Following Netflix's recent restrictions on shared accounts, many users are desperately searching for alternatives to their own free streaming hub. While there are plenty of websites for watching free content and the latest workouts, we know that swallowing pages and pages of ads isn't an option.
That's why today we want to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of two of the best alternatives for have your own free NetflixKodi vs Plex. Which will ultimately win?
Trick to continue sharing your Netflix account without paying more
What is Kodi?
If there is a multimedia player that has been a success among the most well-known for years, it is undoubtedly Kodi. An open source program developed by the XBMC Foundation first released in 2022 that continues to grow.
The main feature that has made Kodi a success among users is its compatibility with different devices and operating systems. With more than 40 million users, it also includes various add-ons or plugins that allow you to enjoy integrated platforms and content for free.
Advantages and disadvantages of Kodi
What is Plex?
On the other hand, we have plex, a client-server streaming media center. First released in 2010, its popularity has continued to grow, though not to the extent of Kodi.
In this case, the platform has 20 million users worldwide, perhaps due to its installation and configuration process, which requires more steps than Kodi.
Its main difference lies in the connection to a private server that we can configure ourselves to access all our content in true Netflix style. However, we can also access other more popular content with the appropriate access.
Although it's also compatible with different devices and operating systems, some premium options, such as local access to mobile content, require paid activation.
Advantages and disadvantages of Plex
Kodi vs Plex: Features and Differences
Now let's take a closer look at some of the key aspects that will help us choose between Plex and Kodi if we want to unsubscribe from Netflix after the restrictions on shared accounts.
Features
With our Plex server already configured, we can store all kinds of content, from movies, series, music (to create our own Spotify), photos, and much more. Plus, we can create different profiles so the whole family can use it.
We can even access this content without being connected to the same network, making it a great alternative when traveling or going on vacation.
Our server will allow us to add a wider variety of formats and play them in 4K or HDR resolution. Beyond what we can add ourselves, we'll also be able to watch free content like live TV, soccer, and much more. I should add that these features are included in Plex's completely free plan.
On the other hand, Kodi shares many features, although the level of synchronization between different devices doesn't work as well. It also allows us to create different profiles or add third-party services like Pluto, SoundCloud, and even Plex. To find these add-ons, you can easily use the search engine.
Kodi's biggest advantage is its level of customization, allowing us to create our own interface to our liking.
WINNER: In terms of features and functionality, Plex is the winner. It offers a lot of flexibility for free and is easy to use.
Pricing
If we talk about price, they are very different alternatives.
On the one hand, Plex is completely free to use as a client-server, meaning you can install the software on a PC or NAS server and add your own content. Simply download and install it on the device you plan to use. Then, simply log in on any other device and enjoy it.
However, it does offer a premium service called Plex Pass, which you can subscribe to on a monthly, annual, or lifetime basis and which gives you access to many other features.
Kodi, on the other hand, is completely free. It's a local media player that runs on your device, and there's no charge for it. All of Kodi's features are available for free, and you can even add your own.
WINNER: If we focus only on this aspect of prices, without a doubt Kodi It's the winner. Being completely free and allowing you to add free add-ons, it has no competition.
Ease of use
This Kodi vs. Plex comparison will depend on your computer skills. Kodi certainly offers more customization options and is as simple as accessing the website or app and installing the add-ons you want.
However, if you're comfortable with Plex's settings, the options are much more extensive. With Plex, you'll simply add the content you want to store to your server and access it from the corresponding app.
TIEIt wouldn't be fair to choose one of them as the winner, as it all depends on your knowledge. In my opinion, Plex is much better since I can simply add my movies to the server and create my own Netflix. But you might find it easier to access everything through Kodi add-ons.
Content
What content can we watch on Kodi and Plex? The truth is, each offers a different way to stream media, and we can ultimately watch the same content on both. The difference comes in how we access them.
With Kodi, we can watch shows, movies, and series by installing add-ons like Pluto or Crackle. You can even access platforms like Prime Video or Disney+ through the PlayOn Browser.
This means that you can access different platforms or applications from Kodi without leaving it, which gives it a certain advantage in terms of convenience over Plex.
This, for its part, also offers Crackle-like services for watching free movies and TV shows. Although, as I mentioned before, its main advantage lies in the ability to create our own 4K libraries and play them wherever we want on different devices.
WINNER: Since they have the same apps and features (like being able to record live content), I think Kodi's convenience may give it the win for a larger portion of users.
Plex or Kodi: Which is better if I want to unsubscribe from Netflix?
As you can see, both Kodi and Plex are excellent media streaming services that allow you to unsubscribe from Netflix and enjoy the latest releases on demand. If I had to choose, I'd prefer Plex because of the ability to create my own libraries on a private server of my choice.
Although I understand that installing an addon on Kodi doesn't require much knowledge, I would definitely recommend Kodi for a general user looking for something simple and fast like Netflix.
Plus, while both are free, Kodi offers more customization options, allowing each family member to have their own profile and access content tailored to their personal tastes.