Can Plex and Jellyfin run on the same server at the same time?

Yes. They use different ports (32400 for Plex, 8096 for Jellyfin) and only read your media files, so they run side by side without conflict. The main cost is extra CPU while both scan or transcode.

Can Plex and Jellyfin share a library?

They can scan the same folders, but each keeps its own database. Watched status and metadata edits do not automatically sync between the two servers.

Does Media Center merge the two libraries into one?

No. Media Center keeps each server's content separate and labeled by source, so the same movie on both servers is never blended into a confusing duplicate. You decide which server each kind of content comes from.

People often keep Plex for its polish and existing users while moving to Jellyfin for its open-source model, or run Jellyfin for a family member and Plex for themselves. Media Center means your household does not have to juggle two apps while you decide.

How to Use Plex and Jellyfin Together in One App

Updated October 18, 2026 · 5 min read

Lots of home media setups end up with both Plex and Jellyfin — testing a switch, keeping family members happy, or using each for what it does best. The usual cost is two apps on every TV. Here is how to keep both servers and give your household a single app.

Run Plex and Jellyfin side by side

Both servers can live on one machine — a NAS, a mini PC or a Docker host — reading the same files. Neither modifies your media, and they listen on different ports, so installing one does not disturb the other.

One reverse proxy can front both: plex.example.com and jellyfin.example.com on the same port 443, each with its own certificate. See Plex reverse proxy setup and Jellyfin HTTPS setup.

Watch both from one app

Point both servers at the same media foldersPlex and Jellyfin only read your files, so both can scan the same folders. Add the same Movies and TV folders as libraries in each server.
Give each server an HTTPS addressFor Plex, turn on Remote Access so Plex publishes a secure address that works away from home. Put Jellyfin behind a reverse proxy with a real certificate.
Add both as sources in Media CenterIn the Media Center dashboard, add Plex (Sign in with Plex — no address or token to copy) and Jellyfin (address and a one-time sign-in) as two sources.
Choose which server serves whatUnder Sources, set the content routing: for example, movies from Plex and series from Jellyfin. A content type can also draw on both servers, with each one's titles shown separately.
Watch everything in one appYour household opens Media Center on Apple TV, Android TV, iPhone, iPad or an Android phone or tablet and sees one interface, with each server's titles shown under their own source.

Content routing, explained

Media Center asks one question per kind of content: which server should this come from? Movies can come from one server and series from the other. Change it any time in the dashboard and every device picks it up — nobody reinstalls anything.

Connecting a Plex or Jellyfin server to Media Center, the client app that plays both

Get started

Set up each server first: Plex and Jellyfin. Still deciding which one to keep? Read Jellyfin vs Plex.

Frequently asked questions

Can Plex and Jellyfin run on the same server at the same time?: Yes. They use different ports (32400 for Plex, 8096 for Jellyfin) and only read your media files, so they run side by side without conflict. The main cost is extra CPU while both scan or transcode.
Can Plex and Jellyfin share a library?: They can scan the same folders, but each keeps its own database. Watched status and metadata edits do not automatically sync between the two servers.
Does Media Center merge the two libraries into one?: No. Media Center keeps each server's content separate and labeled by source, so the same movie on both servers is never blended into a confusing duplicate. You decide which server each kind of content comes from.
Why run both?: People often keep Plex for its polish and existing users while moving to Jellyfin for its open-source model, or run Jellyfin for a family member and Plex for themselves. Media Center means your household does not have to juggle two apps while you decide.

Get started with Media Center

Media Center plays the Plex and Jellyfin servers you already run on Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Android and Android TV. It ships with no content of its own. The person who runs the server sets it up once; everyone else just installs the app.

You run the Plex or Jellyfin server

Create your admin account, connect your server and invite the people who watch. The Free plan covers one household.

Set up your household

Your name, your email and a one-time code. No card needed.

Already have an account? Sign in

Someone invited you

Install the app and sign in with the email your administrator invited. There is nothing to set up.