I’m looking for alternatives to Kodi for streaming. It no longer works as I need, and I want to explore apps with similar features like media libraries and add-ons. Can you recommend any?
1. Plex
Homepage Link: https://www.plex.tv
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Great for organizing personal media like movies, TV shows, and music.
- Supports remote access and syncing across multiple devices.
- Runs smoothly with a visually appealing interface.
- Good library recommendations and discovery features.
Cons: - Premium subscription (Plex Pass) costs extra for full capabilities.
- Add-on options are limited compared to Kodi.
- Requires some setup to share libraries properly.
Features:
- Centralized home media server.
- Integrated free TV streaming with live TV and movies.
- Supports third-party plugins, though more limited than Kodi.
- Offline access for downloaded content (with Plex Pass).
User Reviews:
Users rave about its seamless library management and excellent compatibility across devices. However, some complain that the customization isn’t as flexible as Kodi’s.
Verdict:
Plex is an excellent option if you prioritize a polished and straightforward media streaming experience. It’s less customizable than Kodi, but it shines with its intuitive interface and reliable performance.
2. Emby
Homepage Link: https://emby.media
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Open-source with optional premium features.
- Great at organizing and streaming personal content.
- Offers secure remote access to your library.
- More customizable than Plex.
Cons: - Requires some tech know-how to set up properly.
- The free version has limited features compared to Kodi.
Features:
- Syncs content across devices.
- Supports live TV and DVR functionality (with premium subscription).
- Multi-user support for family-friendly streaming.
User Reviews:
Many users find Emby to be a solid alternative to Plex, especially for those who want more control over the media library. However, occasional app crashes and setup complexity are common complaints.
Verdict:
If you want something between Kodi’s flexibility and Plex’s usability, Emby is the perfect compromise. It can be a bit tricky, but it’s great for media purists.
3. Stremio
Homepage Link: https://www.stremio.com
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Super easy to use straight out of the box.
- Add-on support is robust and straightforward.
- Great for discovering online content from multiple sources.
- Freemium with good functionality in the free tier.
Cons: - Add-ons are not as community-driven as Kodi’s.
- Limited customization options.
Features:
- Streams TV shows, movies, and live channels from various sources.
- Auto-organizes your watching list with calendar syncing.
- Add-ons include both free and paid services like Netflix.
User Reviews:
People like that it works right away without much technical setup. On the downside, some add-ons aren’t always reliable since the ecosystem isn’t large compared to Kodi’s.
Verdict:
Stremio is for those who want streaming content from different sources without a headache. Though not as powerful as Kodi, it’s incredibly user-friendly.
4. Jellyfin
Homepage Link: https://jellyfin.org
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Open-source and completely free (no premium locks).
- Privacy-focused with no ads or tracking.
- A solid alternative to Emby for self-hosted media.
Cons: - Lacks the polish of Plex/Emby in terms of UI.
- Slightly steeper learning curve compared to others.
Features:
- Fully open-source media management and server software.
- Unified media access across multiple devices.
- Highly customizable with themes and plugins.
User Reviews:
A favorite for tech-savvy users who hate paywalls and value privacy. However, less tech-savvy users find the setup process cumbersome.
Verdict:
Perfect for a free, open-source DIY solution with access to all your media on your terms. Though it’s not as user-friendly, it’s a community-driven powerhouse.
5. MediaPortal
Homepage Link: https://www.team-mediaportal.com
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Excellent for turning your PC into a full-blown media hub.
- Comprehensive functionality for live TV recording and scheduling.
- Open-source and highly customizable.
Cons: - Limited updates and new features.
- Windows-only, so no support for Linux or macOS.
Features:
- DVR functionality for scheduling and recording live TV.
- Tons of plugins for weather, radio, or online streaming services.
- Easy integration with other hardware like your remote or TV tuner.
User Reviews:
Its fans love the flexibility for home theater setups, but many users say the outdated interface and lack of updates are a dealbreaker.
Verdict:
Great for hardcore hobbyists who want a Kodi alternative strictly for PC-based home theaters, but its Windows-only limitation is disappointing.
6. Universal Media Server (UMS)
Homepage Link: https://www.universalmediaserver.com
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Works with almost any device as a DLNA media server.
- No setup fee and fully free to use.
- Automatic codec compatibility without extra downloads.
Cons: - The interface is very minimalistic.
- Lacks integrations for apps and add-ons.
Features:
- Streams content from a local DLNA server to any compatible device.
- Transcodes files efficiently for better playback quality.
- Lightweight and fast setup process.
User Reviews:
Users like its simplicity and hands-off functionality but also find it pretty barebones compared to full-fledged media centers like Kodi.
Verdict:
It’s ideal for those wanting a simple, lightweight DLNA server without extras. If you want plugins or add-ons, look elsewhere.
7. Infuse (for Apple users)
Homepage Link: https://firecore.com
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Beautifully designed and optimized for Apple devices.
- Automatically downloads metadata for organized libraries.
- Painless playback for a wide range of formats.
Cons: - Paid subscription required for premium features.
- MacOS and iOS only, so limited to Apple fans.
Features:
- Streams from various cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
- Integrates well with Apple TV and iOS devices.
- Supports subtitles and metadata syncing.
User Reviews:
Many Apple users give Infuse glowing reviews for its sleek design and seamless integration, though the subscription cost is a common gripe.
Verdict:
Tailored for the Apple ecosystem, Infuse is a no-brainer if you’re heavily invested in macOS or iOS devices.
8. Serviio
Homepage Link: https://www.serviio.org
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Streams high-quality files over DLNA flawlessly.
- No-cap free version available.
- Works well across major platforms.
Cons: - Outdated web-based UI compared to others.
- Paid Pro version needed for advanced features.
Features:
- Local DLNA content streaming with transcoding.
- Custom transcoding profiles.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).
User Reviews:
Seasoned tech users appreciate its flexibility, but general users find its UI clunky and unintuitive.
Verdict:
A backend workhorse rather than a polished player, Serviio is dependable but not versatile enough for modern-day needs.
9. MythTV
Homepage Link: https://www.mythtv.org
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Created specifically for DVR enthusiasts.
- Open-source with zero costs involved.
- Highly customizable settings for power users.
Cons: - Requires significant technical expertise to configure and maintain.
- More focused on live TV/DVR than streaming.
Features:
- Advanced live TV scheduling and recording.
- Community support for plugins/add-ons.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
User Reviews:
A niche app popular among DIY DVR users. Beginners or casual streamers typically find it too complex.
Verdict:
For those deep into live broadcast recording, MythTV’s unbeatable. For everyone else, it’s overkill.
10. OSMC (Open Source Media Center)
Homepage Link: https://osmc.tv
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Designed for use with Raspberry Pi and other low-powered devices.
- Super lightweight, making it fast and efficient.
- Fully open-source like Kodi.
Cons: - Best suited to more advanced users.
- A lot of manual setup required for certain plugins.
Features:
- Minimalistic Kodi-based media experience.
- Works seamlessly with Raspberry Pi and Vero hardware.
- Supports add-ons for added functionality.
User Reviews:
Users love it for Raspberry Pi setups, but beginners often find themselves overwhelmed by the installation process compared to typical apps.
Verdict:
A simplified, hardware-oriented Kodi spin-off that’s ideal for Raspberry Pi tinkerers but not casual streamers.