Compare software

Plex Media Server vs Emby Server: catalog facts
Plex Media Server	Emby Server
Freemium Adding media and streaming it on your home network is free. Streaming your library from…	Freemium The server is free to use. Emby Premiere is a paid subscription that unlocks hardware…
Windows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted, Web, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted, Android, iOS, Web
Automatic matching of films, shows and music with artwork and metadata Client apps on more devices than any comparable server, including most smart TVs	Client apps on phones, tablets, smart televisions and consoles Live TV and DVR from a tuner card or network tuner
Streaming from outside the home needs a paid Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass Closed source, and sign-in goes through a Plex account on the company’s servers	Closed source since 2018 Hardware transcoding and offline downloads need a paid subscription
Self-hosted, Downloadable app, Hosted service	Self-hosted, Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	No account needed
Needs internet	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.