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.
Get notified when this guide updates
ElfHosted pricing and features change. We'll email you when there are important updates.