Suppose you’re looking for the best Plex alternatives to use for your media streaming. But somehow, you find it difficult to know which one to use due to different numbers of options online. Well, there’s nothing to worry about because here is an article that’ll give you insights. Whether you want to use them on your Windows, macOS, Android or iOS devices. From the options listed in this article, you’ll surely find the perfect one to use.
Plex is a very popular media server you can use for organizing your media content. Most people see it as a movie streaming app like Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video or even Hulu. For some reason, it’s quite different and it offers some more functionality. Using Plex, you’ll be able to create your own personal Netflix by having all your movies and TV shows organized in one place. A lot of people would prefer using Plex but there are a few limitations for free access.
Well, the great news is that there are a lot of alternatives you could really consider. In this article on Naijaknowhow, we’ve made a list of the best Plex alternatives that work as a media server and also let you stream content without hassles. Some of these platforms are open-source and they make real sense, you’d find paid ones as well. Depending on your preference, you’ll surely find the perfect one to use on your smartphones or PCs.
Best Plex Alternatives for Media Streaming
Most people often look for an alternative to Plex because of customization, some actually want more functionality. The fact that the free version comes with a few limitations, the options below offer more. If you want to use your Android or iOS device, you can get the right apps from Google Play Store or Apple Store. In addition to using media servers like Plex, you can also try live TV apps like Pluto TV, Sling TV and so on. With that being said, let’s explore the best Plex alternatives for media streaming below.
1. Emby
Emby is one of the best Plex alternatives you can use as a media server, it comes with a lot of features. This media server will give you full control and customization, it is one of the best out there. With Emby, you can organize and stream different types of media. From movies, TV shows, music and photos, Emby supports all. One of the reasons why you’ll love Emby is that it has a simple interface and also makes it easier to customize interface.
Furthermore, Emby offers robust media management tools that simplify the curation of your content. It supports multiple user profiles, making it perfect for families. Emby also boasts live TV and DVR capabilities, transcoding support, and an intuitive user interface. Moreover, Emby supports offline access, allowing you to download your media for viewing without an internet connection. Also, it supports cloud sysincing of your library to other devices.
2. Stremio
Next on the list is Stremio and it is a media server that gives users the freedom to stream. One of the reasons why you’ll like it is due to it’s ease of use and cross-platform compatibility. It’s a media center platform designed to help you organize your media content and access various streaming services. Stremio offers a user-friendly interface that grants you access to an extensive range of streaming sources, including movies, TV shows, and even live TV.
Another reason why you’ll love Stremio is that it supports different add-ons, these add-ons enhance the functionality of Stremio. If you’re looking for a media server that provides a hassle-free experience, you should consider using this medi server. Besides, Stremio also excels in mobile synchronization, allowing you to pick up where you left off on any device. Everything about the Stremio media server is free and simple to use.
3. Kodi
Kodi is a very popular media center that has been changing the phase of media streaming. Even before the likes of Plex became very popular, Kodi has been making names on the internet and it is loaded with a lot of features. What made Kodi very popular is its open-source nature and robust customization option. It’s all about offering a wealth of add-ons and extensive customization options. There’s a lot you can use Kodi for order than just entertainment purpose.
Kodi allows you to efficiently organize and play your media files. Its vast library of add-ons provides access to countless streaming sources. The best part is, Kodi is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your unique preferences. It’s compatible with various operating systems and devices, making it an all-in-one solution for media streaming and management. Additionally, Kodi supports third-party plugins, expanding its features exponentially.
4. Jellyfin
Another media server on the list is Jellyfin and it one of the best open-source media server software. If you’re looking for one of the best Plex alternatives for media streaming, you should really consider Jellyfin because it makes a lot of sense. One of the cool features of Jellyfin is that it focuses on privacy and anonymity. Besides, it is compatible with a lot of devices, which makes it very easy to stream. The platform is very fast and you’ll get a stable experience on it.
When it comes to what you can stream on Jellyfin, it allows you to play movies, music, TV shows, Live TV and DVR and more cool features. In addition, Jellyfin offers an ad-free experience and offline functionality. Jellyfin is easy to use. It provides a user-friendly web-based interface for accessing your media. Furthermore, Jellyfin supports real-time transcoding, ensuring seamless playback on various devices. Lastly, you can use Jellyfin to organize your books, making it work more like an audiobook player.
5. Serviio
When looking for one of the best Plex alternatives, you should also consider using Serviio and it makes sense. If you want to turn your mobile devices, gaming consoles, and smart TVs into something else, Serviio is your go-to option. Using Servioo, you’ll be able to access audio, video and photos smoothly an it supports both HD and SD formats. Another cool feature is that you can stream content from different sources online without hassles.
In addition, Serviio supports RAW camera images, subtitles and a lot more. Similar to the likes of Kodi and Stremio, Serviio also allows you to use plugins. Furthermore, you can customize the interface to the exact look that you want. Also, this media server even supports metadata fetching, enriching your media library with details like cover art and descriptions. With a smooth interface and support for different media formats, Serviio is an excellent alternative to Plex.
6. Universal Media Server
As the name says, you should easily understand what it can do and the features it offers. Universal Media Server is a free DLNA, UPnP and HTTP/S Media Server. It is available on different platforms like Android and even Windows. In fact it is one of the best DLNA streaming apps and also a great alternative to Plex. Using Universal Media Server comes free and it interface is quite simple to navigate. Moreover, you can also play different media formats on it.
Universal Media Server offers easy setup process and it also offers real-time transcoding. Aside from using it with your phones or PC, it also supports popular gaming consoles like PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. If you prioritize compatibility and ease of use, Universal Media Server is the perfect choice. It also supports web-based management, allowing you to control your media server from any browser.
7. MediaPortal
MediaPortal is one of the best Stremio alternatives you can use, it can play videos DVDs and BRDs without any issues. One of the notable features is that it’ll let you watch videos and at the same time record them. If you’re using on Windows, you don’t need any screen recorder software because it comes with a built-in one. Another cool feature of MediaPortal is that it gives users the flexibility to customize the interface thanks to different skins and all.
MediaPortal also comes with different features, you can check weather, news and more using MediaPortal. This is a media server that offers top solution towards organizing media content across different devices. It supports various plugins, giving you access to an extensive range of streaming sources. In addition, users can access this media server directly from the web, it is accessbile on Chrome, Firefox and other lightweight browsers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the best Plex alternatives that acts a media server for all entertainment needs. Whether you want to organize your videos, music or photos better, these media players work well. One of the cool things about them is that you don’t need any technical experience to set them up. Besides, there are different YouTube channels where you’ll find tutorials on how to set up media servers on different platforms.
