We all are fond of music and videos and everybody has its own collection of media files both on computers and smartphones. But you can’t carry every time your huge collection of movies, songs, and other media files with you. In such a situation, the home media server comes in handy. There are a bunch of best open source media server software available online that can set up on your own personal home computer. You can store all your media files at one place on the media server and can access it remotely or locally using the computer or smartphone. For example, you are out of town and want to access your movies or music, what you will do, just take out your smartphone enter your home media server address, and boom!! Using media servers you can create your own personal YouTube, Netflix, and Vimeo. Some Media servers based on lightweight Linux, which means to save electricity and other resources you can install them on Rasberry Pi.

• The Squeezebox Server is customisable through add-on components called extras or plugins.Squeezebox Server comes with a number of plugins already installed (see the 'server settings-plugins' page of the Squeezebox Server web interface to see them), and you can also install your own through that plugins page. Many people have written their own plugins and made them available to.
• Slimserver for Logitech Squeezebox players. This server is also called Logitech Media Server. (Git-Version, if you prefer stability consider using logitechmediaserver instead).
• Logitech Media Server is a our powerful and free that will power any Squeezebox or Transporter and any software MP3 player on your network. Logitech Media Server runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD and Solaris. This robust software includes contributions from a worldwide community of developers who are driven by the desire to work on exciting projects.

To see a comparison of popular media servers, click here. Universal Media Server supports all major operating systems, with versions for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. The program streams or transcodes video, audio and image formats with little or no configuration. It is powered by FFmpeg, MEncoder, tsMuxeR, MediaInfo, OpenSubtitles and more. In the right panel, check the boxes for Logitech Options and Logitech Options Daemon. After you check the boxes, select Quit Now to restart the application and allow the changes to take effect. If you already clicked ‘Deny’, please do the following to allow access manually: Launch System Preferences.

Best Opensource Media server for Linux, Mac, or Windows

Here we have listed Free and Open source Media server software that can be work on both Linux and Windows.

PLEX Media Server (Freemium, not opensource)

We already have a done couple of articles on Plex and it really has some great features that allow it in our best media server list. The Plex Media Server is available for a variety of platforms such as Windows, Linux, Mac, Docker, and third-party NAS (network-attached storage device) Synology, Qnap, Netgear, Seagate, and more…

The Plex media server is not an open-source instead of a freemium software and offers some features on a subscription base only. However, still here because of easy to use and install capabilities.

Whereas the Plex player comes under both freemium and open source license GPL v2. Due to its vast range of devices support the Plex continuously gaining its popularity as a media streamer.

The Plex media server is based on a client-server model. It offers a wide range of client apps for different devices to support and stream its media server content easily. The Plex app is available for Android, Web, Windows, Kodi, Windows Phone, TiVo, SONOS, Android TV, Chrome cast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Amazon Alexa, Roku, Nvidia Shield, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 & 4 and Smart TV.

Plex Media Server Features:

• Account management
• Support all format videos and audios
• iOS, Windows, and Android Mobile platform support
• Privacy and security
• Media Libraries Sharing
• No Storage Limit
• Online channels
• Live TV
• Plex cloud
• Mobile and Cloud Sync
• Parental control
• Audio Fingerprinting
• Remote Controls
• Media Optimizer and more…

If you are interested in PLEX, also see: How To setup Plex Media Server on Ubuntu Linux.

Kodi Open Source Home Theater Software

Kodi 100% Opensource Media center software that stores all your digital media files at one place like Plex and gives you a beautiful interface to access them. The Kodi was previously known as Xbox Media center or XMBC. Kodi provides a bit different media server software approach. It works more as a local media streamer rather functions a server-client relationship like PLEX. It was developed as an XMBC open-source media center and still distributed under open source licenses. It plays content from two sources one is locally saved content and secondly is via plugins.

