Picking the Right NAS Media Server for Your Home Entertainment: Emby, Jellyfin, or Plex?

Last updated on 14 Feb 2023 📧 Subscribe
Contents hide
1 Emby
2 Jellyfin
3 Plex
4 Comparison of Emby, Jellyfin, and Plex
4.1 Comparing some pros and cons of Emby, Jellyfin, and Plex:
4.2 What video file formats do these media servers support
4.3 Want to stream videos remotely over the Internet? Required hardware for video transcoding
5 The best NAS for 4K media server

In today’s world of digital entertainment, the importance of a robust and reliable home media server cannot be overstated. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to pick the best one for your needs. Among the most popular and feature-rich media servers are Emby, Jellyfin, and Plex. Each platform comes with its unique strengths and capabilities, making them ideal for different use cases. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into these three media servers, comparing and contrasting their features, pros and cons, hardware requirements, and more. So, whether you’re a movie buff, music lover, or a TV series binge-watcher, join us as we explore the world of Emby, Jellyfin, and Plex and help you pick the best one for your home media setup.

Emby

Emby is a popular media server with a sleek and intuitive interface that allows you to stream and manage your digital media files with ease. It’s designed to provide an all-in-one solution for media streaming, live TV, and personal media management.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and customize
  • Excellent media playback and transcoding capabilities for a wide range of video formats
  • Support for live TV and DVR functionality
  • Ability to stream media to multiple devices simultaneously
  • Support for plugins and third-party apps

Cons:

  • Limited free version with basic features and restrictions on the number of media files you can stream
  • Some users have reported issues with the server crashing or becoming unresponsive during peak usage periods
  • Some advanced features require a premium subscription

Compatible video formats and transcoding limits: Emby supports a wide range of video formats, including MP4, MKV, AVI, WMV, and many others. It can transcode video files in real-time, allowing you to stream your media to any device, regardless of its format or resolution.

Passmark requirements for transcoding different video formats: The amount of hardware power required to transcode media files on Emby depends on the video format, resolution, and number of simultaneous streams. According to Emby’s documentation, a CPU with a PassMark score of at least 2000 is required for transcoding a single 1080p video file in H.264 format. For H.265 encoding, a PassMark score of at least 12000 is required.

Best NAS options for Emby: When it comes to choosing the best NAS device for Emby, it’s important to consider the amount of storage and processing power required to handle your media library. Some popular NAS options for Emby include the Synology DS920+, the QNAP TS-264, and the Asustor AS5304T. These devices come with powerful hardware and support for RAID storage, making them ideal for storing and streaming large media libraries.

Jellyfin

Jellyfin is a free and open-source media server that offers a range of features for managing and streaming your digital media files. It’s designed to be a powerful and customizable alternative to commercial media server software, with support for a wide range of media formats and devices.

Pros:

  • Completely free and open-source, with no restrictions on the number of users or media files
  • Excellent media playback and transcoding capabilities for a wide range of video formats
  • Support for live TV and DVR functionality
  • Highly customizable with support for plugins and third-party apps
  • User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and customize

Cons:

  • Some users have reported issues with the server crashing or becoming unresponsive during peak usage periods
  • Limited support for hardware acceleration, which can affect performance when transcoding certain video formats
  • Some advanced features require technical expertise to set up and configure

Compatible video formats and transcoding limits: Jellyfin supports a wide range of video formats, including MP4, MKV, AVI, and many others. It can transcode video files in real-time, allowing you to stream your media to any device, regardless of its format or resolution. However, some users have reported issues with performance when transcoding certain video formats, particularly those that require software decoding.

Passmark requirements for transcoding different video formats: The amount of hardware power required to transcode media files on Jellyfin depends on the video format, resolution, and number of simultaneous streams. According to Jellyfin’s documentation, a CPU with a PassMark score of at least 2000 is required for transcoding a single 1080p video file in H.264 format. For H.265 encoding, a PassMark score of at least 8000 is required.

