There are tons of media server software options available for hosting a home server. Plex however, remains arguably the most popular choices for running a sort of do-it-yourself (DIY) Netflix. With Plex Media Server, you can stream your personal movie, TV show, and music collection. While the streaming experience is dictated largely by your Plex server hardware, what client device you use also shapes file playback. Check out the best Plex client devices you can use in 2020!
What is Plex Media Server and Why Should You Use It?
Plex Media Server for Mac is sometimes distributed under different names, such as 'Plex Media Server-1'. Plex Media Server for Mac is categorized as Audio & Video Tools. Our antivirus check shows that this Mac download is safe. The most popular version among the program users is 0.9. This free Mac app was originally produced by Plex. Welcome to the edge of Plex for Windows and Plex for Mac development. From time to time we’ll share preview releases with our forum users. Typically this is a sign that we need your help finding unexpected behavior in th&hellip. How to use Plex to manage and play all of your media, everywhere The best iTunes alternatives for Mac Become a master caster with these Google Chromecast tips and tricks. For Plex streaming, there’s audio passthrough and 4K video playback. And with excellent direct play compatibility, almost no server-side encoding is required. Though not quite as versatile as the Nvidia Shield TV, the Apple TV 4K is a great Plex media streamer for Mac users. Pros: User-friendly; Apple ecosystem; 4K HDR-capable; Dolby Vision.
A media server software program, Plex allows you to take your movies, TV shows, music files, and even photos, then display them with a slick user-interface (UI). It’s something of a DIY Netflix or Spotify, taking your media files and downloading box art as well as metadata. You can access your content on compatible Plex streaming devices using an appropriate Plex app.
What is a Plex Client Device?
When you spin up a Plex server, your media collection sits on your server. Then, you can access those files via Plex apps on compatible devices, called clients. Essentially, a Plex streaming device is any media player that’s able to download the Plex media player app, or pull it up in a browser. This ranges from Android set-top boxes, Rokus, and Amazon Fire TV streamers to iOS and Android phones or tablets, smart TVs, and even the Kodi media center which features a Plex add-on.
What to Look for in a Plex Client – What Devices Work Best with Plex?
When considering a Plex media player, you’ll want to think about what devices work best for Plex streaming. Just because a device can download the Plex app doesn’t mean it handles media playback well. Provided that your media is properly encoded in various formats, you should be able to direct play files if they’re stored in the correct file containers, use a compatible bitrate and resolution, plus are encoded using appropriate codecs. This varies by device.
Then, there’s direct stream that happens when a file is compatible with your device, such as H.264 or AC3, but wrapped in an incompatible file container such as MKV or AVI. You can still direct stream these which uses a tiny bit of processing power, repackaging content for on-the-fly streaming. Other considerations when selecting a media streamer for Plex are output resolution and app compatibility. Think about what else you want to install besides Plex, such as Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, etc. For 4K TVs, make sure you’ve got a Plex client device capable of handling HDR or Dolby Vision. Audio streams are important too, particularly for a home theater set up that features a surround sound or soundbar.
DIrect Play and Direct Stream compatibility
Video output resolution
App compatibility beyond Plex
Nvidia Shield TV – Best Overall Media Streamer for Plex 2020
The Nvidia Shield TV isn’t simply the best Plex streamer you can buy, but instead the top streaming device on the market. Frist released in 2015, Nvidia gave its Nvidia Shield TV a much-needed overhaul in 2019. Running Android 9.0 Pie, the Tegra X1+ powered Nvidia Shield TV added support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. Capable of pumping out 4K HDR visuals, it’s a beefy little Android TV box that runs an official version of Android TV rather than a tablet-optimized Android OS as found on many set-top boxes. A novel feature, AI (artificial intelligence) upscaling makes SDR content look lush on 4K HDR panels. The base model was graced with not only an internal refresh but an outward redesign, now coming packaged in a cylindrical form factor.
Inside, you’ll find 2GB of RAM and 8GB of flash storage alongside its Tegra X1+ SoC. In addition to 8GB of onboard storage, there’s a microSD card slot for expansion. While there’s onboard Wi-Fi, you’ll also find an Ethernet port. Unfortunately, the redesigned 2019 Nvidia Shield TV lacks any USB ports, so it loses its ability to double as a Plex server or Samsung SmartThings hub. Moreover, despite its 4K HDR and Dolby Vision capabilities, the Shield TV curiously lacks YouTube HDR playback. Still, the Nvidia Shield TV boasts the best compatibility for Plex streaming when it comes to direct play. It can handle Dolby Vision, 4K HDR files, and its AI upscaling actually delivers on its promise of making non-4K content appear better.
