media control, library management, and parental control features, nothing was left out of our review.

Note: These apps run on both Roku and Firestick. I found Plex was the most common app on these devices, while Jellyfin and Emby were much harder to find on streaming devices.

If you plan on running 4k streams, you’ll want a Nvidia shield Pro as it has a significantly better playback for all the apps we’re reviewing; Plex, Jellyfin and Emby.

In this post, we’ll also compare the apps UI and overall usability. By the end of this read, you’ll know which is the best media server for you: Jellyfin, Plex or Emby.

What is Jellyfin

In a few words, Jellyfin is a completely free media server developed by Jellyfin Team back in 2018. The server is written in one of the best programming languages, namely C#.

This app was developed by the Emby community after Emby became a semi-closed source.

Also, Jellyfin operates as a fully open source server and the developers promise that the software will be offered for free forever.

The software is fully compatible with all major operating systems (Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and macOS). The installation process is pretty simple. In fact, we have not encountered any problems installing Jellyfin on our Windows and macOS computers or on our Android TV.

See: 3 Ways to Watch Movies (New releases) Online (Free)

A unique feature of Jellyfin is that you can fully manipulate the appearance via advanced CSS modification. So Jellyfin is a great solution if you want to have full control over the colors, widgets and layout of your media server.

All in all, Jellyfin is the best choice for those who need a free, beginner-friendly and fully customizable media server.

Related: 7 Cool Things You Can Do with Nvidia Shield TV Pro

NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro

• Runs Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin, incredible quickly and can even handle 4k.

View on Amazon

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What is Plex

As a global media streaming service that launched in 2008, Plex needs no introduction. The server was developed by Plex Inc. and has a large user base and varied purposes for users of all types.

If you need a powerful platform to help you organize your videos, photos, and audio files, there’s nothing better than this.

Plex is compatible with Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, Amazon, and Roku devices. This makes it one of the most flexible media management programs ever made.

During our testing, Plex proved to be the best UI on the market. The app is fast, beautiful, and easy to learn.

• Instead of jailbreaking your Roku and using Roku hacks, you can simply run Plex on it.
• Previously Roku private channels were used instead of Plex

Although Plex’s advanced features don’t come for free, the app’s premium plans start from as low as $5 per month. And believe us, that’s reasonable.

The type of technology the software offers many advanced features such as a cloud storage system (Plex Pro Pass), excellent transcoding, automatic performance adjustment, built-in remote access, VPN support, and more.

Fire TV Stick 4K

• Runs Plex with ease

View on Amazon

Contrary to what many believe, downloading and using Plex is completely legal. All in all, Plex is simply the most powerful media server on the market.

Also see: FireStick Keeps Going to Screensaver While Watching TV and movies

What is Emby

Our final candidate is Emby, a well-known media server developed by the Emby Team. Emby is specifically designed to help you organize, play, and stream video and audio files without delays. Although Emby does not have as long a history as Plex, that’s not necessarily a drawback.

Related: 7 Cool Things You Can Do with Nvidia Shield TV Pro

Emby, in fact, combines some of the best features of Plex and free servers like Kodi. For this reason, this server is considered one of the highest quality yet most beginner-friendly media servers.

• Emby is a fully customizable media server. After installing the app, you can configure the account management settings and menus in a matter of minutes.
• We especially liked that Emby offers hardware accelerated transcoding.
• Also, Emby offers advanced parental controls and allows you to create and manage more than one user profile. Both of these features are offered free of charge.

For this reason, we think Emby is an ideal choice for parents. When you add in the fact that Emby offers flawless cloud and media syncing and affordable premium plans (starting at $4.88 per month), it’s no wonder why this app is so popular.

Fun Fact: Emby media player also lets you play AVI files and MKV files on Mac. We also consider it one of the Best Video Players on Mac.

In summary, Emby is a very powerful media server that can meet the needs of even the most demanding users.

