Best Plex Client 2024

While there are many free and paid streaming services you can use, a home server can be a great way to organize your personal media collection. Of all the media server software options, Plex remains one of the best choices. It’s user-friendly, customizable, and features a bevy of cord-cutting goodies for a one-stop shop for all of your streaming needs. While a good network-attached storage device (NAS) is a requirement for Plex, a Plex streamer is essential too. Check out the best Plex client devices you can buy in 2024!

Best Overall Media Streamer for Plex – Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 is the best overall Plex client device. Furthermore, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 is arguably the greatest streaming device on the planet. Boasting an ultra-powerful Tegra X1+ processor, 3GB of RAM, and 16GB of onboard storage, the Shield TV Pro 2019 can handle everything you throw at it, from gaming and game streaming to streaming video and music. Sporting 4K UHD video output with HDR10 and Dolby Vision, the Shield TV pumps out buttery-smooth ultra high definition visuals. What’s more, the Nvidia Shield TV delivers 4K artificial intelligence (AI) upscaling for 1080p and 720p content.

There’s Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, an HDMI output, and a pair of USB ports. Onboard, the Shield TV Pro 2019 runs a true Android TV 9.0 Pie operating system (OS) for superb app compatibility. In addition to its capabilities as a Plex client, the Shield TV Pro doubles as a Plex server. You can plug in a harddrive (HDD) and run a Plex media server straight from the Raspberry Pi.

Disappointingly, the 16GB of built-in storage is pretty low, although this is easily remedied by adding an external HDD or SSD. Strangely, the Shield TV doesn’t support HDR on YouTube. Granted, it’s a software, not hardware, limitation and theoretically easy to fix via an update. Although the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is a bit pricey, it’s easily the best Plex client device on the market, and top streaming device on the planet. It’s versatile enough to handle virtually streaming, native Android gaming, and emulation.

Native 4K content and 4K AI upscaling looks absolutely stunning. And for Plex, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 delivers Dolby TrueHD audio passthrough. What’s more, you’ll find direct play for PGS, SRT, and VOBSUB subtitles. No other Plex client on the market can match the Shield TV’s direct play capabilities.

Alternatively, you might consider the Nvidia Shield 2019 non-Pro. Like its Pro older sibling, the Shield TV 2019 is powered by the same Tegra X1+ system-on-chip mated to 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage space. While the Shield TV 2019 lacks USB ports, it does come with a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Its RAM limitation and 32-bit operating system (OS) versus the 64-bit Android TV OS found in the Pro variant means the Shield TV non-Pro 2019 can’t act as a Plex media server or run some advanced emulators as well as native Android games. But if you only want to stream and play the game, the Nvidia Shield TV could save you a bit of money over the Pro. Ultimately, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 is the best Plex client for direct play. For more information, learn how to setup Plex Media Server on the Nvidia Shield TV for a small form factor, energy-efficient NAS.

Pros:

• Great codec support – can direct play PGS, SRT, and VOBSUB subtitle files
• 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 for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X
• Powerful Tegra X1+ processor, 3GB RAM, 16GB storage
• Doubles as a Plex server
• May be used as a Samsung SmartThings smart home hub

Cons:

• Expensive
• No HDR on YouTube
• Lacks HDR10+ and HLG HDR support
• Only 16GB of built-in storage

Best Cheap Plex Client Device – Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast with Google TV (our review) is the best Android TV box Plex client for most users. Running a true Android TV OS, the Chromecast features a slick Google TV launcher that provides seamless navigation and a unified ecosystem. It’s extremely user-friendly and inexpensive. But its performance punches well above its weight class. The Chromecast with Google TV offers 4K HDR video output with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ support. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth come standard, and it runs Plex extremely well.

Still, the Chromecast is somewhat limited. Under the hood, you’ll find 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage space. While that should be fine for most users simply looking for a streaming box, it’s not nearly enough for gamers. What’s more, the Chromecast lacks USB ports or a microSD card for storage expansion. Similarly, there’s no Ethernet jack.

