Running a Plex or Jellyfin server: what to know before starting
Running your own media server sounds like a fun weekend project: point Plex or Jellyfin at a folder of movies, and suddenly you’ve got your own private Netflix.
The reality is still fun, but early decisions matter. The difference between a server that “just works” and one that constantly buffers is usually not the app you picked. It often comes down to whether your devices can Direct Play, whether your storage plan is sane, and whether you accidentally turned your server into an internet-facing security project.
The big concept: Direct Play vs. transcoding
Most new media server problems are really transcoding problems.
Direct Play means your playback device (TV app, phone, streaming box) can handle the video and audio as-is. Your server mostly reads a file and ships it over the network.
Transcoding means the server has to convert the file on the fly because the client can’t play it in its current format. Common triggers include a video codec your TV doesn’t support, an audio format it won’t decode, HDR tone mapping, or subtitles that must be “burned in.”
Transcoding is CPU and GPU intensive. It is the main reason a media server that felt fine locally suddenly struggles on a different device or outside the house.
Understanding the streaming process
Plex offers a good overview of Direct Play and transcoding. If you are leaning toward Jellyfin, you should review their transcoding and hardware acceleration documentation.
The simple goal: Direct Play most of the time, and have enough headroom for the times you can’t.
Hardware: what actually matters
You don’t need an enterprise server, but you do need to match your hardware to your use. Consider these three factors:
- Simultaneous streams: One local stream is easy. Multiple streams plus transcoding is where an old PC might fall over.
- 4K and HDR content: A 1080p library is forgiving. 4K HDR content is often where transcoding becomes painful.
- Hardware acceleration: Both Plex and Jellyfin can use GPUs to speed up transcoding on supported setups. The details vary by operating system and hardware, so verify this early rather than assuming it will work.
Beyond performance, consider the factors you’ll deal with daily: noise, power draw, and where the server will physically live.
Storage and backups: plan for failure
Storage is where people either overspend or end up migrating everything six months later. Before you buy drives, decide if you are okay with a single-drive setup or if you want redundancy so a drive failure doesn’t take you offline.
It is important to remember that redundancy (like RAID or ZFS) is about uptime, not backups. It won’t save you from accidental deletion, malware, or a disorganized folder structure that leads to data loss.
Many users care less about the media files and more about the server “brain”—things like watch history, playlists, and metadata. If that matters to you, make sure to back up the app data and configuration for your server.
Network reality: local vs. remote streaming
Inside your home, most modern Wi-Fi and Ethernet setups can stream video without issue. Remote access is where things get interesting. If you want to watch your library away from home or share it with family, keep these basics in mind:
- Upload speed is king: Your home network is “uploading” the video to you.
- CGNAT hurdles: Some ISPs put customers behind carrier-grade NAT, which can complicate inbound connections and port forwarding.
- Remote transcoding: You are more likely to need to lower quality on cellular connections or on devices that don’t support your original format.
Exposing anything to the public internet carries risk. If you are not comfortable managing router rules and keeping software updated, consider safer patterns like using a VPN to access your home network or relying on the platform’s built-in remote access options.
Library hygiene: filenames and subtitles
Media servers can be picky. Two habits will save you a lot of trouble:
- Keep filenames consistent: Metadata matching works best when your files follow the naming conventions the providers expect.
- Test subtitles on your devices: Subtitles are a common reason a stream suddenly needs transcoding. This happens when a client can’t render them natively and the server has to “burn” them into the video.
Choosing between Plex and Jellyfin
Both platforms can run a great home media setup. The choice usually comes down to what you value most.
Plex is often chosen for its polished client apps and guided experience. It feels more like a finished product out of the box.
Jellyfin is the choice for those who prefer an open-source, self-hosted-first approach. It gives you the feeling of “your server, your rules.”
The practical advice: pick the one that has a great app on the devices you actually use. Then, design your setup to minimize transcoding.
A quick pre-flight checklist
Before you invest significant time, run through these steps:
- List your playback devices. Your setup depends on the clients you actually use.
- Test different file types. Try a standard 1080p file and a 4K/HDR file to see how your server handles them.
- Verify Direct Play. If the server is transcoding, find out why before you commit to specific hardware.
- Decide on remote access. Decide if this is for personal use or if you plan to share with multiple households.
- Establish a storage plan. Know exactly what happens if a drive fails.
If you treat this like a small home infrastructure project instead of a simple app install, your media server will be a “set it and forget it” win rather than a source of endless troubleshooting.