Software · head to head
Jellyfin vs Plex
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Jellyfin jellyfin is free open source software under the GNU GPL with no paid tier or vendor support contract available; Plex plex restricts free remote streaming on certain platforms including Roku, with expansion to Android TV and Apple TV planned
- They diverge on capability: Jellyfin covers Media server, Plex covers Financial management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Jellyfin and Plex actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Jellyfin
- Media server
- Streaming
- Library management
- Open source
- Self-hosted
- Smart TVs
- Streaming devices
- Mobile devices
Only in Plex
- Financial management
- Manufacturing execution
- Supply chain
- Quality management
- Analytics
- IoT platforms
- REST APIs
- Webhooks
Both cover
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Jellyfin
- Open-source media streamingnot Plex
- Self-hosted librarynot Plex
Plex
- Industry 4.0not Jellyfin
- Real-time monitoringnot Jellyfin
- IoT integrationnot Jellyfin
- Smart manufacturingnot Jellyfin
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Jellyfin
- Jellyfin is free open source software under the GNU GPL with no paid tier or vendor support contract available
Plex
- Plex restricts free remote streaming on certain platforms including Roku, with expansion to Android TV and Apple TV planned
- Remote streaming quality degrades significantly if Plex cannot establish direct connection and falls back to relay mode
- Upcoming sunsetting of plugins, Cloud Sync, and Watch Later features
Pricing, plan by plan
Jellyfin
Free- FreeFree
- Unlimited streaming
- Open source
- No ads
Plex
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Plex review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Jellyfin if
- You need media server.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker.
- You also want streaming.
Choose Plex if
- You need financial management.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want manufacturing execution.
Questions people ask
- Is Jellyfin or Plex better?
- Neither clearly leads. Jellyfin starts at Free and Plex at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Jellyfin or Plex?
- Jellyfin starts at Free and Plex at Free.
- Does Jellyfin or Plex run on more platforms?
- Jellyfin runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker. Plex runs on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Can I use Jellyfin for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Jellyfin best used for?
- Jellyfin is most often used for open-source media streaming, self-hosted library. Of those, open-source media streaming and self-hosted library are not what Plex is typically brought in for.
- What can Jellyfin do that Plex cannot?
- Jellyfin covers Media server, Streaming, Library management, Open source. Plex covers Financial management, Manufacturing execution, Supply chain, Quality management. Both handle Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Plex: Is Plex Media Server free?
Yes. Plex Media Server and the ad-supported streaming catalog are free. Plex Pass is an optional subscription at 6.99 USD per month or 69.99 USD per year that adds features like hardware transcoding and offline sync.
SourcePlex: Can I access Plex content offline?
Yes, but downloads have limitations. Downloaded content may have an expiration period and is specific to the device where downloaded. Downloads are not available on shared libraries in some cases.
SourcePlex: What devices does Plex support?
Plex apps are available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, iOS, Android, and web browsers. Server software runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS devices, and Docker.
SourcePlex: What is included in the free Plex catalog?
Plex's free ad-supported streaming catalog includes 14,000+ movies and shows from Lionsgate, MGM, Warner Bros, and Crackle Originals.
Source