Emby – Best Media Server Choice for Power Usersįor a superb Plex alternative, check out Emby. Runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, Docker, FreeBSD, and NAS devicesĢ.
Overall, the balance of usability, functionality, and superb device compatibility, Plex is easily the best media server software you can (and should) use. As such, even for home theatre buffs sans a media server, the Plex app is an awesome source of free streaming video. There’s a live TV and DVR option for connecting an over-the-air (OTA) antenna, Tidal integration, a podcast section, web shows, and even free, legal ad-supported streaming movies and TV shows. While its media server capabilities remain at its core, Plex rolled out a slew of cord-cutting features. Referring to Plex as simply a media server app does it a major disservice.
And Plex itself runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Docker, and a host of NAS devices.īut where Plex truly succeeds is its robust cord-cutting functionality. You can find Plex apps for mobile devices, PCs, game consoles, smart TVs, streaming boxes, and more. However, despite the low learning curve, Plex boasts a bevy of power-user features as well.
Plex is incredibly easy to use and beginner-friendly. Since then, I’ve upgraded to a dedicated Xeon-powered Lenovo ThinkStation TS140 running Ubuntu. The first media server I ever built was an old laptop with Plex installed. Plex – Best Media Server Software Option Overall User base and frequency of updates remain crucial for determining the longevity of a media server app.ġ. Decide if you’re willing to pay for an app or want everything free, as well as how important open-source software is to you. While some home media server software handles videos, music, and photos, others are more specialized. And of course, the client devices you want to stream to are important for selecting a video streaming and music streaming server.
For a traditional server or PC installation almost any program should be fine, but using a single-board computer such as a Raspberry Pi, Odroid XU4, or RockPro64 will narrow down the list of compatible media server solutions. Underlying hardware is a limiting factor as well. Many server software choices run on Linux, macOS, Windows, and Docker. First, there’s what operating system (OS) you’re running on your host device. Several factors will determine which media server program is best for you. What is a media server: A sort of DIY Netflix or Spority for streaming your personal media collection to client devices.
Plus with vanishing optical drives on laptops as well as some desktops or even game consoles, a media server comes in handy. And it’s a convenient way to avoid having to pull out discs and load them up. A media server ensures that wherever you go, your videos and music travel with you. If you’ve got them in your collection, you can stream them anywhere with your server. Although you might be able to find many mainstream titles on paid streaming services, lots of lesser-known movies, shows, or albums might be unavailable.
Most media server programs automatically download box art and metadata, provided your files are named correctly. And of course a library of digital media files.īuilding a media server is a great method of allowing access to your digitized movies, TV shows, and music from anywhere while lending a slick user-interface (UI). Aside from a host computer and compatible media server app, you’ll need a client device such as a streaming device, smartphone, tablet, or another PC. For a low-cost solution, you can even run programs such as Plex and Emby on a Raspberry Pi or another single-board computer. I’ve got a ThinkStation TS140 running Ubuntu with Plex, Emby, and Madsonic installed. You can run a media server from pretty much any PC so long as your media server application of choice remains compatible with that hardware and operating system. By synching that content with media server software, compatible client devices will have access to that content anywhere. Whereas a paid streaming video service allows you to watch or listen to a library of digital media, in this instance you’re hosting your own files such as movies, TV shows, music files, and even photos. Check out the best media server software options for building your own Netflix or Spotify! What is a Media Server and Why Should You Build One?Ī media server is essentially like a do-it-yourself (DIY) Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify. Using a media server you can access these from virtually anywhere. Through DVD or Blu-ray rips as well as CD and vinyl rips, you can cobble together a massive library of digital files. While the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify are great for accessing tons of content, a personal media collection is well-worth curating.