Related: 17 Best Tablets for Watching Netflix & Movies

Which is better: Jellyfin or Plex?

To answer this question, we need to examine the features that Jellyfin and Plex provide. First of all, it is important to mention their biggest difference. Although Plex is free to download, you need to subscribe to one of the premium plans to unlock most of the advanced features. In contrast, Jellyfin is a free-forever media server.

However, the media management, mobile app, and remote streaming features are free with both apps. But that’s pretty much all Plex offers for free. Features like Live TV, DVR, hardware transcoding, and parental controls require a paid Plex subscription.

On the other hand, Jellyfin offers all these features for free. So if you only need these features, Jellyfin is simply a better option than Plex as it is free to use.

Related: Best Streaming Devices for Smart TVs

Of course, there are things where Plex is simply better as a premium software. For example, Plex has an overall better UI and offers a more advanced streaming experience. It is better than Jellyfin when it comes to importing your media.

Plus, Plex offers plenty of on-demand media that you can pay for and doesn’t require plugins to stream online content.

In a few words, we can say that Jellyfin is the better choice for those of you who do not want to pay to watch TV live or manage your media. On the other hand, Plex is the better choice when it comes to accessing online and on-demand content.

Related: 9 Best Plex Alternatives (Full comparison) Free options

Jellyfin or Emby: Which is the better choice?

Jellyfin and Emby are both reliable and unique alternatives to Plex. Even though Plex is by far the most popular media server, these apps have taken up the slack for many reasons. Still, there are many differences between Jellyfin and Emby.

For example, Jellyfin was developed by the Emby community when the software was no longer open source. That being said, Jellyfin offers many advanced features and is offered for free. To be precise, Jellyfin does not require you to pay for downloading the mobile app, watching live TV, and using the DVR feature.

However, Emby is also popular for good reasons. For example, features like parental controls and multiple account creation are also offered for free.

Also, Emby allows you to access online content (podcasts) and gives you access to numerous trailers, extras, etc. Although you have to pay for such advanced features, they are not included at all with Jellyfin.

So if listening to podcasts and streaming online content is important to you, Emby is simply better than Jellyfin. However, Jellyfin is just as reliable and completely free when it comes to other features.

Plex vs Emby: Comparison

Plex has been around for more than a decade. That’s why it’s the most well-known media server on the market. And that’s also why it’s relatively more expensive than Emby.

More specifically, if you use Plex, you have to pay for multi-accounts and parental controls. Emby offers these two features for free. The main advantage of Plex over Emby is the access to online content that it offers. Streaming with Plex is simply the best.

Also, Plex has by far the best UI on the market. When it comes to media management and remote streaming, both apps are very powerful.

To make a long story short: We really enjoyed testing Plex and Emby. For more than two weeks, we did not experience a single lag. Still, we can say that Emby is the best choice for parents who do not want to spend extra money on parental controls.

Also, Emby is the only server that allows cloud syncing. On the other hand, Plex is simply the best choice if you need ultimate control over online content.

Comparison Table: Jellyfin vs Plex vs Emby

Comparison Table: Jellyfin vs Plex vs Emby vs Other Media Servers

Advantages & Disadvantages of Jellyfin

Jellyfin has proved that a top-notch media server doesn’t have to be expensive. As an open-source, free-to-use software, Jellyfin is the perfect free alternative to Plex and Emby. In fact, the app has numerous advantages:

• It is fully-customizable via CSS
• Great remote streaming and media management
• Free mobile application
• Free-to-use Live TV, DVR and Hardware transcoding 
• Offers parental control and multi-accounts

On the flip side, there are some features that Jellyfin simply doesn’t offer. Those are:

• Smart Home
• Cloud Sync
• Online Content (you have to install external plugins)
• Trailers and extras

Advantages & Disadvantages of Plex

During our testing, Plex fully justified why it is the most popular media server on the market. In fact, the software has numerous advantages:

• The best (modern and easy-to-learn) UI out of the three apps
• Automatic transcoding
• Supports photo albums
• Access to online content, trailers and extras

Of course, as with Jellyfin, Plex has certain disadvantages as well. In a few words:

• Plex offers the most expensive premium plans
• To use most of its advanced features, you have to purchase the premium licence
• Doesn’t offer cloud syncing

Should I switch from Plex to Jellyfin?

