EMBY VS PLEX, HOW TO CHOOSE THE BETTER ONE?

Last updated on 2022-09-19
By Finn

INTRODUCTION

Many people want to keep their entertainment collection and services as simple as possible, like one cable subscription. However, moving online does not have to be a confusing mess of different apps. Plex and Emby are media servers that help you organize everything. Both platforms offer so much that it is difficult to summarize them all. They are media servers that allow you to stream multiple types of content from a one-stop station. These services are an excellent choice for anyone who has ever had to jump from one app to the next or struggled with remembering passwords for various services and cloud storage solutions.

Plex and Emby are servers that allow users to access videos, music, and other media files and stream it to multiple devices. Plex was a massive boon for cord-cutters that allowed them to stream media from one machine and access all its media throughout their home. Plex is still a popular option, but it's not the only one. Emby is also gaining in popularity and utility.

It can be challenging to decide between the two platforms, and importing all your media over again would be a nightmare. Hence, you can choose which platform is best for you by understanding the features, similarities, and distinctions between the two.

Now that we know a brief about Emby vs Plex, let us know about these two platforms and compare them.

WHAT IS EMBY?

Emby, also known as Media Browser, is a media centre that lets you organize and save your media. Users can access their media from various devices and access DVR and Live TV features for no additional cost. Emby is an open-source media center application that works similarly to Plex, and it offers a simple and attractive dashboard to view all media stored on your media server. Moreover, Emby software allows you to create a media server and stream the content to any Emby client software-enabled device.

WHAT IS PLEX?

Plex is a well-established media center that has been in existence for more than ten years. Plex was created as an alternative to Kodi (now XBMC) and has become a household name. Plex streams television shows, movies, and images on your preferred platform. Plex is available for free, but you can also purchase a paid version to access its premium features. Plex operates similarly to Emby and also works with the server-client architecture. In addition, it turns your media center computer into a streaming powerhouse and provides some streaming channels.

I hope now you know about Emby vs Plex; let us know their differences like Pricing, Features, Setup, Privacy, Parental Controls, User Interface design, Third-Party Extensions

Emby vs Plex

1. Pricing: Emby Vs Plex

This comparison begins with comparing their prices as it could be the deciding factor in choosing the right media center. Both media servers offer a free plan and a premium subscription plan.

Plex

Plex Premium service, also known as Plex Pass, costs $4.99 per month, $39.99/lifetime license, $119.99, and gives you some additional features such as the option to sync media offline and parental controls.

Emby

Emby has three pricing levels. Monthly subscriptions start at $4.99, and annual subscriptions at $54 each year. In addition, you can pay a one-time fee of $119 for lifetime access to Emby Premiere features such as Emby DVR and cloud sync.

2. Features: Emby Vs Plex

When comparing the Emby media server to the Plex server, it is crucial to consider important features. Both Emby and Plex provide live TV and DVR functionality and third-party plugins and add-ons to enhance functionality.

Plex

Plex lets users stream media to multiple devices without Plex Pass. However, it has the advantage of having more streaming limits than Emby for free members.

Emby

Emby users must update to premiere full access to the other platforms such as Android, Fire TV, and Xbox One.

However, Plex offers more benefits as Emby is an older program, and there are fewer options for add-ons. Both servers include popular plugins, including Trakt, TuneIn Radio, and ITV Player. Cinema Mode is Emby's most unique feature, and it comes with a paid subscription. You can watch trailers and intros before the films, which gives you a cinema-like experience.

Plex offers additional add-ons like the Unsupported App Store, and you can even access unofficial channels with more content. Plex also has a news feature, uses machine learning, and recommends stories you might be interested in, and Emby does not have an equivalent feature.

Suppose you are also interested in other streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max and etc. In that case, you can use StreamGaGa Video Downloader to watch and download videos on them.

3. Setup: Emby Vs Plex

Plex

First, download and install the Plex server installer to set up Plex. The installer does not have GUI and is not an application by itself. After launching the installer, your browser will redirect you to the Plex Web App. You will then be asked to sign in or create a Plex Account. Next, a Setup Wizard will appear on the platform. This wizard will guide you through all aspects of configuration, including uploading media to your library. You can now install Plex apps on your devices.

