The recent launch of the Jellyfin app on Samsung TVs gives users a free, open-source option for streaming personal media libraries. This comes as a direct alternative to Plex for those running self-hosted servers.
Jellyfin App Arrives on Samsung TVs
Jellyfin, the free and open-source media server software, now has an official client app in the Samsung Tizen Store. Users can stream movies, TV shows, music, and photos from their own server directly to compatible Samsung TVs and Smart Monitors.
This fills a long-standing gap. For years, Jellyfin worked on many platforms but lacked native support on Samsung’s Tizen OS. People often turned to workarounds like sideloading or browser access. Plex has offered a native app on Samsung TVs for some time, making Jellyfin a strong competitor in the self-hosted media space.
The app became available in early February 2026. It first appeared in the store, spotted by community sites. A Jellyfin developer then confirmed the release on GitHub.
Compatibility and Availability Details
The Jellyfin client supports Samsung TV models from 2021 onward. Samsung stopped allowing new app publications for 2020 and older models, so those TVs miss out on this native option.
Users with newer sets can find and install the app through the Tizen Store search. Once installed, connect it to a Jellyfin server on your network to start playback.
Why This Matters for Users
Jellyfin stands out because it gives full control over media without subscriptions or external accounts. It handles organization, streaming, and playback from a personal server you manage.
Many compare it to Plex, which offers similar features but includes paid tiers for extras like hardware transcoding or mobile sync. Jellyfin avoids those costs and keeps everything local and private.
This launch broadens choices for Samsung owners who prefer open-source tools or want to avoid Plex’s ecosystem.
