Jellyfin vs Plex: Which Self-Hosted Media Server Should You Use?
Quick Answer
Use Jellyfin if you want a completely free, open-source media server with no accounts or subscriptions. Use Plex if you want the most polished client apps and don’t mind paying $120 for a lifetime Plex Pass. For most self-hosters, Jellyfin is the better choice in 2026.
Overview
Jellyfin
Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server forked from Emby in 2018. Every feature is free — including hardware transcoding, which Plex locks behind a paywall. No accounts required, no telemetry, no “free tier” limitations. The community maintains clients for most platforms.
Plex
Plex is the most well-known media server, launched in 2008. It has the most polished client apps and the largest user base. The core is free, but hardware transcoding, offline sync, and some other features require a Plex Pass ($5/month or $120 lifetime). Plex requires an account and phones home to Plex’s servers.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Jellyfin | Plex |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free + Plex Pass ($120 lifetime) |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Account required | No | Yes |
| Hardware transcoding | Free | Plex Pass only |
| Mobile apps | Free | Plex Pass or $5/app |
| Offline sync | Free | Plex Pass only |
| Live TV & DVR | Yes (free) | Plex Pass only |
| Music streaming | Yes | Yes (Plexamp) |
| Intro skipping | Community plugin | Plex Pass |
| Watch Together | No | Yes |
| Subtitles | Plugin-based | Built-in (better) |
Installation & Setup
Both run via Docker. Plex is slightly easier to set up initially because the guided setup is more polished. Jellyfin’s setup wizard is straightforward but less hand-holding.
Performance & Resource Usage
Both are lightweight for direct play (streaming without transcoding). When transcoding is needed, performance depends on your hardware:
- Jellyfin: Free hardware transcoding (Intel QSV, NVIDIA NVENC, VAAPI). No restrictions.
- Plex: Hardware transcoding requires Plex Pass. Without it, transcoding is software-only and much heavier on CPU.
On equivalent hardware with hardware transcoding enabled, performance is comparable.
User Experience
Plex wins on polish. The Plex client apps (especially on Apple TV, Roku, and mobile) are more refined. Plexamp for music is excellent. Jellyfin’s clients have improved significantly but still feel less polished on some platforms — particularly tvOS and Roku.
Community & Development
Jellyfin has an active open-source community with frequent releases. Plex has a larger team but its development direction has frustrated some users (adding streaming content, social features, and non-media features that clutter the interface).
The Verdict
Use Jellyfin for self-hosting. It’s free, open-source, gives you hardware transcoding without paying, and doesn’t require an account. The client apps are good enough for daily use and improving fast.
Use Plex if client app polish is your top priority, you’re willing to pay for Plex Pass, and you want features like Watch Together and Plexamp.
For the self-hosting philosophy of owning your infrastructure and data, Jellyfin is the natural fit.
See all options: Best Self-Hosted Media Servers | Replace Netflix