OpenELEC vs Plex

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

OpenELEC is a Gaming Software solution with tags like open-source, kodi, media-center, home-theater-pc, htpc, linux-distribution.

It boasts features such as Lightweight Linux distribution optimized for Kodi, Small disk and memory footprint, Boots directly into Kodi interface, Automatic updates for Kodi and addons, Supports Raspberry Pi, generic x86 computers, and other devices, Active community support and pros including Easy to setup and use, Great performance on lower-powered devices, Constant updates and improvements, Very customizable, Free and open source.

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.

Feature	OpenELEC	Plex
Overall Score	N/A	1
Primary Category	Gaming Software	Video & Movies

Product Overview

OpenELEC

Description: OpenELEC is a lightweight, Kodi-centric Linux distribution designed specifically for media centers and home theater PCs. It comes preconfigured with Kodi media center software and runs well on lower-powered devices.

Plex

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

OpenELEC Features

• Lightweight Linux distribution optimized for Kodi
• Small disk and memory footprint
• Boots directly into Kodi interface
• Automatic updates for Kodi and addons
• Supports Raspberry Pi, generic x86 computers, and other devices
• Active community support

Plex Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

OpenELEC

Pros

• Easy to setup and use
• Great performance on lower-powered devices
• Constant updates and improvements
• Very customizable
• Free and open source

Cons

• Limited to just running Kodi
• Less flexibility than full Linux distro
• Manual updates required for core OS
• Limited hardware support

Plex

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

Pricing Comparison

OpenELEC

• Open Source

Plex

• Free
• Subscription-Based