The device on which you’re running the Plex Media Server app needs a) to have access to all of your videos, and b) to be running 24/7. Plex Media Server is available for free on Windows, Mac, Linux, NAS drives, and Docker. Plex Media Player is available on everything from Amazon Alexa to Oculus Go.ĭownload:Plex Media Server (Free) Which Is the Best Device to Use as a Plex Media Server? There’s also a unique Android TV version. Users are faced with a considerable number of choices. You could feasibly run the Plex Media Server app on a laptop, desktop, mini PC, Android TV device, Raspberry Pi, network-attached storage drive, or any other device on which you can install Linux. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each of those devices in more detail.

One of the most important things needed by the Plex Media Server is CPU power. If there isn’t enough available, your server is going to struggle to transcode videos and will be unable to handle simultaneous users.Īs such, ancient, underpowered laptops might not be suitable. However, if you’ve got a semi-old device lying around, it’s worth considering. It’s not recommended to run Plex on your main laptop. Overheating could quickly become an issue. If you’re using an old laptop, make sure you buy a cooling stand. The most significant benefit of using a desktop is power. Even a mid-spec desktop computer will comfortably be able to handle everything Plex can throw at it. If you’re expecting several people to access your Plex media server at the same time, it is probably the best solution. The same caveat about using your primary machine applies, however. You don’t want to be in the middle of working on an important document only for your fan to kick in because your wife and kids are all watching Plex on different screens.

Mini PCs are often overlooked as potential Plex media servers.

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