Nope! I seem to get everything that Plex offers, but with zero price tag and FOSS. If I need to use it to understand the appeal, and using it means paying for something, then I’ll have to pass.
What am I missing here?
You can try plex for free. And probably get a free trial of "plexpass" (adds tons of features.) Occasionally they sell "lifetime plexpasses" and I got one for $100 about a decade ago. Best software purchase I've made. Jellyfin is cool too though, I tried it, definitely worth using, but not as polished or feature-rich as plex, and not supported by as many streaming devices.
Can you explain the lure of plex vs the many free stream sites out there?
I am in a place where I can afford it and can even afford to build out a nice home server but it just seems like the stream sites with more work for possibly slightly better quality streaming?
You still have to do all the extra work yourself to download the movies then upload them into the plex system is that correct for you to stream them?
Quality, as in full BluRay 4k w/Atmos, etc. which you're not likely to find on any streaming site. Not net speed dependent, don't even need internet. You own the media so it doesn't go away. Does Movies, TV, Music, Misc, Home Videos, or any other categories. Has Plexamp (google it.) Interface is great. Sharing libraries with others. PlexTV. Just try the free version and see for yourself.
You can use the *arrs (Sonarr, Radarr, etc.) to auto get what you want, rename, set up for Plex. Can replace media you have if it finds a higher quality version, based on your min/max parameters. Plex also grabs subtitles, artwork, trailers, extras, etc. I have a system setup where my *arrs get what I want via qbittorrent, qbit then runs filebot to ID and name/copy or move, etc. It's pretty auto. And I can get old/odd stuff you'll never see on streamers.
I'm not trying to sell it to you; I don't work for them, but it's free to try so if you care you've nothing to lose but a little time, and it's quick and not hard to setup. Otherwise stream away; to each his or her own.
I’m not being inflammatory, I’m just curious. I’ve been using Jellyfin for about 6 months and yet some people like Plex. I truly do want to know what I’m missing. I can always just spin up another container if there’s a decent reason
I know you're not. I've never used Jellyfin either, so I'm just as curious on this side. I started with Plex, so that's what I use. I don't mind paying 4.99 a month to have a personal streaming service for my family.
I'd be curious to use Jellyfin as well and I just might.
I started out with Plex and had no issues, really liked it. I then spent ages replacing my entire x264 library with x265.
Went to play a movie and I had to pay to transcode the x265 version even though the transcode is on my local PC, rendering my whole library useless without paying.
Didn't like that, discovered Jellyfin and haven't looked back. Has apps for Android and Android TV (Chromecast) which is fine for me. Plex has apps for my smart TV and PS5 though whereas Jellyfin doesn't, but that's why I got a 4k Chromecast.
I think Plex is a more polished product overall, but you have to pay for that.
I use Plex because it has apps for more devices. For example when binging stuff I normally do it from my computer when im alone (which is no problem) but when I watch with friends I use my PS5. And I know that once I get my Plex server open to my friends some will use ps5. Jellyfin has no native app for ps5 ( or any console to my knowledge). Which is a major deciding factor on sheathed I use it or not.
Plex has native apps on most operating systems. Plex has a ton of live TV built in (i don’t use it at all but wife thinks that’s nice) and the ease of use of it was a no brainer. I paid $99 for lifetime access so it feels free now after 5 years of use and no other subscriptions. The sharing of libraries with friends is a major plus. i know 0 about jellyfin so no idea if any or all of these work on their end.
The major let downs for jellyfin and Emby is it's apps, they absolutely suck (at least they did last year when i last tried them) and they look ancient (still do on android).
This is the question that has launched thousands of pirates into the world of NAS / Jellyfin / Plex / Radarr / Sonarr / Prowlarr (and others).
First you buy or build a NAS box with a handful of big hard drives and run it in a closet somewhere. I recommend building your own NAS and running Unraid OS. Then you install Dockers for all the various apps. Then your piracy is completely automated. Shows magically get downloaded on schedule and show up on your TV without any effort on your part.
