Plex, a popular media server and streaming service provider, has started enforcing its new rules that require users to have a subscription fee to access remote streaming capabilities. This change comes after the company announced in March that it would need a Plex Pass subscription, which costs $7 per month, for users to remotely access their personal media servers.
As of this week, Roku users will be the first to experience this new rule. According to a recent post from a Plex employee on the platform's forums, the changes are rolling out across all other TV apps and third-party clients that use the API to offer remote streaming in 2026.
The move is seen as an effort by the company to increase subscription revenue and offset rising costs associated with providing support for various devices and codecs. In January this year, TechCrunch reported that Plex had raised $40 million in funding, indicating a potential shift towards profitability.
However, some long-time users of the platform may be concerned about the change, particularly those who rely on Plex as a media server rather than its streaming service. With the introduction of new features like Common Sense Media integration and a bespoke server management app, Plex is looking to diversify its offerings and attract more subscribers.
The new rules are just one part of a broader set of changes that Plex has made in recent years, including a price hike for the Plex Pass subscription and the introduction of social features and a mobile app redesign. As the company continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how users will adapt to these changes and whether they will ultimately benefit from Plex's expanded offerings.
As of this week, Roku users will be the first to experience this new rule. According to a recent post from a Plex employee on the platform's forums, the changes are rolling out across all other TV apps and third-party clients that use the API to offer remote streaming in 2026.
The move is seen as an effort by the company to increase subscription revenue and offset rising costs associated with providing support for various devices and codecs. In January this year, TechCrunch reported that Plex had raised $40 million in funding, indicating a potential shift towards profitability.
However, some long-time users of the platform may be concerned about the change, particularly those who rely on Plex as a media server rather than its streaming service. With the introduction of new features like Common Sense Media integration and a bespoke server management app, Plex is looking to diversify its offerings and attract more subscribers.
The new rules are just one part of a broader set of changes that Plex has made in recent years, including a price hike for the Plex Pass subscription and the introduction of social features and a mobile app redesign. As the company continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how users will adapt to these changes and whether they will ultimately benefit from Plex's expanded offerings.
It's like they're treating us like they don't already know we'd want remote access to our media servers. I get it, they need the cash, but this might push some users away for good. On the other hand, if they throw in more features and value, that's a different story... like that new Common Sense Media integration sounds cool 
especially if u already have it. but maybe ppl will be all about the common sense media integration and server management app? 
those new features might just make up for it. on the bright side, Plex is making moves towards profitability which is cool 
can't wait to see how users adapt to these changes.
. What's next, charging us for streaming our own stuff back and forth between devices? 
That just doesn't sit right with me...
? I get that they wanna make some cash and all, but it feels like they're taking advantage of loyal customers who've been with them since day one 
. Still, I guess time will tell if these changes pay off in the long run 
.
Plex is my fave media server and streaming service and i've been using it for years, but now they're making us pay $7 a month to use it on the go 
. i hope the new features they're adding will make it worth paying for 
. Common Sense Media integration sounds super cool! 
and that mobile app redesign is gonna be so nice 
.
but i'm curious to see how the other TV apps and third-party clients will adapt to these new rules 
. I'm a bit worried about the new rules, especially for those who only use Plex as a server and not the streaming service 
. Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out 
. I mean, I get it, they need to make some cash, but do they have to make it so hard for us old-timers? I've had my Plex server up and running for years without any issues, just using the free stuff... now I gotta shell out $7/month just to access my own media files 
. Maybe it's all part of a bigger plan to get more people paying for their services, but I'm not convinced 
so now its makin us pay for remote access... $7 a month? 
.
.
.
) will tell!
Anyway, only time will tell if these changes are for the better 
...