In the era of digital streaming and content consumption, continuity is key. Whether you’re watching a documentary on your desktop during your lunch break or catching up with a movie on your commute, having your media player remember where you left off is essential. Thankfully, several media players offer seamless watch progress sync across devices, allowing users to switch between phones and PCs with ease.
TLDR
For users who often switch between desktop and mobile, media players that sync playback position make life easier. Players like Plex, VLC with Resilio Sync, and Jellyfin offer great cross-device syncing capabilities. These apps ensure your watch history is always up to date, no matter where you pick up your content. Many of these tools are free or open-source, offering flexibility for tech-savvy and casual users alike.
1. Plex
Plex is one of the most widely recognized media server applications and for good reason. With both mobile and desktop clients, Plex allows users to stream content from their server and resume playback across devices without missing a second. Whether watching on Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS, watch progress and user history are synced through the cloud.
- Cloud sync support — playback resumes across all devices
- Multi-user support — different family members can keep their own watch list
- Integrated metadata retrieval for better library management
What sets Plex apart is its robust infrastructure and ease of setup. Although there’s a premium version (Plex Pass), the free tier is sufficiently powerful for most average users.
2. Jellyfin
Jellyfin is an open-source alternative to Plex and is rapidly gaining popularity among privacy-conscious users. Unlike Plex, Jellyfin does not rely on the cloud. Instead, it syncs watch progress locally or across self-hosted networks.
- No subscription or locked features — fully open-source
- Supported on multiple platforms — Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and even on smart TVs
- Real-time sync — pick up on one device exactly where you left off on another
While it may require a bit more technical know-how to set up, Jellyfin is perfect for users who prefer full control over their data and streaming experience.
3. Infuse (iOS/macOS)
Infuse is a premium media player for Apple users that combines gorgeous design with powerful media playback features. One of its major advantages is seamless iCloud sync for watch progress between iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
- Metadata fetching for a polished user experience
- Supports a wide range of file types and video codecs
- iCloud-based sync — no server needed for syncing
Infuse is entirely client-based and doesn’t require you to set up any server. It’s perfect for users heavily embedded in the Apple ecosystem looking for a polished, user-friendly experience.
4. VLC Media Player with Cloud Sync
VLC is one of the most well-known media players globally. While out-of-the-box it doesn’t offer native watch progress sync, users can configure it with cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive or pair it with third-party sync solutions such as Resilio Sync to emulate this functionality.
- Open-source and cross-platform
- Endless file format support
- Customizable sync options for tech-savvy users
Its adaptability and open nature make VLC a great choice for users who prefer flexibility and are willing to invest a little time into configuring sync between their devices.
5. Emby
Emby offers a blend of the best features of Plex and Jellyfin, positioned somewhere in between open and commercial ecosystems. It provides watch history and progress sync via user accounts across a range of platforms.
- Easy server setup for home streaming
- Client apps available for Android, iOS, Windows, and smart TVs
- Parental controls and remote access
Though some of the more advanced features are behind a paywall, Emby’s core functionality is strong enough for most casual users. Watch syncing is seamless once the server is properly configured.
6. Kodi with Trakt Integration
Kodi is another widely-used, open-source media center, particularly favored for its expansive add-on support. By integrating Kodi with services like Trakt, users can enjoy synchronized watch progress across multiple devices.
- Highly customizable through add-ons
- Trakt integration enables sync across Kodi, Plex, Netflix, and more
- Supports most platforms, from Raspberry Pi to Android TV
Though syncing requires a bit of setup and a Trakt account, Kodi allows one of the widest ranges of interoperability with streaming services and local media libraries alike.
7. Serviio with Third-party Tools
Serviio is a media server that doesn’t natively sync watch progress, but when combined with tools like Scrobble or Trakt plugin workarounds, it can offer a basic form of sync across devices. Its strength lies more in its streaming capabilities and device compatibility.
- DLNA support for wide compatibility
- Java-based — runs on almost any platform
- Can integrate with scrobbling services for syncing playback
Serviio is best suited for advanced users or tinkerers who prefer a modular approach to media server setups. With the right extensions, it becomes capable of syncing data across mobile and PC effectively.
Final Thoughts
Switching between devices shouldn’t interrupt the entertainment experience. With the above media player solutions, users can enjoy their favorite content anywhere and anytime without worrying about re-buffering or guessing where they left off. Whether you prefer open-source flexibility or polished commercial offerings, there’s a solution tailored for your streaming habits.
FAQs
Q: Does every media player listed support automatic cloud syncing?
A: Not all. While Plex and Infuse offer cloud syncing out of the box, players like VLC and Kodi require third-party services to support this.
Q: Is there a completely free option with sync capabilities?
A: Yes, Jellyfin is fully open-source and free, including its sync features. Kodi with Trakt is another excellent free setup for syncing.
Q: Which is best for Apple users?
A: Infuse is the top pick for Apple users, offering iCloud sync and a highly optimized experience across iOS and macOS.
Q: Can I share my media library with family using these apps?
A: Yes. Apps like Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin allow multiple user profiles and shared libraries with individual watch progress for each user.
Q: Are these players suitable for streaming online content?
A: Some of them, like Kodi with the right add-ons, support online streaming. Plex and Emby also offer plugins for online content in some cases, though their main strength is local or server-based media playback.