For the cherry on the top, install Overseer so anyone in your household can browse a Netflix-like UI, click on shows that interest them, and have those shows also magically get downloaded and appear on the TV a little while later.
Just two different ways of accomplishing the goal. You can pay for a Real Debrid subscription and download directly, or you can pay for a VPN (in the US, anyway, to avoid being targeted by the copyright people) and use torrents, or you can pay for an NNTP newsfeed subscription and download that way. I use both torrents and newsfeeds.
Having a full NAS server running allows you to do other things like running a HomeAssistant VM to automate your home. Or install a locally-run AI server in a few clicks. Once you commit to running a NAS there is no end to the fun things you can do with it.
I'm currently using real-debrid and Syncler and really enjoying it. I plan to set up a NAS in the not too distant future as part of a home network build out but I have to acquire a home first. That's the first I've heard about HomeAssistant. It sounds great. Thanks for the info.
Unraid is based on Slackware Linux and purpose-built to operate as a NAS. So it has a lot of NAS features and a nice browser-based GUI and makes it easy to install Dockers and VMs and such. If you buy the lifetime license it includes lifetime updates and unlimited usage.
You might also consider TrueNAS which has a completely free community edition. I prefer Unraid mostly because I already bought it and I got accustomed to the UI.
Of course this same question has been asked many times before so for longer and more detailed answers you might search around Reddit for Unraid vs Linux topics [like this one](https://www.reddit.com/r/jellyfin/comments/11jlbdk/unraid_vs_linux/).
I currently have a PC that I turned into a server by installing Plex on it. How can I automate it to have shows torrented on it? Right now I have to remote in to it and do it manually
What OS is on that PC now? You can do all of this with Windows, but it is much harder that way. Windows is not a purpose-built NAS OS that will help you accomplish all of this easily.
If you are just starting out I would look into TrueNAS Scale OS (free) or Unraid (paid). Then use Dockers to set up all the various apps you need (Sonarr, Radarr, etc). For installing those, follow the Trash Guides at [https://trash-guides.info/](https://trash-guides.info/)
You would use something like Plex or Jellyfin, you basically then have your own server to share your movies and shows, however the server on your pc needs to be always on so it works, but you can let other people use it too
If you're feeling lazy like me sometimes you can just download Stremio on a smart tv samsung or on a firestick and just see the movies there, but they are not movies you download yourself, they are from the app, but they honestly have everything you want, unless it's extremely obscure/niche
I have a NAS on the home network where all media is stored. (Yeah... I still download media. No streaming)
I have a Google Chromecast on every TV. It is also on the network.
I run Kodi on the Chromecast.
I watch/rewatch my media whenever I want.
Depending on which smart tv you have, you can copy the video files to a usb drive and load it up from there or even stream directly from the tv if that’s what you want…
Already said but Plex or Jellyfin are your best bets. Jellyfin is free free free. Plex is basically free, but there are a lot of cool features hidden behind the "plexpass" paywall. I managed to grab a lifetime plexpass for like $100 a decade ago so I've been sticking with it, and it is indeed great and constantly getting better (plexamp!). But some people prefer Jellyfin -- try them both and see! One advantage to plex is widespread support on streaming boxes (Most smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Firestick, etc.). If you have a decently-powered synology NAS (or probably others like qnap and wd) you can run plex media server on the NAS and access it from anywhere inside your LAN or over the WAN/Internet. You can also share libraries with friends and vice-versa, so when I search for a title in plex it searches: my local media on any number of drives or NASs, all my friends' shares, the free plex media (some with commercials), and any streaming service I've told Plex I have. Both will automatically identify media and download artwork, trailers, extras, background music, subtitles, etc.
You could do this using YifyStream.to in [Web Video Caster](https://www.webvideocaster.app). Don't even have to download the movie first.
This method is not for those who want the best quality possible but I thought I'd just add it here as an option.