Kodi Open Source Home Theater Software

It has a vast range of Addon for popular web services, applications, and script such as Pluto.TV, PS Vue, HDHomeRun, SoundCloud, Kodi Android Installer, Rooster Teeth, and more… It also provides an add-on to stream, video content from various sources like NBC, CBS, Funimation, and Crunchyroll. It is a perfect mixture of a media center PC/homer sever software. Kodi is also multi-platform support Media center/server software and supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and embedded devices like the Raspberry Pi.

Kodi Features:

• TV Shows library supports
• Supporting all the main video formats
• Kodi can play all your music including mp3, flac, wav, and WMA formats
• Import pictures and view in different styles such as slideshow
• Support Live TV recording
• JSON-RPC based remote interface
• Smartphone and Tablet Apps
• Add-Ons for popular web services, applications, and scripts.
• Works popular backends such as MediaPortal, MythTV, NextPVR, Tvheadend, and much more.

Emby Media Server

Logitech Media Server For Mac Windows 7

Emby is a great and best open source Media server similar to Plex in features and user interface. While the Plex is a closed source or freemium, Emby is totally open-source media server software. In comparison to Plex, the Emby is much easier to install for newbies and you can see our article: How to Install Emby media server, step by step installation process. Emby offers lots of customization, media management, and database options.

Emby Media Server

The Emby Media server is available for Windows, Linux, Nas Devices, Mac OS, Docker, and FreeBSD. Like Plex, the Emby is also has a dedicated Linux installer for Debian, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, OpenSUSE, Fedora, and CentOS. If you are looking for 100% open-source Media server for your office or home then Emby is the best one.

Web-based Management System of Emby to install plugins, edit metadata and subtitles, Sync and more…

Emby also offers Apps for the mobile operating system: Emby Web client, Android, iOS, Windows 10, and Windows Mobile. Apart from the Emby Apps, it also has a good collection of TV Apps as follow:

• Android TV
• Amazon Fire Tv
• Shield Android TV
• Apple TV
• Chromecast
• Roku
• Emby Theatre HTML5
• Emby Theatre for Windows
• LG Smart TV
• Samsung Smart TV
• PS4
• Xbox One
• Windows Media Center
• Xbox 360
• Kodi
• PS3

Emby Media Server Features

• Emby Server automatically converts and streams the media
• Stream Live TV to any device
• Web-based tools to edit metadata and subtitles
• Easy DLNA
• Parental Controls
• Easily control content access
• Cloud Sync
• Chromecast

MediaPortal

MediaPortal is a well-featured open-source HTPC media center and similar to Kodi. It does not have features like Emby and Plex but still, it’s very good open-source media server software. Using it you can watch, schedule, and record live TV like TiVo, streaming media, radio, and TV to any HTPC connected to your network., Check the weather, news, slideshow of pictures & videos, and more. It can access easily the web or mobile device. It also based on Client/Server Architecture.

See:How to Install and Configure the MediaPortal Media server on Windows 10 PC

MediaPortal

Media Portal Features

• Watch TV, Videos, and DVD
• Watch Online Videos
• Listening Music, Radio, and Web Streams
• Schedule Recordings
• Client/Server Architecture
• Skin System
• Plug-in System
• Check Weather Forecast
• Picture and video slideshow Viewer
• Multiple Tuner Support
• Time Shifting, Pause and Record TV/Radio
• Read RSS Feeds

OpenFLIXR Media Server

OpenFLIXR 2 is the easiest free all-in-one home Media server that offers all media solutions in one package. OpenFLIX Media server software download, install updates of media programs automatically. This home media server is a combination of all well-known open-source projects out there including Plex Media Server.

