Introduction

The popular streaming service and software provider, Plex, has announced its first price increase in ten years for its premium subscription service, Plex Pass. This move comes as the company seeks to keep up with the rising costs of supporting its subscribers and users who manage their personal media collections through the platform.

Price Increase Details

The monthly cost of Plex Pass will rise from $4.99 to $6.99, while the yearly cost will increase from $39.99 to $69.99. Additionally, the lifetime Plex Pass will now be priced at $249.99, up from $119.99. These changes are set to take effect on April 29, giving existing subscribers a short window to lock in the lifetime Plex Pass at the current rate before the price hike.

Additional Updates and Changes

Alongside the price increase, Plex has announced several updates and changes to its services. The company has removed the "mobile unlock" fee, which was previously required to remove playback limitations on mobile devices. Furthermore, Plex has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to provide greater clarity on how user data is shared and sold. The new policies emphasize that Plex does not share or sell user data related to personal media, but may share data based on account visibility and activity settings for advertising purposes.

New Features and Integrations

Plex is working on several new features, including an integration with Common Sense Media to provide ratings and reviews for parents. The company is also developing a new server management app for web and mobile, as well as an open API for server integrations. These updates aim to enhance the overall user experience and provide more value to Plex Pass subscribers.

Remote Playback and Mobile Updates

Plex has announced that remote playback for personal media will become a paid feature, requiring either a Plex Pass subscription or a new Remote Watch Pass subscription. The Remote Watch Pass will be available for $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year and will offer select features like Skip Intro and Skip Credits. This change is intended to provide more resources for Plex to support its users and maintain a high-quality service.

Industry Context

The price increase by Plex follows similar moves by other paid streaming services, including Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube TV. These services have repeatedly raised their subscription rates in recent years to keep up with rising content costs and evolving user expectations.

Conclusion

Plex’s price increase and updates aim to ensure the company can continue to provide a best-in-class personal media experience for its users. While the changes may require some adjustment, they are intended to support the long-term sustainability and growth of the platform. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Plex remains committed to delivering value to its subscribers and users.