The primary function of a media center is to organize all media files (audio, video, and image) on the selected computer system in a clearly arranged format. The user interface should make it easy for you to find and play back the content you want. Raspberry Pi and Plex: how to turn a single-board computer into a media server. I have been using Hitachi Deskstar drives (now owned by, WD, if memory serves me correctly) in various systems that make up my Plex system. I have some 5TB, some 6TB, and also some 2TB drives that have been running for at least three years and possibly as long as about 6 years or more.
The ePlex system is uniquely designed with patient safety features to help address this challenge in the lab. The ePlex system's patented positive patient ID feature reduces the potential for patient sample mix-up. The ePlex system's shortest hands-on-time and guided workflows reduce the chance of pre-analytical errors. When Plex was founded, we set out to make the tools the future would be built on. Tools designed to work on industrial scale. At the speed of the 24/7/365, always-on, hyper-connected, just-in-time global economy. The kind that makes awesome, amazing, blow-your-mind things possible. Plex is a robust media server software option. Simply install Plex Media Server on a computer such as a server, network attached storage (NAS) device, load up your movies, TV shows, music, and photos. Then, install Plex apps on client devices like mobile phones, tablets, and streaming set-top boxes to access that content from anywhere.
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Plex has risen in popularity since its inception. The ultra-popular media server software runs on several different operating systems (OSes) and accordingly maintains compatibility with a host of hardware options. Something of a do-it-yourself (DIY) Netflix, Plex allows you to access your digitized movies, TV shows, and music from anywhere. However, to access this content, you'll need a Plex client device. Find out what's the best media streamer for Plex in 2019!
What is Plex?
Plex is a robust media server software option. Simply install Plex Media Server on a computer such as a server, network attached storage (NAS) device, load up your movies, TV shows, music, and photos. Then, install Plex apps on client devices like mobile phones, tablets, and streaming set-top boxes to access that content from anywhere. Essentially, Plex is akin to a do-it-yourself (DIY) Netflix or Spotify. But you're providing the content. I use Plex to access my vast library of DVD and Blu-ray rips, as well as my FLAC-encoded vinyl collection.
What is a Plex Client?
A Plex client is a media streamer for Plex. While a Plex server hosts all of your content, a client can access your Plex library from anywhere. Although the server is the most important factor when streaming from Plex, you'll likely want a streaming device with native video format support to limit transcodes, Ethernet, and the ability to run apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
Nvidia Shield TV – Best Overall Media Streamer for Plex 2019
The Nvidia Shield TV is hands-down the best Plex client device on the market. Moreover, it's the top streaming set-top box money can buy. An Nvidia Shield Plex client touts superb codec support and as such, transcodes are few and far between. It's capable of pumping out 4K HDR content, runs true Android TV, and runs pretty much any Android app including Netflix, Funimation, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Aside from Plex streaming the Nvidia Shield TV can double as a Plex server. The Pro version boasts a built-in 500GB harddrive, plus it's easy to add additional storage via its plentiful USB ports. Hailing from Nvidia, the Shield TV is engineered for gaming as well as home theatre use. It runs native Android games phenomenally, plus there are loads of Shield TV emulators just a few clicks away. You'll even find Nvidia GameStream for streaming PC games to the Nvidia Shield TV. What's more, the SmartThings Link transforms the Shield TV into a smart home hub. An Android TV streaming device, smart home hub, game console, and Plex server rolled into one, the Nvidia Shield TV is easily the best Plex media streamer on the market, and top streaming set-top box you can buy.
Pros:
- Great codec support
- 4K HDR capable
- Doubles as a Plex server
- Runs Android games and emulators
- Capable of game streaming
- Serves as a smart home hub with optional SmartThings Link
- Google Assistant onboard
- Audio passthrough
Cons:
- Expensive
- Lacks some apps
Roku Ultra – Best Plex Client Device for Most Users
While tons of streaming devices populate the home theatre space, Roku is arguably the most popular. There's a reason. Its ease of use, massive app library, and stellar feature set places Roku at the forefront. Several television manufacturers including TCL even partnered with Roku for a lineup of smart TVs. The Roku Ultra delivers hardware HEVC decoding, 4K HDR video streaming, and a voice remote with a headphone jack for private listening. Since the Roku Ultra features an Ethernet port, I'd suggest opting for the Ultra over a Roku unit sans a wired internet connection. Unfortunately, there's no passthrough for DTS-HD, TrueHD, DTS-X, and other lossless audio codecs which could prove a problem for audiophile film buffs. Still, it's a nifty pick for an affordable, competent Plex media streaming device.
Pros:
- Good codec support
- 4K HDR capable
- Voice remote
- Private listening with remote
- Ethernet port
- Tons of apps
Cons:
- Lacks some audio passthrough for 7.1 surround sound
Amazon Fire TV – Plex Streaming with a Great Ecosystem
Unsurprisingly, Amazon scored a major hit with its Amazon Fire products such as tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Its Fire TV streaming gadgets run Plex extremely well. The Fire TV Cube packs in Alexa smart home voice control and 4K support. While Alexa voice control on the Fire TV Cube is neat, it doesn't always function as it should. Moreover, 4K video playback falters, and audio codec handling is lackluster. Where Amazon Fire TV devices truly shine is, like the Roku lineup, ease of use and a thriving ecosystem. A Fire TV Plex client should satisfy the average user that's unconcerned with true 7.1 surround sound or 4K video streaming.
