Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Most traditional Plex plugins are no longer a dependable choice in 2026. Plex is gradually removing its legacy plugin framework, so this list focuses on useful Plex companion apps, clients, and integrations—and identifies what each one actually is. If your server runs on an Nvidia Shield, do not install legacy plugins: Plex says third-party plugin support ended on Android-based servers beginning with Plex Media Server 1.41.0.
Are Plex plugins still supported in 2026?
Plex’s old plugins were Python-based .bundle packages placed in a server’s Plug-ins folder. Plex removed the plugin directory from Plex Web and says plugin support is being slowly removed; manual installation is still documented, but that does not make legacy plugins a supported or reliable choice for a current setup. See Plex’s plugin overview and its manual installation instructions.
Compatibility also depends on the server platform. Plex announced that third-party plugins stopped functioning on Android-based Plex Media Server installations, including Nvidia Shield servers, beginning with version 1.41.0. Plex did not give a universal removal date for every other platform in that announcement, so it would be inaccurate to say that every remaining legacy bundle stopped working everywhere at once. For the Shield-specific change, see Plex’s announcement.
The tools below are not ten traditional plugins. They fall into four categories: standalone companion apps that connect to Plex, automation services that manage parts of a media library, Plex’s own music client, and integration mechanisms such as webhooks. Standalone tools avoid relying on Plex’s legacy plugin runtime, but each has its own requirements and risks.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Quick guide: which Plex add-on fits your goal?
| Tool | What it adds | What it is | Difficulty | Main risk or limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tautulli | Playback history, server statistics, monitoring and notifications | Standalone companion app | Beginner-friendly | Protect its server access and back up its configuration |
| Kometa | Collections, posters, overlays and library presentation | Standalone automation tool | Advanced | Configuration can change library presentation at scale |
| Seerr | Media requests from users | Standalone request app | Intermediate | Automated workflows can depend on other services |
| Maintainerr | Rules-based library maintenance | Standalone maintenance tool | Advanced | Incorrect rules can lead to unwanted removal of media |
| ErsatzTV | Scheduled channels built from a personal library | Standalone channel generator | Intermediate to advanced | Requires configuration and compatible playback workflows |
| Plexamp | Music playback and discovery | Official Plex client | Beginner-friendly | It improves listening; it does not administer the server |
| Webhooks and API integrations | Notifications and custom automations | Integration layer | Intermediate to advanced | Requires a receiver and careful endpoint security |
| Sonarr | Television library management and organization | Standalone media automation | Advanced | Storage paths, permissions and lawful sourcing matter |
| Radarr | Movie library management and organization | Standalone media automation | Advanced | Storage paths, permissions and lawful sourcing matter |
| Subtitle automation | Subtitle discovery and management | Standalone tool, depending on project | Varies | Verify current maintenance and Plex integration before choosing |
These are goal-based recommendations, not a suggestion to install all ten. Plex Pass is identified by Plex as a requirement for webhooks; do not assume that every third-party tool requires it. Check the relevant project’s current documentation for its own prerequisites.
The 10 best Plex plugins and companion apps
1. Tautulli: best for monitoring a Plex server
Type: Standalone companion app, not a .bundle plugin. Tautulli connects to Plex and provides playback history, usage statistics, user information, stream monitoring and notifications. Its project page and documentation describe the application and its features.
It is the strongest first choice for an administrator who wants to understand how a multi-user server is being used. Tautulli documents installation options for Windows, macOS, Linux, Docker, FreeBSD/TrueNAS and Synology. Follow the current installation guide for your platform rather than copying a generic container recipe.
On Linux, the documented Snap command is sudo snap install tautulli. The documentation commonly uses http://localhost:8181 for the web interface. Treat that as a local access address, not a reason to expose the administration page publicly. Keep access private or secure remote access with authentication and HTTPS. Back up Tautulli’s database and configuration, and avoid putting Plex tokens in screenshots or public repositories.
