Most users find that the free version of Plex handles 90% of their needs.
If you want "Premium" features like hardware transcoding and mobile syncing for free, Jellyfin is the best alternative. It is an open-source media server that is completely free, has no subscriptions, and offers many of the same features as a Plex Pass.
If the cost of a Plex Pass is the main barrier, there are legal and safe ways to enjoy a premium experience:
Cracked software often causes crashes, library corruption, and poor transcoding performance, defeating the purpose of having a high-quality media server. Better (and Safer) Alternatives
Plex frequently offers "Lifetime Plex Pass" discounts (often during Black Friday or anniversaries) for a one-time fee that ends subscriptions forever.
Dedicated high-end apps for server monitoring and music.
Using your GPU to make streaming smoother. Offline Downloads: Saving content to mobile devices.
Plex actively monitors for fraudulent activity. Using a bypass can lead to your account—and your entire library metadata—being permanently banned.