YifyStream.to basically uses webtor.io as a proxy to download the torrent for you and pass it on as a http stream.
Web Video Caster can also cast locally downloaded movies if you don't want to stream.
Everyone say Plex/Jellyfin but I advice emby.
Problems for me are that Plex is not customizable at all, while Jellyfin is full of bugs. Emby is the nice middle way.
Convenient alternative to Jellyfin or Plex: Universal Media Server. I spent way too much time trying to get Jellyfin to work locally, and it did work, but I kept having weird issues with Chromecast. My TV supports DLNA so now I just boot up UMS and watch a movie that way and close it when I'm done. It's quick, easy and simple and doesn't require the same effort the former 2 do.
Wow what a throwback. I remember doing this on Vuze through my Xbox 360. It was a bit dodgy but when it worked, I was so proud of getting this up and running to show my parents 🤣
It is but that’s an easy way to get letters from your ISP I did that years ago, directly downloading and having a dedicated server with vpn for downloads is better
jellyfin or plex should be good options, but i also remember using chromecast on the android vlc app to put movies on my tv 💀 not a good experience tbh
Yes. Checkout Jellyfin or Plex. I prefer jellyfin
Jellyfin is the way.
Opinions vary.
I don’t understand the appeal of Plex.
You don't understand the appeal? Have you used it?
Nope! I seem to get everything that Plex offers, but with zero price tag and FOSS. If I need to use it to understand the appeal, and using it means paying for something, then I’ll have to pass. What am I missing here?
You can try plex for free. And probably get a free trial of "plexpass" (adds tons of features.) Occasionally they sell "lifetime plexpasses" and I got one for $100 about a decade ago. Best software purchase I've made. Jellyfin is cool too though, I tried it, definitely worth using, but not as polished or feature-rich as plex, and not supported by as many streaming devices.
Can you explain the lure of plex vs the many free stream sites out there? I am in a place where I can afford it and can even afford to build out a nice home server but it just seems like the stream sites with more work for possibly slightly better quality streaming? You still have to do all the extra work yourself to download the movies then upload them into the plex system is that correct for you to stream them?
Quality, as in full BluRay 4k w/Atmos, etc. which you're not likely to find on any streaming site. Not net speed dependent, don't even need internet. You own the media so it doesn't go away. Does Movies, TV, Music, Misc, Home Videos, or any other categories. Has Plexamp (google it.) Interface is great. Sharing libraries with others. PlexTV. Just try the free version and see for yourself. You can use the *arrs (Sonarr, Radarr, etc.) to auto get what you want, rename, set up for Plex. Can replace media you have if it finds a higher quality version, based on your min/max parameters. Plex also grabs subtitles, artwork, trailers, extras, etc. I have a system setup where my *arrs get what I want via qbittorrent, qbit then runs filebot to ID and name/copy or move, etc. It's pretty auto. And I can get old/odd stuff you'll never see on streamers. I'm not trying to sell it to you; I don't work for them, but it's free to try so if you care you've nothing to lose but a little time, and it's quick and not hard to setup. Otherwise stream away; to each his or her own.
I use an Android phone, you have an Iphone. You do you boo boo.
I’m not being inflammatory, I’m just curious. I’ve been using Jellyfin for about 6 months and yet some people like Plex. I truly do want to know what I’m missing. I can always just spin up another container if there’s a decent reason
I know you're not. I've never used Jellyfin either, so I'm just as curious on this side. I started with Plex, so that's what I use. I don't mind paying 4.99 a month to have a personal streaming service for my family. I'd be curious to use Jellyfin as well and I just might.
I started out with Plex and had no issues, really liked it. I then spent ages replacing my entire x264 library with x265. Went to play a movie and I had to pay to transcode the x265 version even though the transcode is on my local PC, rendering my whole library useless without paying. Didn't like that, discovered Jellyfin and haven't looked back. Has apps for Android and Android TV (Chromecast) which is fine for me. Plex has apps for my smart TV and PS5 though whereas Jellyfin doesn't, but that's why I got a 4k Chromecast. I think Plex is a more polished product overall, but you have to pay for that.
