Plex Streamer Increases Subscription Price for the First Time in 10 Years: What You Need to Know!
Plex, the popular streaming service and software creator, is set to increase its prices for the first time in a decade. This change affects the premium subscription service, Plex Pass, which grants users advanced features such as offline access, themes, and hardware transcoding. The new prices, effective April 29, will offer users a limited window to secure a lifetime subscription at the current rate.
Updated Pricing for Plex Pass Subscription
Plex has announced significant price changes for its premium features:
- Monthly Subscription: Now $6.99, previously $4.99
- Yearly Subscription: Now $69.99, previously $39.99
- Lifetime Plex Pass: Now $249.99, previously $119.99
Current Plex Pass subscribers have until April 29 to lock in the previous pricing for a lifetime subscription. This price adjustment is intended to help Plex manage rising operational costs and enhance user experience.
Changes to Remote Playback and Policy Updates
In addition to the price increase, Plex is implementing some notable changes:
- Removal of the one-time activation fee for mobile devices
- Remote playback for personal media will now require a subscription
- Updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, clarifying data sharing practices
According to Plex, these updates are designed to ensure user privacy while explaining how data might be used for advertising. The new policies will apply to users who create accounts after the announcement, while existing users will be prompted to accept the new terms in the future.
Introducing the Remote Watch Pass
Plex is also launching a new subscription option called the Remote Watch Pass, available starting April 29. This pass will allow users to stream from a friend or family member’s server without requiring a full Plex Pass subscription. Key details include:
- Price: $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year
- Access to remote playback and select features like Skip Intro and Skip Credits
Future Enhancements and Competitor Price Increases
Plex aims to use the increased revenue to fund new features, including an integration with Common Sense Media for parental ratings and reviews. Additionally, the company is developing a new server management app for web and mobile, as well as an open API for better server integrations.
The price hikes come amidst similar trends seen in other streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu, all of which have raised their subscription rates in recent times.
As Plex navigates these changes, the company emphasizes its commitment to providing a quality personal media experience while balancing value for its users. For more detailed information, visit the Plex blog.
