Plex raises subscription prices for first time in decade

Streaming service Plex is increasing its subscription prices for the first time in ten years. The company announced this change on Wednesday. The premium subscription, called Plex Pass, will now cost $6.99 per month, up from $4.99. The yearly payment will go from $39.99 to $69.99. A lifetime Plex Pass will now cost $249.99 instead of $119.99. These new prices will take effect on April 29. Plex is also introducing changes to how users can play their personal media remotely. The company will remove a previous “mobile unlock” fee that was charged for accessing content on mobile devices. The updated Privacy Policy emphasizes that Plex does not sell user data related to personal media or media library contents. However, it will explain how user activity data may be shared, especially concerning advertising. Existing Plex users will be asked to agree to the new terms later. The price increases are meant to help Plex cover rising costs and to fund new improvements. These include integrating ratings and reviews from Common Sense Media for parents who use Plex Pass. In addition, Plex is launching a new management app for its servers and an open API for server integrations. Other streaming services, like Netflix and Hulu, have also raised their subscription prices recently. Plex is offering some additional changes as well. The one-time activation fee for lifting playback limits on mobile devices will be eliminated. However, users will now need to subscribe to either Plex Pass or a new Remote Watch Pass to access remote playback features. The Remote Watch Pass will cost $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year, starting April 29. Plex stated that these changes were carefully considered. The aim is to maintain a high-quality personal media experience while providing value to subscribers.