Advantages | Disadvantages |
Multi-user capability | Media center cannot be used on macOS/Linux systems |
Android app with its own media server | Web interface is only available in the paid pro edition |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Supports standard TV cards | Media center can only be used with Windows |
Customizable user interface with skins | Complex installation and setup |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Platform independent | Complicated multi-user setup (focused on one device by default) |
Can also be used with alternative hardware like the Raspberry Pi | |
Experienced developer team |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Very easy to set up and use | No function for organizing music and image files available |
Calendar features help to keep track of new movie releases, series, or episodes | Number of official developer add-ons is very manageable |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Platform independent thanks to broad device support and an optional web interface | No separate client applications/apps for accessing the media server |
Time consuming, uncomfortable to start with, and not easy to connect devices |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Excellent user account management | Limited extensions available |
Apps for various platforms/devices available | Some features are only available in the paid premiere subscription |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Platform independent web app available | Server application is only available for Windows |
Media center | Release year | Developer | License | Media library platform Software scannen hp. | Payment model |
Emby | 2015 | Emby LLC | GNU GPL, proprietary (Apps) | Windows, macOS, Linux, Docker, NAS | Freemium |
MediaPortal | 2014 | Team MediaPortal | Windows | Free | |
Mezzmo | 2007 | Conceiva | GNU GPL, LGPL | Windows, Android | Freemium |
Kodi | 2004 | Kodi Team | GNU GPL | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi | Free |
Stremio | 2015 | Stremio | GNU GPL | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Free |
TVersity | 2005 | TVersity Inc. | proprietary | Windows | Paid Pro edition, free basic edition |
Universal Media Server | 2012 | SubJunk and others | GNU GPL | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free |