Plex is a widely-used media server platform offering a polished interface and broad device support, with both free and paid (Plex Pass) tiers unlocking additional features.
Prerequisites
- Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 VPS: 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM minimum
- A Plex account (free to create)
Step 1 — Add the Plex Repository
curl https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key | sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/deb public main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/plexmediaserver.listStep 2 — Install Plex Media Server
sudo apt update
sudo apt install plexmediaserver -yStep 3 — Verify the Service Is Running
sudo systemctl status plexmediaserverStep 4 — Access the Setup Wizard
http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:32400/webSign in with your Plex account and follow the setup wizard to name your server and add media libraries.
Step 5 — Allow the Firewall Port
sudo ufw allow 32400/tcpStep 6 — Add Media Libraries
Point Plex at your media directories — it fetches artwork and metadata automatically, similar to Jellyfin's approach.
Step 7 — Enable Remote Access
Under Settings → Remote Access, Plex attempts automatic port mapping; on a VPS with a public IP, this is typically straightforward compared to a home network behind NAT.
Understanding Plex's Cloud-Connected Architecture
Unlike Jellyfin, Plex routes some functionality (remote access discovery, account management) through Plex's own cloud infrastructure — a trade-off for its convenience and polish, worth being aware of if complete self-containment is a priority for you (in which case, see How to Install Jellyfin Media Server on a VPS instead).
Plex Pass Features
The paid Plex Pass tier unlocks hardware transcoding, live TV/DVR features, and other extras — evaluate whether these specific features matter for your use case before subscribing, since core media serving works fully on the free tier.
Adding HTTPS via Reverse Proxy
See How to Install Nginx Proxy Manager with Docker if you want a custom domain with SSL in front of Plex, though Plex also provides its own remote access URL with a Plex-issued certificate by default.
Managing Users and Sharing Your Library
Under Settings → Users & Sharing, invite friends/family by their Plex account email — each gets independent access without sharing your own account credentials.
Common Errors
"Not available outside your network" despite remote access being enabled — verify the firewall allows port 32400, and check Plex's remote access settings for the specific reported issue.
Transcoding fails or is very slow — verify server resources are adequate; consider Plex Pass's hardware transcoding if your VPS has compatible GPU access.
Continue Reading
- Choosing Between Jellyfin, Plex, and Emby for Self-Hosted Media
- VPS Requirements for Media Streaming Servers
- How to Set Up Remote Access for Jellyfin/Plex Without Exposing Your Home Network
Browse more articles in Media & Streaming Servers.