If you are a Plex user and you are not sure if this is the best media server for your needs, let us answer your question. First of all, you should know that Plex has the most modern and beginner-friendly user interface available. Besides, with Plex you’ll be able to access online content and have the possibility to watch numerous trailers and extras.

When it comes to automatic transcoding, Jellyfin is not as powerful as Plex. On the flip side, what if you just need an app to manage your media? In that case, Jellyfin is a great alternative to Plex.

Related: How to Play Downloaded Movies on TV

In fact, if you do not want to download and stream online content, there are many reasons why Jellyfin is a better choice for you than Plex. For example, with Jellyfin you have free access to many advanced features like parental controls, multi-accounts, live TV and DVR.

With Plex, you have to buy the Pro licence to use these features. All in all, Jellyfin is a great solution for anyone looking for a free media server to replace Plex.

Also see: How To Pair Xfinity Remote to TV – which can help compliment your smart home/home theater set up. This is mostly needed if you’re running Plex on the Xfinity app to set up the soundbar, subwoofer, and other devices such as receivers.

Best Plex Client Devices

During our testing, we didn’t have any issues installing and using the Plex client in any of our devices. Most people use Plex to import and manage their media in AndroidOS Smart TVs. Installing the client on an Android or FireOS TV is as easy as it goes.

Also, you can use Plex on your MacOS and Windows laptops and desktops. We also installed the free Plex mobile app in our iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro tablets. And it is safe to say that there’s no better allrounder media server. The app works perfectly on all tablets and smartphones.

Finally, Plex can even be installed on streaming devices like Amazon Alexa and on gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.

Alternatives to Plex and Jellyfin

Apart from the Emby media server we tested for the purposes of this article, there are other reliable alternatives to Plex and Jellyfin. Some of them are:

1. Kodi (Free-to-use)
2. Stremio (Free-to-use, Premium plans available)
3. Ampache (Free-to-use)
4. Serviio (Free-to-use, Premium plans available)
5. Universal Media Server (Free-to-use)

All media servers above are very popular for good reasons. If you have already tried Plex and Jellyfin and are looking for something different, you should give those software a shot.

How Does Plex Make Money?

Since Plex is a free-to-use media server, it is reasonable to wonder how it makes money. Well, most of the money is made through the software’s Plex Pass and its other premium plans. Plex offers subscription tiers for users that need to have access to advanced features like Live TV, DVR and Mobile Sync.  

Is Plex Still the Best?

In a few words, yes. Plex is still the best media server out there. Even though both Emby and Jellyfin are reliable alternatives, Plex is simply the most powerful app on the market. Aside from the fact that Plex offers the best user experience, it has features that no other app has integrated.

For example, if you want to have access to unlimited online on demand content, Plex is the best choice. Plus, Plex lets you organize, manage, and transcribe any type of media with ease. You can even import and edit your photo albums. All in all, Plex is still our favorite media server.

Bottom Line

In this blog post, we explained why Jellyfin, Plex, and Emby are some of the best media servers on the market. It is important to know that choosing the best server for you depends on your personal needs and preferences.

We can safely say that Plex is the most powerful media server. It has the best UI and allows you to fully manipulate online content. Emby, on the other hand, is a very reliable alternative to Plex. It offers more free features and has relatively cheap premium plans.

Though we tested all 3, Jellyfin was the only one that was a completely free media server. If you simply need a free app to manage and organize your media library, Jellyfin is the best choice. In any case, all three apps are completely free to download. That’s why we recommend you try them all to find out which one is the best for you.