Best NAS options for Jellyfin: When it comes to choosing the best NAS device for Jellyfin, it’s important to consider the amount of storage and processing power required to handle your media library. Some popular NAS options for Jellyfin include the Synology DS920+, the QNAP TS-251D, and the Asustor AS5304T. These devices come with powerful hardware and support for RAID storage, making them ideal for storing and streaming large media libraries.

Plex

Plex is a well-known media server platform that allows users to stream their media content on various devices. It has a user-friendly interface and provides a range of features, including remote access, parental controls, and media management. Here’s an overview of Plex and what it has to offer:

Overview of Plex Plex was initially launched in 2008 as a media center software, but it has since evolved into a comprehensive media server platform that supports various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows users to organize their media libraries, including movies, TV shows, and music, and stream them on different devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.

Pros and Cons of Plex Plex has several advantages that make it a popular choice for media server enthusiasts. For one, it has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and customize. It also offers various features, including remote access, parental controls, and media management, that enhance the user experience.

However, Plex has some downsides that users should be aware of. For example, the platform requires a stable internet connection to work correctly, and users need to create an account to use it. Additionally, some users may find the platform’s pricing plans expensive, especially for premium features.

Compatible Video Formats and Transcoding Limits Plex supports a wide range of video formats, including H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and VP9. However, the platform’s transcoding capabilities vary depending on the user’s hardware and the video file’s specifications.

Passmark Requirements for Transcoding Different Video Formats The passmark requirements for transcoding different video formats on Plex depend on various factors, such as the video’s resolution, bitrate, and codec. Generally, Plex recommends a passmark score of 2000 or higher for a single 1080p transcode and a score of 12000 or higher for a single 4K transcode.

Best NAS Options for Plex Several NAS devices are suitable for running Plex, depending on the user’s specific needs and budget. Some of the best options include the Synology DS720+, the QNAP TS-464, and the Asustor AS5304T.

In conclusion, Plex is an excellent media server platform that offers various features and supports a wide range of video formats. However, users should be aware of its downsides and ensure that their hardware meets the platform’s transcoding requirements for optimal performance. Additionally, choosing the right NAS device is crucial for a seamless and reliable Plex experience.

Comparison of Emby, Jellyfin, and Plex

Comparing some pros and cons of Emby, Jellyfin, and Plex:

Emby Jellyfin Plex
Pros – User-friendly interface – Completely open-source – Robust transcoding capabilities
– Wide range of supported devices and platforms – Active development community – Large user base and active community
– Wide range of supported video formats – No tracking or data collection – Comprehensive library organization and management
– Strong security features – Free and open-source – Multi-user support with managed user access
Cons – Some features require a subscription – May require more powerful hardware for transcoding – Some features require a subscription
– Some users report issues with server stability – Smaller user base than other platforms – Limited customization options for advanced users
– No direct support for hardware transcoding – Limited official apps and integrations – Reliance on cloud services for some features
– No native support for H.265 transcoding (requires license in some countries) – Limited support for live TV and DVR – Can be more resource-intensive than other platforms

