Maximizing Your Plex Experience

Plex is favored by many for its sleek design and its capability to manage extensive collections of films, music, and television shows. However, its functionality extends far beyond just streaming downloaded media. By utilizing Plex plugins, you can easily integrate your preferred online services onto your television and mobile devices.

After evaluating the wide range of offerings from Plex and testing around 80 different plugins, we compiled useful tips to help you maximize your experience. Below, we present 26 standout Plex plugins, including 9 unofficial ones you might want to consider with caution.

To navigate our list, you can explore:

• Top official Plex channels
• Unofficial Plex channels
• Guidelines before adding new channels
• How to manage official Plex channels
• How to manage unofficial Plex channels

In my opinion, there are three main advantages of using a VPN with your Plex server:

• Security : While we don't promote piracy, we believe in safeguarding against ISP throttling. Internet Service Providers have been known to limit speeds for users who stream content. A VPN can help shield your activities from their scrutiny, preventing such actions.

  
  

• Privacy : Online privacy is crucial, and we can't solely depend on laws to keep our browsing secure. By using an encrypted VPN like IPVanish, you ensure that your ISP or any third party cannot monitor your streaming habits or the websites you frequent.

  
  

• Flexibility : Some official Plex plugins are restricted by region. A VPN allows you to appear as if you're connecting from different countries, simplifying access to exclusive content on your Plex server by bypassing geographical limitations.

  
  

For those using Windows, Mac, Linux, or mobile devices, we recommend IPVanish as a top choice. Personally, I find it user-friendly and compatible with various devices, including Amazon Fire Stick. After testing multiple VPNs, IPVanish stands out for its speed and ability to stream without interruptions. Notably, it does not log user activity, ensuring your privacy remains intact, making it a favored option among torrent users and Kodi enthusiasts as well.Take advantage of our special offer: enjoy discounts of up to 60% on IPVanish plans right here.

For those looking to set up IPVanish or explore free alternatives such as OpenVPN, we recommend checking out our detailed guide on routing Plex via a VPN.

As of version 1.8, Plex has integrated support for 89 plugins specifically available in North America. Users located outside North America may find that some plugins are unavailable or replaced with local alternatives.

We’ve thoroughly examined each plugin to highlight their unique features and specify any that necessitate a subscription fee.

For gaming enthusiasts, streaming content on platforms like Twitch is likely a familiar pastime.

The Twitch plugin for Plex offers an excellent solution for accessing your preferred streams directly on your television.

This plugin is designed with user experience in mind, featuring high-definition video quality and an intuitive interface that allows you to easily browse content by various categories.

While this plugin enjoys official backing from Twitch, it does have some limitations.

One major drawback is the absence of a login feature for your Twitch account.

However, for gaming enthusiasts who enjoy catching their favorite Overwatch streamers, this plugin is an excellent way to bring that streaming experience directly into your home.

When it comes to streaming music, Pandora stands out as one of the leading services available online.

It offers an excellent option for those looking to enjoy radio through Plex.

While Google Music and Spotify do provide unofficial plugins for Plex, the setup process can be quite cumbersome, and both services necessitate a paid subscription.

On the other hand, the Pandora plugin for Plex is straightforward to set up and completely free, making it a far more user-friendly choice.

After configuring your username and password, the plugin seamlessly integrates all your stations and settings. You can continue listening to music while browsing other sections instead of being confined to the station interface. All of Pandora’s functionalities operate smoothly, from generating quick mixes to providing personalized music recommendations. For any music enthusiast, I believe adding Pandora to your Plex server is essential.

For enthusiasts of online videos, Vimeo and Dailymotion stand out as excellent platforms.

Unlike YouTube, these sites offer a more lenient approach to content sharing.

Every day, a wealth of fantastic videos is uploaded, providing users with a diverse array of viewing options.

If you have a Vimeo account, you'll find that it integrates seamlessly with your user profile.
Plugins you've subscribed to will transfer over without any issues.
For those without an account, fear not—you can still access a wide range of popular videos.

Dailymotion offers a seamless experience for its users, enabling them to explore videos across various categories.

Users can easily access featured and trending content, ensuring they never miss out on popular uploads.

Both plugins prioritize user-friendliness and responsiveness, providing a polished layout that enhances the browsing experience.

The category-based organization simplifies navigation, making it effortless to find specific types of videos.

If you're a fan of MythBusters, you’ll probably appreciate the new web-oriented plugin called Tested by Jamie and Adam.

