Plex begins enforcing restrictions on free remote streaming, starting with Roku this week

In March, Plex announced a dual shift: a price increase and a new policy for streaming media outside a home network. While local playback remains unchanged, the company now requires users to pay for remote access. Existing Plex Pass subscribers ($6.99 per month or $69.99 annually) gain the ability to stream their libraries over the internet to external viewers. Conversely, non‑Pass owners can purchase a “Remote Watch Pass” for $1.99 per month (or $19.99 annually) to view a remote Plex server without the server owner needing a Plex Pass.

The rollout was slated for April 29, but the first enforcement appeared this week on Roku devices. Plex confirmed the change in a forum post on November 20. The company warned that, although the requirement currently applies only to Roku, it will expand next year to all major platforms, including Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and any third‑party client that uses the Plex API for remote streaming.

These adjustments affect only remote access to Plex servers. Users who employ Plex solely for local, in‑home streaming are exempt from the new fees, preserving the free experience for on‑premises playback. Those who wish to switch to an alternative solution that better fits their needs can also look at Jellyfin, Emby, and the other alternatives listed here.