Emby

Emby requires both the client and server installations. To install the server, you will need to organize your media files into different folders according to their type. Then, follow the platform's instructions to arrange folders and media files to let them install correctly. After that, download and install the Emby server for your device. You can also download the client app and install it. Finally, you can invite other users to your media library as the server owner.

4. Privacy: Emby Vs Plex

You must be sure that you are secure, even if you use Plex or Emby for legal purposes.

Emby

Emby is an open-source platform. Everything you do on it will be saved on your own server, and the company won't track your activity. It is not necessary to access the internet to use Emby Connect. Remote streaming with Emby Connect requires internet access, just like all other web-supported streaming.

Plex

Plex collects information about users, which is used to improve services. However, it is essential to find out how personal streaming data may be used.

5. Customizability: Emby Vs Plex

Plex

Plex is the bottom of your barrel and offers virtually no customization. You can select between dark and light skin, but the default skin is the only option. Plex does not allow for custom appearances.

Emby

Emby is an impressive home media feature. However, customizing it takes a lot more knowledge. Emby is an excellent home media server if you have some technical understanding of development and servers. Emby, unlike Plex, is an open-source station which means that all aspects of customization can be done. When talking about Emby vs Plex, Emby wins in sections where appearance is essential.

6. Parental Control: Emby Vs Plex

Plex

Plex supports parental control, and you have two options to do so. You have two options: you can either create restrictions profiles or set up rules on online media. A restriction profile is the best and easiest way to do this. You can already create restriction profiles to block content unsafe for children. There are three types to choose from Teen, Old Kid, and Young Kid profiles. You will need to log in to your server to enable or disable particular users from accessing certain media content.

Emby

Emby gives you access to many parental control tools. You can also restrict access to specific users. For example, you can set a maximum parental rating for each user account connected to your server. The restrictions will be stricter the higher the rating. Tags are another way to go. You can also add tags to the media library, such as kids-blocked. Emby will block the content from being displayed for subscribers who fall within the specified category. You can also set up an access plan.

7. User Interface Design: Emby Vs Plex

The user's preference is the essential factor in designing an interface, and different color schemes and layouts are what we all prefer. We are still neutral as far as the Emby or Plex interfaces. However, Plex wins this one because its interface is sleek, modern, and easier. This is not a criticism of the Emby interface; this is our opinion, and we don't have any criticism for Emby.

Plex has a more friendly design; however, Plex does not offer any theme-changing features. There are no options to switch between dark and light themes. Emby's theme-changing capabilities are more complicated than Plex, but they are still brief. As a matter of preference, it would be wrong to comment on Emby vs Plex. If you are concerned about aesthetic design, install both and see how they interact.

8. Third-Party Extensions Support : Emby Vs Plex

Emby also supports third-party extensions, which are also called Plugins. The Emby Plugins can be downloaded directly from the server dashboard. However, Emby doesn't offer a large number of plugins as Plex does. On the other hand, Plex supports third-party extensions called Channels. Plex Channels allow you to expand the media selection available on Plex. These channels can be downloaded directly from the main dashboard, similar to Emby.

Now that you are aware of the differences between Emby and Plex, we will provide you with the final verdict that will help you decide which one to choose.

PLEX VS. EMBY: WHICH ONE IS THE BEST?

Plex wins purely based on its features, and Plex has more features than Emby, more add-ons, and a more extensive user base. Both Plex and Emby have similar features and services, and Emby is poised to grow and surpass Plex.

While many specifications are very similar, there are also some crucial differences. Emby is the only way to change the appearance of your media server; on the other hand, Plex is more flexible and friendly to all users.

There is no clear winner. Both platforms provide utility in different ways, and Plex is better if you require more excellent compatibility with many devices. Emby is the best choice if you are concerned about total privacy and open-source software.

CONCLUSION

Plex and Emby are capable platforms that allow you to stream and control media. Both platforms work well and are easy to use once set up. Talking about Emby vs Plex, both servers are similar programs intended to meet almost identical needs. However, their minor differences create a clear divide in their target audience. Emby is for power users, Kodi users, and people who like simple interfaces and easy configuration for more functionality. Plex is for those who don't care much about Kodi or its add-ons and want their entertainment to work straight out of the box.