However, there is a workaround. You can connect a USB-C dongle as a solution for using USB storage devices and peripherals as well as adding Ethernet to the Chromecast. Inexpensive and incredibly well-specced, the Chromecast with Google TV is the best cheap Plex client device.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Runs true Android TV 9.0 Pie with the Google TV launcher
• 4K UHD @ 60 FPS output with HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+)
• Dolby Atmos audio output
• Excellent remote
• User-friendly, easy to set up

Cons:

• Lacks USB ports or microSD card slot
• No Ethernet jack
• Limited storage space and RAM
• No HLG HDR support

Best Plex Client for Most Users  – Roku Ultra

While it might not be the only streaming box on the market, Roku set-top boxes are arguably the most popular media streamers available. And they’re certainly among the easiest to use. The Roku Ultra boasts hardware HEVC decoding, 4K HDR video streaming, and a voice remote with a headphone jack for private listening.

There’s Dolby Vision HDR support and an Ethernet jack which comes in handy for 4K video streaming. Sadly, the Roku Ultra doesn’t support passthrough of DTS-HD, TrueHD, DTS-X, and other lossless audio codecs.

Though it’s reasonably priced, the Roku Ultra is still a bit pricier than streaming sticks. If you don’t need Dolby Vision, Ethernet, or a microSD card slot, the Roku Streaming Stick+ is smaller and cheaper while offering nearly the same feature set as the Roku Ultra. Nevertheless, the Roku Ultra is still incredibly affordable and yields several must-haves for streaming such as an Ethernet jack and Dolby Vision HDR, making it one of the best streaming devices for Plex and other apps. Learn how to install Plex on Roku to get started!

Pros:

• Good codec support
• 4K UHD with HDR (HDR10, Dolby Vision)
• microSD card slot
• USB ports
• Voice remote
• Private listening with remote
• AC Wi-Fi, Ethernet port
• Lots of apps

Cons:

• Lacks audio passthrough of some high-end audio codecs
• No HDR10+ or HLG

Best Plex Media Streamer for Amazon Enthusiasts – Amazon Fire TV Cube

The Amazon Fire TV Cube 2nd generation (gen) is a sort of Amazon Fire TV Stick, Amazon Echo Dot, IR emitter fusion. It’s wrapped up in an attractive box form factor. Amazon’s Fire TV operating system is simple to navigate. There’s 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. You’ll find Amazon Alexa integration with solid voice support so you can control devices like cable boxes or Blu-ray players using your voice.

While the Amazon Fire TV Cube is somewhat more expensive than the average streaming stick, it also packs additional functionality like Amazon Alexa smart speaker abilities and an IR emitter. Additionally, its octa-core processor handles Plex streaming brilliantly. And its high-end audio passthrough supports DTS, DTS-HD, and Dolby True HD. You might also consider the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K which boasts a great feature set at an affordable price. Learn how to install Plex on Firestick and start enjoying your media library on your Amazon Fire TV OS device.

Pros:

• Amazon Fire TV ecosystem
• Lots of apps
• User-friendly
• 4K UHD with HDR (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision)
• Octa-core 2.2GHz + 2GHz CPU, 800MHz GPU
• Wi-Fi 6E, Ethernet, Bluetooth
• Hands-free Amazon Alexa and speaker
• Excellent audio passthrough for DTS, DTS-HD, Dolby True HD

Cons:

• Pricey
• Onboard speaker isn’t the loudest
• No HLG HDR

Best Plex Client Device for Apple Users – Apple TV 4K

Apple makes seriously gorgeous devices that come well-equipped under the hood, and with polished, user-friendly software to boot. Proving no exception, the Apple TV 4K is the best Plex client for Apple aficionados. The Apple TV 4K comes with up to 64GB of onboard storage. It outputs 4K HDR signals with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos support.

For Plex streaming, the Apple TV can decode high-end audio codecs such as Dolby TrueHD to PCM which is a lossless audio signal. As such, it’s a good choice for audiophiles and movie buffs.

There’s excellent direct play capability which will mean less work server-side. Still, the Android Shield TV boasts a better feature set with top-notch audio passthrough. But if you’ve got a large library of iTunes content and are already ingrained in the iOS ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K is a great choice as a Plex media streaming box.

