Frequently Asked
Questions

What is WatchNexus?

WatchNexus is a self-hosted, all-in-one media pipeline. It replaces Sonarr, Radarr, Prowlarr, Bazarr, Jellyfin, and more with a single application containing 73 purpose-built modules — and drives your existing qBittorrent client for downloads.

Is there a free version?

Yes! WatchNexus Standard is completely free and includes 31 modules covering media library management, streaming, downloads, playlists, gadgets, themes, and more. No credit card, no trial period, no limits.

What's the difference between Standard, Pro, and Ultra?

Standard (Free) — Core media server with 31 modules: library, streaming, downloads, playlists, gadgets, themes.

Pro ($35 CAD) — Adds 18 modules for automation, analytics, scheduled tasks, indexer search, movie automation, Live TV/IPTV, AI recommendations, ebooks, music, RSS, backup, and 2FA.

Ultra ($60 CAD) — Adds 24 more modules for the full suite: security center, hardware GPU transcoding, disc ripping, gaming console, media sync from Jellyfin/Emby, Jellyseerr integration, cloud backup, offline sync, Matrix chat, Usenet, subtitles, and more.

Is this a subscription or one-time payment?

One-time payment. Buy a Pro or Ultra license once and it's yours forever. Standard is free forever. All tiers include lifetime updates.

How do I activate Pro or Ultra?

1. Install WatchNexus Standard (free)
2. Purchase a Pro or Ultra serial number from our license portal at licenses.watchnexus.ca/checkout
3. In the app, go to Settings → Activation and enter your serial number
4. Your modules unlock instantly

Can I upgrade from Pro to Ultra later?

Yes! Upgrade paths are built in. You can go from Standard → Pro, Standard → Ultra, or Pro → Ultra at any time. Just enter your new serial number in Settings → Activation.

What are the system requirements?

Docker 20.10+ on Linux, macOS, or Windows (WSL2). Minimum 2 CPU cores and 2 GB RAM. For hardware transcoding in Ultra, an NVIDIA GPU with NVENC support is recommended. Intel Quick Sync and AMD AMF are also supported.

How do updates work?

WatchNexus has a built-in update system. It checks the license server for new builds and can also receive silent hotfix patches from a private repository. You can configure auto-check intervals and update channels (Stable, Beta, Nightly) in Settings → Updates.

What is the Gaming Console (Pretzel)?

Pretzel is a browser-based retro game emulator built into WatchNexus Ultra. It supports 15 systems including NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, Game Boy, GBA, PlayStation, Atari, MAME, and more. Load ROM files from your server and play directly in your browser.

What is Chowder (Media Sync)?

Chowder is a JellyLooter Pro-powered media sync engine. Connect to remote Jellyfin or Emby servers, browse their libraries, and download content with scheduling, bandwidth control, and automatic library import. Ultra tier only.

Can I run WatchNexus without Docker?

Docker is the recommended deployment method. WatchNexus is built with .NET 10 and React, so it can theoretically run standalone, but Docker ensures all dependencies are included and makes updates seamless.

Is my data stored locally?

Yes, 100%. WatchNexus is self-hosted. Your media files, database, settings, and watch history all stay on your server. The only external connections are to TMDB (for metadata), your configured download clients, and the license server (for activation and updates).

What currency are the prices in?

All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pro is $35 CAD (~$26 USD) and Ultra is $60 CAD (~$44 USD). One-time payment, no recurring fees.