When it comes to storing media like photos, movies, and music on your computer or mobile device, Plex is one of the best options out there. Despite the plethora of media-streaming apps, you can still find Media server programs like those mentioned below. The media server software is efficient in managing files, and the configuration interface lets you create your own Netflix. In this article, we will discuss some of the top plex alternatives for you.
The Plex media server is the only way to watch videos from the internet, and it supports a wide variety of streaming websites and services, including Netflix and YouTube. Many Plex features are unavailable in the free edition. Access parental controls, record and watch live TV, and sync your device with the premium version. Not everyone will find Plex useful, so we’ve compiled a list of excellent alternatives. Below is a list of alternatives to Plex if you’re looking for a straightforward media streaming solution.
Top 14 Alternatives to Plex in 2023
Although there are a lot of media server apps available, not all of them are reliable. In addition, not one of the apps offers any practical content or administration. As a result, we have compiled a list of some of the best alternatives to Plex that you may use instead.
1. Kodi
If you’re looking for an alternative to Plex that may serve as a digital media source for home theatre PCs, look no further than Kodi (formerly XBMC), a free freeware media player and entertainment hub.
This media software works with many different computer setups and operating systems. It’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to manage all your audio, video, and picture files. There is a free companion app that adds to the value of this program.
It’s got a lot of different sections, and it looks great. Building a library out of your personal film collection is a great way to showcase all of your works in one convenient location. Personal slideshows make it fun to show off your best pictures to friends and family.
Supported operating systems include Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Xbox, and more.
2. Universal Media Player
In place of Plex, Universal Media Player is the best alternative. It may not have a pretty user interface, but it does contain a lot of helpful features. With the help of this program, media storage and organisation are simplified. Powerful transcoding capabilities and wide format support are among its many appealing qualities. Because of this program, you won’t have to worry about the types of media you already own. You can use it to accomplish anything.
Windows, macOS, Linux, and NAS devices are all supported platforms.
3. Emby
Emby is a straightforward program with great adaptability, allowing you to keep all of your Plex content neatly organised. There is no need to worry about keeping your media files in the right order because you can use an automatic organiser. Additionally, the media is transformed in real-time to provide simple streaming across several platforms.
It has an extremely polished and user-friendly design that makes it a breeze to find and access your files. More so, the user can watch live TV without any interruptions in their internet connection. In the same vein as Plex, this program has a handy parental control option that lets you restrict access to whatever you choose. As usual, the trial version has limitations and the full set of capabilities requires the paid premium service, which costs $4.99 per month.
The following operating systems and streaming media players are supported: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, the Web, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and NAS Devices.
4. Media Portal
The Media Portal is an entertainment hub that keeps track of and catalogues all of your media files. It has a tonne of helpful features for organising media. It’s a lot like Plex in that it can handle a wide variety of file formats. The Media Portal supports numerous media types for streaming. There won’t be any pauses for buffering while playing.
You may get it for Windows, Android, or the Web.
5. Windows Media Services
If you’re using Windows, Windows Media Services is your best bet. Because of this, creating streaming media and managing data is a breeze. Formats including Windows Media, JPEG, and MP3 are the only ones it can play. The user interface and interoperability of Windows Media Services are both simple and impressive. Even though it has no sophisticated features, it is very easy to work with. Installing it first is required before you can use it on Windows.
Windows platform is supported.
6. Streama
Streama enables users to create their own own Netflix. Having a top-notch UI and being incredibly user-friendly are two of its many strengths. The folder structure is completely flexible and up to your discretion. Episode Browser is a useful tool for keeping your episodes organised and easy to find. You can see the films you’ve watched recently and pick up right where you left off.
Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Android
7. OSMC
If you’re looking for a free and open-source media server app, go no further than OSMC. The software gets everyone’s attention because of how modern it looks. Additionally, OSMC facilitates the installation of a media server and the exporting of files.
Accessing your media files is a breeze with the help of protocols like FTP, SMB, and UPnP. The App Store is the defining feature of this software, and it allows users to access a wide variety of downloadable media.
Platforms including the Vero, Raspberry Pi, and Apple TV are supported.
8. Serviio
One of Plex’s most formidable rivals is Serviio, a service that has gained a sizable following in recent years. This software is perfect if you’d like to stream all of your media from a single location. Streaming of any and all types of material (music, video, images, etc.) is a breeze for users. The user can access the software on their TV, Blu-ray player, gaming console, and mobile device.
In addition, you may use a voice assistant like Alexa with this app because it’s compatible with it. Not only that, but Serviio provides reasonably priced access to a wide range of streaming media services. It works with NAS devices and the Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. The basic version of the software is free, while subscribers pay a fee to unlock premium features.
9. Stremio
The next application is Stremio, which is a sexier replacement for Plex. Popularity of the software has grown steadily over time, making it a viable alternative to Plex. The program is easy to use and organises content from major streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and others.
It’s an open-source media server that brings together content from several streaming services in one convenient location. The software considers all of the videos, presentations, and movies you have stored on your computer while making a library. This software also features a built-in calendar for keeping tabs on upcoming movie and media releases. It works faultlessly on all the most popular platforms.
10. TVersity
TVersity is a streaming platform with a lot of high-end features, befitting its name. This software makes it possible for users to share the contents of their personal computers with other gadgets via a network using DNLA/UPnP technology. The application then simultaneously transcodes all of the relevant files. As a result, the indexing of media such as photos, music, and movies is fully automated and kept up to date in real time.
You may use this software to play nearly any type of media on any device it supports. Furthermore, this program is far more productive than Plex. As long as a plugin is available, users can bring in their own media. The app works with a wide variety of platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, Xbox 360, Roku, Chromecast, and so on.
11. Jellyfin
You can easily collect, organise, and stream media with Jellyfin, making it a viable alternative to Plex. This media software gives you command over media while it is being streamed from a server to a computer, TV, or mobile device. Due to the extensive customization options it gives its users, this program makes up for a fantastic media server.
Easily collect, manage, and stream your favourite music, movies, Live TV, TV episodes, and DVR recordings. The software is compatible with a wide variety of platforms and devices, including PC browsers, Android, iOS, Roku, FireTV, and Chromecast. Since there is no way to keep tabs on the user, this program can be considered completely unobtrusive. Furthermore, there are no costs associated with using the software.
12. Ampache
Next, we have Ampache, which is not a perfect replacement for Plex but does have some useful distinctions. Through the use of Ampache, a straightforward web-based audio streaming service and file management system, you may have instantaneous access to your entire music library from any device with an internet connection.
Ampache is a free and open-source application that offers support for MPD, unlike many of the other programs on the list. For those with a refined musical palate and a deep appreciation for music, this program is an absolute necessity. It works well on macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS.
13. Vidics
If you’re having trouble finding quality videos to watch, I highly recommend using Vidics. Movies and other forms of enjoyable content can be streamed on the internet in a wide variety of genres and subcategories. The most recent celebrity and movie-related pop culture news is included in its own area.
You won’t have any trouble at all getting started watching your favourite movies and TV shows on Vidics for free. The full potential of vidics, a community secret, has yet to be realised.
14. Popcorn Time
When compared to paid services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Plex, the free service Popcorn Time stands out as a top contender of plex alternatives. In order to stream a video, this platform uses sequential downloading from several pirate sites; in general, the application works fine. It is illegal to use this software in many countries. As a result, you might need to make use of a virtual private network (VPN) in order to avoid the restrictions based on your location.
Conclusion
These were the top plex alternatives for you. Let us know in the comment section below which one best suits your needs.