You can get new movies on Plex for free by connecting the app to a device that has the media properly stored on it. Alternatively, you can connect to another users account to stream media. All devices must be on and connected to the internet.

See our post on: Jellyfin vs Plex vs Emby: Which is better? (Comparison)

Note: This essentially makes Plex a “free Netflix”, but keep in mind that you must be careful and not download anything illegal, such as copyright infringing content.

Mediapeanut does not support or advise piracy in any form. Only use the methods here for movies and TV shows you personally own.

Are you using Plex on Roku? See our Roku Hacks

The only difference is that the content you are viewing is being streamed from your own personal media files that you can store on your computer, network attached storage or seedbox. You can also connect to the media files outside your own account through alternate methods.

What is Plex?

Plex is a digital media player that organizes libraries of video, music and photos and allows users play their own media from devices other than where it is originally stored. This gives users the ability to create their own personal Netflix and Spotify.

Related: Best Tablets for Watching Youtube & Videos

How does Plex work?

Plex works by scanning your personal media files such as movies, music and photos that are stored on a personal device including, but not limited to your computer, network attached storage or even a seedbox.

Next, Plex streams and organizes your media library onto a Netflix style app that can be downloaded on almost any media player device including, but not limited to your smart TV, streaming sticks, mobile phone, tablets and much more.

See our post on: Jellyfin vs Plex vs Emby: Which is better? (Comparison)

Plex is a very unique streaming platform; it compares to Jellyfin and Emby in that it is completely free with the option to upgrade for small features. Plex is the most well known amongst the three streaming services. It is also common for Plex to be referred to as a client server player.

Why is Plex so good?

The benefit of Plex is that it is free and allows users to play an impressively wide variety of media file extensions on nearly any media device. It’s also available in over 200 countries.

Plex is compatible with most media containers available allowing you to get your media files from anywhere, including torrenting. (more on that below)

Related: 9 Best Plex Alternatives (Full comparison) Free options

Where to get Movies to Stream on Plex

Imagine having any movie or TV show you desire, without limits, on your own personal Netflix style streaming service.

You can find movies to stream on Plex by ripping Blu-ray’s, DVDs or by downloading (legal) movies. Some even go as far as automating torrenting to find movies to stream on Plex; which we do not advise

Since Plex leaves it up to users to find movies and shows to stream… those who aren’t ripping Blu-ray’s and DVDs are instead creating massive libraries of just released movies through automating torrents and other alternate methods.

Unfortunately, for a first timer these ways to find the best movies on Plex are very advanced and can take over 4+ hours to set up properly. 

See the 17 Best Tablets for Watching Netflix & Movies

Be sure to not commit any form of copyright infringement. Many use a VPN to protect their behavior online, but since Plex encrypts its data when content is sent from the server to your Plex nobody can peek or see what you’re doing – which can cause an issue. It’s best not to commit copyright infringement.

Related: Best Streaming Devices for Smart TVs

How to get Torrents on Plex

To use torrents on Plex you can download a torrent and then add it to the Library folder that Plex scans… just like any other video in your library. This will allow you to get new movies on Plex.

Users are known to also automate torrenting on Plex by setting up their own server and automatically pull torrents in of the latest shows using something called sonar & radar. This is very difficult without tech knowledge as mentioned earlier.

The easiest route to take when automating torrenting on Plex is to check reddit, there are many ways the communities can guide you on using torrents (legally).

This allows you to automate the process in under 10 minutes instead of taking 4+ hours of setting it up the difficult way.

You can get new release movies on Plex this way… making Plex far more efficient compared to adding movies and shows manually. We do not advise piracy or copyright infringement in any way.

How do I stream Movies on Plex?

If you are not using the guide shown earlier on this page then the traditional (much longer way) can be done, but it does require some setup. 

