4 Reasons to Use Plex Instead of Jellyfin or Emby

Many people have been tossing around the idea of ​​using Emby and Jellyfin for their home media streaming setup for a while now – but in the end, Plex won out. Its user-friendly setup and interface, broad client compatibility, and universal playlists are just too convenient to switch to one of its direct competitors.

4. Simple and easy to understand setup

On Windows, downloading and installing Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin are all relatively easy. However, Plex does a lot of the backend stuff automatically (and has a few boxes to check), and it ultimately wins out. As someone who wants to explore the usefulness of a media server, choosing the software that offers the path of least resistance is important.

People like Plex because it’s great at pulling metadata, all without your involvement, and much more consistently than Jellyfin and Emby. And since Plex does most of the work, you can skip plugins altogether—at least until you’re ready to start tweaking your server. There are some great plugins for Plex, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessary.

At some point, you'll want to invest in a NAS, and again, Plex would be the perfect choice since it requires nothing more than downloading the server itself.

3. User interface feels better to use

4 Reasons to Use Plex Instead of Jellyfin or Emby
Navigate Plex's free movie catalog.

The best way to describe Plex’s UI compared to Emby and Jellyfin is that it feels “fuller”. There’s less negative space, and the tiles are larger and much easier to recognize. With live TV and free movies on the home page, it also gives the UI more life, making it feel more like a streaming platform than just a media server.

When using Plex on my PS5, the UI has a Netflix aesthetic, with little trailers popping up whenever you hover over a movie or show. Emby and Jellyfin feel more like Max, where you have to select something first to get a synopsis.

2. Plex has multiple clients

There is no loyalty to a single platform. Each family member has their own preferences.

Everyone loves Plex in one way or another, we need a media server that can handle them all. Jellyfin doesn't have a console client and Emby doesn't have a PS5 client. You need a client that works with all the devices in your home, not just a few.

1. Plex's streaming service integration is incredibly useful

4 Reasons to Use Plex Instead of Jellyfin or Emby
Watch Charmed TV show in Plex's Live TV guide.

Plex's free live TV and movies have been criticized a lot, but there are still plenty of people who like it. That's why Plex is used for more than just storing your content collection.

There’s also a really cool feature that lets you use Plex as a hub for your streaming services. You can toggle between your streaming services and populate your search results with content from those platforms. Then, instead of having your watchlist spread across multiple services, you can create your ultimate watchlist in Plex.

It’s understandable why some people prefer Emby and Jellyfin over Plex. The idea of ​​having a completely self-hosted media server is appealing, but until these two services come along, expand their compatibility, and maybe refresh their user interface a bit, many people will stick with Plex for now. Still, Emby and Jellyfin are worthy options.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Apple may be preparing to integrate Gemini into Apple Intelligence

Apple may be preparing to integrate Gemini into Apple Intelligence

Code found in the newly released iOS 18.4 beta suggests Apple is preparing an alternative to the ChatGPT integration in Apple Intelligence, most likely Google Gemini.

How to create a blurred border in Photoshop

How to create a blurred border in Photoshop

Vignette is a classic and timeless effect that darkens the edges of a photo to focus and draw attention to the subject.

Latest Black Goddess Code and how to redeem code

Latest Black Goddess Code and how to redeem code

If you want to receive diamonds, SSR generals, lottery tickets along with many other items, then use the code Black Goddess and redeem the rewards.

Tips for playing Doggo Go through level 2, how to play Doggo Go level 2

Tips for playing Doggo Go through level 2, how to play Doggo Go level 2

Currently Doggo Go is a Mobile Game that only 1% of players in the world can pass level 2.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be the first smartwatch to feature satellite connectivity

Apple Watch Ultra 3 could be the first smartwatch to feature satellite connectivity

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to feature a unique new communication tool. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has just revealed some exciting new details about the upcoming smartwatch.

Top Trending Searches in 2024

Top Trending Searches in 2024

To see what the world is curious about this year, check out Google's Year in Search, which just launched on December 11, 2024.

Samsung is bringing a great video-recording feature from Pixel phones to the Galaxy

Samsung is bringing a great video-recording feature from Pixel phones to the Galaxy

The quality of video captured through smartphone cameras in general has improved dramatically over the past few years.

How to treat blisters on feet when walking a lot and wearing tight shoes

How to treat blisters on feet when walking a lot and wearing tight shoes

What to do if your feet get blisters from wearing shoes? This article will guide you on how to fix blisters from wearing shoes.

Multiple choice on general science knowledge

Multiple choice on general science knowledge

Multiple choice questions about life sciences will help you consolidate and expand your knowledge about the world. Let's answer the general knowledge questions below!

How to protect TV, refrigerator, washing machine from mold in wet season

How to protect TV, refrigerator, washing machine from mold in wet season

During the humid season, electronic and refrigeration equipment often malfunction or break down due to high humidity in the air. If you know how to handle humidity in your home, your equipment will avoid the above situations.

Comparing condenser dryers, vented dryers and heat pump dryers, what are the differences, which one should I buy?

Comparing condenser dryers, vented dryers and heat pump dryers, what are the differences, which one should I buy?

There are three common types of dryers on the market today: condenser dryers, vented dryers, and heat pump dryers. To find out which dryer is right for your home, please read our article!

How to Add Recycle Bin to File Explorer

How to Add Recycle Bin to File Explorer

This guide will show you all the steps needed to show the Recycle Bin in File Explorer, regardless of whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11.

What to Know About Peaklight: New Stealth Malware Targets Illegal Movie Downloads

What to Know About Peaklight: New Stealth Malware Targets Illegal Movie Downloads

Now, a new attack called Peaklight is going viral and targeting people who download movies illegally.

Bluetooth 6.0 brings new technology that helps Apple improve Find My network

Bluetooth 6.0 brings new technology that helps Apple improve Find My network

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Bluetooth SIG) released the specifications for the next generation of the technology, called Bluetooth 6.0, this week.

How to use abstract images to create phone wallpapers

How to use abstract images to create phone wallpapers

You can create your own phone wallpapers from abstract photos. Not only are they beautiful, but the process of creating them is quite fun.