Pros:

• User-friendly
• Apple tvOS ecosystem
• 4K HDR (HDR10 and Dolby Vision)
• Can decode many high-end audio codecs to lossless PCM
• 32GB and 64GB variants
• Lots of apps

Cons:

• Expensive
• No passthrough for high-end audio codecs (but can decode to PCM)

PlayStation 5 – Best Plex Streaming Device for Gamers

Since its PlayStation 2 console which came with a DVD drive, Sony’s video game consoles have always fused gaming with media consumption. Since the PlayStation 5 runs Plex, it’s a phenomenal Plex client device. In addition to a slew of streaming apps, the PS5 is a great 4K UHD Blu-ray player.

With its ability to game, play 4K UHD Blu-rays, standard Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs, plus excellent streaming apps, the Sony PlayStation 5 is the best Plex media streamer for gamers. Still, the PS5 features strange HDR implementation. You won’t find Dolby Vision support, HLG, or HDR10+. Furthermore, Plex playback doesn’t support passthrough of advanced audio codecs. Nevertheless, with its massive game library, ability to play physical media, and a solid lineup of streaming apps including Plex, the PS5 is a good all-around media hub.

Pros:

• Plays games
• Physical media support (4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-Ray, DVD, CD)
• 4K HDR output with HDR10
• Lots of streaming apps

Cons:

• No Dolby Vision, HDR10+, or HLG
• Can’t handle advanced audio codec passthrough

Best Plex Client and 4K UHD Blu-Rayer – Xbox Series X

The Microsoft Xbox Series X is a well-rounded device capable of playing back physical media, gaming, and streaming. It’s got 4K HDR with Dolby Vision. Plex works pretty well on the Xbox Series X for casual use. But power users may be let down. The Xbox Series X lacks lossless audio passthrough, Dolby Vision, and features limited subtitle support.

Moreover, while the Xbox Series X does include a 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, Dolby Vision HDR is limited to streaming apps and games. Although that should be fine for the average Plex user, it’s disappointing for hardcore cinephiles with Blu-ray rips featuring lossless audio codecs. However, the Xbox Series X is ultimately a spectacular console. And as a game console first, it works just fine for Plex.

Pros:

• Plays games
• Physical media support (UHD Blu-ray, DVD, CD)
• 4K HDR output (HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Lots of available apps

Cons:

• No Dolby Vision Blu-ray support (limited to streaming apps and games)
• Lacks audio passthrough
• Limited subtitle support
• No Plex Dolby Vision support

Most Versatile Plex Streamer – HTPC Plex Client Device

A home theatre PC (HTPC) is one of the best Plex client options, although it’s not quite as streamlined as dedicated set-top boxes. You can run apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Kodi, and a slew of others whether via downloadable apps or in-browser. Plex offers its Plex Media Player app, or you can install the official Plex for Kodi add-on. In fact, Plex on Kodi delivers arguably the greatest Plex client experience.

Kodi’s playback engine is extremely advanced and direct plays most content with very little transcoding. Your Plex experience will vary based on how you’re streaming Plex to your HTPC. The browser-based Plex version doesn’t handle direct play very well, but the Plex for Kodi add-on is superb.

You can use virtually any PC for this, although a mini PC or small-form-factor gaming PC is a solid choice. Because computers can tackle many different purposes, an HTPC for Plex lets you play games, browse the web, and stream music or videos with ease. It’s definitely the most utilitarian Plex client option on the market.

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

Best Budget Plex Media Player – Raspberry Pi Plex Streaming

The Raspberry Pi is a fantastic single-board computer (SBC). While you can use the Raspberry Pi as a Plex media server, the Raspberry Pi also makes for a cheap Plex client device. Several different Kodi-based operating systems run on the Raspberry Pi including LibreELEC, OpenELEC, and OSMC. Or, Kodi runs as a standalone app on Raspberry Pi-compatible Linux OSes as well as retro gaming operating systems such as RetroPie, Recalbox, and Batocera.