Recommended Free Tools
2. Kometa: best for advanced collections and presentation
Type: Standalone library automation tool, not a Plex plugin. Kometa automates collections and can manage posters, overlays and metadata-driven library presentation. It is a good fit for large libraries or administrators who want themed collections based on genres, decades, studios, franchises or other configured data.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Kometa is more powerful—and more demanding—than building a few collections in Plex. It is best suited to users comfortable with configuration files, scheduled runs and checking how changes affect the library. Start with a small test, keep a copy of the configuration, and review changes before applying them broadly. External metadata sources or list providers can also have their own account and API requirements.
3. Seerr: best for requests from family and friends
Type: Standalone request-management app, not a Plex plugin. Seerr gives users a place to search for films and shows and submit requests, with integrations for Plex and media automation services such as Sonarr and Radarr.
Use it when requests arriving by text or chat have become difficult to track. Automated fulfillment depends on the other services you connect, so Seerr alone is not a complete acquisition or import workflow. Configure user permissions deliberately, and secure any remotely accessible interface with authentication and HTTPS. Use media-management tools only for content you are legally entitled to obtain.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Do not follow an old guide that treats Overseerr as the current default without checking its status: the Overseerr repository was archived on February 15, 2026, and its maintainers say the project is being superseded by Seerr.
4. Maintainerr: best for rules-based library cleanup
Type: Standalone maintenance tool. Maintainerr applies rules to Plex libraries and related services to help identify or manage content that meets criteria such as being unwatched or stale. Its configuration documentation covers its Plex setup.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
This is useful when a large library needs a retention policy, but it is not a safe first install for every server. Unwatched does not necessarily mean unwanted, and viewing history may be incomplete. Begin with report-only or otherwise non-destructive testing, inspect the results, and back up configuration before enabling actions that remove content. A mistaken cleanup can require restoring files from backup.
5. ErsatzTV: best for custom scheduled channels
Type: Standalone channel generator, not a Plex plugin. ErsatzTV builds scheduled, live-TV-style channels from a personal media library. It suits people who want themed programming or a simple, linear “turn it on and watch” experience rather than browsing a library each time.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Plan for extra configuration and processing resources, and check that your intended playback client supports the workflow you choose. The project’s documentation describes ErsatzTV Legacy and says it will continue receiving security updates for the foreseeable future. That is a specific maintenance statement, not a promise of rapid feature development.
6. Plexamp: best for listening to a Plex music library
Type: Official Plex client, not a server plugin. Plexamp is Plex’s dedicated music app, with features Plex describes including gapless playback, loudness leveling, offline support, visualizers, mixes, playlists and artist exploration. See Plex Labs for Plex’s overview.
Choose Plexamp if you have a music library and want an experience focused on listening rather than server administration. It changes how you play and explore music; it does not add monitoring or automation to Plex Media Server. Check Plex’s current account and feature requirements for your device before relying on a specific feature.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
7. Plex webhooks and API integrations: best for custom automation
Type: Official integration mechanisms, not a downloadable plugin. Plex webhooks can send event notifications to an external URL, while the Plex Media Server API supports integrations and custom tools. Examples include sending playback events to a home-automation system or chat service, or building a custom dashboard.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsA webhook is not a complete notification service by itself: an external receiver must accept and act on the event. Plex identifies webhooks as a Plex Pass feature. Protect endpoints, keep tokens out of source code and public repositories, and revoke and regenerate a token if it is exposed. Avoid exposing administrative interfaces directly to the public internet.
8. Sonarr: best for organizing a television library
Type: Standalone media-management automation, not a Plex plugin. Sonarr can monitor television series and manage searching, importing, renaming and organizing episodes when connected to supported services. It can help keep a lawfully obtained collection consistently organized, but it is not Plex-specific.
Expect more setup than with a monitoring app: storage paths, permissions and integrations must agree, and incorrect path mappings commonly prevent imports from working. Use it only within a lawful media workflow, and keep backups of important files and configuration.
