Plex has introduced a major change that affects users who stream media from a personal Plex server to their TV. The company has started placing a paywall on remote streaming for TV apps. This update has already gone live on the Roku app and will roll out to Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and other devices in 2026.
For years, people could access a friend’s or family member’s Plex server and stream movies or shows on their TV for free. That experience is now changing. To continue remote streaming on a TV, users must have a paid subscription. Either the server owner must have a Plex Pass, or the viewer must subscribe to a Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass.
The pricing is now as follows:
Plex Pass: $7 per month, $70 per year, or $250 for lifetime access
Remote Watch Pass: $2 per month or $20 per year
Plex says the decision to add a paywall will help generate revenue to maintain and improve its services. However, many users are unhappy because this feature has been free for a long time. The change has led to frustration among people who relied on Plex for cost-free streaming on their TV.
Because of this update, a growing number of users are now exploring other media server platforms. Jellyfin has become one of the top alternatives because it offers remote streaming completely free without subscriptions. Emby and Kodi are also being considered by users who do not want to pay for remote access.
While this move might support Plex’s long-term business plans, it also marks a noticeable shift away from its earlier free-streaming model. Some users may continue with Plex by subscribing, while others may switch to open-source and free platforms.
