Plex Cloud is designed to allow Plex users to store their media in the cloud so that it's accessible from anywhere without the need to set up a local server.

Using a compatible cloud service, Plex Pass subscribers can create an always-on Plex Media Server that can stream any media content to any device with Plex installed in 60 seconds or less. As with a standard local server, media is organized using the Plex app for quick access to TV shows, movies, music, pictures, and more.
Because Plex Cloud relies on cloud storage, Plex Pass customers will need access to Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive. A subscription may be required, based on how much storage space is required for an individual's media library.
A Plex Pass is also required for access to Plex Cloud. The Plex Pass, which includes access to other upgraded features as well, is priced at $4.99 per month, $39.99 per year, or $119.99 for lifetime usage.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)With no built-in encryption support?
The big difference between Plex and Infuse is that Plex uses a central media server that hosts the library, while Infuse just needs access to the files (i.e. you don't have to run server software like PMS on your server) and then builds a local library on the ATV. This has pros and cons:
- If you add or reorganize media files and run multiple ATVs with Infuse, every one of them has to scan the files and update its local library separately, while the Plex libarary only needs to be updated once on the server (however, you can sync watched status across multiple ATVs with Infuse using its trakt.tv integration).
- Plex relies heavily on the Plex server to transcode video and audio formats that the ATV4 cannot play natively. Infuse can play almost every popular format directly on the ATV. As a consquence, it can play a number of formats (e.g. VC-1 video or high-definition audio formats) losslessly while Plex can't. Also, you can use a cheap NAS without a lot of CPU performance for Infuse, while for Plex you may need a beefy computer to be able to transcode demanding video formats.
Some added functionalities such as remote access are not directly supported by Infuse (it's possible though to configure your own VPN server e.g. on your router to access your media remotely using the iOS Infuse). The Plex client is of course available on many devices, while Infuse is tvOS and iOS only.
It's also worth pointing out that there is a third alternative: MrMC is a port of Kodi for the ATV (with some features removed due to Apple limitations). Similarly to Infuse it can play a large number of formats directly on the ATV and builds a local library. But the UI is quite different.
In addition some info.
- MrMC now supports Plex client with direct play. And is the only one which supports DVD with menu support
- Plex has now dropped support for many NAS systems from Synology, WD, Netgear, Readynas, Qnap and others, see https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/218212517-Which-NAS-devices-are-no-longer-supported-starting-with-0-9-17-0-server- ; so there is a risk Plex will drop the support during the life cycle of your Plex server solution
- Infuse Pro 5 also supports the cloud now
In addition to supporting the aforementioned media types, Infuse 5 now permits you to browse, stream and download your videos and other files from anywhere by storing them in the cloud. The app supports a variety of popular cloud services, including Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive.
- Infuse you have to pay each year for the new version as well as a subscription - not nice, expensive and a waste.
Maybe I'm an exception but I still use iTunes to manage my movies and TV shows. There are some great tools out there that import all your files into iTunes and then they are easily available on AppleTV and iOS devices. I use VideoDrive ('http://www.aroonasoftware.com/') for the job: converts video tracks if necessary and adds descriptions and artwork along the way.
If you have a small library, have some time on your hands and don't keep a lot of TV/Movies on hand than iTunes can be fine.
However if you have hundreds of movies and hundreds of TV shows, maneuvering through the Computer icon on AppleTV is a chore.
In that instance Plex trumps Computers.
I still add content to iTunes as a back up, however Plex is primary.
Added bonus, you probably won't need conversion depending on file type, and it pulls the metadata.
Lastly, with in the Plex app, you can search for your content by voice.
I will never use Plex again, after my bad experience with them. Some other folks here pointed me to Infuse ('https://firecore.com'), and there my search ended. Its exactly what I need - easy streaming of locally stored media to my aTV4. The interface is perfect, and Infuse also looks up the metadata for me. Well over a hundred movies stored on my iMac, and Infuse works without letting me down.
Best part - no need to register with some remote server in order to watch stuff I have stored here, behind my firewall. I simply do not trust Plex.
Personally I don't care for the Infuse interface. Reminds me of Windows.
Out of curiosity, what was the bad experience with Plex?
What is better about Infuse? I just visited the site. The interface looks almost exactly like Plex on iTV.
The big difference between Plex and Infuse is that Plex uses a central media server that hosts the library, while Infuse just needs access to the files (i.e. you don't have to run server software like PMS on your server) and then builds a local library on the ATV. This has pros and cons:- If you add or reorganize media files and run multiple ATVs with Infuse, every one of them has to scan the files and update its local library separately, while the Plex libarary only needs to be updated once on the server (however, you can sync watched status across multiple ATVs with Infuse using its trakt.tv integration).
- Plex relies heavily on the Plex server to transcode video and audio formats that the ATV4 cannot play natively. Infuse can play almost every popular format directly on the ATV. As a consquence, it can play a number of formats (e.g. VC-1 video or high-definition audio formats) losslessly while Plex can't. Also, you can use a cheap NAS without a lot of CPU performance for Infuse, while for Plex you may need a beefy computer to be able to transcode demanding video formats.
Some added functionalities such as remote access are not directly supported by Infuse (it's possible though to configure your own VPN server e.g. on your router to access your media remotely using the iOS Infuse). The Plex client is of course available on many devices, while Infuse is tvOS and iOS only.
It's also worth pointing out that there is a third alternative: MrMC is a port of Kodi for the ATV (with some features removed due to Apple limitations). Similarly to Infuse it can play a large number of formats directly on the ATV and builds a local library. But the UI is quite different.