One of the main aspects to consider when it comes to streaming is the platform that you are going to use to access the content. There are many options available, which can make the choice difficult. However, there are three popular media player systems that stand out and in this article, we will take a closer look at them. We are talking about Emby, Plex and Kodi. Each option has its own advantages and here we’ll explore them to help you decide which one is the right solution for you. Since Kodi a leading option preferred and known by many people, we’ll focus on Emby and Plex to find out which one is the best alternative.
Emby
Emby is an open media platform that gives you the chance to manage a variety of media in a convenient manner. You can access all your content in one place and enjoy the sleek interface and ease of use that Emby’s interface offers. Emby allows you to access videos, photos, music and more. This client server program is designed to improve your entertainment experience. Apart from letting you organize multiple types of media files in a centralized location, Emby offers parental controls so that you can prevent children from accessing inappropriate content.
Compatibility
Emby is compatible with a wide range of devices, giving you flexibility to access your favorite content. Emby works on Windows, Mac, Linux, NAS devices, docker and FreeBSD. Emby lets you organize media content on the same device and you can access the media files on any device, from any location. There are practical mobile apps available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone. Emby also works on Smart TVs, Chromecast, Roku and gaming consoles like PS3 and Xbox One. Emby can convert the uploaded media to multiple formats, allowing you to enjoy your content on different platforms.
Emby Premiere
Emby offers a paid version of its media streaming solution, known as Emby Premiere. This service offers three kinds of pricing plans, a monthly one, a yearly one and a Lifetime option. The price starts from $4.99 per month, for one year you pay $54 and the Lifetime license costs $119 and you only have to pay once. Emby Premiere supports many interesting features including Cinema mode, Cloud sync, Folder sync, Cover art, Emby theatre, Podcasts, Backup and Restore, and more. Thanks to the offline feature, you will be able to play content on your mobile devices, even if you are not connected to the internet.
Advantages of Emby over Plex
Emby offers customization options that will allow you to enjoy a unique streaming experience. In addition, it is possible to use Emby along with Kodi because you can sync Emby’s client-server with Kodi setup. If you are already using Kodi, but want to give Emby a try, you will be able to install it without any issues.
Plex
This media server solution also allows you to access your favorite content without hassle. It offers solid performance and an extensive selection of features and add-ons that give you the chance to enjoy movies, TV shows, music and more. Using its practical interface, you will be able to manage media easily from different sources and devices. You can use Plex to go through your local media files and get metadata from the internet to keep track of your content and to have more information about it. Plex makes the process of organizing media very simple. It lets you manage everything from the same place and enjoy high quality streaming. Plex is available for free, but there is also a paid subscription that offers additional features.
Compatibility
There are two parts of the Plex experience, one is the Plex Media Server and the other one is the Plex App. The media servers supports Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS devices, WiFi routers, Raspberry Pi and Plex Cloud. The app works on mobile platforms like Android, iOS and Windows Phone, as well as on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, NVIDIA SHIELD and Chromecast, just to mention a few.
Plex Pass
As previously mentioned, there is a paid option that offers additional feature. This is known as Plex Pass and it enables users to access their local content from any location. It also offers a music streaming feature via Vevo and Gracenote, as well as an option to watch movie trailers. With Plex Pass, it is not only possible to access media even if you are far from your home network, you can also adjust the controls of the app to suit your needs. For instance, the app can be shared with all the people in your household and each user can watch different content with high quality.
Advantages of Plex over Emby
Plex’s interface allows it to get ahead of Emby in terms of ease of use. It is straightforward, user-friendly and appealing. Compared to Emby, Plex is easy to set up on the platforms supported. In addition, Plex gives users the possibility to watch different content, which makes it ideal for families and large households.
What are the similarities between Plex and Emby
- Both Emby and Plex have free and paid version
- These two media center applications feature server-client setup
- Both have user-friendly interfaces and their setup is simple
- The two media streaming solutions allow you to manage data from a centralized location
Plex vs Emby vs Kodi
There are some features that you can find in all these streaming solutions including database management, client device availability and centralized database for multiple clients. In addition, the installation/setup is simple and they are also easy to use. You can enjoy customization options and add-ons that improve your streaming experience. What sets Kodi is the fact that it offers client interface, while Plex and Emby feature web interface. Kodi offers the advantage of featuring client device availability support without additional charge. On the other hand, Emby and Plex users have to upgrade to the paid versions in order to get the client device availability option. One thing that is common between Emby and Kodi is that both are open source solution, unlike Plex media server, which is a closed sourced option.
Emby and Kodi have also similarities in the way in which the media streaming services are supported. With Kodi and Emby, the support is provided by the community of users, although in the case of Emby, there are social media channels and other ways to contact the support. Plex on the other hand, offers mainly professional customer support. While Kodi’s setup process is slightly complicated, Plex and Emby can be setup without major issues, but Kodi takes the lead when it comes to customization options. In Kodi, it is possible to customize the media library. While Emby doesn’t offers as much flexibility as Kodi, it is better than Plex in this area. The customization options available with Plex are fairly limited.
Unlike Emby and Plex, Kodi is completely free and you get access to all the features supported. Embry and Plex have free versions, but the selection of features and the functionality are limited when compared to what the paid options provide. All the media streaming solutions offer great compatibility. You can use them on routers, mobile devices, consoles and other devices. Kodi is a popular media streaming solution and Plex has also gained recognition for its media center capabilities. Emby is gaining attention, although it is not as popular as the first two.
Should you choose Emby or Plex?
Both Emby and Plex are client-server programs, but Emby offers more versatility and customization options. Emby is a good choice for those who are already using Kodi and who want extended functionality. Plex is the best option for those who are just getting started and who want a simple streaming solution. Emby offers support for Kodi and these two can be integrated easily.
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