Choose mpv if you want
Keyboard-driven playback and scripting.
Free and open source with precise keyboard control and scripting on Windows, macOS and Linux. It has no graphical menus by default, so it is harder to learn than VLC.
Choose Plex if you want
Streaming a home library to phones and browsers.
Streams a personal library to phones and browsers with free movies and live channels available too. Plex Pass is paid for premium features, and the code is closed.
The main differences
- Only mpv runs on Linux.
- Only Plex runs on iOS.
- Only Plex runs on Android.
- Only Plex runs on Web.
- mpv is open source; Plex is not.
Side by side
 mpv |  Plex | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 82.5 | 89.0 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 6 | #2 of 6 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-2.0 | Free plan, paid upgradesFree apps and free catalog; Plex Pass subscription or lifetime option |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux | WebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidSelf-hostedWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Self-hosted |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Serves a home library | No | Yes |
| Best for | Keyboard-driven playback and scripting | Streaming a home library to phones and browsers |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about mpv vs Plex
- Is Plex better than mpv?
- Plex ranks higher in our list of media players (#2 against #5, score 89.0 against 82.5). mpv is best for: keyboard-driven playback and scripting. Plex is best for: streaming a home library to phones and browsers.
- Which is cheaper, mpv or Plex?
- mpv: Free and open source under GPL-2.0. Plex: Free apps and free catalog; Plex Pass subscription or lifetime option.
- Do mpv and Plex run on the same platforms?
- mpv supports Windows, macOS, Linux. Plex supports Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Self-hosted.