Plex Pass Price Hike: What You Need to Know
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Plex, a popular media player and streaming service, is making some significant changes to its pricing structure. Starting April 29, the cost of a Plex Pass subscription will more than double, and the lifetime pass will increase from $120 to $250. But what does this mean for Plex users, and what’s changing?
The Price Increase
Plex is citing rising costs and its commitment to an independent service that supports “personal media” as the reason for the price hike. The new prices are as follows:
- Monthly Plex Pass: $7 (up from $5)
- Annual Plex Pass: $70 (up from $40)
- Lifetime Plex Pass: $250 (up from $120)
What’s Changing
One of the most significant changes is that streaming “personal media” (video files, not audio, photos, or offerings from Plex’s ad-supported movies and TV) from outside your own network will no longer be a free feature. Starting April 29, users will need a Plex Pass subscription to access their server remotely. This means that if you’ve been hosting your own Plex server to maintain access to your content while you’re away or relying on the kindness of non-Pass-having friends with servers, you’ll need to upgrade to a Plex Pass subscription by the end of April.
New Features and Roadmap
Plex is also introducing new features, including an integration with Common Sense Media, a new “bespoke server management app” for managing server users, and an open and documented API for server integrations, including custom metadata agents. These features aim to improve the serving and streaming experience for both sides.
Alternative Options
For non-server-running Plex viewers, there’s a cheaper Remote Watch Pass option available for $2 per month or $20 a year. This pass doesn’t include Plex Pass features like offline downloads, skipping a show intro or credits, but it does keep you connected to your “personal media” vendors.
Actionable Insights
If you’re a current Plex Pass user, it’s essential to review the changes and consider upgrading to a Plex Pass subscription to maintain access to your content remotely. If you’re not a server owner, the Remote Watch Pass might be a more affordable option for you.
Conclusion
Plex’s price hike and changes to its pricing structure aim to ensure the continued success of the service and its commitment to supporting “personal media.” While the changes may be significant, they also bring new features and improvements to the serving and streaming experience. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s up to Plex to prove that its new pricing structure can deliver a better experience for both sides.
Summary
- Plex Pass price increase: $7 monthly, $70 annually, and $250 lifetime pass
- Streaming “personal media” from outside your own network will no longer be a free feature
- New features include integration with Common Sense Media, bespoke server management app, and open API for server integrations
- Alternative options: Remote Watch Pass for $2 per month or $20 a year
- Lifetime Plex Pass owners are still free to host and stream as they wish