13 Best Plex Alternatives & Similar Media Servers

by Hashir Zuniga

Best Plex Alternatives

We are living in an era where multimedia content is popular. Some Plex alternatives below will help you to manage your entertainment collections and access all of them anywhere.

Generally, the presence of an entertainment center is to store all your collections, such as music, videos, pictures, and many more. Later, you can access those things effortlessly, whether from desktops or smartphones.

Plex, on the other hand, is one of the most popular solutions. It comes with a series of features and controls that allows users to customize their entertainment effortlessly.

This platform comes with both free and paid versions. While the free option allows you to enjoy basic features, you can have lots of controls along with mobile sync by using the paid one.

Thus, if you are looking for the best Plex alternative then you should take a look at the list below. You will find both free and paid options.

Best Plex Alternatives for Your Entertainment Center

More than anything, Plex has delivered excellent work when it comes to organizing your entertainment files. Everything is well-arranged so that you can find what you need effortlessly.

Other than that, this platform features a straightforward and intuitive UI design. This is why everyone can use this platform – there is no need to master a specific skill in the first place.

It also means that the alternative to Plex should be able to offer similar features in the first place. Other than the ability to stream your media content, the platform should also provide access to cast your content to a TV – especially Smart TVs.

The ability to stream video should also be part of the priority. Some options like Netflix and YouTube might offer more possibilities as well as wider choices. However, if you are more into something unique and simpler without including streaming links like those two, you should consider the names on the list below.

It might be a bit overwhelming to decide on the perfect one, considering lots of options are out there. Thus, below is a list of curated apps that offer similar features to Plex in the first place.

1. Serviio

Serviio

Is there an alternative to the Plex entertainment center? Of course, it is – and Serviio is considered one of the best names on the market. By using this platform, you will get all entertainment files organized in one place.

Just like Plex, this app also allows you to stream various media files, such as videos, music, and images if needed. Once you link your devices, you can access those files on games consoles, Bluray players, TV, and smartphones for sure.

One of its exciting features is that you can enjoy AI assistants to stream the content you want. Other than delivering outstanding features, Serviio is such a value-for-money choice. By signing up for the paid version, you can access your content anytime and anywhere.

Serviio is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and NAS for USD 25 – it is a lifetime membership, after all.

2. KODI

KODI

Not many apps like Plex for Firestick are available on the market. However, KODI can give what everyone wants without putting any limitations on the device in the first place.

This platform is an open-source media center that you can use on almost any device. Whether you are looking for a handy choice for home theater or your desktop, this app might serve the best service.

By using KODI, you can access your media content through its catchy UI design while keeping everything organized in one place. This platform is also a one-stop place that delivers an excellent media center function.

You can play almost any video and audio format effortlessly. In case you want something more personalized, you can purchase add-ons through the platform.

KODI, on the other hand, is compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, Raspberry Pi, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Feel free to give it a shot!

3. Emby

Emby

Are there apps like Plex for Apple TV on the market? Yes, there are many options you can take a look at. Emby is one of those apps you should consider in the first place.

It comes with a pack of features that allow you to enjoy entertainment across devices effortlessly. The app also allows you to convert formats without dealing with any issues.

Other than that, Emby comes with a parental control function. By that, you can control what your kids can access and get notified when something significant occurs.

This app comes with a free option but you can only access those sophisticated features by going premium, starting at USD 4.99 per month. Emby is compatible with almost any operating system.

4. Stremio

Stremio

Stremio is one of the best apps like Plex for iOS you can find on the market. Other than for iOS, it is also available on Android for free. Besides organizing content neatly, this platform also arranges other streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and many more.

This platform is not necessarily a free option. However, compared to other names on the list, this app offers a more affordable pricing plan. You can access this app from almost any operating system seamlessly.

Even though you need to pay for subscriptions, you can enjoy the free services through your smartphones by downloading the app from Play Store or App Store. All in all, Stremio is a worthwhile entertainment center in many ways.

5. MediaGoblin

MediaGoblin

Plex might have come and provided lots of useful features for its users. However, if you are looking for decent other apps like Plex that offer more exciting things, you can go with MediaGoblin.

This platform also allows you to share files and other entertainment content easily across devices. It supports almost any type of file, from audio files to ASCII-art. Even though you can share and store lots of things on this platform, the UI design is intuitive and catchy.

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Besides supporting various file types, MediaGoblin is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. You should give it a try before deciding on a specific app in the first place.

