Plex users are in for a shock as the company announces significant price hikes for its popular subscription service, Plex Pass. The lifetime Plex Pass, which offers features like DVR functionality, media downloads, and commercial skipping, will now cost $249.99, more than double its current price of $119.99.
Monthly and annual subscriptions are also getting price increases, with monthly passes rising to $6.99 a month and annual passes costing $69.99 a year. The new prices will take effect on April 29, 2025.
One major change affects Plex Media Server users who want to stream their content remotely. From then on, remote streaming of personal Plex media libraries won’t be free anymore. However, Plex is introducing a new, cheaper option called the Remote Watch Pass for $1.99 a month or $19.99 a year.
This pass allows users to stream their own files remotely or from someone else’s library without a Plex Pass. However, it comes with some limitations and excludes features like DVR functionality and downloads. The change applies only to the new experience Plex apps, not the current ones, which will be phased out in the coming months.
The decision to introduce paid remote streaming comes after Plex dropped “watch together” functionality from its new experience apps. On the other hand, a previously paid feature is set to become free with the revamped Android and iOS apps no longer requiring a subscription or a one-time fee to remove playback restrictions.
Plex’s CEO cited rising costs as the reason for the price hikes, stating that it aims to ensure both Plex Pass and its support for personal media continue to thrive. The changes are significant and will impact users’ streaming habits, but the new Remote Watch Pass offers an affordable alternative for those who want to access their content remotely.
Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2642674/plexs-lifetime-subscription-plan-is-getting-a-massive-price-hike.html