Why people look for a Plex alternative
- They just want to play a file, without setting up a server or a library.
- They want a player whose core features are free.
1. PlayAnyVideo — free, no ads
- No ads, no paid unlocks and no codec purchase — core playback is free.
- Works in the browser with nothing to install; local files play on your device and are never uploaded.
- The free Windows app plays HEVC (H.265), MKV with AC-3/DTS, AVI, WMV and more through an open-source LGPL FFmpeg engine.
- Subtitles: SMI, SRT, VTT and ASS/SSA with automatic encoding detection, sync and style controls.
- The Windows app can cast to a TV on your home Wi-Fi (DLNA) or open Windows screen mirroring.
- Timestamped notes, A-B repeat, playlists and resume — in 12 languages.
No native macOS or iPhone app yet: on a Mac or iPhone you use the web player, and format support then depends on the browser.
Other Plex alternatives
2. VLC
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone / iPad · Free · No ads
- Plays a very wide range of formats out of the box.
- Open source and free of charge.
PlayAnyVideo vs VLC · VLC alternatives
3. Kodi
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android · Free · No ads
- A full-screen, TV-friendly media center interface.
- A large add-on ecosystem.
PlayAnyVideo vs Kodi · Kodi alternatives
4. GOM Player
Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone / iPad · Free version with ads; paid ad-free edition
- A familiar interface that many users in Korea have used for years.
- Built-in tools for finding subtitles.
PlayAnyVideo vs GOM Player · GOM Player alternatives
5. KMPlayer
Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone / iPad · Free
- A familiar interface that many users in Korea have used for years.
- Available on many platforms.
PlayAnyVideo vs KMPlayer · KMPlayer alternatives
6. Infuse
iPhone / iPad, macOS, Apple TV · Free; some features need a paid upgrade or subscription
- Polished apps across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.
- Plays videos from network shares and servers on your phone or tablet.
When to stay with Plex
Plex may still be the better choice if:
- you want a home media server for the whole family
- you want the same app on many kinds of devices
- you want a library with posters and episode details
FAQ
What is a good free alternative to Plex?
It depends on your device. PlayAnyVideo is a free, ad-free option for the browser, Windows and Android; VLC, Kodi, GOM Player are other popular choices.
Can I try an alternative without installing anything?
Yes. Open the PlayAnyVideo web player in your browser and drop a file in — nothing is installed and the file stays on your device.
Will my subtitle files still work?
PlayAnyVideo reads SMI, SRT, VTT and ASS/SSA subtitles and detects their text encoding automatically.
Related roundups
Information as of November 2026. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners; PlayAnyVideo is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Features, editions and prices change — please check each official website.