The videos featured on Tested tend to be longer than typical web offerings, showcasing a high level of production quality.

Every video is presented in stunning 1080p resolution, accompanied by pristine AAC audio for an exceptional viewing experience.

The tested Plex plugin is incredibly simple, almost to a fault. It primarily serves as a stream of the latest content from Tested, showcasing their most recent videos prominently at the top.

However, this lack of configuration options means that your user account from tested.com does not provide any additional benefits here.

Comedy Central offers an extensive range of online material, complemented by an impressive Plex plugin.

I was pleasantly surprised to find myself revisiting past seasons of classic shows more often than anticipated.

Additionally, the vast collection of stand-up specials is a noteworthy highlight.

Fresh episodes can be accessed in 720p resolution, while classic shows aired prior to the HDTV era are available in 480p.

There’s no setup required, and you won’t need to create a user account or pay for a subscription.

The content is categorized for effortless navigation, making it a breeze to explore.

This plugin is likely my most frequently used Plex extension.

Crackle serves as Sony's alternative to platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
They have made a wide array of classic television series and popular films available online at no cost.
I was genuinely impressed by the quality of content provided through Crackle's Plex plugin.

No setup is required for this plugin, as it organizes all available shows and movies into specific categories.

Interestingly, a Crackle account is not necessary to access this feature, contrary to the information provided on their official website.

Numerous prominent over-the-air networks offer online content, yet accessing on-demand programming often requires navigating their cumbersome websites or maintaining a cable subscription.

However, their Plex plugins aggregate all available online and on-demand content, featuring the newest episodes from their most popular series.

As a self-proclaimed geek, I was genuinely impressed by the PBS Plex plugin.

It boasts an extensive library of more than 500 shows, featuring episodes dating back to the 1980s.

While certain networks offer location-specific content, it appears to have minimal impact on the overall experience, and there’s no need for complicated setup.

Simply install the plugin to gain instant access to a wide array of programming from major networks.

While it would be ideal for Plex plugins to seamlessly integrate live streaming of network television, this isn't currently a reality.

Nonetheless, these plugins significantly enhance the functionality of your Plex server.

Thus, they should definitely be among your top priorities when setting up.

For families looking to entertain the little ones or simply unwind with some classic shows, the Plex plugins for Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. are a must-try.

They offer a delightful assortment of both timeless episodes and recent favorites, ensuring a diverse viewing experience.

Plus, you'll find several complete seasons included, making it easy to binge-watch your favorite animated series.

Plex Plugins Overview

These plugins offer a user-friendly experience and are highly adaptable.

They provide a wealth of entertainment options that can keep you engaged for an extended period.

Best of all, they don’t necessitate any setup or subscription fees.

Reddit is a treasure trove of ever-evolving content.

If you find yourself constantly refreshing the site throughout the day, the Reddit Videos plugin will be a game changer for you.

This plugin offers a user-friendly interface designed specifically for television, making it simple to access all the streaming videos available on Reddit.

One of the standout features of the Reddit Videos plugin is its constant influx of fresh content.

If a video is currently gaining traction online, it's highly likely to be featured prominently in the 'hot' section.

Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's renowned comedy platform, Funny or Die, offers an official plugin for Plex.

This plugin features a vast collection of videos that date back to the site’s inception.

Users can effortlessly navigate through well-organized categories, making it simple to find content.

Many of the videos are truly side-splitting, ensuring a good laugh for viewers.

While the Plex plugin may not boast the highest level of refinement, it functions effectively and offers a user-friendly experience.

One significant drawback I've encountered is the absence of preview images in the category display.

However, I believe the quality of the content more than compensates for this shortcoming.

Giant Bomb offers an extensive array of podcasts, game previews, reviews, and entertaining let's plays, making it incredibly easy to lose track of time while using this plugin.

Unlike Twitch, where content is often spontaneous and unfiltered, Giant Bomb provides a more polished and scripted experience.

Both platforms offer unique enjoyment, and I appreciate having them available together for a well-rounded gaming experience.

As a fan of vintage gaming, I often discover a wealth of fascinating videos online. One platform that stands out is Giant Bomb, which primarily focuses on delivering industry news and showcasing exclusive game footage.

However, a drawback is the necessity of creating an account to access premium content, and sometimes the plugin doesn't clearly indicate which videos require a subscription. Once you input your API key in the settings, the functionality operates smoothly.

