Ampache vs Plex

Struggling to choose between Ampache and Plex? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Ampache is a Audio & Music solution with tags like music, audio, streaming, media-server.

It boasts features such as Web-based audio/video streaming, Music library management, Podcast support, Smart/dynamic playlists, User accounts and permissions, Mobile app access, Audio fingerprinting, Cover art support, Transcoding support, API access, Theme support and pros including Free and open source, Self-hosted option, Good community support, Extensive features, Customizable and extensible.

On the other hand, Plex is a Video & Movies product tagged with media, video, music, photos, streaming, server, library, organization.

Its standout features include Media server that allows you to store, organize and stream video, music and photos, Intuitive interface and dashboard for browsing libraries, Client apps for many platforms including mobile, smart TVs, gaming consoles and desktop, Remote access so you can stream from anywhere, Automated library organization using metadata, Support for many file and media formats, Plug-ins and add-ons available, Parental controls and managed user accounts, Hardware transcoding to stream to any device, and it shines with pros like Easy to set up and use, Works great for personal media libraries, Support for many different file types and formats, Apps available on most platforms, Can stream remotely when away from home, Automated organization saves time, Completely free personal use option.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Ampache

Ampache

Ampache is an open-source web-based audio/video streaming application and file manager. It allows you to access your music and video collection from any internet-connected device.

Categories:
music audio streaming media-server

Ampache Features

  1. Web-based audio/video streaming
  2. Music library management
  3. Podcast support
  4. Smart/dynamic playlists
  5. User accounts and permissions
  6. Mobile app access
  7. Audio fingerprinting
  8. Cover art support
  9. Transcoding support
  10. API access
  11. Theme support

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Self-hosted option

Good community support

Extensive features

Customizable and extensible

Cons

Setup can be complex

Mobile apps lack some features

Missing some modern streaming features

Development is slow


Plex

Plex

Plex is a popular media server that allows you to store, organize, and stream your personal video, music, and photo collections to all of your devices. It has an intuitive interface and works with many file types and platforms.

Categories:
media video music photos streaming server library organization

Plex Features

  1. Media server that allows you to store, organize and stream video, music and photos
  2. Intuitive interface and dashboard for browsing libraries
  3. Client apps for many platforms including mobile, smart TVs, gaming consoles and desktop
  4. Remote access so you can stream from anywhere
  5. Automated library organization using metadata
  6. Support for many file and media formats
  7. Plug-ins and add-ons available
  8. Parental controls and managed user accounts
  9. Hardware transcoding to stream to any device

Pricing

  • Free
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Easy to set up and use

Works great for personal media libraries

Support for many different file types and formats

Apps available on most platforms

Can stream remotely when away from home

Automated organization saves time

Completely free personal use option

Cons

Can be resource intensive on server computer

No offline viewing support in free version

Some features require paid Plex Pass subscription

Limited codec support in free version

Requires internet connection for remote streaming

Can be complex for larger libraries or multiple users