According to engadget, Plex is starting to enforce a paywall for remote streaming from personal media servers to TV apps, beginning with its Roku app this week. The company plans to roll out this change to other TV platforms including Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV in 2026, along with third-party clients using its remote streaming API. Under the new policy, media server owners need a Plex Pass subscription costing $7 monthly, $70 annually, or $250 for lifetime to grant remote access to others. Alternatively, remote viewers can purchase a Remote Watch Pass for $2 monthly or $20 yearly to access someone else’s server. Plex had previously implemented similar restrictions on mobile devices before expanding to TV platforms. The company recently deployed a redesigned version of its app on Roku-powered TVs alongside these paywall changes.
The competitive landscape just shifted
Here’s the thing: Plex is basically putting its most community-friendly feature behind a paywall. And that’s a huge deal for people who’ve been sharing media libraries with friends and family for years. Remember when the whole point of Plex was making your personal media collection accessible anywhere? Now they’re monetizing the very feature that made them stand out.
But here’s where it gets interesting for competitors. Open-source alternatives like Jellyfin suddenly look a lot more appealing. They offer similar functionality without the subscription fees. And for a service that’s essentially a front-end for content you already own, paying monthly fees feels… well, kind of ironic, doesn’t it?
The business reality check
Look, I get it – companies need to make money. Plex has been trying to diversify beyond just being a media server front-end for years, adding streaming content and other features. But turning previously free features into paid ones always leaves a bad taste. It’s the classic “bait and switch” move that tech companies love to pull once they’ve built a user base.
The timing is also pretty telling. They’re starting with Roku, which has massive market penetration, then slowly rolling out to other platforms over the next two years. That gives them time to gauge user reaction and potentially adjust their strategy. But let’s be real – once a paywall goes up, it rarely comes down.
What this means for users
So what are your options now? Well, you could pony up for the Plex Pass – though at $70 yearly, that’s getting into streaming service territory. Or you could switch to something like Jellyfin, which requires more technical setup but keeps everything free. Or maybe you just stop sharing your library remotely altogether.
It’s another reminder that when you build your media ecosystem around a proprietary platform, you’re always at the mercy of their business decisions. The days of free remote streaming through Plex are officially numbered, and that’s going to change how a lot of people use the service. Basically, the party’s over – and Plex is now charging cover.