The plugins mentioned have been verified to work with Plex servers, but keep in mind that their functionality isn't guaranteed upon installation. While many unofficial Plex plugins respect copyright and licensing, there are some that should be avoided altogether.

If you encounter difficulties while trying to set up any of the unofficial Plex plugins we recommend, and my guidance isn't sufficient, I suggest visiting the webtools forums. There, you can find support threads dedicated to each plugin for further assistance.

For anime enthusiasts, Crunchyroll is a well-known name.

It offers a vast library of exclusive anime titles in the United States, available both dubbed and subbed for its users.

If you're looking to enjoy your favorite series on a larger screen, the unofficial Plex plugin for Crunchyroll provides a convenient solution.

With this plugin, you can easily access and stream your beloved shows on your television or tablet.

Crunchyroll stands out as a top-tier unofficial Plex plugin.

Setting it up is quite straightforward; you only need to fill in your username and password on a single screen, and you can also customize the default queue.

Once logged in, you gain access to a wide range of content, organized neatly into category menus.

As anticipated, everything streams in stunning high definition.

Purchasing a full Plex subscription offers numerous advantages, with access to the latest Plex cloud servers being a standout feature.

However, if you're looking for an alternative that doesn't involve the subscription fee, consider the unofficial Dropbox plugin.

While configuring the unofficial Dropbox plugin may require more effort compared to simply integrating a cloud server into Plex, investing time in the setup process can prove to be beneficial.

To set up your Plex plugin, begin by creating a Dropbox application through their platform.

Ensure you grant full access to this app.

Once the app is established, navigate to the Dropbox site to generate a new access token, and copy it for later use.

Next, repeat a similar process with TMDB to facilitate the automatic download of artwork and metadata associated with your media.

For most users, the entire setup process can typically be completed within one to two hours.

Once installed, this plugin allows you to store your media in the cloud rather than on your local hard drive, making the initial effort worthwhile.

LiveLeak is well-known for allowing users to upload a wide variety of content.

While it has gained notoriety for extreme and graphic material, it hosts much more than just violent incidents and chaos.

From my experience with LiveLeak, I've observed that many viral videos initially appear on their platform before making their way onto sites like BuzzFeed and various social media channels.

The Live Leak Plex plugin offers a unique viewing experience, comparable to platforms like Vimeo and Dailymotion.

What sets it apart is the intriguing variety of content available.

Users have the option to enable a safe mode toggle, which helps reduce the number of explicit videos displayed.

However, it’s important to note that this feature is not foolproof.

Nonetheless, Live Leak stands out as one of the top unofficial Plex plugins currently available.

While it may not introduce fresh content, the library updater plugin proves to be invaluable when accessing Plex from a mobile device and finding that a newly added show or movie isn't visible.

Plex generally does a commendable job of ensuring your content remains current, yet their mobile applications lack the functionality to refresh specific libraries.

This is where the library updater plugin comes into play, providing a much-needed solution to this limitation.

Overall, it's a worthwhile enhancement for almost any Plex setup.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 is a classic that truly requires no introduction.

The concept of robots humorously critiquing bad films is unique and polarizing.

You either find it entertaining or not, but for those who do, it’s a beloved experience.

Personally, I fall into the category of those who adore it.

What makes this plugin stand out is its comprehensiveness.

It offers access to every episode, including those from the early Minnesota KTMA era.

You can also enjoy all the DVD extras and special features that come with it.

For enthusiasts of clever humor surrounding bad films, this plugin is a must-have addition to your setup.

The Unofficial Plex Plugin for webisodes allows users to manage and monitor their favorite series across various streaming platforms.

With YouTube increasingly focusing on serialized programming, this plugin could prove invaluable for many enthusiasts.

Although initial configuration is required to get started, once you’ve selected the shows you wish to follow, it effectively maintains its updates automatically.

It's puzzling why this feature isn't more refined in the official streaming applications across different devices. However, having it available here is a definite plus.

The webisodes plugin stands out for its ability to aggregate content from numerous platforms, allowing you to conveniently access all your online series in a single location.

This addition to your Plex server is particularly beneficial if you're often anticipating new releases from your beloved creators.

The unofficial Plex plugin for full movies on Reddit offers a unique way to enjoy films that have been posted on YouTube and shared across Reddit platforms.

This plugin differs from the previously discussed Reddit videos plugin, as it provides access to a wider array of long-format content, including both feature films and television series.

Using this plugin may seem appealing,

but there are significant drawbacks to consider.