Most people get confused with Plex because it is not explained to them that they need two devices that are both connected to the internet for the stream to work.

Here is how to stream movies on Plex:

In order to stream movies on Plex you’ll need one device to watch the movies on and another to store and stream the movies from. Both devices must be connected to the internet. Once stored, connect your Plex account to the media library and finally watch on any Plex compatible device.

The good news is that this process to get new movies on Plex is much easier than it sounds. 

We’ll go over in this post exact steps on how to get new release movies on Plex for free and make your own premium personal streaming service.

What devices are compatible with Plex?

Here are all the possible compatible devices that work with Plex: 

• Most Smart TVs made after 2016: Samsung, Sony, VIZIO, and more.
• Streaming devices: Nvidia Shield, Roku, Apple TV 4K, Firestick & more.
• Mobile Phones and tablets: iOS and Android.
• Computers or Laptops with Mac or Windows.
• Game Consoles: Xbox One and Ps4.

This amount of capable devices also means you can fling where you last left off… for example if you are watching a movie through Plex on Tv and then your Uber arrives- you can switch what your watching to view where you left off last on your mobile phone or tablet during the ride.

Fun Fact: Plex also lets you open and play AVI files on Mac since Macbooks don’t have native AVI codecs that allow this multimedia container to work properly.

Important to note- I personally have had issues streaming Plex on my Xbox One S. If you’re using a gaming console- most find the Ps4 works much smoother than the Xbox for streaming new movies on Plex.

Related: 21 Best Video Players for Mac (Free & Paid) 4k, HDR

Where can I store media on Plex?

1. Computer or Network-attached storage (NAS)
2. A remote device such as a Seedbox, VPS, or alternate method.
3. Gaming consoles or streaming devices (not recommended unless it’s the Nvidia shield)

 The methods that require the least amount of physical requirements are 2 and 3 listed above.

Each of these ways can accomplish your goal of getting new movies on Plex. We’ll go over how exactly you can do each of these methods in this post.

How to add movies and TV shows to Plex

Note: You can skip all of the following complex process view the personal streaming service guide I mentioned earlier in this post. It is the quickest method to date and highly advised for those with or without tech knowledge. 

Here’s how to add your content including movies and TV shows to Plex:

1. First ensure your files are compatible with your Plex Client. 

To add movie and TV shows on Plex you’ll first need to make sure you have video files in compatible formats Plex supports and a streaming client that will play these videos.

Here are all the compatible video and audio formats for Plex:

As you can see Plex will play almost all of your media. For videos, a .MP4 file extension is ideal as it is the most compatible, but not necessary. 1080p, H.264 will direct play more often than other formats, including 4k formats.

For audio AAC 2.0 is the most compatible, AAC 5.1 is the most compatible for surround sound and AAC 7.1 audio will need a receiver (source)

Here all the compatible 4k video and audio formats for Plex:

The most popular open source tool to convert nearly any video to MP4 or MKV is Handbreak. (Yes, it’s free)

Related: The Best way to play a MKV file on Mac (+ 7 alternatives)

2. Choose a device that will allow Direct play

Plex will play most of the media you throw at it by direct playing it. Direct play means the media is compatible and will be played in the intended format of the original file. Streaming devices like a Roku or Apple TV will direct play more formats than the average Smart TV and less transcoding will occur.

Transcoding vs Direct Play comparison

When your Plex client (ex. Smart tv, Roku, etc) doesn’t support the content natively… then Plex will transcode the media to make the content viewable instead of direct playing. 

Transcoding is less ideal than direct playing because more resources are being used from the device you are streaming your stored media from resulting in lower quality streams and increased chance to pause or buffer. 

When a device is transcoding it is changing the format of the original file on the fly so your client (ex. Tv, mobile phone) can play it in a format it understands and supports when streaming.

Quality and speed of the transcoded stream could suffer when compared to direct play. To avoid transcoding make sure you have a Plex client device that supports the media formats you are playing as well as having the correct settings on the Plex app configured.

