When Plex launched in 2012, it sold lifetime access to its media server software for a mere £75. Fast forward to 2023 and the same deal now costs a hefty £750, plus a new five-year subscription option priced at £250.
According to Plex, these changes reflect their commitment to ‘building, improving, and supporting’ their software over multiple years. This shift in pricing strategy is indicative of the company’s financial goals and its desire to maximise recurring revenue from users.
The decision comes after a series of funding rounds totalling £87.6 million, yet Plex has not declared profitability. By pushing towards subscriptions, Plex can stabilise cash flow, fund new features, and reduce reliance on advertising revenues – fickle as they may be.
One wonders if this five-year pass could someday become the longest term available, turning Plex’s media server customers into digital serfs until their technological feudalism expires. And who would want to leave?
