

If for whatever reason you want multiple Plex servers on a single network, Plex is cool with that, too. That same computer can also run a player app, as can any other devices you connect to your server. You only need one computer running Plex Media Server. Most apps are free iOS apps cost $5 unless you're a Plex Pass subscriber. You can play Plex media through your web browser or native apps for Mac OS, AppleTV, and iOS (opens in new tab), among many many other devices. Plex's media player apps provide the front end, playing all that media for your enjoyment. Plex Media Server handles the back end, working behind the scenes on your server of choice to keep track of your media, convert it on the fly to streaming-friendly formats, and pipe it to you over your home network or the Internet.

