You may store and access many forms of media assets, such as movies, music, and TV episodes, using Media Server Software, a type of digital storage and streaming system. Content may be streamed to a variety of devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs. On the same network, a media server may facilitate the sharing and access of media files by different users.
Since more people are consuming media online and via streaming services, media servers have grown in popularity. As streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have grown in popularity, media servers are now a necessary tool for managing media files on many platforms.
Extensive media collections may be conveniently backed up and stored on media servers, freeing up capacity on individual devices.
Some Popular Media Server Software
1. Plex Media Server

You may stream media material from one device to another using Plex, a well-known Media Server Software. It is compatible with numerous operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and can be installed on a variety of devices, including PCs, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Plex is known for its user-friendly interface, which makes it simple to manage and arrange your video material properly. In addition, it can convert your media material to make it compatible with your devices and supports a large variety of media types, such as music, movies, and images.
Additionally, Plex offers several customization possibilities, like the capacity to add subtitles, curate playlists, and personalize your collection. Plex also provides a premium membership service called Plex Pass, which includes extra features, including DVR capabilities and live TV.
Features:
- Access Live TV channels.
- On-demand movies.
- Multiple device compatibility.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Customization options.
- Wide range of media formats.
Pricing:
- Free trial available.
- Monthly: $4.99.
- Annual: $39.99.
- Lifetime: $119.99.
2. Kodi
With its automatic updates function that upgrades the program to the most recent version available, Kodi is one of the Best Media Streaming Server that makes it simpler for users to stream films on their machines. The software includes Music and visual Add-Ons, which improve your device’s audio and visual capabilities.
Additionally, users may personalize the screen using this tool’s assortment of themes. They may enhance user navigation thanks to the remote web interface functionality.
Features:
- Massive add-on library.
- Open source and free.
- Provides cover art, music videos, trailers, and more.
- Open-source tool.
- Various third-party plugins.
- Streaming services like YouTube, Spotify, Disney Plus, Netflix, and more.
Pricing:
- Free version available.
- Contact Kodi for custom pricing.
3. Emby
Emby is a more recent media server program that offers a very customized and high-end-feeling media experience by fusing Plex’s refined UI with Kodi’s open-source base. But how precisely does this software mix an open-source foundation with elements covered by commercial licenses? It developed with the times.
While Emby was initially an open-source project, in 2018, it developed specific highly sought-after plugins and placed them behind a paywall, moving closer to Plex’s business model. Nevertheless, even if you use the software’s free edition, Emby still provides a vast feature set.
Emby operates on a client/server model similar to Plex, where a playback client is installed on a Roku, Apple TV, or Samsung/LG Smart TV after the server is installed on a host device. Alternatively, use a different PC to access the online application. If you’re using the free version, these need to be connected to the same local network as your server.
Emby automatically extracts information from the sources of your choosing, allowing you to arrange your collection according to cast, genre, date, and other criteria. Additionally, you may apply parental restrictions to specific users and build user profiles.
Features:
- Browse Media.
- Library Organization and Metadata Gathering.
- Users and user management.
- Parental Controls.
- Emby Connect (simplified remote login).
- Intro Skipping.
- Cinema Intros.
- Live TV.
- Free Guide Data (US, Canada, and UK).
Pricing:
- Monthly: $4.99.
- Yearly: $54.
- Lifetime: $119.
4. Universal Media Server
While a little more complex than Plex, Universal Media Server is an open-source, completely free Media Server Software that is dependable and stable. A very active support group will be able to assist you if any parts of the setup procedure are giving you trouble. This program can be installed on a PC or NAS with approximately the same setup difficulty.
UMS installation is a primarily manual procedure. Before you can start up your server, the program guides you through the configuration of each parameter. It gets more challenging because if you set up your stream wrong, some of your devices may need help detecting it. However, UMS may be used with almost any streaming device if appropriately configured.
Although UMS automatically searches specified sites for fresh media material, it will seem disorganized if you don’t individually handle your files. If you’ve got a significant collection going, chances are you’ve taken the time to categorize everything accurately, but even if you need to, the app is still quite functional.
Features:
- Open source and free.
- Fast browsing.
- Highly customizable.
- Free DLNA, UPnP and HTTP/S Media Server.
- Dedicated Server Hosting.
- Media Transcoding.
- Simple installation.
- Support for IPTV.
- PlayStation compatibility.
- Support for DLNA.
- Media Server.
Pricing: Free.
5. Subsonic
More than 28 languages are available for Subsonic, making it more accessible to a larger audience. In addition, this Media Server Software offers several customization options, such as a highly customizable interface and many themes. This tool lets you look for albums depending on genre and artists, which makes it easier to browse albums.
Subsonic supports all media formats that can stream via HTTP, including MP3, OGG, AAC, and more. Applications are available for various operating systems, such as Windows Phone, iOS, Android, and more.
This application is beneficial because it lets users organize and stream their albums comprehensively. Additionally, this gadget offers many users a steady connection at once. In light of this, this program is a fantastic open-source solution for your media server needs.
Features:
- Compatible with all devices.
- Well-optimized and efficient User Interface.
- Free text search feature.
- Comments on albums along with ratings.
- Numerous operations on playlists and queues.
- Compatible with various formats.
- Supports HLS video streaming.
- Supports Rest API.
- Compatible with numerous apps.
Pricing:
- Free version available.
- Monthly: $1.
- Lifetime subscription: $99.
