In short
PlainSignage is a hosted alternative to Xibo for teams that like Xibo's price but not the server, database and player-licence management that comes with self-hosting. Xibo's open-source CMS is free to self-host, with paid cloud hosting and paid Android player licences; PlainSignage is fully managed, EU-hosted, and costs €14.99/month for the first screen and €4.99 per additional screen with every feature included and nothing to install server-side.
Xibo vs. PlainSignage at a glance
| Aspect | Xibo | PlainSignage |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Self-host (free CMS) or paid Xibo cloud | Fully managed, EU-hosted |
| Player licences | Paid licences for Android/webOS/Tizen players; Windows free | Free player app; browser player free |
| Maintenance | Your server, database, updates | None |
| Pricing | Cloud per display + player licences (see their site) | €14.99 first screen, €4.99 each extra, all inclusive |
| Setup | Install CMS, configure players, register displays | Install app, type 6-character code |
| Interaction | Interactive layouts (technical) | Ready-made polls, games, photo wall, Q&A |
Information about third-party products is based on their public websites as of September 2026 and may have changed. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; PlainSignage is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Why people switch
Zero servers
No PHP, MySQL, TLS renewals or upgrade weekends.
No player licence accounting
The Android player is free; you pay per screen, nothing else.
Designer instead of layouts XML
Drag-and-drop, templates, brand kit.
Still API-friendly
REST API with scoped keys for your own integrations.
How to switch from Xibo in an afternoon
- 1Start a free trial and pair one display
- 2Rebuild layouts from templates; upload your media
- 3Replace player licences with the free PlainSignage app or browser player
- 4Retire the Xibo server
Frequently asked questions
Can I self-host PlainSignage?
No — it is a managed service, which is the point: no infrastructure to run.
Do you support webOS/Tizen?
Through the TV's browser today; a Fire TV Stick gives the full Android player for about €30.