Pros:
- Amazon ecosystem
- Tons of apps
- User-friendly
- 4K video output on some models
Cons:
- No DTS audio passthrough
- Abysmal 4K Plex streaming support
Because Apple offers a lush user interface (UI) that's the definition of user-friendly. Its ecosystem functions flawlessly with other Apple products and apps. For Plex, the Apple TV 4K touts extremely sound audio passthrough and 4K video playback. There's little to no encoding required server-side, and the Apple TV 4K should be able to handle most any file you throw at it. While the Nvidia Shield TV reigns supreme, the Apple TV 4K is best for Apple users. If you're an Android user, skip the Apple TV.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Apple ecosystem
- Great 4K playback
- Solid audio passthrough
Cons:
- Pricey
- No DTS audio passthrough
Xiaomi Mi Box S
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Apple ecosystem
- Great 4K playback
- Solid audio passthrough
Cons:
- Pricey
- No DTS audio passthrough
Xiaomi Mi Box S
For an affordable true Android TV device, check out the Xiaomi Mi Box S. Although a bevy of Android TV boxes litter the streaming space, only a handful run Android TV. Instead, most simply come loaded with a tablet-optimized version of Android. Like the Shield TV, the Xiaomi Mi Box S features a television-optimized iteration of Android. Yet, though the Xiaomi Mi Box S is technically 4K capable, 4K streaming is pretty laggy. Still, it's competitively-priced, comes with a fantastic remote complete with volume control, and boasts Google Assistant built-in.
Pros: Clean pubg mobile.
- True Android TV
- Google Assistant baked-in
- Excellent remote
- 4K HDR capable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Laggy 4K streaming
PlayStation 4 Pro – Best Plex Client for Gamers
Initially, before upgrading to an Nvidia Shield TV, I used my PlayStation as a Plex client. Despite a few issues, the PlayStation 4 Pro is one of the best Plex streaming media players. Its gaming capabilities, with exclusives such as 'Spider-Man,' and 'God of War,' set it apart. Furthermore, the ability to play 4K UHD Blu-rays makes the PS4 Pro a comprehensive gaming and multimedia system. There's no H.265 playback, so the PlayStation 4 Pro isn't suitable for hardcore Plex users who demand audio passthrough and direct play. But support for streaming apps, video games, and physical media makes the PS4 Pro an awesome Plex client option.
Pros:
- Plays games
- Physical media support
- 4K HDR output
Cons:
- Direct play issues
- Audio passthrough problems
Xbox One
Similarly, the Xbox One runs Plex. With its 4K support, the Xbox One is an all-in-one gaming and home theatre device. You'll be able to play 'Halo' and 'Gears of War,' pop in a Blu-Ray or DVD, plus fire up Plex. Unfortunately, Plex on the Xbox One lacks a few power-user features. Notably, there's no audio passthrough and unlike the Nvidia Shield TV, you won't find frame-rate switching. If you're already an Xbox One gamer and looking for a Plex client, the Xbox One is your best pick.
HTPC Plex Client
A home theatre PC (HTPC) arguably offers the most utility of any Plex client device. Aside from Plex streaming, you can use an HTPC for gaming, web browsing, media centre apps like Kodi, Netflix, and Hulu, or even run a Plex server off of your HTPC. If you're using an HTPC for Plex streaming, you can either download the official Plex Media Player for Windows or macOS, install Kodi and use the official Plex for Kodi app, or use the Plex Kodi Connect Kodi app. I'd recommend either Plex Media Player for macOS or Windows, though Linux users will need to run Kodi with the official Kodi app. Since hardware varies, your experience will differ based on hardware. But for streaming playback, almost any hardware should work, and you don't even need a beefy GPU. In fact, a GeForce GT 1030 should be able to handle 4K HEVC HDR at 60 frames per second just fine.
Pros:
- Utilitarian
- Plex available as Plex Media Player or via Kodi
Cons:
- Price varies
- Not necessarily plug-and-play
Raspberry Pi Plex Streaming
For an incredibly inexpensive Plex client, check out the Raspberry Pi. One of my favorite Raspberry Pi projects is a DIY HTPC running a Kodi-based operating system like LibreELEC, OpenELEC, or OSMC. You can even run Kodi on the Raspberry Pi's Debian-based OS Raspbian, as well as retro gaming distros such as RetroPie, Recalbox, and Batocera. The easiest method for watching Plex on the Raspberry Pi is installing Kodi or a Kodi OS, then loading the Plex for Kodi add-on. I'd recommend the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ or Raspberry Pi 4. 4K playback isn't going to work on the Pi 3 B+, and though the Pi 4 handles 4K output, its functionality with Plex is hit or miss. Notably, the Raspberry Pi makes for an awesome Plex server as well, though it's a bit anemic for anything but in-home streaming, and can't really handle transcoding.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Runs Kodi and retro gaming OSes
Cons:
- Completely DIY set up
Best Media Streamer for Plex 2019 – Best Plex Client Devices Final Thoughts
Plex Computer System
The Nvidia Shield TV is easily the best media streamer for Plex on the market. With its gaming, game streaming, and smart home features coupled with top-tier 4K video handling and superb audio codec support, the Nvidia Shield TV is an awesome choice. The Apple TV 4K doesn't fall too much behind, and Roku set-top boxes are solid choices for the average user. DIYers may prefer an HTPC or Raspberry Pi. Overall, there's a ton of choice, and mostly what dictates which Plex client device fits your needs comes down to file support.
Your turn: Which Plex streaming devices are you using?
Plex Server Download
We are a participant in affiliate programs such as the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, all products are thoroughly tested and reviews are honest and unbiased Turn rate starcraft remastered.