OpenFLIXR Media Server all-in on video streaming server

Software used in OpenFLIXR are:

• CouchPotato + Radarr for Movies
• SickRage + Sonarr for automated TV show downloading
• Headphones- Automated music downloader
• Mopidy-Music Server
• Ubooquity-Comics and Ebooks & Web-based Reader
• Subtitles- AutoSub, Sub-Zero, Sickrage
• HTPC Manager
• Plex Media Server to organizes movies, series, music, and photos
• SABnzbd, NZBge, qBittorrent
• Netdata + Monit for monitoring
• Home-Assistant
• And More…

The OpenFLIXR media server needs a virtual machine to install since it is a virtual application

OpenELEC

OpenELEC is a lightweight Linux operating system built to create a media server like Kodi. The full form of the OpenELEC is Open Embedded Linux Entertainment Center. Due to its lightweight, it can be easily installed on Raspberry, Apple TV, or low configurations systems.

Features of OpenELEC are:

• TV Show Management
• Movie Organizer and Player
• Music and Audiobook Player
• Freescale iMX6 ARM builds for Cubox-i, CuboxTV, and Hummingboard boxes
• TV and Personal Video Recorder
• Addon available to expand its feature
• Picture Browser

OSMC Media Center

OSMC Media center is last on our list. It is an open-source media center with a simple design and intuitive navigation system. The OSMC media center is based on Kodi and Debian. It also offers paid hardware kits and other accessories to enhance the OSMC user experience such as the Vero 4K. It is a hardware device with OSMC that supports 4K, HEVC, 10-bit content, and HD audio. It supports almost every type of media file. OSMC Media center is available for Linux, Windows, Mac OS, Rasberry Pi, Vero, and Apple TV.

OSMC Media Center

A verdict on Best Free & Opensource Media Server Software Options

Although Plex, Emby, and Kodi are the best and most popular media servers. But that doesn’t mean that other media servers are not good some of them like OpenFlixr are worth trying. We have put everything we know on this list, now it’s all upon you which you want to use. If you want to install a media server along with a NAS server then you can go for open-source NAS software like FreeNAS.

You might also like to see:

From SqueezeboxWiki

The Logitech Squeezebox Controller App ('Squeezebox Controller App') is a FREE smartphone / tablet app to control your Squeezeboxes.Not to be confused with the Squeezebox Controller, which is a hardware product.It is one of several remote control apps for Android.

Summary of Features

• Controls one or more Squeezeboxes connected via WiFi or wired networking that are
  • Connected to MySqueezebox.com
  • Connected to your home PC or Mac running Squeezebox Server 7.5.3 and up
• Use just like Squeezebox Touch
• Does NOT play your Squeezebox music stream on your handheld device

Device Requirements

The Squeezebox Controller App requires a handheld device that satisfies these requirements:

Hardware

• Minimum requirements
  • Smartphone or tablet with touchscreen interface
  • An enabled Wi-Fi or 3G/4G data connection
  • Android
    • 320x480 screen resolution
• Recommended hardware
  • Android
    • 480x800 screen resolution
    • min. 800MHz CPU
  • Apple iOS
    • Apple iPhone 3G or higher
    • Apple iPod Touch 2nd Generation or higher
    • Apple iPad

Software

• Android
  • Version 2.1 and up
• Apple iOS
  • Version 4.0 and up

Squeezebox Requirements

The Squeezebox Controller App finds and controls your players using MySqueezebox.com or your home PC or Mac running Squeezebox Server. Any Squeezebox you want to control must be turned on and successfully connected to either one.

Supported Squeezeboxes

• Squeezebox Radio
• Squeezebox Touch
• Squeezebox Boom
• Squeezebox Classic
• Squeezebox Receiver
• Transporter

Requirements for Optional Squeezebox Server

Use of Squeezebox Server is optional, but for best performance we recommend the following configuration:

• Squeezebox Server 7.5.3 and above
• Player firmware versions supported by Squeezebox Server 7.5.3 and above
• Home PC or Mac for Squeezebox Server connected to home network with Wi-Fi

Choosing Wi-Fi or 3G/4G

Your device can be configured with one of these wireless configurations:

1. Wi-Fi only
2. 3G/4G data connection only
3. Both Wi-Fi and 3G/4G

Your choice determines which players you can see.

What you see depends on how you have your Squeezeboxes configured. These typical scenarios will help you choose a wireless configuration that works for you.

