If you're a fan of streaming your media at home, you've probably heard of Plex. It's a popular media center software that allows you to organize and stream your movies, TV shows, music, and photos all in one place. But did you know that there are plenty of open source alternatives to Plex that are just as good, if not better.
Here are the top open source alternatives to Plex:
- Jellyfin:
Jellyfin is a newer open-source media center software that aims to be a "free software alternative" to Plex and Emby. It has a user-friendly interface and the ability to stream to multiple devices. Jellyfin is a great alternative to Plex and Emby, it has a great user interface, it also allows you to share your library with other users, and it has a wide range of supported devices. - Kodi:
Kodi is a media center software that has been around for over a decade. It's known for its flexibility and customization options, and it can be installed on a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. Kodi has a vast library of add-ons, which can be used to access a wide variety of content, and it also has a great user interface. With Kodi, you can create custom menus and views, and even customize the look and feel of the interface. - Emby:
Emby is a media center software that focuses on live TV and DVR capabilities. It's also known for its elegant user interface and the ability to share your media library with others. Emby is great for those who want to stream live TV and record shows, it has a great EPG (Electronic Program Guide) and allows you to schedule recordings, it also allows you to share your library with other users with a simple invite system. - MediaPortal:
MediaPortal is a Windows-based media center software that offers built-in live TV and DVR capabilities. It's also known for its wide range of customization options and plugins. MediaPortal is a great option for those who want to stream live TV and record shows, it also has a great EPG, and allows you to schedule recordings. Additionally, it has a wide range of plugins, which allows you to add new features and functionality, such as online movie trailers, weather forecasts, and more. - OSMC:
OSMC (Open Source Media Center) is a Linux-based media center software that can be installed on a variety of devices including the Raspberry Pi. It's known for its simple setup and sleek user interface. OSMC is an ideal choice for those who want to use a small device such as Raspberry Pi as a media center, it also has a great user interface, and it's easy to set up and use.
Each of these alternatives offer unique features and capabilities, such as built-in live TV and the ability to share your media library with others. Plus, being open source means that the community of developers is constantly working on improving and updating the software, so you'll always have access to the latest features and bug fixes. Additionally, some users find that the alternatives have a more elegant and polished user interface, which can make the experience more enjoyable.
Another reason to consider using an alternative is that, while Plex is a great media center software, it's not the only option out there. Sometimes trying something new can be refreshing and can offer a new perspective on how you organize and stream your media. Plus, it's always good to have options and be aware of what else is available in case Plex ever goes down or becomes unavailable.
So, whether you're a Plex power user or just looking for a new way to organize and stream your media, consider giving one of these open source alternatives a try. You might be surprised at how much you like them! And remember, with open source software, you're not just a user, you're a part of the community that helps shape and improve the software. So go ahead, give one of these alternatives a try, and you might just find that it's the media center of your dreams! And if it's not, no worries! You can always go back to Plex, or try another alternative. The beauty of open source is that you have the freedom to choose.
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