6. Media Portal

Media Portal

Talking about any other apps like Plex on the market, you should also take a look at Media Portal. This platform has a series of features that you would love in the first place.

It serves as a versatile platform that organizes your collections. By that, you can access your favorite content in one place without dealing with any mess in the first place.

Media Portal is quite excellent in handling various media formats. Thus, you will find this tool highly useful in many ways, especially if all you need is a seamless place to access your entertainment spot across devices.

This platform is accessible through Android and Windows. If you run a different OS then you can access Media Portal through browsers.

7. TVersity

TVersity

Are there any other apps like Plex compatible with Roku and Chromecast? Well, TVersity is a platform you should take a look at.

As you know, most entertainment center apps are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. There is almost nothing compatible with other operating systems that also deliver excellent work.

However, TVersity is a different breed. This platform allows you to use it in almost any operating system, including Roku, Xbox, and Chromecast.

You can enjoy its free services but some limitations may apply. Thus, you better subscribe to its premium plan and find exciting offers from this platform.

8. Streama

Streama

Streama is one of those same apps like Plex you can find on the market that delivers excellent work. The interface is similar to mainstream streaming platforms, such as Netflix.

Through this platform, you can browse and play your collections seamlessly. Other than that, all files are organized neatly, according to the file types.

You have better freedom by using this app. One of the most exciting features of this app is its “Episode Browser” tab. This spot allows you to maintain your history of watching series based on the episodes.

All in all, Streama is such an excellent choice for those who want seamless access to collections of entertainment content on their desktop. Also, you can access this app on your Android phone.

9. Jellyfin

Jellyfin

Generally, it is quite difficult to find a free Plex alternative that offers advanced features. Some free alternatives come with obsolete interface designs and basic features. Still, you can try the free trial before committing to paid plans, after all.

Another app you should consider is Jellyfin, especially if you are looking for an app that is compatible with almost any operating system available nowadays. Other than playing music, movies, and accessing Live TV, you can use this app for free.

There is no hidden cost at all since this app is licensed under the GNU GPL. You better give this app a try and find out how a free platform could provide lots of interesting features and catchy UI design.

10. Mezzmo

Mezzmo

Initially, Mezzmo was a paid app only for Windows devices. Today, you can enjoy the services from this platform for free – paid plans are available too.

If you upgrade your subscription to a pro one, you can access it through browsers and enjoy tons of advanced features. This app is also available on the Play Store which requires a subscription if you plan to use it frequently.

Mezzmo’s Android app serves as a remote tool, after all. All in all, this one is one of those apps like Plex that you can rely on.

11. OSMC

OSMC

For those who prefer an open-sourced app, OSMC is a place you should head to. This platform comes up with a catchy yet modern UI design.

You can transfer and export files seamlessly to the platform. Since it utilizes several protocols, such as UPnP, SMB, and FTP, this platform will be one of the best platforms to replace Plex on your device.

OSMC allows you to stream shows and music as well as download them to your hard drive. However, this app is only available on Apple TV, Raspberry Pi, and Vero.

12. Universal Media Server

Universal Media Server

When it comes to the apps like Plex for Roku, there might not be a lot of options available on the market. However, Universal Media Server is one of the best platforms you should take a look at.

Even though this app might only run on Windows, Linux, and Mac, you can connect it to Roku seamlessly. Generally, this platform is one of the oldest apps on the market – since 2012. Being in the industry for a decade is proof that users love this platform so much.

The best part is that you can enjoy the features for free! However, many users reported that the interface was quite ugly, dull, and obsolete. Still, you better give this platform a try – it’s free, after all.

13. JRiver Media Center

JRiver Media Center

JRiver Media Center is not just any apps like Plex. It comes with a bunch of features and useful functions for those who want to arrange the media files in one place.

This platform has an exclusive Wiki page and a huge community. Thus, in case you encounter any issue, it will be much easier to solve it.

However, there is a price to pay for such features. If you are not sure yet, the free trial is always a good place to start. JRiver Media Center is available for both Windows and Mac.

Conclusion

There are plenty of options when it comes to the entertainment center. It also means that you can pick one of those names on the market that suit your style in the first place.

Each platform may offer a few different features even though the basics are the same old. This is why you better consider each option thoroughly before jumping to a conclusion.

After reading some short reviews above, you might have an idea about a platform that will accommodate your needs in the first place. Make sure that your choice is the right one and you better use its free trial before committing to its paid version.

So, which Plex alternatives do you find irresistible the most? Have you tried all apps and sites on the list?

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