Use at Home

How you want to set up your wireless configuration depends upon your home Squeezebox setup.

Squeezeboxes Connected to MySqueezebox.com Only

• Enable Wi-Fi or 3G/4G or both

Some or all Squeezeboxes Connected to Squeezebox Server

• Enable Wi-Fi
• Connect to the same wireless network as your Squeezeboxen and Squeezebox Server

Logitech Media Server Macos

Use Away from Home

Once you are away from home, you can see only your Squeezeboxes connected to MySqueezebox.com. You are unable to see Squeezeboxes connected to your home Squeezebox Server unless the Squeezebox Controller App is on the same Wi-Fi network as Squeezebox Server.

So, when you are away from home:

• Enable Wi-Fi or 3G/4G or both

Recommendations

It is recommended that you enable Wi-Fi whenever you use the Squeezebox Controller App.

Android

There are two ways to download the FREE app to your device:

1. Go to Android Market website https://market.android.com with your device's browser
2. Use Android Market app for your device

Search for Logitech or 'Squeezebox' or look under Music & Audio category to find this app.

Device Must Meet Minimum Android Requirements to See App

If you follow the instructions above and do not find the app, that's because your device does not meet the minimum Android requirements for the app.

If you don't have access to the Android Market

Some Android devices don't have access to the Android Market. Follow these simple instructions to get the Squeezebox Controller App installed in those cases - at your own risk:

• Hit menu while on your home screen, go to Settings, select Applications, and there should be a box for you to check that says “Unknown sources” (or something similar). If you can’t find this, you should get a message the first time you try and install a 3rd party app allowing you to check it easily then.
• Download the Squeezebox Controller App .apk file to your phone.
• From the downloads app, start the Squeezebox .apk file. Follow the instructions to install the file.

Apple iOS

There are two ways to download the FREE app to your device:

1. Using iTunes, go to STORE heading and choose iTunes Store. Then click on App Store.
2. Go to App Store app on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad

Search Store for Logitech or Squeezebox or look under Music category to find this app in either iPhone or iPad areas.

Device Must Meet Minimum Requirements to See App

If you follow the instructions above and do not find the app, that's because your device does not meet the minimum iOS requirements for the app.

Choosing Players

Logitech Media Server For Mac Download

Which Squeezebox Can You See on Choose Players menu?

Logitech Media Server Mac Os X

When you first start the Squeezebox App, you see a list of players to choose from. Which players are shown depends on whether your device has Wi-Fi enabled or has a 3G/4G data connection:

Wi-Fi ON

• All of your players connected to MySqueezebox.com (worldwide)
• All Squeezebox Server players connected to local Wi-Fi network

3G/4G Connection ON

• All of your players connected to MySqueezebox.com (worldwide)

Navigating to the Choose Players menu

To go to this menu, touch the name of your player at the top of the screen.

Hard-button Support

The Squeezebox Controller App makes use of the device's hard buttons:

• Volume: change volume on your Squeezebox from whatever screen you are
• Android devices
  • Search: go the Global Search feature as available from the Squeezebox home menu.
  • Menu: jump to the home menu screen of your Squeezebox

Be Careful When Controlling Squeezeboxes Not Nearby

The Squeezebox Controller App lets you control any Squeezebox registered on your MySqueezebox.com from anywhere in the world.

This allows you to control Squeezeboxes that you can't see or hear.

In this situation, be careful to avoid:

• Starting and stopping music unexpectedly
• Changing audio volume rapidly. Be aware that you could accidentally do this with your device's hardware volume control

Rotating Your Device (Landscape Mode)

On mobile phones you can only use the app in landscape mode if this is enabled in Settings->Advanced->Screen Layout.

Logitech Media Server Software

Tablet Characteristics

On tablets you'll get an advanced split view when in landscape mode. It gives you quick access to the player controls like volume, transport and artwork while browsing the menus in a separate panel.

View latest release notes here.