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Comparison · Media server software

Komga vs Plex: which is better in 2026?

Komga88.0#6 in best media server softwarePlex92.5#2 in best media server software

Plex ranks higher in our list of media server software (#2 against #6, score 92.5 against 88.0).

How we rank Share

  • 88.0
    Editorial score
    92.5
  • 2
    Platforms
    6
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Komga if you want

Comics and manga libraries with e-reader sync.

Strong for comics and manga, with a web reader, OPDS feeds, Kobo Sync and KOReader sync, under the MIT license. It covers books and comics only, so it does not play music or video.

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.
  • Only Plex runs on iOS.
  • Only Plex runs on Android.
  • Komga is open source; Plex is not.

Side by side

KomgaPlex
Score88.092.5
Rank in list#6 of 10#2 of 10
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under the MIT licenseFree plan, paid upgradesFree apps and free catalog; Plex Pass subscription or lifetime option
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsSelf-hostedWebSelf-hosted, WebWebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidSelf-hostedWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Self-hosted
Made byNot statedNot stated
Media handledComics, manga, BDs, magazines and eBooksMovies, TV shows and music
Other app accessOPDS, Mihon extension and Kobo SyncApps for phones and browsers
Browser player or readerYes, integrated web readerYes, Plex web app
Best forComics and manga libraries with e-reader syncPolished video and music server with paid extras
Strengths
  • Kobo Sync and KOReader sync
  • Integrated web reader and OPDS feeds
  • Open-source code under the MIT license
  • Streams your own library to many devices
  • Free movies, shows and live channels
  • Apps for phones and browsers
Limits
  • Focused on comics and books, so no music or video
  • Premium features require Plex Pass
  • Closed source, so the code cannot be checked
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Komga vs Plex

Is Plex better than Komga?
Plex ranks higher in our list of media server software (#2 against #6, score 92.5 against 88.0). Komga is best for: comics and manga libraries with e-reader sync. Plex is best for: polished video and music server with paid extras.
Which is cheaper, Komga or Plex?
Komga: Free and open source under the MIT license. Plex: Free apps and free catalog; Plex Pass subscription or lifetime option.
Do Komga and Plex run on the same platforms?
Komga supports Self-hosted, Web. Plex supports Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Self-hosted.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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