Plex
Plex, Inc.
Plex is a media server system that allows you to organize and stream your video, music, and photo collections. It consists of two main components: Plex Media Server, which you install on your Mac or another computer to manage your media, and Plex apps for various devices (including Mac) to play back that media. Plex also offers free ad-supported movies and TV shows, and live TV streaming.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Organizes media library effectively
- Streams to various devices seamlessly
- User-friendly interface
- Free version offers substantial features
- Automatic metadata retrieval
Top Dislikes
- Plex Pass required for advanced features like hardware transcoding and DVR
- Can be complex to set up initially for some users
- Mobile playback limitations in free version
- Occasional streaming issues reported
Popular Comments
Reddit User - 5yleop1m
2023-07-26
If you're on mac use the built in screenshot tool. Both of these have options to take a screenshot of a specific application, window, or screen. If you need something more precise VLC can take screenshots, but the plex app itself doesn't have this ability.
MacUpdate User
2024-02-24
Plex Media Server seamlessly connects your Plex clients with all of your local and online media. The combination of centralized library management, streaming of online content, and powerful transcoding functionality provides an unrivaled level of flexibility and ease of use.
Cnet Editor
2012-07-03
Users looking for a video manager or a video streaming app cant go wrong with Plex Media Server for Mac. It's a sleek and functional app that offers great service with occasional streaming issues.
MacRumors Forum User - gpat (referencing Alfred but applicable to media servers)
2021-01-27
I use Alfred constantly throughout the day, every day. I can't imagine using a Mac without it.
How-To Geek - Sydney Butler
2024-06-07
Repurposing a broken MacBook as a Plex server was a cost-effective solution. Setting up Plex on an Apple Silicon Mac was simple and comparable to using Windows. The M1 MacBook Pro performed flawlessly as a Plex server, doubling as a desktop Mac.
Reddit User - Apple Mac Plex Servers forum
2023-01-08
I have probably a dozen users I share my library with and I'd get maybe 4-5 streams simultaneous streams at most. My Mac mini audibly spins up its fans when transcoding content any my users rarely report any issues.
Detailed Review
Plex is a versatile media server and player application for macOS that transforms your Mac into a central hub for all your digital media. It allows you to organize your movies, TV shows, music, and photos into a visually appealing library, complete with rich metadata like cover art, descriptions, and cast information automatically fetched from the internet. Plex consists of two parts: the Media Server, which you install on your Mac where your media is stored, and client apps for various devices, including Macs, smartphones, smart TVs, and streaming devices, to access and play your content. Beyond personal media, Plex also offers access to free, ad-supported movies, TV shows, and live TV channels, expanding its entertainment offerings.
Standout Features
- Media Organization: Automatically organizes your media library with artwork, descriptions, and metadata.
- Universal Streaming: Streams your media to any Plex-enabled device, inside or outside your home network.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Plex Media Server runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, and NAS devices, with client apps for virtually every platform.
- Free Content: Provides access to a vast library of free, ad-supported movies, TV shows, and live TV channels.
- Live TV & DVR (Plex Pass): With a Plex Pass and compatible hardware, you can watch and record over-the-air broadcasts.
- Offline Downloads (Plex Pass): Download media to your devices for offline viewing.
- User Management & Sharing: Share your media library with friends and family, with customizable access controls.
- Transcoding: Automatically converts media to compatible formats for different devices.
Conclusion
Plex is an excellent choice for Mac users who want to create a centralized media server and streaming solution. Its free version offers robust media organization and streaming capabilities, making it a valuable tool for managing personal media collections and accessing free online content. The optional Plex Pass unlocks advanced features like DVR, hardware transcoding, and offline downloads, catering to power users who need more functionality. While initial setup might require some technical understanding, the user-friendly interface and wide device compatibility make Plex a powerful and convenient media center solution for macOS.