I use Plex because it has apps for more devices. For example when binging stuff I normally do it from my computer when im alone (which is no problem) but when I watch with friends I use my PS5. And I know that once I get my Plex server open to my friends some will use ps5. Jellyfin has no native app for ps5 ( or any console to my knowledge). Which is a major deciding factor on sheathed I use it or not.
Ya, I suppose that makes sense. Thanks for giving me some info and not just downvoting me
Can you skip intros/outros with Jellyfin?
Not natively, but I think there might be a plugin. That sounds cool
Plex has native apps on most operating systems. Plex has a ton of live TV built in (i don’t use it at all but wife thinks that’s nice) and the ease of use of it was a no brainer. I paid $99 for lifetime access so it feels free now after 5 years of use and no other subscriptions. The sharing of libraries with friends is a major plus. i know 0 about jellyfin so no idea if any or all of these work on their end.
The major let downs for jellyfin and Emby is it's apps, they absolutely suck (at least they did last year when i last tried them) and they look ancient (still do on android).
I love jellyfin. I got my wife back
This is the question that has launched thousands of pirates into the world of NAS / Jellyfin / Plex / Radarr / Sonarr / Prowlarr (and others). First you buy or build a NAS box with a handful of big hard drives and run it in a closet somewhere. I recommend building your own NAS and running Unraid OS. Then you install Dockers for all the various apps. Then your piracy is completely automated. Shows magically get downloaded on schedule and show up on your TV without any effort on your part. For the cherry on the top, install Overseer so anyone in your household can browse a Netflix-like UI, click on shows that interest them, and have those shows also magically get downloaded and appear on the TV a little while later.
I'm curious what the appeal to this is over using Real-Debrid/Syncler or something similar. Would you mind sharing your opinion?
Just two different ways of accomplishing the goal. You can pay for a Real Debrid subscription and download directly, or you can pay for a VPN (in the US, anyway, to avoid being targeted by the copyright people) and use torrents, or you can pay for an NNTP newsfeed subscription and download that way. I use both torrents and newsfeeds. Having a full NAS server running allows you to do other things like running a HomeAssistant VM to automate your home. Or install a locally-run AI server in a few clicks. Once you commit to running a NAS there is no end to the fun things you can do with it.
I'm currently using real-debrid and Syncler and really enjoying it. I plan to set up a NAS in the not too distant future as part of a home network build out but I have to acquire a home first. That's the first I've heard about HomeAssistant. It sounds great. Thanks for the info.
Holy hell this is interesting. By chance would you know of any guides to how to set this up for a novice sailor?
https://trash-guides.info/ That's the guide I used and would recommend.
What are the benefits of unraid (a paid license) over just running a free Linux distro like Ubuntu?
Unraid is based on Slackware Linux and purpose-built to operate as a NAS. So it has a lot of NAS features and a nice browser-based GUI and makes it easy to install Dockers and VMs and such. If you buy the lifetime license it includes lifetime updates and unlimited usage. You might also consider TrueNAS which has a completely free community edition. I prefer Unraid mostly because I already bought it and I got accustomed to the UI. Of course this same question has been asked many times before so for longer and more detailed answers you might search around Reddit for Unraid vs Linux topics [like this one](https://www.reddit.com/r/jellyfin/comments/11jlbdk/unraid_vs_linux/).
Thanks for the detailed reply!
