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If you stream a remote server through Plex, you’ll soon need to pay to access shows, movies, and other content on your TV. The change, first announced in March, is now kicking in, beginning with the Roku TV app.
Plex will soon require users to have either its Remote Watch Pass or Plex Pass to access a server not connected to their home network. If you or the owner of the server have either of these subscriptions, you'll be able to continue to watch remotely.
The changes, first spotted by How-To Geek, were detailed on Plex's forum and are set to begin this week. Other services will require a subscription at some stage in 2026. The brand supports Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast streaming products, as well as third-party apps on smart TVs from LG, Hisense, Samsung, and others.
These changes were first announced earlier this year alongside an increase in price for Plex Pass, the first jump in its monthly fee in 10 years. "The reality is that we need more resources to continue putting forth the best personal media experience, and as a result, we will no longer offer remote playback as a free feature," Plex said.
At the same time, Plex introduced its Remote Watch Pass for $1.99 per a month or $19.99 a year. It's also included within its premium Plex Pass, which typically costs $6.99 per month, $69.99 per year, or $249.99 for a lifetime subscription.
If you act quickly, Plex's Black Friday sales have seen the price drop to $4.19 for a month, $41.99 for a year, or $149.99 for a lifetime sub.