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Guide

Plex using too much data?

Plex is popular, but its remote streams are heavy. In our live tests at the common 8 Mbps / 1080p setting Plex sent about 2.7 GB per hour. Silux Media delivered the same picture quality for about 1.0 GB.

That difference decides whether a film plays smoothly on a phone, in a hotel or over satellite — and how fast a mobile data allowance disappears.

Plex vs Silux Media, measured

  • 8 Mbps · 1080p: Plex 2.71 GB/hour, Silux Media 1.02 GB/hour — 62% less
  • 4 Mbps · 720p: Plex 1.16 GB/hour, Silux Media 0.58 GB/hour — 50% less
  • 2 Mbps · 720p: Plex 0.58 GB/hour, Silux Media 0.30 GB/hour — 49% less
  • 1 Mbps: Plex 0.47 GB/hour, Silux Media 0.25 GB/hour — 46% less
  • 0.5 Mbps: Plex 0.17 GB/hour, Silux Media 0.10 GB/hour — 46% less

How we measured it

Measured on live Plex, Jellyfin and Emby servers with 8 film and TV test clips. Silux Media had to match or beat each server's picture quality (Netflix VMAF, every frame) before we counted every byte sent — video, audio and container.

What you can do in Plex

  • Lower the remote streaming quality in the Plex app (smaller picture, not more efficient)
  • Pre-convert files with Plex's optimiser (extra disk space)
  • Or switch to a server built to use less data from the start

Switching takes minutes

  1. 1Install the free Silux Media server on the same computer
  2. 2Point it at the same film and TV folders — nothing is moved or copied
  3. 3Install the Silux Media app on your phone or TV and press play

Questions

How much data does Plex use per hour?

In our live tests, about 2.7 GB per hour at the 8 Mbps / 1080p setting. Silux Media used about 1.0 GB for the same picture.

Can I keep Plex installed?

Yes. Both can read the same folders at the same time, so you can compare them side by side.