9. Radarr: best for organizing a movie library
Type: Standalone media-management automation, not a Plex plugin. Radarr provides movie-management workflows such as monitoring, importing, renaming and organizing films. It is a fit for administrators who already run a self-hosted automation stack and want consistent organization for lawfully obtained media.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
As with Sonarr, Plex is only one part of the setup. Check file paths, permissions and duplicate handling before automating changes; an error can create storage or organization problems. Back up configuration and important media before making broad changes.
10. Subtitle automation: choose a maintained standalone tool
Type: Usually a standalone subtitle manager, not a Plex plugin. Subtitle tools can help find and manage subtitles, but the old Sub-Zero plugin should not be treated as a safe general recommendation for 2026. Plex Labs lists Sub-Zero as a community project while also noting that community software is unsupported; legacy plugin behavior depends on the server platform and other compatibility factors.
Before choosing a replacement such as Bazarr, verify its current maintenance, Plex integration, supported subtitle providers and deployment requirements in that project’s current documentation. Do not assume that a tool works on every Plex server platform simply because it works in one setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should a beginner install first?
- For server visibility: Start with Tautulli. It is a separate app and does not require changing your Plex library presentation.
- For music: Try Plexamp if your main goal is listening to a Plex music library.
- For requests: Consider Seerr once you are ready to manage accounts and, if desired, connect additional services.
- For library design: Add Kometa only if you are comfortable reviewing configuration-driven changes.
- For cleanup: Use Maintainerr only after testing rules without destructive actions.
- For custom channels: Choose ErsatzTV only if scheduled, linear playback is something you specifically want.
More automation means more services to maintain. Keep configuration and databases backed up, use a dedicated non-root account where supported, and prefer private networking. For remote access, use a maintained reverse proxy with HTTPS and authentication rather than publishing an administrative interface openly.
Should you install a legacy Plex bundle?
Usually, no. Plex’s older instructions describe downloading and extracting a bundle, ensuring the folder name ends in .bundle, copying it into the server’s Plug-ins folder and restarting Plex Media Server. Plex documents these locations: find the Plug-ins folder. The documented paths include %LOCALAPPDATA%Plex Media ServerPlug-ins on Windows, ~/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Plug-ins on macOS and a location generally under $PLEX_HOME/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Plug-ins on Linux; NAS installations use the server’s data directory.
These details are useful for identifying an old installation, not an endorsement of installing unknown bundles. Plex’s own manual plugin instructions explain the legacy process, while Plex’s broader documentation describes plugin support as being phased out. Unknown bundles run on a machine with access to private media and server credentials, so their origin and behavior matter.
If a newly added bundle causes trouble, remove that bundle and restart Plex; inspect the Plex Media Server logs, and restore the previous plugin directory from backup if needed. Do not downgrade Plex or bypass security updates to preserve an unsupported plugin. On a Shield, move companion services to an always-on desktop, NAS, Linux mini-PC or Docker host instead.
Which old plugin recommendations should you treat cautiously?
- Streaming-channel bundles: Old lists often name channel plugins for commercial streaming services. Do not assume they remain available or compatible with Plex today.
- WebTools as a universal plugin installer: The old plugin-directory workflow is no longer a dependable way to add features.
- Unsupported channel bundles and metadata agents: Check platform, maintenance and current Plex compatibility rather than relying on an old installation guide.
- Sub-Zero without qualification: Legacy plugin support and project maintenance make blanket “it works” claims unreliable.
- Overseerr presented as the current request app: Its repository is archived; the maintainers point to Seerr as its successor.
For a separate server host, do not expose companion-app dashboards or webhook receivers casually. Keep Plex tokens secret, use authentication and HTTPS for remote access, and revoke exposed credentials. A NAS, mini-PC or home server may be a practical place to run companion applications if a Shield is your Plex server, but no particular hardware is required by every tool.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