Pros:
Great codec support
4K HDR-capable
Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support
True Android TV OS with Android 9.0 Pie
Runs Android games and emulators
Capable of game streaming
Google Assistant onboard
Audio passthrough
Cons:
Expensive
Lacks some apps
No HDR on YouTube
Nvidia Shield TV Pro – The Ultimate Streaming Device for Plex Users
Similarly, Nvidia updated its Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Appearing much like the previous Shield TV, the Shield TV Pro 2019 is arguably the ultimate streaming device for Plex users. Touting the same Tegra X1+ SoC as the non-Pro Shield TV, it runs Android 9.0 Pie Android TV. Whereas the Shield TV includes 2GB of RAM and 8GB of onboard storage, the Shield Pro 2019 offers 3GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage. While there’s no microSD card slot, you will find a pair of USB 3.0 ports for connecting peripherals such as hard drives, keyboards, mice, gamepads, the SmartThings Link, and more.
Outfitted with dual-band AC Wi-Fi, the Shield TV Pro 2019 maintains an Ethernet port. And it’s capable of churning out 4K HDR visuals, supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, plus Nvidia’s AI upscaling. Since it’s got USB inputs, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 retains the ability to double as a Plex server as well as a Plex client, and remains an excellent Samsung SmartThings hub. Disappointingly, there’s no YouTube HDR functionality, a really odd oversight. It’s not as if the Shield TV Pro 2019 lacks the processing power. Because it runs Android TV, you can use the Shield Pro 2019 for gaming, either running Android titles like GTA III or retro ROMs using emulators. Unlike its predecessor, however, there’s no bundled gamepad. Nevertheless, with compatibility for virtually any file you throw at it, superb audio passthrough and direct play support, impressive AI upscaling, and the ability to run emulators for retro gaming, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 is the best Plex streaming box of all.
Pros:
AI upscaling
4K HDR-capable
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
3GB RAM, 16GB onboard storage
2 x USB 3.0 ports
Dual-band AC Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Doubles as a Plex server
Great direct play support
Audio passthrough
Can run emulators for retro gaming
SmartThings Link smart home hub compatible
Cons:
No gamepad included
Lacks YouTube HDR
Only 16GB onboard storage
Roku Ultra – Best Plex Streaming Device for Most Users
Although there are loads of different streaming boxes on the market, Roku continues to dominate. Its user-friendly ecosystem originated on set-top boxes before making its way to TVs from the likes of TCL. For Plex use, the Roku Ultra boasts hardware HEVC decoding, 4K HDR video streaming, and a voice remote with a headphone jack for private listening. Because the Roku Ultra flaunts an Ethernet port, it’s the best Roku you can buy for 4K streaming. Audio buffs may be disappointed by its lack of audio passthrough for DTS-HD, TrueHD, DTS-X, and other lossless audio codecs. Bue for the average user, the Roku Ultra remains an affordable streaming device that delivers 4K HDR visuals and lets you install virtually any app imaginable.
Lacks some audio passthrough for 7.1 surround sound
Amazon Fire TV Cube 4K – Plex Streaming with a Great Ecosystem
Streaming devices from Amazon including its smart TVs have become massively popular. Accordingly, the Fire TV is an affordable 4K Plex streaming device. The Fire Stick 4K displays Dolby Vision video and even packs Alexa into its voice remote. Or, the Fire TV Cube handles 4K playback, Dolby Vision and HDR+, as well as Alexa voice commands. The Fire TV Cube is fast, and its operating system runs virtually any app you can think of.
Voice search, while fairly robust, doesn’t work for YouTube TV, arguably the top cable replacement service for cord-cutters. Likewise, audio passthrough isn’t nearly as thorough as on the Nvidia Shield TV. But a Fire TV Stick or Cube should satiate the average Plex user just fine, and like Roku streamers, Amazon Fire TV boxes are incredibly user-friendly.
