What are the best open source alternatives to Plex?

The top open source alternatives to Plex include Jellyfin. These tools offer similar functionality while being free and open source.

Why choose an open source alternative to Plex?

Open source alternatives provide transparency, community support, no vendor lock-in, and often cost savings. You can customize the software to your needs and have full control over your data.

Are these Plex alternatives really free?

Yes, all listed alternatives are open source and free to use. You may need to pay for hosting if you self-host, but the software itself is free.

Stellar Hosted – Managed Open Source software hosting in the EU: secure, compliant, fast.

Start using Open Source today

Open Source Plex Alternatives

A curated collection of the 1 best open source alternatives to Plex.

The best open source alternative to Plex is Jellyfin. If that doesn't suit you, we've compiled a ranked list of other open source Plex alternatives to help you find a suitable replacement.

Plex alternatives are mainly Media Servers. Browse these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Plex.

Written by Piotr Kulpinski

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Plex

Transform any device into a personal media server. Organize, stream, and share your movies, TV shows, music, and photos across all your devices with automatic metadata.

Visit Plex

Jellyfin is a volunteer-built, free software media solution that gives you complete control over your entertainment library. Host your own server and stream movies, TV shows, music, live TV, books, and photos to any device without subscription fees or privacy concerns.

Key Features:

Complete Media Management - Organize movies, TV shows, music, books, comics, and photos with beautiful artwork and metadata
Live TV & DVR - Watch live television and set automatic recordings to expand your library
Multi-Device Streaming - Access your content on web browsers, mobile apps, smart TVs, and streaming devices
SyncPlay - Watch movies and shows together with friends and family remotely
No Subscription Fees - Completely free to use with no hidden costs or premium tiers
Privacy First - No tracking, phone-home features, or data collection
Open Source - Licensed under GNU GPL, fully transparent and community-driven

Why Choose Jellyfin:

Your Data Stays Yours - Self-hosted solution means complete privacy and control
Cross-Platform Support - Official and third-party clients available for most devices
Active Community - Volunteer-driven development with regular updates and improvements
Customizable Experience - Personalize your interface and organize content your way

Perfect for anyone wanting to break free from subscription services while maintaining access to their personal media collection anywhere, anytime.