Top 8 Plex best clients to stream media

Plex identifies itself as the best software for managing media libraries, streaming content to different screens in your home and watching videos remotely when you're on the go.

To run Plex, you need two things, a server and a client. The server is responsible for storing the content and sending it to other screens. Client is an application that allows you to access and view media on those screens.

So which device is the best Plex client for streaming media? Let TipsMake.com take a closer look at this issue through the following article!

1. Nvidia Shield

Reference price: $ 234.99 (5,405,000 VND)

Nvidia Shield is the best Plex client you can afford. It is very fast, possesses good quality hardware and can handle every task you give.

This device is a set-top box. You need to connect it to the TV using an HDMI cable. This box runs Android TV, supports 4K video at 60 frames per second (FPS), and provides Dolby Atmos sound. Inside, Nvidia Shield has Nvidia Tegra X1 processor, 16GB of storage, 3GB of RAM and a 256-core (core) GPU.

Nvidia Shield also comes with Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility. And if 16GB is not enough for your needs, you can use a USB or external hard drive, by connecting these devices to either USB port.

2. Apple TV 4K

Reference price: VND 4,490,000

Another high-end device that you can use as a Plex client is Apple TV 4K. Although more expensive, you should use the new 4K version to ensure that the device will still be useful in the future.

Apple TV 4K supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision videos, has Dolby Digital surround sound. Inside the device is a 64-bit A10X Fusion architecture. Apple TV 4K is available in 32GB and 64GB versions.

However, this Apple TV box has a few drawbacks compared to Nvidia products. Firstly, because it's manufactured by Apple, it's less customizable. Secondly, because there is no USB port, you cannot expand the memory with external devices. Lastly, Apple TV 4K only offers Siri, so it can't use Google Assistant or Alexa.

3. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Reference price: $ 49.99 (VND 1,115,000)

If Nvidia Shield and Apple TV 4K are out of your reach, you should consider Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. This is the best Plex client for those with limited budgets. Despite the lower price, the Fire TV Stick 4K is still a capable streaming device. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision videos, along with Dolby Atmos audio. This device comes with 8GB of storage and a quad core processor.

When setting up the Plex client, it is best to always connect the set-top box or streaming stick to the modem. You will enjoy a faster and more reliable experience. Sadly, unlike Nvidia and Apple devices, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K does not have an integrated Ethernet port. You will need to purchase an official Amazon Ethernet Adapter separately. This device will add an additional 30% to the overall cost.

4. Raspberry Pi 4

Reference price: $ 45.46 (VND 1,045,000)

Another low-cost device that can be deployed as a Plex client is the Raspberry Pi 4. The Raspberry Pi 4 is unlike the other 3 Plex clients the article reviewed. This device is not operational immediately. It is a DIY solution that you will need to program yourself.

Although the Raspberry Pi 4 is the latest model, the Raspberry Pi 2 or Raspberry Pi 3 will work just as well. The Pi 4 comes with 1GB, 2GB or 4GB RAM, 2 micro HDMI ports supporting 4K, 4 USB ports and 1 Ethernet port. The Raspberry Pi 4 has a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz.

Note that the price you see above only includes the cost of the board. In addition, you also need to buy cases and cables.

5. Roku Ultra

Reference price: $ 91.99 (VND 2,116,000)

Roku Ultra is a reliable mid-range Plex client for streaming media. It costs more than a Fire TV Stick or Raspberry Pi, but is significantly cheaper than Nvidia Shield and Apple TV.

Roku produces a number of different set-top boxes. In fact, all of them are powerful Plex clients. But Ultra is the best device of this company. It has a quad-core processor, as well as including USB and microSD ports for memory expansion. There is also a voice-controlled remote (which supports Google Assistant and Alexa), as well as an Ethernet port for faster connectivity. Ultra offers 4K playback at 60FPS and supports HDR10 video.

Another important thing is that Roku is also famous as one of the compatible streaming devices with many platforms on the market. If you plan to use your device beyond the Plex viewing purpose, this is a great option.

6. Xbox One X

Reference price: $ 469.99 (VND 10,810,000).

If you own an Xbox One X, you won't need to buy any other devices on this list, because you already have one of the best Plex clients.

Unlike the basic Xbox One, it supports native 4K video (instead of using the upgrade feature). There is also voice support and Ethernet connectivity. Inside this console you'll find an AMD Jaguar 8-core CPU clocked at 2.3 GHz, 12 GB RAM, 1TB storage memory and 3 USB ports.

7. PlayStation 4

Reference price: $ 279.95 (6,440,000 VND)

Similarly, PlayStation 4 can also act as a reliable Plex client. However, remember, only PS4 Pro supports 4K video. If you have a rich 4K content collection and only own a regular PS4, you might still want to buy one of the other devices the article recommends.

The PS4 has an AMD Jaguar 8 core CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz, AMD Radeon 1.84 TFLOP GPU, 8GB RAM, 500GB or 1TB storage capacity and 2 USB ports. This console is also Bluetooth compatible. Instead, if you use the Pro model, you'll get an AMD Jaguar 8-core CPU clocked at 2.1 GHz, 3 USB ports and 1TB of storage.

8. Your smart TV

Lastly, remember that your smart TV can run Plex. If the smart TV has an Android TV or Roku operating system, it will certainly do this. But Plex is also available on some proprietary smart TV operating systems. Check this information with the TV manufacturer or in the appropriate app store, before you enter the store and buy one of the other devices discussed above.

Once you have made your decision and purchased the best Plex client device that suits your needs, there is still much to consider before you are ready to start streaming.

For example, make sure you have also purchased one of the best equipment to use as a Plex server. It will help you maximize your Plex experience.

Wish you find yourself a suitable product!