Plex Media Server Introduces Subscription Model for Remote Streaming

Plex Media Server users who wish to access their personal media libraries while traveling now face a new requirement: a subscription fee. The recently introduced Remote Watch Pass allows users to stream their favorite movies and shows from their home Plex servers directly to their mobile devices or hotel rooms for a monthly fee of EUR1.99. This move is part of Plex's strategy to enhance its service offerings.

Previously, users could access their media collections remotely without any additional costs, but this change means that anyone wanting to enjoy their home media while away will need to subscribe to the Remote Watch Pass. The service enables streaming without the need for VPNs or other workarounds, making it easier for users to watch their favorite content on the go.

The Remote Watch Pass also allows for the sharing of media with friends and family, provided they also hold a Plex account and the subscription. Starting June 1, 2026, the price for this subscription will increase to EUR2.99 per month or EUR29.99 per year. However, one positive aspect of this update is the removal of the activation fee for mobile app users, which previously cost extra for streaming beyond the initial one-minute limit.

Users who prefer to avoid the subscription can still access their media via a web browser, as long as they maintain a VPN or Tailscale connection to their home network. This presents an option for those who do not want to commit to the new fee structure.

Plex's recent changes come as no surprise, as the company had hinted at upcoming modifications earlier this year. The Remote Watch Pass became available on April 30, 2025, allowing users to enjoy a more streamlined experience while traveling. For those seeking additional features, Plex offers the Plex Pass, priced at EUR6 per month, which includes benefits such as the ability to skip intro sequences in shows.

While Plex introduces these subscription-based features, alternatives like Jellyfin and Emby are gaining traction as media server options. These platforms provide similar functionalities but do not operate their own streaming services. Unlike Plex, which has incorporated ad-supported web TV channels and video-on-demand options, Jellyfin and Emby focus on the traditional media server experience.

Despite these changes, the core Plex Media Server remains free to use. It is available for various operating systems, including FreeBSD, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with tailored versions for numerous NAS platforms such as Qnap, Synology, Unraid, and FreeNAS. Competitors like Emby are also adapting their offerings in response to evolving user needs, demonstrating a competitive landscape in the media server market.