After using Jellyfin for a while, I finally get it working the way I want. But the process was not without some issues and the software comes with a steeper learning curve than Plex. These are some of the things you wish you knew before you start using Jellyfin.
Better with a tidy library
Look at the names of your files and folders
A common complaint from those switching from Plex to Jellyfin is that Jellyfin is not as good at handling metadata. It works fine most of the time, but if your library contains obscure movies or random episodes of TV shows, there are plenty of possibilities. Jellyfin will have a hard time identifying them correctly. You may be listing the wrong name and artwork or not recognizing it at all. It leaves you with a lot of cleaning to do.
You can make things easier by decluttering your library before you start. Make sure your file names are descriptive and keep related content grouped in folders. Not just TV shows, but different versions of the same movie. The more organized you are, the better Jellyfin will match metadata.
Remote streaming is not as simple as Plex
Yes, it’s free. But it requires some configuration
Remote streaming on Plex works well and is easy to set up. The downside, of course, is that you have to pay for it. That’s one of the biggest draws of Jellyfin. You can stream your content outside your home network for free.
But configuring it is more complicated and practical. You are considering modifying your router settings and exposing your Jellyfin configuration to the public Internet or installing a Supported VPN like Tailscale. Jellyfin’s documentation can guide you through the process, but it’s a far cry from the plug-and-play approach you get from Plex.
Some clients are better than others.
If you stick with the Jellyfin client, you’re missing out
When you first set up Jellyfin, you will most likely go directly to the app stores on your client devices to download the official Jellyfin clients. They work well, but you’ll miss out if you never get past them.
There are lots of third party clients which address many of the limitations of official apps. They have additional features, broader codec support, and more polished interfaces. my favorites are lunar finthat works on practically all platforms; dolphinwhich is great on a Fire Stick; and Streamyfin on Apple devices. It’s worth trying a few to see which one you prefer.
- Operating system
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tvOS
- Resolution
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4k
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Transcoding can make or break performance
Choose the right hardware and settings when transcoding
Transcoding is usually an inevitable part of the streaming process, whether you’re using Jellyfin or Plex. This is where files that are not natively supported by client devices are converted in real time to a format that the hardware can handle. It consumes a lot of resources, especially if you transcode more than one file at a time.
The best option is usually to convert your files to widely supported formats so that they can be streamed via direct playback without having to transcode them at all. Apart from that, choosing the right hardware can help. An entry-level NAS, for example, is not made for heavy transcoding. you can too enable hardware acceleration in Jellyfin setup for free and is compatible with Intel, Nvidia, and Apple GPUs, among others.
Plugins can be unpredictable
They add some valuable features, but not all are created equal
I love the number of plugins that are available for Jellyfin. They can add vital functionalityallowing you to skip intros, manage subtitles, or even clean up a messy library.
But not all plugins are the same. Some can be difficult to use, some don’t work as well as expected, and some are simply abandoned altogether. If there’s something you want to do in Jellyfin, there’s a good chance someone has already written a plugin to do it. But before creating all the settings around it, check when it was last updated and what the user comments are like. Our guide to best Jellyfin plugins will help you get started.
Storage requirements are growing surprisingly fast
Don’t fill your disk on the first day
It’s easy to underestimate how much storage space your Jellyfin library will need. High bitrate media and 4K remuxes take up a lot of space, and TV libraries can grow faster than you might expect. A good setup would also leave room for backups.
In short, you want to make sure you don’t fill up all your storage on the first day and leave room to grow. Adding an additional unit or upgrading to a larger one in the future is easier if you’ve planned ahead.
It is generally more practical
Getting high-quality software for free requires compensation somewhere
Perhaps the most important thing to know when switching to Jellyfin is that you expect a higher level of hands-on involvement than Plex. Like many open source tools, it’s built by and for enthusiasts, and its approach doesn’t hold up as well when it starts to gain mainstream appeal.
Updates and troubleshooting are largely your responsibility. You may find yourself opening ports or investigating settings to find lesser known features. It’s a far cry from Plex’s “it just works” mentality, but that’s the trade-off you have to accept to get such great software for free.
Jellyfin is a great Plex replacement, once you have it up and running
Switching to Jellyfin is not always a totally simple process. Not everything is obvious, and you have to be willing to get your hands dirty by modifying things here and there. But if you accept that before you start, you’ll find yourself with one of the best media servers available and you’ll never have to pay for a subscription again.
