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About Plex.tv
What is Plex.tv?
Plex.tv is a free streaming service that offers on-demand movies and TV shows plus live TV channels. It also lets you organize and stream your own personal media collection—movies, shows, music, and photos—from one central library. Whether you want to watch free content instantly or build and access your personal media server anywhere, Plex provides a unified experience across devices.
Who is it for?
Plex is ideal for cord-cutters, media collectors, and families who want to combine free streaming with their own media library. It works well if you have a collection of digital movies or shows and want to stream them on any device at home or on the go. It is less suited if you only want subscription-based services like Netflix or Spotify, or if you need extensive live sports coverage.
Real-world use cases
Use Plex to watch free ad-supported movies and TV shows on demand, tune into live news or entertainment channels, or set up a personal media server to access your DVD rips, home videos, and music collection from your phone, tablet, TV, or web browser. You can also share your library with family and friends, record live over-the-air broadcast TV with a tuner, and let Plex organize your files with automatic metadata and artwork.
Key features
- Free Movies & TV On Demand — Browse and stream a curated library of ad-supported movies and shows instantly without any subscription.
- Live TV Channels — Watch live news, sports, reality, and entertainment channels with a program guide.
- Personal Media Server — Organize your own movies, shows, music, and photos into a beautiful, searchable library.
- Stream Everywhere — Access your personal media on any device at home (free) or anywhere in the world (Remote Watch Pass or Plex Pass).
- Hardware Transcoding (Plex Pass) — Convert and stream media smoothly to any device, even with large or incompatible formats.
- Skip Intro & Credits (Plex Pass) — Automatically skip intro sequences and credits in your personal media collection.
- Download to Go (Plex Pass) — Save movies, shows, or music to your device for offline viewing without internet.
SaaSpartout Score
7.6
/10
Editorial score from our review methodology — not user ratings.
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Plex.tv Pricing
Plex.tv pricing: from $0 (free local streaming) / Plex Pass from $4.99/mo. Billing model: Freemium.
For comparison: the median starting price in Productivity is $9.99/month, measured across 371 tools we track. See the full SaaS Pricing Index →
Free (Local Streaming)
Always free. Stream your personal media on any device connected to your home network. Includes access to free ad-supported movies, TV shows, and live TV channels. No subscription required.
Remote Watch Pass
Price n/a (use real pricing when available from Plex). Enables streaming your personal media from anywhere in the world on any device. Includes 14-day free trial.
Plex Pass
From $4.99/month (or discounted yearly/lifetime). Includes Remote Watch Pass features plus hardware transcoding, intro/credits skip, downloads, skip ads on DVR content, ad-free streaming on Plex on-demand and live TV, Plex Home managed accounts, and more. Lock in current lifetime price before July 1, 2026 price increase.
All plans: 14-day free trial on paid subscriptions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Plex.tv free?
Yes. The basic Plex app is free for streaming your own media on your home network, and Plex offers a library of free ad-supported movies, TV shows, and live TV channels. No credit card required.
How much does Plex Pass cost?
Plex Pass starts at $4.99 per month, with annual and lifetime options available. Pricing is set to increase on July 1, 2026, so locking in lifetime now is recommended.
What is the difference between Plex and Jellyfin or Emby?
Plex offers a polished, user-friendly interface with built-in free streaming content. Jellyfin is fully open-source and free, while Emby requires a paid subscription for hardware transcoding. Plex's free tier is more generous for local streaming, but its remote streaming and advanced features require a subscription.
Can I watch local channels on Plex?
Yes. With a compatible TV tuner and antenna, Plex can record over-the-air broadcast HD content to your library, and you can watch live local channels through the Plex app.
Who is Plex best for?
Plex is best for people who own a large collection of movies or TV shows and want to stream them on all their devices, combined with free ad-supported content. It's also great for families who want a unified media hub.
What are the main limitations of Plex?
The free version only streams on your home network; remote streaming and hardware transcoding require a paid plan. Free content includes ads, and the live TV channel selection is limited compared to cable. Plex also requires some technical setup for personal media servers.
