Plex alternatives are other media servers and players for streaming your own film, TV and music collection to your devices. Open-source servers give you full control with no account needed, while polished players suit people who want a simple experience on the TV. Check how each handles watching away from home, because that's where the biggest differences are.
If you've built up a library of films, shows and music, a media server turns it into your own streaming service. For years Plex has been the default, but changes to what's free have sent many people looking.
Here are ten Plex alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from free open-source servers to player apps. Each description comes from the project's own website, re-checked today. If you play games on the big screen too, my guide to cloud gaming on your phone covers the streaming side of play.
Think about where you watch. A server that's perfect on your home network may be harder to use on the road, and some apps work better on particular TVs.
And check your hardware. Streaming a big file to several screens at once can ask a lot of an old computer, so the server you choose and the machine it runs on go together.
Plex alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channels DVR | Recording and media server | Recording live TV | Trial only |
| Emby | Personal media server | A polished media server with extras | Yes |
| Infuse | Video player for Apple devices | Beautiful playback on Apple TV | Yes |
| Jellyfin | Open-source media server | Free streaming with no account | Yes |
| Kodi | Open-source home theatre software | A full home theatre on the TV | Yes |
| MediaPortal | Windows media centre | A Windows-based home theatre PC | Yes |
| Navidrome | Open-source music server | Streaming your music collection | Yes |
| Serviio | DLNA media server | Streaming to smart TVs | Yes |
| Stremio | Media centre app | One app for many sources | Yes |
| Universal Media Server | Free DLNA server | Playing files on many devices | Yes |
Ten Plex alternatives to try
Channels DVR
Best for: Cord-cutters who want to record live TV and stream it alongside their own media.
Emby
Best for: People who want a media server with a familiar layout and optional premium features.
Infuse
Best for: Apple TV, iPhone and iPad users who want polished playback from their own media.
Jellyfin
Best for: People who want a completely free, open-source server with no account or tracking.
Kodi
Best for: People who want a customisable media centre that runs on TVs, boxes and computers.
MediaPortal
Best for: Windows users building a home theatre PC with live TV and a media library.
Navidrome
Best for: Music collectors who want to stream their own library to phone and desktop apps.
Serviio
Best for: People who want to stream media to smart TVs and consoles on their home network.
Stremio
Best for: People who want a single app that brings together video from different add-ons.
Universal Media Server
Best for: People who want a free server that streams to TVs, consoles and players without extra apps.
The remote streaming change that sent people looking
Here's what kicked off a lot of searches. Plex's own blog says remote playback of personal media libraries is no longer offered as a free feature, and that you'll need a Plex Pass or its newer Remote Watch Pass to stream your own media remotely. The requirement has since been extended to more apps and platforms.
If you only watch at home, that may not affect you at all. If you stream on the go, it's worth comparing how each alternative handles remote access before you move your library.
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What to check in a Plex alternative
- Remote access: can you watch away from home, and how is it set up?
- Apps: is there an app for your TV, streaming stick and phone?
- Transcoding: can your server convert files on the fly for slower devices?
- Accounts: do you need an online account, or does it run locally?
- Metadata: does it fetch posters and descriptions automatically?
How to move your media library
- Keep your files where they are, organised by film, show and season.
- Install the new server and point it at your folders.
- Let it scan and fetch posters and details.
- Install the app on each TV and device you use.
- Test playback at home and away before you turn off the old server.
Media server mistakes to avoid
- Messy file names. The server can't match what it can't read.
- No backup of your library. Hard drives fail.
- Opening ports carelessly. Follow the server's secure remote setup.
- Underpowered hardware. Check transcoding needs first.
If you also want entertainment offline, my list of no-internet games for Android and PC has plenty to try.
Do you make media servers? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Plex alternatives
Keep your files tidy and you'll never be locked in. Any of these servers can read a well-organised folder of films and shows, so the switch is mostly about apps, not data.
And test remote playback before you commit. It's the feature people care about most once they're away from home, and it's where setups differ the most.
Frequently asked questions
What can replace Plex?
Open-source media servers and player apps can stream your own media to TVs and phones.
Is there a free Plex alternative?
Yes. Some media servers are completely free and open source.
Can I watch my media away from home?
Most servers support remote access, though setup varies.
Do I need an account?
Some servers run locally without an online account.
What's transcoding?
It converts a video on the fly so it plays smoothly on a slower device or connection.
Can I stream music as well as video?
Yes. Some servers handle music, and dedicated music servers focus on it.
Will my smart TV work?
Check for an app on your TV, or use a DLNA server that TVs can read directly.
Do I need a powerful computer?
Basic streaming runs on modest hardware. Transcoding several streams needs more power.
Can family members use it?
Most servers support several user profiles.
How do I organise my files?
Use clear folders and names for films, shows and seasons so the server can match them.
Can I record live TV?
Some servers and DVR tools record live TV with a tuner.
Is a media server legal?
Streaming media you own is fine. Only use content you have the rights to.
