Reviews

Kodi and Plex: why is Kodi better for You

0
Kodi and Plex why is Kodi better for you

Radio, Live TV, youtube, TV shows, Media content, choices, choices, choices, a daunting task to cycle through the beautiful material that each offers. But if it could all be brought together, sort of like your own personal customized Netflix. That is Kodi and Plex for you. 

Origins: The story behind it all

Elan Feingold wanted a media center application for his Apple Mac and decided to adapt the Xbox Media player for his Mac. Starting in December 2007, the development took the shape of Plex by May 2008 with the vision of not only playing the local media but web-based media content as well. However, the real difference between the two is that Plex offers the solution to watch your favorite media from anywhere on any device. 

What is Kodi?

Kodi, formerly known as XBMC (Xbox Media Center), is an open-source media player application/software that allows you to stream media content and organize your media library. It was developed initially to be run on the Xbox. Being open-source means, it’s free and allows people to contribute to its development and evolution to its current form.

It does two things, plays and organizes your saved media files plus will enable you to stream content available online. Since in its current form, it is far more than a software that allows playing movies and media on the Xbox console and became a separate entity, it was given the name of Kodi.

The most stand out aspect is that it allows for add ons installation to access so much more content and customization. The ability to tweak its settings and give it your own personal touch is like a custom made Netflix, all for you, and that is the best standout feature.

What is Plex?

Plex also helps to achieve the objective of managing your media library, but it also has another component to it. That additional function is the server-based component that gives you access from just about anywhere and from any device.

That component is the PMS, Plex Media Server, which allows you to stream your library content from anywhere via the internet or the same local area network on any device capable of installing Plex software. Plex can genuinely be called a derivative of Kodi but is much more due to its PMS component. The advantage Plex gives is that you can set up a server, for instance, on your home laptop, and that server is accessible from anywhere.

You can install other apps that can allow you to stream content that is outside the locally saved media collection. Hell, you can go to your neighborhood bar and watch your movie with a pint of chilled beer in your hand if you are on the same network.

Features, benefits and limitations of using Kodi

Open source It means that thousands of people contribute to its development
Free Can’t beat free
Customization Tons of customization options
Categorization As per your requirement and viewing interest you can, remove or modify the categories and organize by any genre. 
Third party add ons Since it allows for the third party add on installations, you can both watch your favorite content.
Dedicated channels Kodi allows for dedicated channel and radio station fixing for your regular viewing pleasure.
Incapable of multiple device streaming It is possible to stream content on multiple devices, but it’s not a user-friendly process.
Limitation of resources Thousands of volunteers contribute to the development of Kodi but don’t get paid for it. So it means a much-needed feature doesn’t get added quickly.
Passion Since it’s maintained by people who love Kodi, it has people with passion and that sometimes alone makes the difference.
Multiple platform support Runs on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox360 and Xbox One with some limitations.
No server Since there is no server in Kodi, you have to install Kodi on all laptops in your home. But if you started watching a series in your bedroom and have to go to your living room, Kodi will start the series again since the devices are not connected or communicating.
Live TV channels Greater repository of channels than Plex.

Features, benefits and limitations of using Plex

Beautiful interface The default is quite pretty and easy to use
Multiple device capability The most significant benefit is the ability to stream content on any app capable of installing the Plex app
Limited free version Multiple device streaming is not free, required in-app purchases. Videos are limited to 1 minute, and the pictures are watermarked.
Recording is not free The recording of programs is only possible on the purchase of Plex Pass subscription.
Dedicated resources Since Plex is maintained and owned by Plex Inc. its resources which can be entirely focused on developing a needed feature much more quickly.
Absence of passion Since a corporation owns it, employees may simply take Plex as their job without any real passion.
Multiple platform support Easily runs on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox360 and Xbox One
Plex Media Server Plex Media Server allows the connection and communication between all devices that have a Plex app installed, so if you started watching something in your living room, you could pick up from there in your bedroom.

Comparison 

Features Kodi Plex
Seamless media experience no yes
Customization greater limited
Add ons greater limited
Linked devices no yes
On the go no yes
Server cost no yes
Community access no yes

Why you should go for Kodi

  • If you watch TV in the comfort of your own home, Kodi fulfills that functionality perfectly and allows media stream and control from just one device
  • It’s completely free without the hassle of setting up a mainframe server on a laptop or desktop
  • Fantastic range of customization options that offer a wide variety of choices
  • Tons of add-ons for all your streaming desires
  • Open source solutions that are not hindered or hampered by any corporate
  • It is free 
  • It’s simple to install
Editorial Staff
Editorial Staff at BestKoditips (BKT) consists of expert writers and researchers in the field of technology, crypto, and how-to guides. They are creating well-researched content for BKT on various niches including internet hacks, operating systems, gaming, and other relevant topics.

    How to Install Plex on Kodi

    Previous article

    Best Live TV Apps for Amazon Fire Stick

    Next article

    You may also like

    Comments

    Comments are closed.

    More in Reviews