Should you go with Plex vs Emby if you’re new to cord-cutting and home media? This essay will assist you in making your decision…
For a long time, Plex and Kodi have ruled the media center field, but Emby is becoming a more popular option among consumers.
Plex and Emby, in fact, are more similar than Plex and Kodi. Both are, first and foremost, dedicated media servers. Kodi, on the other hand, requires either expert-level MySQL expertise or a less-than-ideal workaround to function as a media server.
So, which one should you go with if you’re new to cord cutting and home media? Which is better, Emby or Plex? Which is the most effective? Continue reading to learn more.
Emby vs. Plex: Cost
Let’s start with a cost discussion. Plex and Emby both have a premium package. They add extra capabilities to the programs that make them stand out (though some of you may decide you don’t need a Plex Pass).
Plex Pass costs $14.99 per month for three months or $119.99 for a lifetime membership. Emby Premiere is also reasonably priced, with a monthly plan of $4.99 and a lifetime subscription of $119.
Emby vs. Plex: Initial Setup
Plex and Emby both use a client/server model. The server software must be installed on the computer or NAS drive where your local media is stored, and the client app must be installed on any device on which you want to view the content.
Installing the program and inputting a code is all it takes to set up the client software for both apps. Setting up the server software is the most difficult aspect.
Plex’s process is more straightforward than Emby’s. It’s more oriented for the mass market and non-tech savvy users in general.
When creating a movie collection on Emby, for example, you’ll notice advanced options like whether to allow chapter image extraction and whether to download metadata photos ahead of time. The settings will appeal to seasoned veterans, but newbies may find them off-putting.
Emby vs. Plex: Navigation
Plex is the more polished of the two programs, thanks to its larger budget. As a result, it’s safe to claim that it provides more fun and straightforward navigating experience.
Of course, a lot of this is subjective; Emby’s navigation is OK; Plex, on the other hand, feels more professional. The jump to Emby can be disconcerting for someone who is used to working with slick operating systems on Apple TV, Android TV, and other set-top boxes.
Emby vs. Plex: Customization
The level of customization possible in Kodi is one of the areas where it outperforms Plex. Emby also has this benefit. Emby is the best of the two if you like to fiddle with endless options and customize the UI to your liking.
You can add your own CSS to the web app, change the login screen, use other people’s themes, and much more if you have the knowledge. None of these things are achievable with Plex.
Emby’s open source nature allows for a great deal of customization. Plex is a closed-source application.
Emby vs. Plex: Live TV and DVR
Plex and Emby both provide live TV and DVR capabilities. Unlike Plex, where premium subscribers can only watch live TV through the web app, Emby users can watch live TV for free using the web app but must pay to Premiere to view it on any other device.
Of course, some design changes exist, such as Plex’s integrated electronic programme guide (EPG). However, they are nearly identical in terms of functioning.
Plex, once again, has the upper hand when it comes to supporting equipment. Emby only has native support for the HDHomeRun tuner (and Hauppauge devices on Windows). HDHomeRun, DVBLogic, AVerMedia, and Hauppauge are all supported by Plex. Using a live TV plugin, you can add support for other tuners to Emby.
Plex’s news function is also worth mentioning. It employs machine learning to suggest content that it believes you will enjoy. Emby does not have a feature like this.
Checkout also : Spotify, Netflix Collaborate on New Entertainment Streaming Hub
Emby vs. Plex: Local Streaming
Plex has scored a major victory. Plex allows you to stream your content around your home for free if all of your devices are connected to the same network. Plex Pass does not require a subscription.
Emby, on the other hand, is a jumble of emotions. Only streaming material will be available through the web app, Roku, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs.
You can either pay the App Unlock cost on a case-by-case basis or subscribe to Premiere to stream content on Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android and iOS tablets, and other devices.
Emby vs. Plex: Remote Streaming
On both applications, the ability to watch material while you’re away from home is a paid feature.
You can download content for offline watching, sync a video’s “watched status” between devices, and stream content directly from your server if you have the subscription.
On Plex and Emby, activating remote streaming in the server’s Settings menu is all that’s required.
Emby vs. Plex: Add-Ons
Third-party extensions are supported by both Plex and Emby. They are created by the community to improve and extend the fundamental functionality of the apps.
The Unsupported App Store, one of Plex’s biggest features, is a third-party plugin. It gives you access to some fantastic unofficial Plex channels. It’s simple to set up and use the Unsupported App Store. There are also dozens other Channels, which are officially supported add-ons.
Emby’s catalog of third-party plugins is less broad because it is the newer of the two apps and has a smaller userbase.
Nonetheless, both programs have a number of well-known plugins that most users will want, such as TuneIn Radio, Trakt, and ITV Player.
Emby vs. Plex: Device Compatibility
Plex and Emby are both server programs that run on Windows, Mac, Linux, FreeBSD, Docker, and a variety of NAS devices. Plex, on the other hand, supports Drobo NAS devices, whilst Emby does not.
Both client apps are compatible with all major desktop and mobile operating systems, as well as streaming boxes. However, several devices and services that Plex supports but Emby do not are listed below. Sonos and Android Auto are two of them.
Additionally, to use the Amazon Alexa plugin on Emby, you must subscribe to Premiere.
Emby vs. Plex: And the Winner Is…
Let’s be clear: we have nothing against Emby. It’s a fantastic app that deserves a lot of credit for taking on Plex. Competition is a good thing; it will drive Plex to not rest on its laurels at the very least.
Plex, on the other hand, is difficult to argue isn’t the superior of the two. It boasts a more polished UI, more native functionality, greater external device compatibility, a smoother user experience, and a more polished interface.
We’re sure some of you may disagree with us, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Check out our list of Plex plugins for power users, how to use subtitles on Plex, and how to control Plex with Amazon Alexa if you want to learn more about Plex’s features.
