What Is Plex? Can This Alternative to Cable Save You Money?
Written by
Kristopher Kane
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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It seems like there’s another streaming service every other day. Though they greatly enhance at-home entertainment options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of services available. Among the many different options is Plex, which offers a unique approach to media streaming and organization. But what is Plex? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Plex?
Plex serves as an all-in-one media player and allows users to organize their personal media in one convenient place. Plex also functions as a streaming service, providing access to online content like movies, TV shows, live TV and a growing library of podcasts. However, it can be quite a change from the more familiar “log on, browse titles and click thumbnail” approach to online media.
Is It Legal?
Plex is entirely legal. In addition to specific licensing agreements with various online streaming partners, Plex functions as an organizer of your personal media content. As a Plex user, you’re allowed to host your own media content as long as it doesn’t infringe on intellectual property or copyright laws.
While Plex doesn’t go through its users’ libraries to check for illegally obtained movies, TV shows or other media, you’re expected to abide by the guidelines the service has in place to protect copyrighted works. It’s a bit of a gray area — kind of like sharing your Netflix password — but as long as you own the works you host and stream, you’re in the law’s good graces.
How Does Plex Work?
At the heart of it, Plex is a media player that provides a single platform to manage, stream and organize media content. Supported content ranges from movies, TV shows, home videos, music and even photos.
Plex’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to:
- Categorize your content
- Create custom libraries
- Curate playlists
But it doesn’t end there. The platform also brings together content from a diverse group of content providers. It functions by converting your computer or other hardware into a streaming media server where you can store your movies, TV shows or other media and access streaming content from Plex’s partners.
Is Plex Streaming Really Free?
The basic functions of Plex, such as streaming your personal files and accessing limited content from Plex’s free library, are accessible at no cost. This also covers full access to Plex’s intuitive cataloging and sorting functions, which keeps your content seamlessly organized and readily available.
However, for the advanced stuff, like DVR functions and the ability to skip credits or intros, you’ll need a subscription to Plex Pass.
How Much Does Plex Cost?
While the basic features of Plex can be yours for free, the premium Plex Pass service does require payment. Plex Pass provides a bunch of added features, such as DVR, parental controls, hardware acceleration, high-quality audio and early access to new features.
Plex Pass can be purchased on a month-to-month basis for $4.99, annually for $39.99 or on a lifetime basis for $119.99. That low price is almost as good as getting paid to watch Netflix.
Final Take
Plex is a great option for not only organizing your personal media but also accessing an impressive number of free movies, TV shows and other streaming content. It offers a user-friendly interface for seamless streaming, and if you want all the bells and whistles, its subscription cost is lower than what you’ll pay for most other streaming services. The next time you want to spend a few hours watching movies, TV shows or your own media collection, just launch Plex, get comfy and enjoy!
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Plex.- Are there any device limitations for Plex?
- Plex is compatible with a wide range of platforms and operating systems, including:
- Windows
- MacOS
- Linux
- Alexa
- Chromecast
- Roku
- Xbox
- PlayStation
- Plex is also available in app form for iOS and Android devices for those looking to stream on mobile.
- Plex is compatible with a wide range of platforms and operating systems, including:
- Is it safe to use Plex?
- Plex ensures your data is kept safe and private. It encrypts all communication between the Plex app and your media server, as long as you enable this feature.
- It's worth noting that some devices may not currently support secure connections, but most of the common apps and platforms do. Plex is working to add secure connection support for more devices, but chances are you'll be all set to stream on your favorite screen already.
- Can you share your Plex libraries with friends?
- One of the primary benefits of the Plex service is the ability to share your media libraries with friends and family. You don't even need to pay extra for this feature, called Watch Together.
- Does Plex support 4K content?
- Plex supports 4K content, but this is a premium feature and will require the purchase of a Plex Pass. It also depends on your server's capabilities and network speed -- if you're working with low-end hardware and a slow network, it might be better to stick to HD if you want to avoid buffering.
Information is accurate as of Aug. 15, 2023.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
