Self-host Plex on a VPS
Polished media server with clients on every platform.
Organise and stream your film, TV and music library with rich metadata and apps for phones, TVs and consoles. The server is free to run yourself; some client features need a Plex Pass.
Why self-host Plex?
Plex has the best out-of-the-box client coverage of any media server, so it is often the easiest way to get a library onto a smart TV without fiddling.
How to install Plex
- 1
Provision a VPS
Choose a plan with room for your data as well as the app.
- 2
Install the stack
Install Native package or Docker + media volume.
- 3
Deploy the application
Follow the project’s official install guide for your distribution.
- 4
Enable HTTPS
Serve it on your own domain behind a reverse proxy with a certificate.
- 5
Back it up
Schedule a database dump plus a copy of any uploaded files to an off-box location.
Practical tips
- Give Plex its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy Plex and terminate TLS at the proxy so certificates are managed in one place.
- Take a VPS snapshot before major upgrades so you can roll back cleanly.
- Keep Plex patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does Plex need?
- Plan on 4 GB (8 GB for transcoding) for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does Plex run on?
- Native package or Docker + media volume.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so Plex plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include Jellyfin, Emby, Kodi — browse all app guides.