Universal Media Server vs Plex

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

Universal Media Server is a Video & Movies solution with tags like media-server, video-streaming, audio-streaming, image-streaming, transcoding, dlna.

It boasts features such as Streams video, audio and images to various devices, Supports a wide range of media formats, Transcodes media on the fly, DLNA/UPnP media server, Web UI for remote control and configuration, Supports subtitles, Live TV streaming, Chromecast support, AirPlay support and pros including Free and open source, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Lightweight and easy to set up, Supports many devices and formats, Active development and community support.

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	Universal Media Server	Plex
Overall Score	N/A	1
Primary Category	Video & Movies	Video & Movies

Product Overview

Universal Media Server

Description: Universal Media Server is a free open source media server that allows you to stream video, audio and images to devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, mobile devices and media players. It supports a wide range of media formats and allows transcoding on the fly.

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

Universal Media Server Features

• Streams video, audio and images to various devices
• Supports a wide range of media formats
• Transcodes media on the fly
• DLNA/UPnP media server
• Web UI for remote control and configuration
• Supports subtitles
• Live TV streaming
• Chromecast support
• AirPlay 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

Universal Media Server

Pros

• Free and open source
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Lightweight and easy to set up
• Supports many devices and formats
• Active development and community support

Cons

• Lacks some advanced configuration options
• Not all formats work perfectly
• No mobile apps
• Some stability issues

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

Universal Media Server

• Open Source

Plex

• Free
• Subscription-Based