ive been using kodi (xbmc was better moniker) since google killed sagetv. i recall attempting plex, but it seemed to lack some open/extensibility (its been awhile).
i have a side project i want to make as a modular plugin generating a cable layout with original air orders and networks/channels… kodi seems most optimal, but ill admit its been a long while since i looked at plex.
so why plex over kodi?
They’re for different things: Kodi is supposed to be used only on one system inside your network and is full of eye candy. Plex has a Client-Server model to support multiple clients both inside and outside the network. It’s more about functionality than looks.
You can use the Kodi frontend with the Plex backend with a Kodi plugin called PlexForKodi.