Related – You’ll need fast internet speeds to transcode – If you’re using a device such as Firestick or Roku, use a Roku speed test to check your network connection speed.

What is the best Plex client device for direct play?

The ideal Plex client to watch movies on is a media streaming device that allows direct play more often than transcoding. The most preferred Plex client is the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 4K followed by the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra.

Devices that will direct play 4k on Plex:

Here are the only streaming devices for Plex that will direct play 4K:

Nvidia shield TV (Ultimate choice- This beast will play anything that exists)

Apple TV 4K (you only need the 32 gb version)

The only two devices that will consistently play 4k smoothly and without transcoding is the Nvidia Shield Tv Pro or the Apple TV 4K and the reward is well worth it. Unfortunately there are no cheaper options for 4K. Anyone knowledgable on Plex and it’s direct play capabilities will agree. 

If you’re grabbing the Nvidia shield TV pro make sure you get the one listed above and not the less expensive option that looks like a tube as it’s known to have issues with direct play 4k… 

I’ve also seen some brand new Smart TV’s occasionally direct play 4k file here and there, but it is extremely rare and typically does not direct play 1080p or 4k consistently.

Devices that will direct play 1080p on Plex:

Here are the best streaming devices for Plex that will direct play 1080p:

Nvidia Shield TV (The ultimate streaming device)

Roku Ultra (Second most affordable) (most valuable per dollar in my opinion)

Apple TV 4K (amazing)

Amazon Fire TV 4K (most affordable, may occasionally transcode)

Xiaomi Mi Box S (great for 1080p, but laggy 4K streaming)

Chromecast Ultra (Great for 1080p, 4k often times did not direct play using Plex)

A lot of you may be wondering how the Amazon Fire TV 4K made it on the 1080p list. This is no mistake- the Fire TV 4k often has problems with direct playing 4k on Plex, but works great with 1080P direct play and is still a fantastic affordable option.

Streaming devices that advertise 4K aside from the Apple TV 4K & Nvidia Shield TV Pro, may work with Netflix in 4K, but they do not direct play 4k movies on Plex.

What is the cheapest device that will direct play on Plex?

I’ve done a lot of research and have tested many different devices… If you’re going to direct play movies and shows on Plex you’ll want to stick with any of the options linked above. There are no cheaper options than what you see above that I would advise.

If you don’t care much for 4k you can use a Roku, Fire TV stick or your smart TV to direct play 1080p direct play with the occasional transcode.

Devices such as outdated Smart Tv’s, computers, laptops and game consoles may or may not direct play, but will still transcode. I’ve had problems streaming direct play with my Xbox One S and I bought the Apple TV 4K instead. Plex now works perfect.

3. Take your stored Media and create a Plex library

Overview:

To put your movies and shows on Plex you’ll want to open the Plex app through your web browser of the device you are storing your media on. Then follow these steps:

• Open the settings menu.
• Select Libraries under “Manage” on the bottom left
• Click “Add library” and choose your media type
• Click “Browse for media folder” and choose where your files are stored.
• Once you’ve finished selecting option click “Add library”

You’re now ready to watch! Be sure to optimize the settings on the Plex app of the client device you’re watching content on as well or you will not be direct playing correctly.

Optimal & best settings for Plex

When you launch the Plex app on the client you’ll be watching your media on you’ll need to tweak some settings

Here are the most optimal settings for Plex:

• Allow Direct Play: Yes
• Allow Direct Stream: Yes
• Local Quality: Original
• Remote Quality: Original or default option
• Online Quality: Original

If you have the Plex Pass be sure to enable to experimental player. We’ve seen good results with it, although it’s not required in any way.

Why is my movie not showing up in Plex?

There are multiple streaming players that allow you to download and stream movies on Plex. 