Lets go deeper and compare these media servers

Emby Jellyfin Plex
User Interface Emby’s user interface is modern and easy to navigate, with a well-designed web client and mobile apps. Jellyfin has a simple and straightforward user interface that is easy to use and customizable. Plex has a polished and user-friendly interface, with a customizable home screen and mobile apps.
Supported Platforms Emby supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and many others. Jellyfin is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and some NAS devices, and is highly customizable. Plex is available on a wide range of devices and platforms, including mobile, desktop, streaming devices, and some smart TVs.
Supported Video Formats Emby supports a wide range of video formats, including popular formats like MP4, MKV, AVI, and WMV, as well as less common formats like OGV, WebM, and FLV. Jellyfin supports a similar range of video formats to Emby, including popular and less common formats. Plex supports a wide range of video formats, including popular and less common formats, with automatic transcoding when needed.
Transcoding Emby can transcode video files, but doesn’t support hardware transcoding directly. Transcoding performance may vary depending on the hardware and encoding settings. Jellyfin can transcode video files, but may require more powerful hardware to handle multiple simultaneous transcodes. Plex is known for its robust transcoding capabilities and can handle multiple simultaneous transcodes.
Live TV and DVR Emby supports live TV and DVR features with an Emby Premiere subscription, and can integrate with TV tuners and OTA antennas. Jellyfin has limited support for live TV and DVR, with plans to improve the features in the future. Plex supports live TV and DVR with a Plex Pass subscription, and integrates with TV tuners and OTA antennas.
User Management Emby allows for detailed user management, with customizable access and restrictions for different users. Jellyfin has similar user management features to Emby, with customizable access and permissions. Plex supports multi-user accounts with managed user access and parental controls.
Security Features Emby has strong security features, including SSL/TLS encryption, user authentication, and secure connections. Jellyfin has similar security features to Emby, with encryption and user authentication. Plex has security features including SSL/TLS encryption and secure connections.
Privacy and Data Collection Emby collects some usage data, including metadata and device information, but has an option to disable usage statistics. Jellyfin doesn’t collect any usage data, and is completely open-source. Plex collects some usage data, including metadata and device information, but has an option to disable collection.
Open Source Emby is not fully open-source, but has an open-source core with proprietary features available with a subscription. Jellyfin is completely open-source, with no proprietary components. Plex is not open-source, but has some open-source components and a public API.
Customization Emby allows for customization of the user interface, metadata settings, and server settings. Jellyfin is highly customizable, with the ability to modify the interface, plugins, and more. Plex allows for some customization of the user interface and library settings, with limited customization for advanced users.
Cost Free version with limited features, Premium subscription for $4.99/month or $54/year. Completely free and open-source. Free version with limited features, Premium subscription for $4.99/month, $39.99/year, or $119.99/lifetime.
Mobile Sync Allows mobile sync with automatic transcoding. Similar mobile sync features with automatic transcoding. Allows mobile sync with automatic transcoding.
Third-Party Plugins Has a variety of third-party plugins available. Has third-party plugins available, but the selection is currently smaller. Has a large selection of third-party plugins available, as well as a built-in app store.
Cloud Sync Has a Cloud Sync feature for syncing media with cloud storage services. Doesn’t currently have a built-in cloud sync feature. Has a Cloud Sync feature for syncing media with cloud storage services.
Music Features Basic music library features, including metadata and playlist management. Similar basic music library features to Emby. Advanced music library features, including automatic metadata, lyrics, and concert information.
Photo Features Basic photo library features, including metadata and slideshow options. Similar basic photo library features to Emby. Advanced photo library features, including automatic metadata, facial recognition, and geolocation.

What video file formats do these media servers support

 

Video Formats Emby Jellyfin Plex
MP4 ✓ ✓ ✓
MKV ✓ ✓ ✓
AVI ✓ ✓ ✓
WMV ✓ ✓ ✓
MOV ✓ ✓ ✓
M4V ✓ ✓ ✓
TS ✓ ✓ ✓
FLV ✓ ✓ ✓
OGV ✓ ✓ ✓
WebM ✓ ✓ ✓
MPEG ✓ ✓ ✓
MPEG-TS ✓ ✓ ✓
MPEG-PS ✓ ✓ ✓
M2TS ✓ ✓ ✓
M2T ✓ ✓ ✓
MTS ✓ ✓ ✓
3GP ✓ ✓ ✓
ASF ✓ ✓ ✓
DVR-MS ✓ ✓ ✓
WTV ✓ ✓ ✓
ISO ✓ ✓ ✓
VOB ✓ ✓ ✓
VIDEO_TS ✓ ✓ ✓

 

