Jellyfin and Emby are the closest Plex alternatives for Google TV if you want a server-and-client media library; Kodi is a better fit if you mainly want a media-center app for local or network playback. These options work differently, so the right choice depends on whether you’re prepared to run a media server and how your files play on your particular TV device.
How the alternatives differ
| Option | How it works | What you need | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jellyfin | Free, open-source media-server software with an Android TV companion app. The TV app connects to a Jellyfin server. Jellyfin for Android TV on Google Play | A Jellyfin server set up and running. Live TV and recorded shows require additional hardware or services, according to the app listing. | People who want a self-hosted server-and-client library. |
| Emby | An Android TV app connects to an Emby Server, which it can find locally or reach through a manual connection. Emby Android TV documentation | An Emby Server for the documented server-client workflow. Whether a file plays directly depends on the client device and connected audio equipment. | People who want a server-based library and may need server transcoding for media their device cannot play directly. |
| Kodi | A media-center app for Android that can play local or network media. Kodi for Android downloads | The Kodi app and access to the media you want to play. The sources cited here do not establish a centralized server-and-multiple-client workflow equivalent to Plex. | People who mainly want media-center playback on one device. |
Jellyfin: a self-hosted Plex-style option
Jellyfin is the most direct fit among these choices if your goal is a server-managed media library with a TV client. Its Android TV app is available through Google Play, and the listing says a Jellyfin server must already be set up and running. The listing showed an update on August 16, 2026. Check the Jellyfin Android TV listing for the current app details and availability on your device.
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That server requirement means the app alone is not a complete replacement for Plex’s server-client setup. The server could run on suitable hardware you already own; Jellyfin also publishes hardware-selection guidance. A NAS or dedicated storage is optional, not a universal requirement. Live TV and recorded-show support also needs additional hardware or services, as the app listing notes.
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Emby’s Android TV documentation says you can install the app from the TV’s app store or Google Play. It can discover an Emby Server on the local network, or you can connect to a remote server manually or through Emby Connect. See Emby’s Android TV setup information for connection details.
#1 Best Overall
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Emby says its server can transcode media that the TV client cannot play directly. That is useful as a fallback, but it does not guarantee playback for every file or setup: direct play and transcoding depend on the client device, media format, connected audio equipment, and streaming bitrate. Emby’s playback documentation explains these factors.
Kodi: choose a media center, not a like-for-like server replacement
Kodi is worth considering if you want an Android media-center app for local or network playback. Its role is different from Jellyfin’s or Emby’s documented server-and-client arrangement, and the available sources do not demonstrate feature parity with Plex’s centralized server workflow. Kodi is therefore a plausible alternative for playing media on a Google TV device, but not necessarily a substitute if you rely on a server library shared across multiple clients.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Check Google TV compatibility and playback before switching
Confirm that the app is available for your device
Google says apps can be downloaded from Google Play on Google TV and Android TV, but available features and tabs can vary by device, country, and language. Check the individual app listing on the TV or Google Play rather than assuming that every device marketed as a TV supports the same app. Google’s explanation of Google TV and Android TV describes these variations.
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- Choose Jellyfin or Emby if you want a server to manage the library and a TV client to access it; plan for a server that stays available when you want to watch.
- Consider Kodi if local or network playback through a media-center app meets your needs and you do not require the server-client workflow described for Jellyfin and Emby.
Check demanding files and audio formats
For unusual codecs, high-bitrate files, or specific audio formats, verify compatibility with your exact TV device, connected audio equipment, and server configuration. Emby’s documentation makes clear that direct play versus transcoding is setup-dependent; a server may need enough capability to transcode when the client cannot play a file directly. The sources here do not establish device-by-device compatibility for every Google TV model.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- TiVo Stream 4K is one of Time Magazine’s “2020 Best Inventions, Special Mention” and PCMag hails it as “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers.” Operating Temperature 0˚C - 40˚C
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
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- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Rank #3
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Enjoy your TV in stunning resolution Ultra HD ers four times the resolution of Full HD for greater clarity and detail
- Android TV: With the Android TV operating system you will have access to the best content, download the infinity of applications available through the Google Play Store!
- Voice remote control: Just press the Google Assistant button and ask it to find, play and control content
- Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
- Easy Setup: Access your Google account and configure the device, language and Wi-Fi network
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