6. MediaPortal

With MediaPortal, customers can view high-quality films on their devices and stream media across several platforms. It’s a fantastic tool. This utility records and broadcasts when you are linked over the HTPC/PC network. You may effortlessly switch the channel or show using the tool by hitting a button on your remote.
Additionally, this feature keeps you informed on the most recent weather and news developments. Users may also use this tool to listen to podcasts and the radio. It connects directly to your TV, uses simple technology, and exposes your TV programs, movies, images, and music in a much more dynamic way. All this while unwinding in front of a large LCD, plasma, or projector screen in your living room.
This unique and dependable gadget has many capabilities that make it easy for customers to view movies, programs, and series on a high-quality display. Thus, this utility is helpful when used as Media Server software.
Features:
- Stream high-quality videos without buffering.
- Schedule for new releases.
- Recording feature.
- Play videos, DVDs, movies, and Blu-ray discs.
- View pictures.
- Create slideshow.
- Access to the radio.
- Weather and news.
Pricing: Free.
7. Serviio
Similar to UMS, Serviio is an open-source media server with plenty of sophisticated features and controls that are quick and strong. However, Serviio has a commercial edition that includes an Android app, a handy remote browser player, and several other features, unlike UMS.
This program streams material from internet sources, including web page content, live audio and video streams, and RSS feeds, and it can operate on a PC or NAS.
Your information must already be appropriately named and arranged for Serviio to work; otherwise, it will seem completely disorganized. While the free version allows you to broadcast to desktops and more recent PS and Xbox systems, other devices such as Roku, Chromecast, and Sonos have been reported to have compatibility problems with Serviio.
This program can do almost anything because of its extensive configuration possibilities, but it will be complex.
Features:
- Stream movies and shows easily.
- Stream content from another online source.
- Compatible with a series of Plugins.
- Supports subtitles.
- Supports RAW camera images.
- Various browsing options.
- Automatic render detection.
- Extracts metadata.
Pricing:
- Free version available.
- Serviio Pro v2.x: $25.
8. PlayOn
If you are using a Windows PC, PlayOn is one of the Best Media Streaming Server despite a few glitches. Unfortunately, PlayOn is only compatible with Windows, leaving out users of Linux and iOS and those who own NAS devices.
Furthermore, it specializes in the streams you often use to find new material rather than in the skilled management of your files. In other words, it functions something like a network-wide Roku.
Rest assured, as with any media server, you may continue contributing local material to our PlayOn library, including movies, music, and images. On the other hand, PlayOn is more concerned with offering a variety of free and paid streaming options. This includes all leading TV networks, Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, Comedy Central, and over 100 channels.
The PlayOn user interface is pretty well-designed, making navigating this vast collection simple. I liked using the PlayMark extension to stream movies from my favorite online feeds, and I also found the bookmark option to help monitor daily broadcasts.
Features:
- Record Anything.
- Unlimited Recordings and downloads.
- Watch on Your TV.
- Mobile Access.
- Show Subscriptions.
- Off-Peak Recording.
- Closed Captioning Support.
Pricing:
- 100 GB: $4.99/month.
- 500 GB: $9.99/month.
- 1 TB: $16.99/month.
- 2 TB: $29.99/month.
- 4 TB: $49.99/month.
9. OSMC
An open-source, cost-free media center called OSMC is made to provide you with a high level of amusement. Enjoy movies, TV series, photos, videos, and music with information on the year, actors, genres, singers, directors, and more shown.
In addition to being very user-friendly and straightforward, OSMC has a gorgeous appearance. You can trust it since it is safe and open-source. Debian Linux and Kodi Media Center are also the foundations of OSMC.
You may remotely personalize your video streaming experience using OSMC’s App Store to suit your preferences. Most media formats, including MP4, from various streaming protocols and across devices may be played by it.
You can also access Vero 4K+, the OSMC flagship device, which supports 10-bit content, HD audio, HEVC, and full 4K playback.
Features:
- Simple yet interactive UI.
- Many Add-ons.
- Open-source application.
- Fast download feature.
- Development notifications.
- Works with Windows, Linux, and macOS X.
Pricing: Free.
What To Look for in a Media Server
With so many Media Server Software available in the market, choosing one can be challenging. Consider these things before finalizing one:
Compatibility with devices: When choosing a media server, it’s important to take your present home electronics into account. You should be able to easily connect your computers, smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones to the media server. This implies it should work with various operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Storage capacity: A media server’s storage capacity is yet another crucial feature to consider. The quantity and quality of the media files you save will determine how big your library becomes. Music, films, TV series, and images may all be stored on a media server with a vast capacity.
UI: The media server’s user interface will be your media library management platform. Your media files should be simple to utilize, browse, and arrange. Some media servers come with mobile apps, so you may use your tablet or smartphone to control the server.
Streaming quality: The media server’s streaming quality is another crucial thing to consider. Your media files should be streamed in high definition via the server without latency or buffering. This is particularly crucial if you want to view TV series or movies in 4K quality.
Price: The price of a media server might vary greatly depending on its features and capacity. Before going media server shopping, it’s critical to establish a budget and evaluate the costs of many models to choose which one best suits your needs.
FAQ
Q: Can I use Media Server Software for free?
A: Some options mentioned here are open-source and free. Others offer a free version/ trial.
Q: Is it possible to watch live TV on my media server?
A: Some media servers can broadcast live TV, such as Plex and Emby. However, you’ll need a compatible antenna and TV tuner to utilize this function.
Q: Does operating a media server need high technical expertise?
A: Although setting up your media server may initially require some technical expertise, many media servers include user-friendly interfaces that simplify managing your media assets.