One of Plex’s highlights is that it can transcode video files to lower resolutions or bitrates, ensuring playback even when the internet is slow. However, all that comes at a cost. While the basic version of Plex is free and allows streaming on non-mobile devices like smart TVs and PCs, those looking for extra features have to pay $4.99 per month. The yearly subscription and a Plex lifetime pass cost you $39.99 and $119.99, respectively. Besides the fact that the platform has been through data breaches in the past, you might want to consider some of the best Plex alternatives in 2025. So, without wasting further time, let’s get going. Shall we?
1. Jellyfin – Your go-to open-source Plex alternative
The first media server that comes to our mind is Jellyfin. It is one of the best free open-source Plex alternatives that is loved by many. One of the nice things about Jellyfin is that it can get metadata of your favorite content from multiple sources. Besides, it provides you with some neat features like auto-subtitle, library organization, etc. Thanks to Jellyfinn’s remote play syncing feature, you always have the option to enjoy your favorite content with your family or friends across multiple places. It is one of, if not the best free media servers that also has a web panel and apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS. Moreover, you can also add free plugins to elevate your content consumption experience. Download Jellyfin Also read: 18 Best Free Apps for Android TV in 2025 (Google TV)
2. Emby – One of the best paid-for Plex alternative
If you are eyeing a Plex alternative similar to Jellyfin, Emby is worth checking out. Talking of features, Emby offers transcoding, Live TV, intro skipping, cinema intros, HDR tone mapping, lyrics display for music, and more. Additionally, you can also access Emby from wherever you’d like, after you’ve configured it. Not to mention, Emby also comes with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) support. It also has a dedicated app compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. While the Emby media server is free for streaming and watching content, most of the handy features are hidden behind a subscription fee that costs $4.99 per month and $54 per year. Moreover, you also have the option to get a lifetime pass by paying $119, just like Plex. Download Emby Also read: 13 Best and Free Games to Play on your Android TV [2025]
3. Kodi – A versatile web media player that is just as good as Plex
Kodi, once designed for the Xbox game consoles, is now rated as one of the top alternatives to Plex. Although the services you get from Kodi are similar to those of Plex, it works differently for the most part. It is a free multi-platform open-source web-based media player, unlike Plex. Meaning, you can watch content directly on the device you’ve installed it on. As with most of the free and pay-for Plex alternatives listed here, Kodi also supports multimedia formats. Plus, it has some great features including audio visualizations, slideshows, playlists, and more. What’s more interesting is that you can always expand on these features by adding free plugins. Download Kodi
4. Universal Media Server
Next on our list of the best Plex alternatives for 2025, we have the Universal Media Server. It is an easy-to-install, highly configurable, and free open-source universal plug-and-play (UPnP) media server. You can easily stream your favorite content directly to any DLNA-compatible device like smart TVs, smartphones, and Blu-ray players. Some of the useful features of the Universal Media Server include media transcoding, support for IPTV and Chromecast, and more. It is also a great alternative to Plex which comes with automatic bitrate adjustment and even has a web interface for easy management of your content. The Universal Media Server has a dedicated app for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Docker. Since UMS is designed to run on PCs acting as a server, you can’t directly install it on Android and iOS. However, you can still use UMS on Android and iOS by installing a playback app that can connect to DLNA/UPnP. Download Universal Media Server Also read: 11 Best Streaming Services for Local Channels (2025)
5. Stremio – A Plex alternative that recommends content that you may like
Like all other listed alternatives, you can stream your favorite TV shows, movies, or music across multiple devices. Plus, Stremio is compatible across various operating systems like Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and macOS. If you feel the existing features aren’t enough, you always have tons of add-ons to choose from to boost them even further. Not to forget, content recommendation is one of the highlights of Stremio. It simply analyzes your viewing habits and preferences to recommend what you might like. Moreover, it allows you to remotely control media playback using compatible devices, such as a smartphone. Download Stremio Also read: FreeCast Free Channels – The Complete Channel List That’s all we have for you in this guide of the five best Plex alternatives for 2025. While all the above options are equally good, your choice should come down to the pros and cons of each of them. So, ultimately it’s up to you. We’d be glad to know which one you preferred the most. You can comment down your favorite media server below and share this piece with someone who is looking to replace Plex with something more cost-effective. Also Check:
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