Plex's latest changes might cost you — here's what you ne...

Plex's latest changes might cost you — here's what you need to know The Plex TV home screen showing live TV channels

Source: Plex

By Mark Jansen Published 36 minutes ago Mark has almost a decade of experience reporting on mobile technology, working previously with Digital Trends. Taking a less-than-direct route to technology writing, Mark began his Android journey while studying for a BA in Ancient & Medieval History at university. But since then, he's cast his eyes firmly on the future, with a deep love for anything that bleeps or bloops. Outside of Android tech of all types, Mark loves to hike, play video games, build small plastic men that cost far too much, and spend time with his two daughters. Sign in to your Android Police account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Building a server powered by Plex has become a very popular alternative to streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max, but this year, users have been hit by an unpleasant price increase for the Plex Pass subscription. But now, they're getting even more unwelcome news, as Plex is expanding its changes to remote streaming to Roku TV.

Having first rolled out to mobile devices, Plex will now require users to pay a subscription when accessing remote servers on Roku TV (via Android Authority). So if you're accessing a friend's or family's Plex server from another address, you or the server owner will need to give Plex some cash.

Someone will need to pay for remote access

Three iPhones displaying a new Plex interface

Source: Plex

In short, this will only affect you if you access a Plex server from outside where it's based. So, if you only access your own Plex server from inside your own house, then this won't impact you. However, if you plan to use it elsewhere, like a holiday home or at a friend's house, then you'll need to pay to access it through Roku TV or mobile app.

But there's some good news for longtime Plex users who already own a Plex Pass subscription — if you already pay for Plex Pass, then you won't need to pay anything more.

This also applies if the owner of the Plex server you're using pays for a Plex Pass. If the server's owner has a Plex Pass already, then anyone accessing their server also doesn't need to pay.

A screenshot from the preview of the new Plex redesign

The changes hit hardest for those people who don't have a Plex Pass subscription though. Thankfully, Plex is introducing a new, cheaper subscription just for people who want to access a remote server. This new Remote Watch Pass costs $2 a month, or $20 a year, making it significantly cheaper than the Plex Pass, which costs $7 a month, or $70 a year.

Plex fans are worried about future changes

So far, the reaction to this from most Plex fans is muted. Since it seems most Plex users already have a Plex Pass, this change doesn't impact an awful lot of people. However, when combined with the recent price increase, a lot of fans are worried that future changes could change the situation again. And in that case, a lot seem to be willing to jump to alternatives like Jellyfin.

Source: NetflixCredit: Source: Netflix

Hopefully this won't happen. Cracking down on password sharing and hikes in subscription costs are largely what have propelled large numbers to services like Plex, and it would be disheartening to see the same cycle play out again.

Smart TV

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