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Plex for Windows vs Plex MPV Shim: catalog facts
Plex for Windows	Plex MPV Shim
Freemium Free to use, with an optional Plex Pass subscription or lifetime purchase.	Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.
Windows	Windows, Linux
Official client for Plex Media Server libraries Includes free live TV and on-demand movies and shows	Uses MPV for broad format support Controlled from the regular Plex mobile and web apps
Proprietary, with some features tied to Plex Pass Needs a Plex Media Server to play your own media	Unofficial and not supported by Plex Requires a Plex server and another device to cast from
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License: Proprietary	License: MIT
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

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