Despite the influx of several video and music streaming apps, media server apps are here to stay. They offer an enhanced and seamless management of files. And with plenty of customization tools, you can create your own Netflix and keep your entire library not only ideally organized but also available for streaming across platforms. Speaking of media server apps, “Plex” stands out as the most efficient option. However, its freemium version doesn’t offer access to some notable features including parental controls, DVR & Live TV, and mobile sync. Also, while Plex is a good media server app it’s not for everyone. In this article we are going to take a look at some of the best Plex alternatives that you should be using in 2019.

Fortunately, the market is flooded with a variety of media server apps. However, not all of them have the goods to provide convenient media streaming and management. To save you from extensive research, I have handpicked some of the best media server apps that can replace Plex. If you are toying with the idea of creating a massive collection of your videos, music and even memorable photos, take a peek at this extensive roundup to choose a versatile app for your device right now!

If there’s a media server app that can match Plex in most aspects, it has to be “Emby”. It’s pretty simple and offers you enough flexibility to keep all of your songs, videos, and photos organized just like Plex. The auto-organization functionality ensures you don’t have to spend any time in keeping your media in the right order. The best part about it is that it automatically converts your media in real-time so that you can seamlessly stream it on any device.

Like Plex, Emby also offers a super handy parental control feature, allowing you to control what type of content your children access. Plus, you will also be able to keep a tab on their session so that their media watching never goes beyond limitations. The support for multiple platforms and seamless cloud syncing further enriches its reputation as one of the best Plex alternatives. Do not that the free tier won’t let you access all the features. And you will have to go for Emby Premiere ($4.99/month) to unlock all the pro features.

Formerly known as XBMC, “Kodi” is a robust open-source media player and an entertainment hub. You can play and view music, videos, photos, podcasts, and several other media files from the Internet, local, as well as network storage media. Thanks to the support for almost any media formats, the app provides you maximum liberty to keep all of your files in line with your demand. And that’s exactly what makes Kodi a fine Plex alternative.

Visit the Website: Free

When it comes to offering reliable performance, “Universal Media Player” is a trusted name. Though it lacks an elegant interface, it offers several user-friendly features to let you manage your media efficiently. It boasts a powerful transcoder and has the support for many media formats. So, it doesn’t matter which media formats you have to deal with, it would allow you to get your job done with the needed proficiency. And because of this proficiency, I find it a highly-competent alternative to Plex.

  • Offers free Media Server app
  • Fully compatible with DLNA devices
  • Highly efficient transcoder
  • Supports many media formats

Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS Devices

Simply put, “Serviio” has long been a noted media server app. And, if you desire to perfectly organize your entire media in one place, you can’t go wrong with it. The app does a reliable job of streaming media files like music, videos and even image to supported devices such as TV set, Bluray player, games console and smartphones on your connected homework. It’s this versatility in streaming media that makes Serviio a worthy Plex alternative. More importantly, it also supports Alexa skills, which means you can take advantage of the smart virtual assistant to stream media.

Key Features: 

As someone who always appreciates more flexibility, “Media Portal” has stood up to my high expectations. The app works as a versatile entertainment hub, which plays a pivotal role in not only handling media but also monitoring the entire library. And with so many media organizing tools put in place, it provides the much-needed convenience to deal with a variety of different files just like Plex. If you have to manage a plethora of media files, this is exactly what you would want to keep your stuff in sync with your needs.

On the streaming front, Media Portal excels thanks to the compatibility with tons of media formats. During my test, I didn’t notice any buffering or sluggishness, which speaks volumes of its quality. That’s not all, it’s also designed to work with plugins that can bring in both desired efficiency into the way you manage your files and also useful customization.

Platform Availability: Windows, Android, Web

Frankly speaking, “OSMC” looks and works pretty much like “Kodi” (mentioned above). So, if you are looking for a free and open-source media server app that has a striking similarity with Kodi, it would be a safe way to go. The app has a modern-looking design that instantly calls for attention and also puts it in the same league as Plex. You can easily create a dependable media server with OSMC and export your entire media files to one secure place.

Platform Availability: Vero, Raspberry Pi, Apple TV

7. MediaGoblin

Though not as feature-rich as Emby or Kodi, “MediaGoblin” is one of the better alternatives to Plex. The app comes with easy-to-use tools to let you manage your media and also share them conveniently. Due mainly to the support for a range of media types such as audio files, videos, books, 3D models, and even ASCII-art, it makes sure you don’t have to run into incompatibility issues.

Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, and Linux

Ever wanted to have your personal Netflix? If yes, “Streama” can prove to be a smart pick for you. The app has got a very impressive user-interface and comes with a Netflix-inspired player. You can quickly navigate through your entire collection and also organize the files as per your specific taste. When it comes to organizing media and offering maximum liberty, Streama can give Plex a run for its money.

  • Impressive user-interface
  • Episode browser
  • Netflix-inspired player

Platform Availability: Windows, Linux, and Android

Both as a media server app and file manager, “Ampache” is a reasonable option. The app features an extremely simple interface that’s quite easy to handle. After exporting all of your music, you can create a massive collection and design it in accordance with your requirements. You can stream music to your desired player and also control it with ease. And if I were to compare Ampache with Plex on flexibility and convenience fronts, I wouldn’t hesitate in putting the former very close to the latter.

Platform Availability: OS Independent 

“JRIver Media Center” claims to be a comprehensive media software. After trying out this software, I can say that it has the quality to be more than a handy replacement of Plex. Whether you want to manage a lot of audio or keep your music/videos in sync with your specific demand, it shouldn’t disappoint you. It has some pretty neat editing tools that come in handy in letting you manage your media files as elegantly as Plex.

Courtesy DLNA support, it allows you to stream your video almost any device including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Moreover, JRIver Media Center also offers much-needed security and privacy to your data. So, your files will be ideally safeguarded and easily accessible.

Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, and Linux 

For more personalized media management, “TVersity” is worth serious consideration. It automatically indexes your music, movies, and photos so that they always stay organized. Plus, it also keeps a close eye on your folders and offers tools to manage them in a better way. You can use this software to stream both your personal and web media from your PC to TV and even mobile devices.

Platform Availability: Windows, iOS, Android, Xbox 360 and Xbox One, Roku, Chromecast and more 

12. Windows Media Services

If you are a Windows user and wish to have a native service to handle your media, “Windows Media Services” would be more than good enough for you. Based on your needs, you can comfortably generate streaming media (audio/video) and manage your files with useful tools.

Platform Availability: Windows

Visit the Website: Free