Want to stream videos remotely over the Internet? Required hardware for video transcoding

Video Resolution Video Codec Number of Concurrent Transcodes
CPU Passmark Score per Transcode
720p H.264 1 2000
720p H.265 1 4000
1080p H.264 1 4000
1080p H.265 1 8000
4K H.264 1 12000
4K H.265 1 20000

 

Here’s a table comparing some popular NAS devices that are capable of handling 720p, 1080p, and 4K videos in different encoding formats like H.264 and H.265, and file formats MP4 and MKV:

 

NAS CPU Passmark Max Transcoding Streams 720p H.264 1080p H.264 4K H.264 720p H.265 1080p H.265 4K H.265 MP4 MKV
QNAP TS-453D Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-core 2.0 GHz 6,414 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 ✓ ✓
Synology DS1520+ Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-core 2.0 GHz 6,414 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 ✓ ✓
Asustor AS5304T Intel Celeron J4105 Quad-core 1.5 GHz 3,613 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 ✓ ✓
TerraMaster F5-422 Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-core 1.5 GHz 2,789 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 ✓ ✓
Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra Marvell ARMADA 385 Dual-core 1.3 GHz N/A 1 1 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A ✓ ✓

 

The best NAS for 4K media server

 

Feature TVS-h474 TVS-h674 TVS-h874
Front
# of SATA Bays 4x SATA 6x SATA 8x SATA
M.2 NVMe Bays 2x M.2 (Gen 3×2) 2x M.2 (Gen 4×4) 2x M.2 (Gen 4×4)
CPU Intel Pentium Gold G7400

Intel i5 12th Gen i5-12400

Intel i3 12th Gen i7-12100

 Intel i9 12th Gen i9-12900Intel i7 12th Gen i7-12700

Intel i5 12th Gen i7-12400
Cores 2-Core / 4 Thread i5 6 Core / 12 Threadi3 4 Core / 8 Thread i9 16 Core / 24 Threadi7 12 Core / 20 Thread

i5 6 Core / 12 Thread
CPU Speed 3.7 Ghz i5 Max 4.4Ghzi3 Max 4.3Ghz i9 Max 5.1Ghzi7 Max 4.9Ghz

i5 Max 4.4Ghz
Graphics Intel UHD Graphics 710 Intel UHD Graphics 770Intel UHD Graphics 730 Intel UHD Graphics 770
Memory 8GB Default 16/32GB 32/64GB
Memory Max 128GB SODIMM DDR4 (2 Slot) 128GB SODIMM DDR4 (2 Slot) 128GB SODIMM DDR4 (2 Slot)
PCIe Slots 2x PCIe (Gen 4×16, Gen 3×2) i5 / i3 = 2x PCIe (Gen 4×16, Gen 4×4) I9 / i7 / i5 = 2x PCIe (Gen 4×16, Gen 4×4)
Rear
Network 2x 2.5GbE 2x 2.5GbE 2x 2.5GbE2x 10GbE (Intel i9 Only)
HDMI 1x HDMI 1.4b (1080p x 60FPS, 4K 30FPS) 1x HDMI 1.4b (1080p x 60FPS, 4K 30FPS) 1x HDMI 1.4b (1080p x 60FPS, 4K 30FPS)
USB 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb, A+C) 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb, A+C) 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb, A+C)
Fans 1x System, 1x Core, 1x PSU 2x System, 1x Core, 1x PSU 2x System, 1x Core, 1x PSU
Expansions 2x 4/6/8//12/16 Bay 2x 4/6/8//12/16 Bay 2x 4/6/8//12/16 Bay
Size 188.2 × 199.3 × 279.6 mm 188.2 × 264.3 × 279.6 mm 188.2 × 329.3 × 279.6 mm
PSU 250W 250W 350W
Warranty 2 years (ext to 5yr) 2 years (ext to 5yr) 2 years (ext to 5yr)
Check Online Availability CHECK CHECK CHECK


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