Plex vs OSMC

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

Plex is a Video & Movies solution with tags like media, video, music, photos, streaming, server, library, organization.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

On the other hand, OSMC is a Home & Family product tagged with media, entertainment, raspberry-pi, kodi, open-source.

Its standout features include Runs Kodi media center software, Optimized for Raspberry Pi and other low-power devices, Supports a wide range of media formats, Customizable interface using Kodi skins, Plays media from local storage or over a network, Supports common peripherals like remote controls, Active community support forums, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Easy to set up on a Raspberry Pi, Low resource usage, Large library of Kodi plugins and addons, Customizable with skins and themes, Active development and updates.

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.

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


OSMC

OSMC

OSMC is an open source media center that runs Kodi on top of a Linux distribution optimized for low-power devices like the Raspberry Pi. It provides an easy way to convert a Raspberry Pi into a dedicated media center and Kodi box.

Categories:
media entertainment raspberry-pi kodi open-source

OSMC Features

  1. Runs Kodi media center software
  2. Optimized for Raspberry Pi and other low-power devices
  3. Supports a wide range of media formats
  4. Customizable interface using Kodi skins
  5. Plays media from local storage or over a network
  6. Supports common peripherals like remote controls
  7. Active community support forums

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Easy to set up on a Raspberry Pi

Low resource usage

Large library of Kodi plugins and addons

Customizable with skins and themes

Active development and updates

Cons

Limited hardware codec support on Raspberry Pi

Can be tricky to configure advanced features

Some addons may no longer be maintained

Requires tinkering for optimal performance

Not as polished as commercial media centers