Yúbal Fernández
WriterTech journalist with over eight years of experience. I specialize in mobile devices, PCs and consumer tech, as well as software and apps. Head of Xataka Basics, where everyone can find complex tech topics explained in an easy and accessible manner.
In this post, we’ll explain the main differences between Plex and Emby, two of the leading media platforms for setting up your own streaming service at home. These media servers allow you to watch content stored on one device. For instance, you could watch a video saved on your PC via your TV.
Plex has been the dominant player in this area for many years. However, other interesting alternatives, such as Emby, are available. In case you’re interested, we’ve also compared Plex vs Jellyfin.
Main Plex and Emby Features
|
|
PLEX |
EMBY |
|
MOBILE APP |
Yes (includes paid features) |
Yes (includes paid features) |
|
WEBSITE |
Yes |
Yes |
|
SOFTWARE-BASED TRANSCODING |
Yes |
Yes |
|
HARDWARE-BASED TRANSCODING |
Paid feature |
Paid feature |
|
ONLINE STREAMING |
Yes |
Yes |
|
USER PROFILES |
Yes |
Yes |
|
SKIP INTRO/CREDITS |
Paid feature |
Paid feature |
|
WIDEBAND CONTROLLER |
Paid feature |
Paid feature |
|
BULK MODIFICATION |
Paid feature |
Yes |
|
OFFLINE DOWNLOADS |
Paid feature |
Paid feature |
|
LIVE TV |
Yes |
Yes |
|
DVR |
Paid feature |
Paid feature |
|
CONTENT SUGGESTIONS |
Yes |
Yes |
|
FREE MOVIES WITH ADS |
Yes |
No |
|
MUSIC APP |
Yes (includes paid features) |
Included in the Emby app |
|
LYRICS |
Paid feature |
Yes |
|
APPS |
Proprietary apps: Android, iOS, Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, WebOS, Tizen, Apple TV, Portal |
Proprietary apps: Android, iOS, Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, Android Auto / CarPlay |
|
PRICE |
Free plan Monthly plan for $6.99 Annual plan for $69.99 Lifetime plan for $249.99 |
Free plan Monthly plan for $4.99 Annual plan for $54 Lifetime plan for $119 |
Two Similar Concepts
Plex and Emby share similar concepts. Both services offer a free platform along with paid features. Notably, Jellyfin was developed when Emby went closed source and transitioned into a private company offering a subscription model.
Both platforms are quite comparable in terms of features. They provide a good selection of proprietary apps developed by third parties, allowing users to access content almost anywhere. Additionally, both have server apps that can be installed on computers and NAS devices.
The above table shows very few differences between Plex and Emby. Their free and paid versions offer comparable functionalities, with only minor distinctions. For instance, Emby offers bulk modification and lyric support for free, while these are paid features for Plex users.
Meanwhile, Plex boasts some unique paid features. These include a limited selection of free ad-supported TV channels and a separate app for music streaming from your uploaded server content. In contrast, Emby integrates music streaming directly into its main app.
The paid versions of both Emby and Plex have similar pricing for their monthly and annual subscriptions. While there is a small difference in the lifetime fee, it’s not significant, especially when considering that paying once for lifetime access is often the best option.
Emby offers more customized features, allowing users to make detailed edits at the server level for several aspects of their files. In contrast, Plex operates more at the folder level. However, Plex is more widely recognized and used, which may enhance the quality of support available. Both platforms have active troubleshooting communities, but Plex’s community may be a bit better.
Image | Kelly Sikkema
Related | Google TV vs. Chromecast: Which Streaming Service Is the Best Fit for You?
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