Plex is one of the best Media servers to store pictures, videos, and music on smartphones or PCs. Even though there are many video and music streaming apps available, these Media server apps are here. The media server apps can easily manage files, and you can create your own Netflix with the help of the customization tool. To create your library and organize it well.
All Plex users can only play online content from the media server, as it has multiple streaming portals and services like Netflix and YouTube. Plex has a free version but does not support all the features.
The paid version gives parenting controls, DVR and live TV, and mobile sync access. However, this app is not for everyone, so the best alternatives to Plex are here. Check out the Plex Alternatives list below if you want easy streaming media.
List of Best Plex Alternatives in 2024
Many media server apps are available in the market, but not all are good. Furthermore, all the apps do not provide helpful content and management. So, to eliminate all such problems, here are the best Plex Alternatives you can use.
1. Kodi
Kodi, also known as XBMC, is a free software solution, entertainment center, and media player. It is one of the best Plex alternatives, as it can be a digital media source for home theatre computers.
This software media solution offers highly compatible hardware platforms and operating systems. It offers vital elements like organizing media content easily through a UI that supports audio, video, and picture formats. One of the best things about this software is that it is a free app.
It has neat artwork and different categories. You can create a library of your favorite movie collection, which looks great in a separate section. There is a personal slideshow that gives fun to share your photos.
Available on Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Xbox, and more.
2. Universal Media Player
Universal Media Player is the best alternative to Plex. Although it does not have an elegant interface, it offers many great features and allows users to manage media efficiently.
It has a powerful transcoder and supports many different media formats. So, with this app, you don’t need to worry about which media formats you have. It will allow you to do whatever you need.
Available on platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS Devices
3. Emby
Emby is a simple software with great flexibility to keep all the media as well organized as you keep in Plex. You don’t need to keep your media in the right order, as an auto-organization function is available. In addition, it automatically converts the media in real time so you can easily stream it on any device.
It has a tremendously neat and clean interface that allows you to quickly navigate and access your files. In addition, the user can easily stream live TV without any internet issues. Like Plex, this software also offers a handy parental control feature to control content.
As usual, the free trial doesn’t give access to all the features, so you need to get the Premium version for $4.99/ month and get all the features.
Available on Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Web, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and NAS Devices.
4. Media Portal
Media Portal is an entertainment hub that handles media and monitors the entire library. It has many great media organizing tools. Just like Plex, it also allows you to deal with different files. Regarding streaming, the Media Portal is compatible with many different media formats. There won’t be any buffering while streaming.
Available on Platforms: Windows, Android, Web
5. Windows Media Services
Windows Media Services is the best option for Windows users. With this, you can comfortably create streaming media and manage your files with valuable tools.
It supports only a few formats like Windows Media, JPEG, and MP3. Windows Media Services has a clean User Interface and also has great compatibility. Even though it doesn’t have high-end features, you can easily use it. To use it, you need to download and install it with Windows.
Available on Platforms: Windows
6. Streama
With the help of Streama, one can have their personal Netflix. It has an excellent user interface and is very easy to use. As per your choice, you can organize the files. Episode Browser helps you to keep your episodes tab and access them easily. You can see all the recently watched movies and start watching from where you left off.
Available on Platforms: Windows, Linux, and Android
7. OSMC
If you want a free and open-source media server app, OSMC is the one. The app’s modern look grabs everyone’s attention. Moreover, one can easily create a media server with OSMC and export the files.
You can quickly access your media using FTP, SMB, or UPnP protocol. One thing that makes this app unique is its App Store inside, where you can download plenty of music and TV services.
Available on Platforms: Vero, Raspberry Pi, Apple TV
8. Serviio
Serviio is among the best Plex alternatives and is quite popular among users. The app is great if you want to have one app with perfectly organized media to stream. Users can easily stream all media files, including music, movies, images, etc., on their supported TV, Bluray player, games console, and smartphones.
On top of that, the app also comes with the support of Alexa, so you can use a voice assistant with this app. In addition, Serviio provides you with streaming content from various apps at an affordable price. It is also compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and NAS Devices. Overall, the app is just great and it comes free and offers a subscription for more features.
9. Stremio
Next up is Stremio, which, to put it simply, is just a more fun version of Plex. The app has gained a lot of popularity over the years and is an excellent alternative to Plex. It is simple and easy to use and organizes content from popular streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc.
It is an open-source media server that brings content from various streaming providers to a single, easy-to-use platform. When you build a library on your computer, the program also considers all your video clips, displays, and movies.
On top of that, this service also comes with an integrated calendar that helps you keep track of new releases and new movies. It works great on all the major operating systems, such as iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.
10. TVersity
Like its fancy name, TVersity brings many fancy features to your streaming experience. First, it lets users stream their PC content to different devices using DNLA/UPnP technology. Then, the app also transcodes all the corresponding files in real time. This means that picture, song, and video indexing is automatic and always up to date.
With this app, you can play any content on any supported device. Also, this app is way better than Plex regarding effectiveness. It allows users to integrate plugins with external media sources. The app works seamlessly on Windows, iOS, Android, Xbox 260, Roku, Chromecast, etc.
11. Jellyfin
Jellyfin is also an excellent Plex alternative, allowing you to seamlessly collect, manage, and stream your media. With this media software, you can control media while streaming content from any device from your server. Providing users with this level of control, this app is an ideal media server.
Users can easily collect, manage, and stream their favorite music, movies, Live TV, TV shows, and DVR. The app lets you stream media from your PC’s browser and seamlessly works with Android, iOS, Roku, FireTV, Chromecast, etc. There is no provision for tracking with this software and as a result, you get open and transparent software. Also, the software is free to use and has no hidden costs.
12. Ampache
Next up is Ampache, which is not ideally an alternative to Plex but still has many cool features. Ampache is simply a web-based audio streaming service and a file manager that allows you to easily access your music on any device with the internet at any time and place.
It offers support for MPD and the great thing about Ampache is that it is free and open-source, unlike many other apps on the list. This app is a must for users who are really into music and have particular tastes. It works seamlessly with macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS.
13. Vidics
Vidics is the perfect media server for all the people who have a hard time finding ideal content that they can watch. The site lists tons of fun movies and stuff you can stream and the categories and genres are more than enough for any hardcore fan. Then, there is a separate column for the latest pop culture news related to movies and celebrities.
With a few simple steps, you can start streaming your favorite movies & TV shows on Vidics. The site is free to use, so you will not have any problems. Vidics is a well-kept secret in the community and you can fully utilize it.
14. Popcorn Time
If you are looking for a free alternative to subscription-based services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Plex, Popcorn Time is one of the best platforms. This platform uses sequential downloading from several torrent sites to stream a video; the app mostly works great. The only catch is that this app is banned in many regions, so you might have to use a VPN to bypass the geographical restrictions.
