Which Operating System is Best For Your Plex Media Server?

A Server Operating System Comparison This is a comparison of different OS options for Plex Media Server. It’s meant to help anyone who is generally tech-savvy but doesn’t know in-depth IT jargon or how to use a CLI (command line interface).

If you’re really good at IT, you’ll definitely have a different experience. If you don’t know much about computers, the same applies.

I tried these all out myself, and this is based on my personal experience -- I don’t claim that it’s universally true for everyone. My personal priorities included overall ease of setup and use, remote access to change settings without plugging in a monitor, RAID or other forms of data-loss prevention, stability, expandability, cost, and the ability to simply and stably connect to Plex.

Tested Machine (custom build) Processor: Intel Pentium G4600 (new, low-to-medium end dual core processor at a good price point) RAM: Single 8GB DDR4 Stick at 2133hz; overkill for most Storage: 2x 3TB Western Digital Red NAS hard drives; 128 GB Toshiba m.2 NVME drive for cache or boot drive

Option 1

Windows 10 Ease of Use • Relatively simple to install, but needs a separate boot drive, adding to already high expense • Graphical UI is familiar to almost everyone • Creating RAID arrays is easy for pretty much anyone • Configuring networking is comparatively simple • Absolutely TONS of online resources • Plex is a cinch to install • What’s a command line? I don’t need that.

Special Features, Pros/Cons • Plethora of third party tools for customization and other uses • Doesn’t really require any new IT knowledge • Costs far more than any other option • Remote access for configuration requires some third party software • Very resource-intensive, hardware dependent

Summary: If you don’t mind spending money on both the software and decent hardware, and you don’t have any interest in learning anything new, Windows is a great option for you. Just don’t tell the Internet; you might get called a noob.

Option 2

Linux (Ubuntu) Ease of Use • Installation isn’t too hard • Definitely requires use of command line, especially if you run the server version that has no graphical user interface • No but really; you have to use the command line to do anything server-related • Has a ton of support resources, from forums to step-by-step guides to online classes on Linux • Plex installation is easy with official Plex support

Special Features, Pros/Cons • It’s free • It can run on weak hardware • Official Plex download from their website • The desktop edition has a GUI • ...but it doesn’t do anything for you since anything related to setting up a server needs CLI • People who tell you it’s simple to set up for anyone aren’t being truthful • Remote access isn’t easy. You have to plug in a monitor to make system changes or install a 3rd party tool.

Summary: If, and only if, you’re willing to learn to use a command line and some networking jargon, Linux (esp. Ubuntu server) is the best available option. It’s powerful and extremely stable. And like building your own hardware, it’s rewarding by providing a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. For what it’s worth, it’s what I settled on final choice.

Option 3

FreeNAS Ease of Use • Installation is very easy • Has a graphical, browser-based UI and can be used entirely without use of the command line • Requires a good knowledge of networking and IT jargon -- more than I personally possess • Has a solid set-up walk through that can get you running without much work • Plex is available via a Plugin that’s not the easiest to use.

Special Features, Pros/Cons • It’s free • It has a massive amount of features and customization options, plug-ins for cloud backup and more, and is chock-full of custom features • The ZFS file system is supposedly the best around in terms of preventing data-loss • Past the set-up wizard, a knowledge of networking jargon is needed everywhere • Sharing/permissions can be frustrating • FreeNAS recommends high-end hardware

Summary: FreeNAS is enterprise-level software, and it shows. If you’re willing to dig deep into forums for answers and can learn IT jargon quickly, it’s ZFS file system is reputedly highly desirable. The Plex plug-in didn’t work well for me, but it’s easy to find. Sharing and permissions quirks took me over an hour to iron out. In short, unless data integrity is your #1 concern, there’s likely a better option for you.

Option 4

unRAID Ease of Use • Installation is the simplest of all • Browser-based UI is comparatively easy to use • Absolutely no command line knowledge is required • Data integrity is built in through a proprietary parity drive system • Docker support isn’t all that simple to use; luckily, the Plex plugin is

Special Features, Pros/Cons • It’s very easy to figure out compared with other options • No download needed for Plex plugin to work • Docker allows lots of expansion options • Easily expandable by dropping in drives • Low hardware requirements • It costs money ($59) • Some Internet people have concerns about data restoration with large data amounts • Docker requires IT knowledge • Unfashionable UI doesn’t inspire confidence

Summary: unRAID is a superb choice for people who want a fairly simple option at a relatively low price. It runs off a USB drive and set up is really pretty easy. Plex works easily; the plug-in comes pre-installed. If you are more IT-savvy and willing to dig around, Docker allows more flexibility within this OS. unRAID’s website and interface seem dated compared to other options, but that’s just window dressing. If you have the money, it’s a fantastic option.