Pros:
Amazon Fire TV ecosystem
Lots of apps
User-friendly
4K HDR video output
Dolby Vision
Cons:
Lacks DTS audio passthrough
Inarguably, Apple manufacturers high-quality devices with polished, easy-to-use software ecosystems to boot. Apple devotees looking for a Plex client should adopt the Apple TV 4K. If you’ve got a large library of iTunes movies, TV shows, and music, the Apple TV is a must. Sporting 4K HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, the Apple TV 4K comes in a 32GB or 64GB variant. For Plex streaming, there’s audio passthrough and 4K video playback. And with excellent direct play compatibility, almost no server-side encoding is required. Though not quite as versatile as the Nvidia Shield TV, the Apple TV 4K is a great Plex media streamer for Mac users.
Pros:
User-friendly
Apple ecosystem
4K HDR-capable
Dolby Vision support
Great audio passthrough
32GB and 64GB variants
Lots of apps
Cons:
Expensive
No DTS audio passthrough
Xiaomi Mi Box S – An Affordable Android TV Box
The Xiaomi Mi Box S presents an affordable true Android TV alternative to the Nvidia Shield TV. Xiaomi outfits its Mi Box S with 4K Ultra HD playback, Google Assistant baked in, and powerful specs. It’s built with a Cortex-A53 quad-core 64-bit CPU paired with a Mali-450 GPU. Onboard, the Mi Box S rocks 2GB of DDR3 and 8GB of user accessible storage. There’s 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and a USB 2.0 input.
Unfortunately, 4K streaming can be somewhat laggy at times. Although both the Mi Box S and Shield TV run Android TV, the Mi Box S ends up transcoding certain files that the Shield TV direct plays. Ultimately, the Xiaomi Mi Box S is a reasonably-priced legit Android TV OS streaming media player with good Plex app support.
Pros:
True Android TV
Google Assistant baked-in
Excellent remote
4K HDR-capable
Affordable
Cons:
Laggy 4K streaming
PlayStation 4 Pro – Best Plex Streaming Device for Gamers
Sony designed its PlayStation 4 game console to double as an extremely competent media center. As such, the PlayStation 4 Pro is an incredible, and versatile, Plex streaming device. You can play PS4 exclusives such as “Spider-Man,” and “God of War,” as well as play Blu-Rays, DVDs, and CDs. With its ability to game, play your physical media collection, and stream from the likes of Plex, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more, the PlayStation 4 is a robust media player.
Sadly, Sony skimped on the Blu-Ray player foregoing 4K UHD Blu-Ray playback. There’s no H.265 playback, so the PlayStation 4 Pro isn’t suitable for hardcore Plex users who demand audio passthrough and direct play. On-the-fly conversion works but is rather CPU intensive, so you’ll need a beefy Plex server. With its balance of streaming support, physical media playback, and gaming, the PS4 Pro is a great Plex client for gamers.
Pros:
Plays games
Physical media support (Blu-Ray, DVD, CD)
4K HDR output
Cons:
Direct play issues
Audio passthrough problems
Xbox One – Plex Streaming with 4K UHD Blu-Ray Support
Likewise, the Xbox One runs Plex pretty well. Where the Xbox One improves is with its inclusion of a built-in UHD Blu-ray player. Both the Xbox One S and Xbox One X feature UHD Blu-ray playback capabilities. And while there’s Dolby Vision support on the S and X, that’s limited to streaming apps such as Disney+. Still, lack of Dolby Vision Blu-ray compatibility is a minor issue considering that the PlayStation 4 Pro doesn’t even read UHD Blu-rays.
Aside from Plex streaming and Blu-ray playback, you can pop in games such as “Halo” and “Gears of War” for gaming fun. Tragically, Plex on the Xbox One lacks audio passthrough and frame-rate switching. But its combination of gaming and media center functionality makes the Xbox One a fantastic option.
Pros:
Plays games
Physical media support (UHD Blu-ray, DVD, CD)
4K HDR Output
Dolby Vision
Cons:
No Dolby Vision Blu-ray support (limited to streaming apps)
Lacks audio passthrough
No frame rate switching
HTPC Plex Client Device
A home theatre PC (HTPC) is quite possibly the most utilitarian Plex client device you can use. You can run apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Kodi, and a slew of others whether via downloadable apps or in-browser. For a Plex client app, there’s the official Plex Media Player for Windows or macOS, or you can install Kodi and use the Plex for Kodi add-on. Your Plex experience will vary based on how you’re streaming Plex to your HTPC. The browser-based Plex vrsion doesn’t handle direct play very well, but the Plex for Kodi add-on is excellent. Even the affordable GeForce GT 1030 GPU can tackle 4K HEVC HDR at 60 frames per second perfectly. Since it serves tons of purposes, from streaming media to local file playback and even gaming, an HTPC Plex client boasts a versatile feature set that’s virtually unrivaled
Pros:
Versatile
Plex app available as Plex Media Player or via Kodi add-on
Can be used for gaming, local file playback, etc.