Although the videos are often of high quality,

it's crucial to remember that many have been uploaded without proper authorization.

This raises serious copyright infringement issues.

Moreover, users frequently encounter error messages,

which typically indicate that the video has been removed by YouTube due to these violations.

While it's possible to discover some legal free video content through this platform,

we advise against using this plugin primarily because of its emphasis on content that is not legally obtained.

Manga Plugins and Plex Setup

For manga enthusiasts, the Mangahere and Mangafox plugins may not be the best choices, especially since they are primarily designed for mobile devices like tablets and smartphones.

Although these plugins boast extensive libraries, they raise concerns regarding copyright infringement.

They allow users to access manga without any charge, but this comes at the expense of violating copyright laws, as they often reproduce written content without the necessary permissions.

Both plugins in question share similarities, particularly in their legal standing concerning the manga they offer.

Most of the content is sourced from individual uploads, raising concerns about copyright infringement.

While the allure of free access to manga, including newly released titles, is tempting, it's essential to recognize that this practice violates copyright laws. Therefore, we cannot endorse the use of such plugins.

Before diving into the addition of new plugins, there are a few preliminary steps to consider.

This tutorial presumes that your Plex server is already set up and running. If you haven't reached this stage yet, we recommend consulting our comprehensive guide on how to set up Plex.

After setting up your Plex server, it's time to explore the installation of various plugins through the web client.

Plex simplifies the process of adding their official plugins. While it lacks a robust app store featuring ratings and reviews, it does highlight some of the most sought-after and practical plugins available.

To begin incorporating official Plex plugins, access your server via the web client. If you’re currently using the computer that serves as your Plex server, simply click here to launch the web client in a new tab.

To access the plugins, first open the web client.
Then, locate and select the plugins option from the menu on the left side of your display.

When you access the plugin management section, you might notice a stark difference if you're using a newly installed version of Plex, as it may lack many options.

To begin enhancing your Plex experience, simply locate and click on the install plugins button situated in the upper-right corner of the interface.

When you access the plugin directory, the default view showcases highlighted plugins.

You can explore various Plex plugins that can be installed in multiple formats.

Personally, I prefer to view the entire selection of available plugins before making my installation choices.

To explore the complete list of official plugins, simply navigate to the more… menu option.

Next, select the option labeled all available plug-ins from the menu located at the top of the list.

You can explore a comprehensive list of plugins arranged in alphabetical order.

All the official Plex plugins mentioned in this article are included in this compilation.

To add a plugin, simply choose it from the plugin directory and hit the install button.

Once you click the install option, a progress spinner will appear, indicating that the plugin is currently downloading. After the installation completes, the popup window will display options for browse , update , and uninstall . This signifies that the plugin has been installed successfully.

When it comes to uninstalling official Plex plugins, the process is quite straightforward. Begin by launching the web client. If you're accessing this on your Plex server, you can easily open it in a new tab by clicking here.

Next, select the plugins option found in the online content section on the left side of your screen.

To uninstall a plugin, navigate to the plugin management section.
Hover your cursor over the desired plugin and select the red x to remove it.

Upon successful removal of the plugin, a green notification will appear on your screen.

That's all you need to do.

For those looking to enhance their Plex experience, exploring unofficial plugins can be a game changer.

While some of the most exciting plugins aren't found directly in the plugin management interface, you can still add them manually. This process may seem daunting at first, but once you have the initial setup done, adding new plugins becomes a breeze.

To begin this journey, you should install the WebTools plugin. This essential tool opens up a treasure trove of unofficial plugins through its app store.

To get started with WebTools, simply download it from its official release page. Once installed, you'll have the ability to browse, add, and manage a wide variety of additional Plex plugins that can significantly enhance your streaming experience.

Navigate to the bottom of the page to locate the appropriate installer for your operating system. For Windows users, simply click on the link displayed above.

Once the file download is complete, simply double-click on it to begin the installation process.

You will need to select the install button to initiate the setup.

All required files will be automatically downloaded and installed into the plugin directory of your Plex server.

After the installation is complete, a notification window will appear.

Simply click the OK button to acknowledge it and then exit the installer.

Upon accessing the plugin management section of your Plex server, you will notice that the webtools plugin has been successfully installed.

When you launch the plugin, a page will appear guiding you on how to link up with webtools.

You have the option to enter the address by hand or simply click here to open webtools in a separate window.

Keep in mind that the IP address displayed will not match yours, so be sure to substitute it with the local IP address of your Plex server for proper connectivity.