The simplest 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 recommend using the Raspberry Pi 5 for Plex streaming. 4K playback isn’t going to work on the Pi 3 B+, and though the Pi 5 or 4 handles 4K output. However, a Raspberry Pi Plex client is a completely do-it-yourself (DIY) process. Though not particularly difficult, it might prove challenging for absolute beginners. If you’re looking for a dirt-cheap Plex streaming device, it’s hands-down the Raspberry Pi.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Runs Kodi and retro gaming OSes
• Small footprint

Cons:

• Completely DIY set up

What is Plex Media Server and Why Should You Use It?

Plex is a media server software solution. Whereas the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ let you subscribe and stream content from their platform, with Plex you provide all of the movies, TV shows, and music. You can think of it as a sort of do-it-yourself (DIY) Netflix or Spotify where you provide the audio and video files, and Plex organizes that content, downloads metadata and box art, as well as lets you access it from anywhere around your home or from abroad. As such, you can digitize your entire film, television show, and music collection, then store it on your server and use Plex to play your media remotely. Plex Media Server runs on several platforms including Linux, Windows, macOS, and Docker.

What is a Plex Client Device?

Simply put, a Plex client device is what you stream your media to, such as a Roku, Apple TV, or Android TV set-top box. Whereas your server houses your media library, Plex media players let actually stream it. With a Plex client app installed on a compatible streaming device, the app sends a request to the server which will begin to play that file for you to see and hear in real-time.

What to Look for in a Plex Client – Which Devices Work Best with Plex?

With most streaming services, virtually any streaming box will suffice. But with Plex, media playback is a bit different. Since you’re hosting content yourself, you’ll need to think about how things run both server-side and client-side. For example, the format in which your media files are encoded will determine whether a Plex client can direct play, direct stream, or transcode a file.

Direct play: For direct play, the media source must be in a compatible file container, encoded in a compatible bitrate and codec, plus have a compatible resolution. When a file is direct played, it’s transmitted directly to a Plex client app with no change to the original file.

Direct stream: Direct stream on the other hand is for files compatible with a device’s resolution and media type but encoded in an incompatible file container. For example, this occurs 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. With direct streamed content, Plex maintains the same audio and video tracks but repackages that file on-the-fly for streaming to a client in a compatible container. When direct streaming, very little CPU power is required.

Transcoding: Transcoding is for files that are incompatible with a Plex client. With transcoding, files are re-encoded on-the-fly in a compatible file container, media encoding format, and at the correct resolution. What formats a Plex media player can direct play depends on the specific device. As such, it’s crucial to get a Plex client device that’s compatible with most of your media, or have a server robust enough to handle transcoding.

Streaming app compatibility: Aside from Plex, you’ll want to think about what other apps you’d like to stream from and make sure your streaming device can run those.

Audio/video handling: Additionally, consider video and audio output, such as Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos and DTS handling, as well as resolution such as 4K. High dynamic range (HDR) standards are crucial with 4K ultra HD (UHD) videos, so make sure that your Plex client features your desired HDR implementation such as HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, or Dolby Vision. Audio streams are important too, particularly for a home theater setup that features a surround sound or soundbar. So make sure that your Plex client supports high-end audio codec passthrough or decoding to PCM if you’re a true cinephile and audiophile. Think about what else you want to install besides Plex, such as Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, etc.

Cost: And price is a major factor, too. You can find anything from cheap Plex media streamers such as Fire Sticks, the Roku Stick, or Chromecast with Google TV all the way up to pricier Plex client devices such as the PlayStation 5, NVIDIA Shield, and HTPCs.

• Direct Play and Direct Stream compatibility
• Audio codec handling
• Video output resolution and HDR
• Streaming app compatibility beyond Plex (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc.)
• Price

Best Plex Client FAQs

Best Media Streamer for Plex – Best Plex Client Devices for All Budgets

Overall, there are tons of Plex client devices for all budgets. The Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 with its 4K AI upscaling and support for advanced audio codec passthrough is the best device for streaming from Plex. Most users should be more than happy with a Chromecast with Google TV or Roku Ultra. The Amazon Fire TV Cube is perfect for Amazon users while the Apple TV 4K is great for macOS faithful. Gamers should look to the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, while a home theatre PC or Raspberry Pi Plex client offers a customizable HTPC experience. As an alternative, compare Plex vs. Emby to learn which media server software is better for your needs.

Your turn: What Plex client devices are you using?