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 Jellyfin, two popular media servers that allow you to stream content from one device to another. With these platforms, you can watch videos or listen to music stored on your computer through your TV, effectively creating your own home version of Netflix.
Plex is the more established option in this field, having been a leader for many years. While it offers a free version, some features require payment. On the other hand, Jellyfin is an open source alternative developed collaboratively, with no single company behind it.
Overall, Plex is more polished and has more appealing features because it offers subscriptions and is backed by a company that invests in its development. In contrast, Jellyfin provides many functionalities for free that Plex charges for. Although Jellyfin may not be as refined, both platforms perform similarly.
In case you’re interested, we’ve also compared Plex vs Emby.
Main Plex and Jellyfin Features
|
|
PLEX |
JELLYFIN |
|
MOBILE APP |
Yes (includes paid features) |
Yes |
|
WEBSITE |
Yes |
Yes |
|
SOFTWARE-BASED TRANSCODING |
Yes |
Yes |
|
HARDWARE-BASED TRANSCODING |
Paid feature |
Yes |
|
HDR |
Paid feature |
Yes |
|
ONLINE STREAMING |
Yes |
Yes (requires setup) |
|
USER PROFILES |
Yes |
Yes |
|
SKIP INTRO/CREDITS |
Paid feature |
Yes (requires plugin) |
|
WIDEBAND CONTROLLER |
Paid feature |
Yes |
|
BULK MODIFICATION |
Paid feature |
Yes |
|
OFFLINE DOWNLOADS |
Paid feature |
Yes |
|
LIVE TV |
Yes |
Yes (via M3U) |
|
DVR |
Paid feature |
Yes |
|
CONTENT SUGGESTIONS |
Yes |
No |
|
FREE MOVIES WITH ADS |
Yes |
No |
|
MUSIC APP |
Yes (includes paid features) |
Yes (under development) |
|
LYRICS |
Paid feature |
No |
|
APPS |
Proprietary apps: Android, iOS, Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, WebOS, Tizen, Apple TV, Portal |
Third-party apps: Android, iOS, Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, WebOS, Apple TV |
|
PRICE |
Free plan Monthly plan for $6.99 Annual plan for $69.99 Lifetime plan for $249.99 |
Free |
Two Different Concepts
Plex
The comparison table above illustrates two similar products with different underlying concepts. Plex is backed by a company, while Jellyfin is a community-driven project that operates as a free open source option.
As such, Plex is more visually appealing and polished. However, some of its features require payment. The subscription costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Alternatively, if you prefer a long-term solution, you can make a one-time payment of $249.99 for lifetime access.
Jellyfin
In contrast, Jellyfin provides a broader range of features at no cost. Due to its limited development resources, it lacks some specific functions. However, these missing features don’t detract from its primary purpose.
In the end, both services allow you to watch content from a computer or server on your TV for free. Plex offers paid features that enhance the experience similar to Netflix, such as remote access from different devices and the ability to download content for offline viewing. However, you can easily use its basic functionalities without any cost.
In terms of speed, both services are quite fast. However, Jellyfin may perform slightly better on older devices because it has fewer features.
Another key difference lies in the apps available for each service. Plex has a wide range of proprietary apps, while Jellyfin primarily relies on third-party apps. This can lead to varying user experiences because the quality depends on individual developers. In contrast, Plex provides a more consistent and unified experience across its apps.
Which Home Media Server Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing platform, you should consider Plex. Although some extra features are available for a free, the cost remains fairly low.
On the other hand, if you prefer a completely free solution and don’t mind experimenting with different types of apps, Jellyfin is a great choice. Over time, you’ll find that it offers superior free features compared to other options.
Image | Glenn Carstens-Peters
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