For example Roku, Firestick, and Apple TV are all devices that allow streaming via Plex. Most modern Smart TVs also allow you to watch movies and shows as they have the Plex app available for download in the menu (this means you won’t need a separate streaming player.

What can you do if you’re movie is not found or is not showing up in Plex? If you are using a streaming player or smart TV and the movies or shows are not showing up in Plex, then it is possible the secondary device where your media files, shows, and movies are stored is having an issue. This could result in Plex not being able to find and show your movies.

These secondary devices are typically a laptop or desktop computer, but could also be from VPS hosting or another form of storage that allows Plex to show you your movie. 

Because Plex is somewhat complex, recognizing the movie or not adding the movie can occur quite easily when you are not careful.

Here are some actions you can take when your movie is not showing up in Plex or if Plex can’t find your movies:

• In some cases if your movie is not showing up the internet connection to your streaming player or secondary device, then your internet connection could be the problem. Simply ensure your internet connection is working to solve for this. You can also use a speed test on your streaming device to test your download and upload speeds.
• If the issue does not lie with the internet connection, then it’s possible there is an issue with the Plex Library. You can run a “manual library scan” and update. 
• Another issue is that the naming of the file is not formatted properly. Both of these are fixes you will need to explore further and vary case-by-case.

If it is a single movie or show that is not showing up in Plex, but other media and titles do, then it is likely due to the Plex folder. Simply remove the file to another folder, then run the manual library scan, and finally place it back in the original folder and scan to update it again. Your movie should now be located, showing, and working on Plex.

How to Download a Movie or Show on Plex

You can download a movie or show from Plex and watch it off-line. However this will depend on whether you are using the Plex web app and if you are the owner of the Plex media server. This means that in order to download a movie on Plex the owner of the Plex Media server must enable downloading( under account settings) for users you share your server with and the person downloading must pay for a Plex pass subscription.

Other words if you are not the owner of the storage device in which the movies and shows are stored on, then the owner of that device & server must enable the download option.

Requirements that need to be met in order to download a movie or show on Plex to watch offline:

• You must have a Plex pass subscription, which is a paid service.
• “Downloading allowed” is required to be set by Plex media share server owner for those shared with it to download a movie.
• Your Plex app must have the latest Plex media server version
• The owner of the server must have the Plex app on your computer and the Plex media server running in order for downloading to occur for your shared users.

Once all requirements are met, you can download a movie from Plex.

Here’s how you can download a movie on Plex:

1. Tap ‘download’ to download a movie or show to your device.
2. This download option is located at the bottom right of the movie title image on Plex.
3. You will see three vertical dots that, when clicked, will open up a dropdown menu with 7+ options.
4. The download option is towards the end of this drop down menu.
5. Congratulation, you have no downloaded a movie from Plex.

Troubleshooting & Common Problems with Plex

Common problems with Plex include buffering, pausing and freezing as well as Plex not direct playing. 

Before trying any of the following fixes make sure to reset your modem, wifi as well as unplugging any other devices for at least 15 seconds, including your Plex client device. If you are using wifi try connecting an ethernet cord first before the other methods. 

I personally use this cord and I’ve never had an issue after using it.

A faulty internet connection is usually the issue when the server side is set up correctly. Even if you have fantastic internet you will still need to reset your modem and router. Do not skip this step.

You may have the server side set up correctly, but is the settings inside the Plex app that you’re watching movies on optimally configured? Be sure to change your settings to the preferred and optimized settings mentioned in the previous section of this guide.

Plex won’t direct play

There are a few main reasons why your direct play is not working on Plex. The first step is to check is if your video formats are supported on your Plex client device. 

When Plex won’t direct play make sure you have the correct video format mentioned earlier. If your video format is compatible with Plex and matches the capabilities of your Plex client then your Direct Play will always work. 

