PathRenamerA FileBot alternative for Plex on Windows
FileBot is a powerful, long-running media renamer. If you're on Windows, use Plex, and want something you can use in a minute without learning a naming language, PathRenamer may suit you better. Here is an honest comparison.
At a glance
| PathRenamer | FileBot | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, automation included; optional Pro for automatic subtitle downloads | Paid license (see filebot.net) |
| Systems | Windows 10 and 11; Docker on Linux, macOS and NAS boxes | Windows, macOS, Linux and more |
| Plex names | Built in, with Plex editions and subtitle language codes | Through format expressions you choose or write |
| Media servers | Names for Plex, Jellyfin, Emby and Kodi; asks any of them to scan | Formats and scripts for each |
| Automation | Built-in watch folder and media server scans (free); automatic subtitles (Pro) | Command line and scripts, such as its automated media center script |
| Subtitle downloads | OpenSubtitles.com | OpenSubtitles.com |
| Command line | Yes, in the Docker version: rename, undo, history, subtitles, scan | Yes, with a scripting language |
FileBot details are from its website; check filebot.net for current features and prices.
Where PathRenamer is different
- Made for Plex out of the box. No format expression to write: movies, TV shows, anime, multi-episode files, daily shows, specials and editions get Plex's names by default.
- See everything first. Every new name is in the preview before a file moves. Unsure matches are marked, and one right-click fixes a row: new name, episode, or a different match.
- Subtitles from release folders.
Subs\2_English.srtandSpanish (Latin America).srtbecomeMovie (2021).eng.srtandMovie (2021).spa.srt, numbered when there are several in one language. - Undo at any time. The rename history can put back any earlier rename, even after a restart.
- Automation without scripts. Point the watch folder at Downloads, tick a box, and new files are renamed, given subtitles, and scanned into Plex, Jellyfin, Emby or Kodi.
- Free, automation included. Pro is only for automatic subtitle downloads, which cost money to run.
When FileBot is the better choice
- You want a window on macOS or Linux (PathRenamer runs there in Docker, without one).
- You want your own scripts and a naming language with full control.
- You need very custom naming rules, or databases and media types PathRenamer doesn't cover, such as music.
Switching from FileBot
- Install PathRenamer and pick your library folders.
- If your FileBot format added extra details, set the same in Settings → Formats; the defaults already follow Plex's naming.
- Choose Hard-link in Settings → Options if your torrents should keep seeding.
- Turn on the watch folder in Tools → Watch Folder to replace a post-processing script.
FileBot is a trademark of its owner. PathRenamer is an independent project and isn't affiliated with FileBot.