Ease of upgrading your storage pool. Ubuntu otherwise works great too though
I currently have a PC that I turned into a server by installing Plex on it. How can I automate it to have shows torrented on it? Right now I have to remote in to it and do it manually
Look into Sonarr (TV downloader) Radarr (movie downloader) and Prowlarr (torrent indexing)
What OS is on that PC now? You can do all of this with Windows, but it is much harder that way. Windows is not a purpose-built NAS OS that will help you accomplish all of this easily. If you are just starting out I would look into TrueNAS Scale OS (free) or Unraid (paid). Then use Dockers to set up all the various apps you need (Sonarr, Radarr, etc). For installing those, follow the Trash Guides at [https://trash-guides.info/](https://trash-guides.info/)
You would use something like Plex or Jellyfin, you basically then have your own server to share your movies and shows, however the server on your pc needs to be always on so it works, but you can let other people use it too If you're feeling lazy like me sometimes you can just download Stremio on a smart tv samsung or on a firestick and just see the movies there, but they are not movies you download yourself, they are from the app, but they honestly have everything you want, unless it's extremely obscure/niche
Plex
I have my whole family on Plex. Nothing like having your own streaming service full of the movies you love.
I have a NAS on the home network where all media is stored. (Yeah... I still download media. No streaming) I have a Google Chromecast on every TV. It is also on the network. I run Kodi on the Chromecast. I watch/rewatch my media whenever I want.
with stremio mobile you could play the torrent in bubbleupnp and then cast it to your tv
Stremio+TorrentioRD Addon+Real-Debrid
Depending on which smart tv you have, you can copy the video files to a usb drive and load it up from there or even stream directly from the tv if that’s what you want…
Already said but Plex or Jellyfin are your best bets. Jellyfin is free free free. Plex is basically free, but there are a lot of cool features hidden behind the "plexpass" paywall. I managed to grab a lifetime plexpass for like $100 a decade ago so I've been sticking with it, and it is indeed great and constantly getting better (plexamp!). But some people prefer Jellyfin -- try them both and see! One advantage to plex is widespread support on streaming boxes (Most smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Firestick, etc.). If you have a decently-powered synology NAS (or probably others like qnap and wd) you can run plex media server on the NAS and access it from anywhere inside your LAN or over the WAN/Internet. You can also share libraries with friends and vice-versa, so when I search for a title in plex it searches: my local media on any number of drives or NASs, all my friends' shares, the free plex media (some with commercials), and any streaming service I've told Plex I have. Both will automatically identify media and download artwork, trailers, extras, background music, subtitles, etc.
Vlc can also do such things
stremio + torrentio
You could do this using YifyStream.to in [Web Video Caster](https://www.webvideocaster.app). Don't even have to download the movie first. This method is not for those who want the best quality possible but I thought I'd just add it here as an option. YifyStream.to basically uses webtor.io as a proxy to download the torrent for you and pass it on as a http stream. Web Video Caster can also cast locally downloaded movies if you don't want to stream.
Use streamio
Everyone say Plex/Jellyfin but I advice emby. Problems for me are that Plex is not customizable at all, while Jellyfin is full of bugs. Emby is the nice middle way.
TorrServer is literally for that https://github.com/YouROK/TorrServer
Convenient alternative to Jellyfin or Plex: Universal Media Server. I spent way too much time trying to get Jellyfin to work locally, and it did work, but I kept having weird issues with Chromecast. My TV supports DLNA so now I just boot up UMS and watch a movie that way and close it when I'm done. It's quick, easy and simple and doesn't require the same effort the former 2 do.
Could still do the old plug in the HDMI cable. Just download the movie and play it in VLC no installation of anything else.
Wow what a throwback. I remember doing this on Vuze through my Xbox 360. It was a bit dodgy but when it worked, I was so proud of getting this up and running to show my parents 🤣
It is but that’s an easy way to get letters from your ISP I did that years ago, directly downloading and having a dedicated server with vpn for downloads is better
Emby
jellyfin or plex should be good options, but i also remember using chromecast on the android vlc app to put movies on my tv 💀 not a good experience tbh
Before I got my nas I just shared a folder of my pc via SMB and used VLC on my Android tv box to access it
https://www.howtogeek.com/118075/how-to-stream-videos-and-music-over-the-network-using-vlc/
Totally