Our verdict: Plex Media Server is the most polished way to stream your own media library to TVs and phones at home. Local streaming is free, but remote streaming, hardware transcoding and downloads now need a paid pass. It also requires a Plex account.
About Plex Media Server
Plex Media Server is made by Plex, Inc. You install it on a PC that holds your video, music and photo files, and it organizes them into libraries with posters, descriptions and episode lists. Plex apps on smart TVs, consoles, phones and browsers then play from that server.
Streaming on your home network is free. Plex Pass adds hardware transcoding, downloads, Skip Intro and Credits, DVR recording and remote streaming for the people you share with. A cheaper Remote Watch Pass covers only remote streaming of personal media.
What it does well
- Automatic libraries. Matches movies, shows and music to artwork, descriptions and episode lists.
- Apps for most devices. Plex apps play from your server on smart TVs, consoles, phones, tablets and browsers.
- Transcoding. Converts video on the fly so devices that cannot play a format still get a stream.
- Library sharing. Gives friends and family access to selected libraries from your server.
- Plexamp music. Streams your music library to the separate Plexamp music player app.
Who it is for
Good fit
People with a large movie and TV collection who want a polished, Netflix-like interface on every screen at home.
Look elsewhere
Users who refuse to create an online account, or who want free remote streaming and hardware transcoding.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very polished interface on TVs and phones
- Reliable automatic metadata matching
- Apps for nearly every device
- Free local streaming
Cons
- Remote streaming, hardware transcoding and downloads need a paid pass
- A Plex account and Plex's online services are required
- Closed source
How to install Plex Media Server
Run the 64-bit installer from plex.tv. The server opens its web interface in your browser, where you sign in with a free Plex account and add library folders. Keep movies and TV episodes in separate folders and name files the way Plex documents, for example Movie Name (Year), so matching works.
Questions about Plex Media Server
Is Plex Media Server free?
Yes, the server and streaming on your home network are free. Remote streaming of personal media needs a Remote Watch Pass or Plex Pass, and features like hardware transcoding and downloads need Plex Pass.
Do I need a Plex account?
Yes. You sign in with a Plex account to set up and manage the server, and Plex apps connect to it through that account.
Does Plex Pass remove ads?
Not from Plex's own free movies and Live TV. Plex says Plex Pass does not remove ads from its ad-supported on-demand and Live TV programming.
