ElfHosted: Zero Maintenance Streaming
Get the full Plex + Debrid experience without managing any infrastructure. ElfHosted runs everything for you in the cloud.
What is ElfHosted?
ElfHosted is a managed hosting platform that runs the entire Plex + Debrid stack for you. Instead of setting up Zurg, rclone, Riven, and Plex yourself, ElfHosted handles all the technical stuff.
What's included
- • Plex or Jellyfin media server
- • Riven for content management
- • Zurg + rclone for Debrid integration
- • Overseerr for requests
- • 24/7 monitoring and support
Benefits
- • No server to maintain
- • Automatic updates
- • Pre-configured and optimized
- • Support when you need help
- • High-speed EU servers
Is ElfHosted right for you?
ElfHosted is ideal if you:
- ✓ Don't want to manage servers or Docker
- ✓ Want something that "just works"
- ✓ Don't have a home server or VPS
- ✓ Value convenience over control
- ✓ Want support when things break
Consider self-hosting if you:
- ✗ Want complete control over your setup
- ✗ Have privacy concerns with third-party hosting
- ✗ Already have a server you can use
- ✗ Want to minimize monthly costs
- ✗ Enjoy tinkering with technology
What you'll need
- ✓ Debrid account — Real-Debrid, AllDebrid, or similar (€3-16)
- ✓ ElfHosted subscription — $9-30/month depending on plan
- ✓ Plex account — Free at plex.tv (optional Plex Pass)
- ✓ 30 minutes — Mostly waiting for provisioning
Step 1: Create your ElfHosted account
1.1 Sign up
- 1. Go to elfhosted.com
- 2. Click "Get Started" or "Store"
- 3. Create an account with your email
Step 2: Choose your apps
2.1 Select your stack
ElfHosted offers pre-configured bundles. For Debrid streaming, you'll want:
Recommended: "Infinite Streaming" Bundle
- • Plex (or Jellyfin/Emby)
- • Riven (content management)
- • Zurg + rclone (Debrid integration)
- • Overseerr (content requests)
2.2 Available tiers
| Tier | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$9/mo | Single user, basic streaming |
| Standard | ~$15/mo | Most users, full features |
| Premium | ~$25-30/mo | Power users, multiple libraries |
Prices may vary. Check store.elfhosted.com for current pricing.
2.3 Complete purchase
- 1. Add your selected bundle to cart
- 2. Choose monthly or longer subscription
- 3. Complete payment (crypto and cards accepted)
- 4. Wait for provisioning (usually 5-15 minutes)
Step 3: Connect your Debrid service
3.1 Get your Debrid API key
If you don't have a Debrid account yet, sign up at one of these providers:
Then get your API key:
- • Real-Debrid: real-debrid.com/apitoken
- • AllDebrid: Account settings → API keys
3.2 Configure in ElfHosted dashboard
- 1. Log in to your ElfHosted dashboard
- 2. Navigate to Riven (or your content manager)
- 3. Go to Settings → Debrid Services
- 4. Select your provider and paste your API key
- 5. Save and test the connection
Step 4: Access your apps
4.1 Your unique URLs
After provisioning, you'll receive unique URLs for each app:
• Plex: https://[your-name]-plex.elfhosted.com
• Riven: https://[your-name]-riven.elfhosted.com
• Overseerr: https://[your-name]-overseerr.elfhosted.com
Bookmark these URLs for easy access.
4.2 Connect Plex
- 1. Go to your Plex URL
- 2. Sign in with your Plex account
- 3. Claim the server if prompted
- 4. Your libraries should already be configured
Tip: If libraries are empty, wait a few minutes for Riven to populate content, or add some through Overseerr.
Step 5: Set up your devices
Install Plex on your devices
- 1. Download the Plex app on your device
- 2. Sign in with the same Plex account you used with ElfHosted
- 3. Your ElfHosted server should appear in "More Ways to Watch"
- 4. Start streaming!
You're all set!
Use Overseerr to request new content, and it will automatically appear in your Plex library. ElfHosted handles all the behind-the-scenes work.
Troubleshooting
Apps not loading / 502 errors
- • Wait 5-10 minutes after initial provisioning
- • Check the ElfHosted status page for maintenance
- • Try refreshing or clearing your browser cache
- • Contact ElfHosted support via Discord
Plex shows empty libraries
- • Verify your Debrid API key is correct in Riven
- • Add content through Overseerr and wait a few minutes
- • Check Riven logs for errors
- • Libraries populate as content is requested/discovered
Can't connect Plex to my account
- • Make sure you're using the correct Plex account
- • Try the claim process again from app.plex.tv
- • Check that your ElfHosted subscription is active
- • Contact support if server claim keeps failing
Buffering or slow playback
- • ElfHosted servers are in EU — latency may vary by region
- • Lower the streaming quality in Plex settings
- • Check your Debrid service status
- • Try different content to see if it's specific to one file
Cost comparison
| Setup | Monthly Cost | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| ElfHosted + Real-Debrid | ~$12-18/mo | Zero |
| Self-hosted VPS + Real-Debrid | ~$8-12/mo | Medium |
| Home server + Real-Debrid | ~$3-5/mo | High |
ElfHosted costs slightly more but eliminates all technical maintenance. Perfect if your time is valuable or you're not comfortable with Linux/Docker.
Want more control?
If you want to self-host for more control or lower costs, check out our DIY guides.