Plex Media Server is available on FreeBSD, Linux, macOS, and Windows computers. Finally, Plex has abandoned support for podcasts. In addition, Plex recently shut down Plex Arcade (Opens in a new window), a subscription game streaming service that we found disappointing in testing. Plex Cloud was a premium feature that let you host media in the cloud independently of local storage, but it was plagued by technical issues. If you're looking for information about Plex Cloud, know that Plex shut down the service (Opens in a new window) in 2018. (Opens in a new window) Read Our Peacock Review However, it's not ready for an official release. On the Plex forums, you can download a preview version of Plex HTPC (Opens in a new window), a home theater app that brings back useful Plex Media Player functionality to the PC and Mac and eventually Linux. However, some functionality and platform support is going away, or being retooled for a later release. As for specific changes, the updated media playback app replaces the older Sync capability with the simpler Download function for accessing your files offline. Once the media server is configured, you can stream and download that server content on other devices, as well as share you library with other people via the new, cross-platform Plex app.

Although we don't condone the practice, content pirates may be drawn to Plex, as well. It's also for people who oppose popular video and music streaming services. Plex is best for people with large repositories of local media files who don't have a lot of space on the devices to which they'll stream content. To get started, you set up a server on a device using the Plex Media Server application, and add local media libraries to it. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.

Plex home media server