I’ve had issues Direct playing on Roku but never on my Apple TV 4K or my Nvidia Shield TV (I’ve owned all 3)

The only other situation where Plex won’t direct play is if you do not have the setting “Direct Play allowed?” switched on in the settings menu of the Plex app account settings of the device you’re actually watching the movies on.

If all of the above troubleshooting fails then the issue is likely on the server side.

Below is an infograph that explains the requirements for Plex streaming, especially if you’re sharing a library.

Plex keeps buffering

When Plex is buffering with 1080p or 4k Direct play then the issue is typically your internet. This is usually the case if you’re sure your streaming device supports the video encoding of the video you are trying to direct play. 

Even with 5g, 200/mbps (and higher) connections I have still seen 4k videos take down the best of set ups. A good quality ethernet cord will be required here.

Ethernet is your best friend here as well as resetting your modem, router and all devices as well to solve Plex continually buffering. This is almost always the cause if the server side is set up correctly.

If you are using an old, outdated Roku or a gaming console like a xbox one or Ps4 then the device could very well be the issue. The only way to know is to test it. The Nvidia Shield or Apple TV 4K will be your best option as an upgrade.

 Choose any of the top streaming devices I listed earlier in this post. There are some inexpensive options on that list and you could always return it if it doesn’t work. Though, I’ve never seen anyone want to take those streaming players back- the ones listed are really impressive.

Plex keeps pausing and freezing

If Plex is pausing or freezing you will always want to try a full modem and router reset. Alternatively a streaming device or server device upgrade is advised if either is outdated. If Plex is transcoding your media the next step to take is to try reseting everything related to the device, upgrading the device and swapping to a good ethernet connection. 

Lesser known issue include your device being a far distance from your router on wifi… rare occurrences of problems also stem from wifi interference such as large amounts of metal between your device and your router, such as a metal staircase. This can cause many issues and may need a ethernet connection.(this happened to me). 

Is Plex Legal?

Yes, Plex is completely legal. Think of Plex legality like a speeding with a car. Cars are legal, but going over the speed limit is not. Plex can not tell If you are doing something illegal on it such as adding pirated movies or shows to it. 

It’s up to you to decide if what you are doing is legal or not legal. (source)

Is Plex safe? 

Plex is safe, but the user can add pirated content themselves. Plex does not give users a way to access Pirated content directly like KODI used to years ago. Media Peanut does not support or advise the use of piracy in anyway.

See more in detail on Plex’s privacy policy and legal information page.

Exactly how safe is Plex?

Plex itself is safe, but users should be more concerned about how they get their movies and TV series they get. This is not an issue of Plex, but an issue of your own downloading activity. Most use a VPN to protect their privacy online and avoid prying eyes. 

Do I need a VPN for plex? 

Many use a VPN to protect their behavior online, but since Plex encrypts it’s data when content is sent from server to your Plex nobody can peek or see what you’re doing.

Is it illegal to share movies on Plex

If it is illegal to share movies or shows depends on what you content you are sharing. If you have pirated movies or series stored and/or sharing it then yes it is illegal to share these movies on Plex. In most cases we’ve seen stories on how the user is held responsible and Plex is not. 

If you are sharing your Plex server to multiple people then it is up to the copyright owners to identify the issue and send a cease and desist or copyright letter. (source)

Summing up how to get and watch new movies on Plex, including new releases.

You’ve learned that getting new movies on Plex looks complex at first, but is really super simple. It’s also important to note that how to get new movies on Plex is unique since there are two devices needed. One device such as your computer to store files and another device of your choice to watch new movies on Plex. 

What most don’t know is how you can use torrents on Plex for movies and tv series and that automating torrents is very possible. Just beware of copyright infringement.

Many use a vpn or seedbox if you choose to not use the personal streaming guide we provide below that could save you from needing a VPN. If you’re having confusion at all, I urge you to check out the guide.

The personal streaming guide below is the ultimate shortcut: It will allow you to completely simplify this entire process in under 10 minutes with minimal thinking or headache.