Media Service

Which media store/service do you use primary?

  • Kodi

    Votes: 7 31.8%

  • Plex

    Votes: 8 36.4%

  • Pure Stream only (eg Netflix)

    Votes: 4 18.2%

  • Other

    Votes: 8 36.4%
  • Total voters
    22
AlphaJohn

AlphaJohn

Honorary Master
Joined
Sep 10, 2012
Messages
20,099
Reaction score
15,882
Location
3rd planet from Sol
Recently started switching from Kodi to Plex but kinda forced to use both.
Kodi doesn't work on PlayStation and
Plex lack plug-ins I am use to esp for Games
So have to add another service just to sync the 2. Tract does support pure Netflix as well, so might end up being a bonus.

So was wondering, what do mybb use to keep your media and/or watched list.
If you use other, would be interesting to know if something else is out there?
 
I use Kodi (CoreELEC) on an ODROID N2+, I prefer the full support of add-ons for my metadata, syncing to Trakt and no-frills passthrough.

I used Plex for a short while and overall it's nice, especially on devices that use the mpv backend or have newer VPUs like the Shield. Didn't like their licensing however and always felt at any second the unsupported add-ons could just break, but that's me.
 
AlphaJohn said:
Not a fan, esp the scraper.
I am running Plex server on mine, waaay better :D
Click to expand...
Yea I won't pay for something I can get for free.
DS Video works fine once set up but takes a bit of setting up...
 
bwana said:
Mostly stream with a dash of plex.
Click to expand...

Worst part about Plex is lack of Showmax/DSTV Now support (Thanx to Kodi takedown) we will most probably never see it supported in Plex either.

AstroTurf said:
Yea I won't pay for something I can get for free.
DS Video works fine once set up but takes a bit of setting up...
Click to expand...

DS Video = Plex Free.
 
AlphaJohn said:
Worst part about Plex is lack of Showmax/DSTV Now support (Thanx to Kodi takedown) we will most probably never see it supported in Plex either.



DS Video = Plex Free.
Click to expand...

DStv and Showmax aren’t really a consideration for me.
 
I'm actually shocked to see how many options there are lately:
Kodi
Plex
Stremio
MediaPortal
Jellyfin
MrMC
TV Headend
Emby
Serviio
Infuse
To name a few,

Then there is also those that is made-for media devices eg GoogleTV thats on TV and Media like Xioami and DS Video for Synology and such. Sadly all have their itch they scratch and no clear winner. Think Kodi is about the best catch all option out there, and the 2 it doesn't catch is where Plex shines (Off site access + PlayStation Support)
 
Last edited:
I tried Plex, but couldn't cast from phone to the chromecast without paying so just left it at that.

Might give Jellyfin a try.
 
rigorousthemes.com

10 Best Plex Alternatives for 2026

In the dynamic world of media servers, Plex stands out. But it’s not the only option. For those seeking Plex alternatives, there are many worthy contenders. This post presents the 15 best alternatives to Plex, each offering unique features. Whether you’re looking for more customization, better...
rigorousthemes.com rigorousthemes.com

Good review of different services out there
Just a summary bellow, the linked page go into more detail.
1. Kodi
Advantages
  • It’s free
  • The software is open source
  • Multiple customization options
  • It offers a wide range of add-ons for watching live TV
  • A clean and easy-to-use interface
  • Supports a series of remote controls

Disadvantages​

  • Does not support streaming content to multiple devices
2. Emby
Advantages
  • It is easy to install
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • It supports apps for different devices and platforms

Disadvantages​

  • The setup can be a bit tedious
  • Limited extensions
  • You can only access some features in the premiere subscription
3. Media Portal
Advantages
  • It has a customizable interface with multiple skin options
  • Supports a wide range of TV cards

Disadvantages​

  • Complication setup and installation process
  • Its media center can only be accessed on Windows devices
4. Stremio
Advantages
  • Its calendar feature helps you keep track of episodes, series, and recent movie releases
  • Easy to use and set up
  • Minimal and clean user interface

Disadvantages​

  • It doesn’t have any function for organizing image and music files
  • A limited number of official developer add-ons
5. Universal Media Player
Advantages
  • It is an independent platform
  • Supports multiple devices
  • It provides an optional web interface

Disadvantages​

  • No support for client apps to access the media server
  • A steep learning curve, especially for newbies
  • Limited plugins
6. JRiver
Advantages
  • It is flexible and offers multiple customization options
  • Numerous organizing options
  • It provides numerous audio formats for better sound quality
  • User-friendly interface

Disadvantages​

  • It can be complicated to use sometimes
  • Bugs popup often
7. Serviio
Advantages
  • It has a free and open-source version
  • The software provides remote access
  • Supports multiple plugins

Disadvantages​

  • The free version is limited
  • It does not support an app for iOS devices
  • Setup can be a bit tricky
8. TVersity
Advantages
  • Supports an independent web app

Disadvantages​

  • Server app only supports Windows devices
9. Mezzmo
Advantages
  • Its Android app comes with an independent media server
  • It supports multi-user capability

Disadvantages​

  • The Mezzmo media center doesn’t support Linux and macOS systems
  • You need the paid pro version to access the web interface
10. OSMC
Advantages
  • An intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • It is free
  • Straightforward setup

Disadvantages​

  • The UI is not optimized for a 4K display.
Summary:
We’ve looked at the different Plex alternatives and brought these ten best alternatives.

Each software on the list has its unique features and capabilities, but Kodi is the winner here.

Besides being an open-source media player, Kodi is completely free, unlike Plex which has a paid plan along with the free option.

However, Plex’s free plan offers limited features and some of the features you’ll find on Kodi for free are available on the paid option of Plex. Even more, Kodi supports multimedia content playback.

Compared to Plex, Kodi provides you with more add-on options. You can easily go through content from multiple streaming services like Spotify, Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, Crackle, Popcornflix, Vimeo, and much more.

The software also has a ten-foot user interface that makes it easy to navigate on Android TVs and Smart TVs. Plus, you can install Kodi on any device supported by Plex.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Kosmik said:
Emby is king for me.
Click to expand...

Sadly wont work for me.

I have a unique environment where I have to cater for Synology NAS, Xbox, PlayStation, Android & Windows Devices.

Final set-up:
Plex server (Free) on Synology NAS sharing/indexing media.
Plex Client on PlayStation (Using Netflix as separate app)
Kodi on Xbox/Windows/Android linking to Synology Plex server via PlexKodiConnect

This way my watched list gets updated for free as well as being able to pause continue on any device.
 
AlphaJohn said:
Sadly wont work for me.

I have a unique environment where I have to cater for Synology NAS, Xbox, PlayStation, Android & Windows Devices.

Final set-up:
Plex server (Free) on Synology NAS sharing/indexing media.
Plex Client on PlayStation (Using Netflix as separate app)
Kodi on Xbox/Windows/Android linking to Synology Plex server via PlexKodiConnect

This way my watched list gets updated for free as well as being able to pause continue on any device.
Click to expand...
I found plex would not always transcode correctly for chromecast.
 
Mostly use emby (Bought Premier) on my unraid server, plex has no plugin support so that kinda killed that idea and I needed iptv support

I do run jellyfin on the side, but i have had transcoding issues
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X