Is Plex better than Immich?

Plex ranks higher in our list of media server software (#2 against #3, score 92.5 against 91.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Immich is best for: phone photo backup with a self-hosted library. Plex is best for: polished video and music server with paid extras.

Which is cheaper, Immich or Plex?

Immich: Free to self-host under AGPL-3.0; the iOS app is free to download. Plex: Free apps and free catalog; Plex Pass subscription or lifetime option.

Do Immich and Plex run on the same platforms?

Immich supports Self-hosted, Web, Android, iOS. Plex supports Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Self-hosted.

Immich vs Plex: Which Is Better? (2026)

91.0
Editorial score
92.5
4
Platforms
6
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Immich if you want

Phone photo backup with a self-hosted library.

The strongest photo server here, with automatic phone backup, facial recognition and smart search under AGPL-3.0. It handles photos and videos only, and it needs a server with enough storage and regular upkeep.

Choose Plex if you want

Polished video and music server with paid extras.

The most polished apps and the widest device reach of the video servers, with free live TV and movies. Remote streaming and hardware transcoding need Plex Pass, and the server is not open source.

The main differences

Only Plex runs on Windows.
Only Plex runs on macOS.
Immich is open source; Plex is not.

Side by side

	Immich	Plex
Score	91.0	92.5
Rank in list	#3 of 10	#2 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree to self-host under AGPL-3.0; the iOS app is free to download	Free plan, paid upgradesFree apps and free catalog; Plex Pass subscription or lifetime option
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	Self-hostedWebAndroidiOSSelf-hosted, Web, Android, iOS	WebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidSelf-hostedWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Self-hosted
Made by	Not stated	Not stated
Media handled	Photos and videos	Movies, TV shows and music
Other app access	Mobile apps and an API	Apps for phones and browsers
Browser player or reader	Yes, web interface	Yes, Plex web app
Best for	Phone photo backup with a self-hosted library	Polished video and music server with paid extras
Strengths	Automatic phone backup with mobile apps Facial recognition and smart search Multiple users and partner sharing	Streams your own library to many devices Free movies, shows and live channels Apps for phones and browsers
Limits	Needs a server you maintain with enough storage Photos and videos only, with no music or books	Premium features require Plex Pass Closed source, so the code cannot be checked
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Immich vs Plex

Is Plex better than Immich?: Plex ranks higher in our list of media server software (#2 against #3, score 92.5 against 91.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Immich is best for: phone photo backup with a self-hosted library. Plex is best for: polished video and music server with paid extras.
Which is cheaper, Immich or Plex?: Immich: Free to self-host under AGPL-3.0; the iOS app is free to download. Plex: Free apps and free catalog; Plex Pass subscription or lifetime option.
Do Immich and Plex run on the same platforms?: Immich supports Self-hosted, Web, Android, iOS. Plex supports Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Self-hosted.