Starting April 29, 2025, you'll need to pay for Plex's remote streaming feature that was previously free. You'll have two options: a $1.99/month Remote Watch Pass or the full Plex Pass at $6.99/month to access your media when away from home. Free streaming will still work on your local network. The company cites rising operational costs and the need to invest in new features as reasons for this significant change. Additional subscription details reveal the full scope of these adjustments.
Plex is shaking up its subscription model by removing a popular free feature. The streaming media platform has announced that remote streaming, which allows you to access your media library from anywhere, will soon require a paid subscription. This change marks the end of one of Plex's most valued free offerings.
Plex pulls remote streaming from free tier, transforming a beloved feature into a premium perk.
Starting April 29, 2025, you'll need either a Plex Pass or the newly introduced Remote Watch Pass to stream your content when away from home. If you're only watching within your local network, streaming will remain free, but accessing your library while traveling or from another location will now come with a price tag.
Plex has also considerably increased its subscription costs across the board. The monthly Plex Pass has jumped from $4.99 to $6.99, while the annual subscription has risen from $39.99 to $69.99. The lifetime Plex Pass has more than doubled, from $120 to $249.99.
The company has introduced a more affordable alternative called Remote Watch Pass, which costs $1.99 monthly or $19.99 annually. This new subscription specifically enables remote streaming without the additional features included in a full Plex Pass.
There's one scenario where you might avoid paying: if the Plex server owner has a Plex Pass, everyone they share their library with can still stream remotely at no additional cost. This could be a solution for families or friend groups who share media libraries.
Plex has cited rising operational costs and the need to invest in new features as justifications for these changes. The company announcement emphasized that these adjustments are necessary for maintaining platform sustainability and service quality in the long term.
For longtime free users, this represents a notable shift in Plex's business model, turning what was once a complimentary feature into a premium service that requires payment. The company's decision aligns with their two-tier approach of offering free basic services while reserving enhanced features for paying subscribers.
Along with these pricing changes, Plex is rolling out new features including a dedicated server management app, integration with Common Sense Media for Plex Pass holders, and an API for custom server integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Plex's Premium Subscription Cost?
Plex's premium subscription has several pricing options.
You'll pay $6.99 monthly or $69.99 annually starting April 29, 2025. The lifetime subscription will increase to $249.99 from the current $119.99 on that same date.
If you only need remote streaming capabilities, you can purchase the Remote Watch Pass for $1.99 monthly or $19.99 annually.
Previous pricing was lower at $4.99 monthly and $39.99 annually.
Can I Still Stream Local Media Files for Free?
Yes, you can still stream local media files for free with Plex.
The company hasn't changed its policy on local streaming, which remains completely free of charge.
The recent changes only affect remote streaming across different networks, which now requires either a Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass subscription.
Your existing setup for watching media on your home network will continue to work without any additional fees or subscriptions.
Will Previously Downloaded Content Remain Available Offline?
Yes, your previously downloaded content will remain available offline.
When you download media to your device, these files are stored locally and don't require an internet connection to access.
Even with Plex's recent changes, your downloaded personal media isn't affected.
You can continue to access these files through your Plex app when offline, though you might need to verify proper configuration beforehand, such as disabling authentication for local networks or enabling DLNA for compatible devices.
Are There Any Alternative Free Apps With Similar Features?
Yes, you have several free alternatives to Plex.
Jellyfin offers a completely free, open-source media server with remote streaming and no premium fees.
Kodi provides extensive customization through add-ons with no subscription costs.
Stremio lets you access content through add-ons and supports torrent streaming at no charge.
Emby has a free version with basic functionality.
Each option supports various devices and platforms, though they differ in interface complexity and customization options.
Does the Change Affect All Devices or Only Specific Platforms?
The remote streaming change affects all devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, mobile devices, and computers.
You'll need a Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass for remote streaming across any platform now. However, streaming on your local network remains free on all devices.
For mobile devices specifically, there's one positive change – the previous one-minute playback limit has been removed, eliminating the need for the mobile access fee.
