Media center software is gaining popularity as the day breaks. This is because they offer an array of features that combines media streaming services and client-server media services. Plex, launched in 2008 by Plex Incorporated, is one of the popular media center software where you can organize and consume media content. This has made Plex one of the most reviewed software among videophiles. Let’s know more about Plex Reviews.
Plex renders both client-server media services and media streaming services. This means that you can stream live TV and movies from free channels and also import your local videos into the system and access them from any device. Thereby, creating your movie streaming service. Plex does not use set-up boxes or pieces of hardware to plug into your TV or any other device. It is software you have to install on your device.
There are over 250+ channels to watch live TV and over 40,000+ on-demand titles to choose from. The good news is that it works worldwide and is compatible with many operating systems.
So, in this Plex review, we shall be sharing with you how Plex works, what devices it supports, its features, and payment plans.
How does Plex work?
Plex work as a dual media server. It serves your media content from the internet and TV (which are not locally stored on your device) and it serves your media content from your device. Accessing and streaming movies and live TV is free on the Plex: Movies and TV app. But you will need a paid plan to access music tracks.
On the other hand, you can set up one of your devices (preferably, a PC or Mac for easy use) where all your media content is stored as your media server. All you have to do is download the Plex Media Server on your preferred server device. Link Plex to the media files where they are stored on the computer or import them into the app.
After the configuration is done, you can have access to your media content from any device using your and having your computer run as the server that serves you local movies-on-demand.
Supported Devices
Plex can be installed and used as a media streaming hub on a range of devices which includes devices or TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, Chromecast, and devices running the Android OS.
As a client-server software, Plex is also compatible with the following computer OS:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- FreeBSD
Plex also supports network-attached storage to run as a server. This network-attached storage includes the following:
- unRAID
- Western digital
- Western digital (OS 3)
- ASUSTOR
- Drobo
- FreeNAS
- Netgear
- QNAP
- Seagate
- Synology
- Synology (DSM 7)
- TerraMaster
- Thecus
- Docker
Plex features
- Simultaneous streaming
Plex lets multiple devices stream local media content simultaneously from a client-server. It also lets multiple streaming for live TV and channels.
- Streaming Quality
Plex offers streaming quality even for the free plan is decent. On Plex, streaming quality ranges from 20 Mbps up to 4k which depends on your plan.
- Parental Control
You can lock certain channels and/or movies including local media content in your server. Plex also lets you create a separate user profile for kids using preset profiles that limits the availability of certain TV shows, movies, and local content to kids.
- Media Features
Plex offers automatic lyrics from LyricFind, visualizers, Hi-Fi sound quality, artwork, sweet fades, artist bios, loudness leveling, etc for music. Plex can also auto-tag your photos and provide location information. Plus, it can analyze shows to detect intro segments and offer to skip show intros to save you time.
Subscription Plans
Plex offers 4 plans to choose from. And they are the Plex free plan, Plex pass, Plex premium, and Tidal HiFi + Plex Pass.
Plex free plan
The Plex free plan is comfortable for most people who are beginners. It offers the same number of movies and TV shows (14,000+), and the same number of live channels (80+) as other paid plans. With access to live streaming and original content.
The downsides are no ability for offline downloads, no support for music tracks, and streaming is only up to 20 Mbps.
Plex pass
The Plex pass has a $5 recurring monthly subscription with a 30-days trial. It has the same number of movies, channels, and live TV shows as the rest of the plans. It has all the features found in the Plex free plan plus you get an offline download feature and 4k streaming quality except for music streaming.
Plex premium
The Plex premium goes for a $10 recurring monthly subscription with a 30-days trial. It has all the features listed in the Plex pass but what sets the Plex premium apart is the availability of over 60 million tracks to stream.
Tidal HiFi + Plex Pass
The Tidal HiFi + Plex Pass is the highest tier with a $20 per month recurring subscription and a 30-days trial. This plan offers Hi-Fi sound quality to music through the Tidal music platform plus all the features listed on the Plex premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Plex free?
Plex offers a free plan which has the important features and will let you stream media content from the internet and also host your local content on your server.
- Is Plex any good?
Plex is one of the best media content hubs on the market that has vast support for multiple devices and network-attached storage.
- Can you watch free movies on Plex?
Plex has an ad-supported streaming service that lets you watch free movies and TV shows on Plex.
Conclusion
Plex is a great media platform when it comes to streaming free movies, and TV shows, and having free channels to watch from. Through its client-server service, you can start your streaming service for your family and/or friends. The downside is the unavailability of paid streaming services. But in general, it makes up for a great free media hub.
