Channel flipping: Alternative Plex clients for tvOS, iOS, macOS

If you own a Plex server, you are not limited to using only the Plex client to access your content. There are alternative clients available that can enhance your viewing experience. Plex is a popular option for streaming movies and TV shows stored on a NAS or home server, but it may not always be the most efficient or fastest choice. If you are on a Plex lifetime plan before the recent price increase, you may stick with it for a few more years. However, this does not mean you have to be all-in on the Plex experience.

While the Plex app is available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, it may not always meet everyone's needs. Some users have reported issues with the app, such as failure to load 4K Dolby Vision content and slow performance due to the app's bloat. Alternative clients can offer a faster and leaner experience, focusing solely on the core video-serving functionality without unnecessary clutter or features.

These clients can also provide additional benefits, such as bypassing paywall restrictions and providing multi-server support for Plex and other services like Jellyfin.

One alternative client worth considering is Plexy. It offers a modern and intuitive interface with a wide range of features, including support for HEVC, AV1, and VP9 codecs, live TV and DVR functions, downloads, and background playback of music. Plexy is open-source, allowing you to download the source code from GitHub if desired. The iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS versions of Plexy are available for $5.99, while macOS, Windows, and other platforms are also supported.

Another option is Rivulet, a client specifically designed for Apple TV. It features a clean and simple interface, multi-server support, and compatibility with Plex and Jellyfin servers. Rivulet supports 4K HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and lossless audio, as well as Plex Live TV and DVR features and multi-view playback. It is a free app, with the developer referring to it as a non-commercial project.