Plex, a popular media server company, is cracking down on free remote streaming access starting this week. This move marks a significant shift for the company as it introduces new rules that require users to pay a subscription fee to access their personal media libraries through Plex's various TV apps and third-party clients.
The new rules, which took effect on April 29, previously allowed people outside of a server owner’s network to access their media library for free. However, from now on, users will need a Plex Pass subscription, which starts at $7 per month, or a Remote Watch Pass, which costs $2 per month.
The changes are expected to roll out this week via Plex's Roku OS app, with the requirement for remote streaming being phased in across other TV apps and third-party clients by 2026. According to a recent post from a Plex employee on the forums, the company aims to keep up with rising costs associated with supporting various devices and codecs.
The move has been met with concern from long-time users who have relied on Plex as a media server for years. With its new remote access rules, Plex is shifting its focus towards its streaming service, which has seen increasing popularity since 2022. However, this shift may also isolate users who are not interested in subscriptions or renting movies.
Plex's decision to implement these new rules comes after the company raised $40 million in funding in January 2024 and reported nearing profitability. The changes are aimed at boosting subscription revenue and providing returns on investment for backers.
However, with its evolution towards a streaming service, Plex faces stiff competition from alternatives like Jellyfin, which offers software packages more focused on media hosting. As the company continues to shift its focus, it remains to be seen whether long-time users will remain loyal or seek out alternative solutions.
The new rules, which took effect on April 29, previously allowed people outside of a server owner’s network to access their media library for free. However, from now on, users will need a Plex Pass subscription, which starts at $7 per month, or a Remote Watch Pass, which costs $2 per month.
The changes are expected to roll out this week via Plex's Roku OS app, with the requirement for remote streaming being phased in across other TV apps and third-party clients by 2026. According to a recent post from a Plex employee on the forums, the company aims to keep up with rising costs associated with supporting various devices and codecs.
The move has been met with concern from long-time users who have relied on Plex as a media server for years. With its new remote access rules, Plex is shifting its focus towards its streaming service, which has seen increasing popularity since 2022. However, this shift may also isolate users who are not interested in subscriptions or renting movies.
Plex's decision to implement these new rules comes after the company raised $40 million in funding in January 2024 and reported nearing profitability. The changes are aimed at boosting subscription revenue and providing returns on investment for backers.
However, with its evolution towards a streaming service, Plex faces stiff competition from alternatives like Jellyfin, which offers software packages more focused on media hosting. As the company continues to shift its focus, it remains to be seen whether long-time users will remain loyal or seek out alternative solutions.
Plex used to be all about freedom and flexibility for us users, but now it's like they're turning the tables. The new rules are gonna make me think twice about sharing my media library with friends and family who live far away... 
It's all about the benjamins, huh? 
I get that Plex needs to make some cash, but can't they just find a way to monetize it without restricting access so much? 
And what's up with Jellyfin, anyway? They seem like a great alternative, and now I'm considering switching... 
... I mean, I get that they need to make some changes to keep up with costs, but $7 a month is a bit steep for me 
. I used to love using Plex because it was super easy to access my media library from anywhere, and now it feels like they're just nickel-and-diming us 
... Not sure if I'll stick around or switch to something else like Jellyfin, which looks way more promising 
. I've had my media library set up on Plex's server for ages now, and it's always been free 
. But I guess that's just how the tech cookie crumbles 
.
. I've got a bunch of devices set up to work with Plex, and I don't wanna have to switch to some other media hosting software like Jellyfin 
. That's just too much hassle 
.
I'm literally gonna miss free remote streaming access with Plex 
I know they're trying to make money and all that but $7 per month is already too much for me 
What's next? 