Plex is a media streaming server that allows you to play films, TV shows, and music on any device. You can stream media using your TV, computer, mobile devices, and streaming boxes. On the other hand, Kodi is also a streaming media software that runs on the same devices as Plex. Before we discuss any further about the differences between Kodi and Plex, Kodi Vedia has all the information you may need about the Kodi software.
You can play content on your TV or any mobile device. The biggest names that you will come across are Plex and Kodi. Both are different streaming software with different strengths, and users also have strong opinions about which one is best.
Before we proceed with our review, you can find more interesting articles that will help you know Kodi a little better. You can download the Kodi APK version for installation, and you can also read about the best Kodi build. You can also find out which Kodi repositories you can download add-ons from, or explore specific add-ons like Magic Dragon and Exodus Redux.
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Kodi vs Plex
Plex sorts and manages your library, and it fully supports metadata and advanced features like on-the-fly video and audio conversions. The software is compatible with several streaming devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Fire Stick, among others. Plex officially supports Android and iOS through apps.
Download the current version of the Plex server and find the right Plex client for each of your devices in your app store. The server is free, but there is a subscription tier with premium features.
As an open-source software, Kodi supports an array of add-ons and software plugins. You can stream content online or play already downloaded videos or music. The best feature of Kodi is that you can customize the interface. Kodi’s latest version is the Kodi 18.6 Leia, and you can download it for free.
Whether you decide to stream content via Kodi add-ons or download a media library for Plex, you should protect yourself from hackers. Most Kodi and Plex users use a VPN to hide their identity and location. It would be best if you use a VPN to have a secure private connection.
Hackers work round the clock to throttle your bandwidth, download media, or find the means to put an extra charge on users promising better services. A VPN conceals your online activity, making it difficult for ISPs to use your connection or spy on you.
Upon realizing which to use better, you can update Kodi through a Kodi update. If you want, you can look for other Kodi alternatives. Whichever you may choose, we have articles here that could help you decide.
Plex vs Kodi Video Quality
Plex and Kodi can play videos or music through your devices, and both support a wide range of formats with output in HD and 4k and only differ in transcoding. This is how they convert file formats on the fly.
Some streaming devices have select chipsets that work fast with specific file formats. This lets you play a movie seamlessly or play music on your high-end speaker system.
Plex’s transcoding options are better than Kodi’s. It supports acceleration on the AC hardware server. If your processor is slow, Plex can transcode any noticeable buffering on your devices.
Kodi’s transcoder is an open-source software, compatible with most file formats. However, it has no configuration options. This means that sometimes your content might not play at all. If this happens, you need to convert your files to different formats using software like Handbrake.
Kodi or Plex are both software suitable for many users to do the job. However, on-the-fly transcoding ensures that your videos play on a much wider range of streaming devices. Although Plex is not perfect, the video quality is much better.
Plex vs Kodi Servers
Kodi and Plex handle libraries of downloaded content differently. In Kodi, the library cannot be shared with other devices by default. On the other hand, Plex is immediately available to all devices that are connected to the central server. This contrast in library management is the most significant essential difference between the two. Practically, Kodi is better as a media center for PCs or a Raspberry Pi microcontroller connected to your TV via an HDMI port. Kodi’s set up is the easiest.
Plex shares videos and music to all streaming devices logged in to your account by default. This ability alone makes Plex a better choice for the users who want to have their media on the go.
Plex vs Kodi Device Compatibility
Plex’s is compatible with any streaming device that runs on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. There are official releases in app stores, and the software is easy to install.
Although Kodi almost works the same, its image suffers because it is stereotyped as a piracy enabler. This is because it’s not listed in the Amazon list Fire app store. To get it, you have to install it on Fire Stick and Fire TV devices manually. Manual installation also works for multiple devices like Apple TV, iOS, and Roku.
FAQs
Plex Offers better streamlining across platforms and also offers official apps for devices that Kodi can’t run on. For instance, you have to hack Roku and other accessories to run Kodi like an Apple TV. Kodi runs on most platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, and they all work great.
For Raspberry Pi 3B+ to play media as a standalone device when connected to a TV using HDMI, Kodi will serve you best. However, if you want a headless media server and connect to it from your network, use the Plex Media Server.
The Media Plex server handles all the ‘work’ on a PC or NAS, and the destination device works just as a receiver. Kodi has no significant financial outlay required to start a NAS. However, transcoding of files is done by the host.
Conclusion
The Plex vs. Kodi debate is a hot topic among users. However, neither of them is a perfect solution to a single user. Kodi has a confusing configuration, and it has no official support, complete freedom and flexibility. On the other hand, Plex is easier to use and works with more devices, but the downside is that you have to pay to get the full experience.
If you have any questions or comments about Kodi vs. Plex, leave us a message below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.