Upgradable
Cons:
Price varies
Not necessarily plug-and-play
Raspberry Pi Plex Streaming
The Raspberry Pi is an awesome little single-board computer (SBC). While you can create an awesome Plex server, the Raspberry Pi also makes for an affordable Plex client. You can createa Kodi-based HTPC with a Raspberry Pi using the likes of LibreELEC, OpenELEC, or OSMC. Alternatively, Kodi runs as a standalone app on the Raspberry Pi compatible Linux distros as well as retro gaming operating systems such as RetroPie, Recalbox, and Batocera. The easiest method for watching Plex on the Raspberry Pi is installing Kodi or a Kodi OS, then downloading the Plex for Kodi add-on. I’d suggest the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ or Raspberry Pi 4 for Plex streaming. 4K playback isn’t going to work on the Pi 3 B+, and though the Pi 4 handles 4K output, its functionality with Plex is hit or miss
Pros:
Affordable
Runs Kodi and retro gaming OSes
Small footprint
Cons:
Completely DIY set up
Best Media Streamer for Plex 2020 – Best Plex Client Devices for Plex Use
If you’re looking for the best streaming media player on the market, the Nvidia Shield TV and Shield TV Pro arguably deserve that title. With mind-blowing specs and AI upscaling, 4K HDR performance is outstanding. The Roku Ultra and Fire Stick or Fire Cube satisfy non-power users, and the Apple TV 4K is a solid choice for those ingrained in the Mac ecosystem. If you’re ok with a DIY set up, an HTPC is a superb option as is a Raspberry Pi Plex streaming device. Gamers and anyone with a large collection of Blu-Rays and DVDs should consider a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X.
Your turn: What Plex client devices are you using?
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Plex is an entertainment hub for Mac, that brings all your photos, music and videos together. It’s convenient, sophisticated, and bursting with extra features.
A rich multimedia experience
Plex is the ultimate home theatre for Mac users who want to add a special touch to their viewing experience.
Re-imagine your entertainment with Plex, a smarter way to view all your favorite media.
Upload your photos and videos into the software, and let Plex turn it into a snazzy slideshow. Relive your favorite memories over and over, with a digital album at your fingertips.
Did someone say movie night? This program turns into your very own cinema, as well. The extra plugins include online streaming software such as Hulu and CNET. Time to watch your favorite shows on the big screen, in the comfort of your home. And if you run out of things to watch, Plex will offer some suggestions based on what you’ve already watched. There’s no need to download a separate video streaming service. You can do it all with one software, and it gives you the same useful features.
Harness your DJ skills with Plex. The software has support for iTunes, so you just have to import your favorite playlists and songs. Plex will play on any Mac device and has a great interface to create that perfect ambiance. You don’t need to man the tunes all night, either. Plex curates its own playlists based on what you’ve already listened to. Pretty neat, right?
The software is let down slightly by a couple of things. Firstly, you can only control it via the keyboard or the Mac remote. This is because it’s designed for bigger screens, and it shouldn’t really cause much inconvenience.
There is also the issue of setting up and configuring the multimedia house. It can be tricky working out all the options and how to utilize the features. But there is a manual to help you out. And once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be amazed by the cool things you can do with Plex.
Where can you run this program?
This particular version is only available on macOS devices such as Apple TV. But the software can be downloaded on Windows and Linux as well.
Install Plex On Mac
Is there a better alternative?
No, you won’t find anything as creative and well-designed as Plex. If you don’t need all the extra features, try Windows Media player for a similar streaming experience. Mac booster pro 8 0 24.
Plex For Mac Air
Our take
Plex is a useful media house for all your entertainment needs. It works as a video streamer, music player and photo viewer in one. Its tools and plugins are impressive.
Should you download it?
Yes. Plex is the entertainment service you didn’t know you needed. It performs the functionality of various other programs combined.