Jellyfin: The Free, Open-Source Alternative to Plex
Updated: Sep 27
If you have a collection of movies, TV shows or music on a hard drive, a media server lets you watch it on any TV, phone or computer in the house. Plex is the name most people know, but Jellyfin does the same job for free, with no account required.
What Is Jellyfin?
Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server. You install it on a computer or NAS, point it at your media folders, and it organizes everything with posters, descriptions and episode lists. Then you stream it to your devices.
Completely free: no subscription and no paid tier. Every feature is included.
No tracking: you don't need an online account, and your viewing stays on your own server.
Runs almost anywhere: Windows, Mac, Linux, Docker and many NAS devices.
Apps for most devices: Android, iPhone, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV and any web browser.
Jellyfin vs. Plex
Cost: Jellyfin is free. Plex has a free tier, but charges for some features, like hardware transcoding and streaming your own media outside your home.
Accounts: Plex needs a Plex account. Jellyfin accounts live only on your own server.
Polish: Plex's apps are more polished and it's a bit easier for non-technical family members. Jellyfin has improved a lot, but it can feel rougher around the edges.
Remote access: Plex sets it up for you. With Jellyfin, you set it up yourself. A tool like Tailscale makes that much easier and safer than opening ports on your router.
Getting Started
Download and install Jellyfin Server on the computer or NAS where your media lives.
Open the setup page in your browser and create your admin user.
Add your libraries: movies, TV shows, music and so on.
Create a profile for each person in the house.
Install the Jellyfin app on your TV or phone and sign in.
If you like to tinker, you can add plugins, turn on hardware transcoding and change the look with themes.
Who It's Best For
Families: separate profiles and parental controls, and it streams at home even when the internet is down.
Privacy-minded users: nothing goes through an outside company.
Collectors: keep your media organized and under your control for years to come.
My Take
If you don't mind a little setup, Jellyfin gives you everything Plex does without the subscription. If you want something the whole family can use with zero effort, Plex is still a bit easier. Either way, it's worth installing Jellyfin and trying it for an afternoon.
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