Every web browser wants to be able to stream audio, video, photos and music endlessly. And it's a pleasure to be able to do it smoothly. We all have a collection of some kind of media (music, photos or videos) on our computers and cell phones which can be played later as per our convenience. Then, to stream these archived media, a home media server does the job.
DLNA servers are the types of home media servers we are talking about. Using these servers, you can stream or share multimedia content between multiple devices without the need for any manual configuration. Whether it's your iPhone, game console or Android phone, the DLNA server establishes a connection between these devices and lets you share your favorite media files. It basically turns your PC into a powerful home media streaming center, allowing you to stream media throughout your home wirelessly.
So, if you're wondering where to find the best DLNA server software for your needs, here's a master list to start with.
If you are looking for software that can beautify your entertainment space, Kodi Open Source home theater software may be the best choice for you. The program offers unlimited features on a user-friendly and attractive interface that brings your stored media files to life. Plus, it also offers a support forum or community awash with questions, answers, and tips from people around the world.
What's more? It also features a huge catalog of community add-ons that you have access to. You can customize and further adapt these catalogs to organize a perfect entertainment picture. Whether you own a smart TV or a smartphone, with Kodi you have entertainment at your fingertips. Works with all major platforms including Windows, Mac OSX, iOS, Android, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.
Price: free and open source
PLEX Media Server offers some great features and works with most platforms like Windows, Linux, Mac, Docker, Synology, Qnap, Netgear, Seagate, etc. The software allows you to stream your favorite live TV, web programs, podcasts, video news along with personally saved media files, to your mobile device or computer screen.
The software gathers all your media files in one place and allows you to stream them to all your devices. Among its other features are:
- Live TV and DVR that let you watch live and recorded TV on all your devices;
- offers access to Tidal's vast collection of songs (59 million), 250.000 music videos and other original media;
- allows access to podcasts, web shows, news and more in one app;
- organize your personal media that can be streamed to any device, anywhere.
Price: 30-day free trial available; the upgrade starts at $ 4,99
Streaming, recording and broadcasting your favorite media is smooth as silk with PlayOn. It allows you to record movies and TV shows which you can add to your list of titles to watch later. It also allows you to stream to any device like PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, etc. Among its other main features are:
- offers a free mobile app that allows you to record or watch a show anywhere in the world;
- allows you to reproduce the recorded show without advertising;
- automatically record new episodes of your favorite shows;
- allows you to record a series with just one click;
- allows you to set the recording hours in advance;
- Automatically send recordings or a series to iTunes with a single click.
For further assistance, they have a great support team available to help you with any concerns.
Price: 7-day free trial available; upgrade available for $ 1,99 / month
Serviio allows users to stream various media files such as photos, videos and music to multiple devices including TV, smartphone, game console or Bluray player within the home network. While the free version offers connectivity to multiple devices, the pro version offers advanced possibilities for sharing multimedia content for the whole family.
The best part of Serviio is that it is compatible with different devices within your family such as smartphones, TVs, tablets, Xbox, Playstation 3 and others. It aims to increase the potential of devices and / or reduce the shortage of media playback support by providing support for profiles for specific devices.
Furthermore, it allows you to access files on the go with the pro version and also allows you to control it simply by using your voice. Based on Java, it works with all major platforms such as Windows, Mac and Linux.
Price: free version available; Pro available for $ 25
Feature-rich, Subsonic can be accessed via browser. It allows you to access music from anywhere with an internet connection around. Some of its main advantages are:
- it is open source software;
- the playlists it creates can be shared with others;
- offers in-place resampling where bitrates can be minimized on-site using the ffmpeg encoder;
- allows you to create a playlist and cache songs in advance on mobile phones;
- works as Podcast, Chromecast, Sonos receiver, jukebox mode, multiple frontend and so on.
Works with all major platforms such as Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.
Price: $ 1 per month.
Universal Media Server, a DLNA compatible UPnP media server, was initially based on the PS3 media server. It works with all major operating systems which include Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. The interesting thing is that the software can stream various media formats with little or no configuration.
UMS is managed by MEncoder, FFmpeg, tsMuxeR and others, which combine to provide support for a variety of multimedia formats. It works with different devices like, PS3, Xbox, TV, smartphone and so on.
Price: free and open source
For music lovers, the free and open source Ampache is a great catch. It is a web-based application that offers audio / video streaming services. It is also a file manager that allows you to access your music and videos from any location and on any device, which supports internet connection. Among its main features are:
- allows you to browse and manage your music collection on your PC using a simple web interface. Using this interface, you can also synchronize native and remote catalogs to an exclusive and persistent collection;
- allows you to stream selected tracks on your favorite player, manage them using Localplay or directly listen to the tracks on the web page using the HTML5 player;
- allows you to listen to your favorite numbers from any device such as, smartphone, TV or tablet.
Price: free and open source
Emby Medi Server helps you to easily transfer your music to any device. It brings together your entire media collection (music, photos and videos) in one place, where it automatically converts your media files on the go to any device and streams them directly there. Some of its main features include:
- makes it easier for you to take full advantage of personally saved media files in any location. It doesn't involve the hassle of using the IP address and rather, you can just log in and start playing;
- offers support for live TV and streams it to any device, control your DVR and take full advantage of your collection of recordings;
- allows you to control access for your children, allowing you to remotely monitor and control their sessions as per your choice.
Plus, it automatically organizes your personal media files into stylish and attractive displays. Most importantly, it keeps you informed of server activity depending on events and actions that are crucial to you.
Price: Starts at $ 4,99 / month
PS3MediaServer is a DLNA server written in Java that helps you stream or transcode any media file format, with little or no configuration. The program is supported by the Mplayer and FFmpeg packages. The best part is that it requires no codec packs to install, no folder configuration and pre-analysis or any other hassle.
All media folders on your PC are explored directly from the PS3. It updates automatically and offers real-time video transcoding via MEncoder.
Price: free
MediaPortal claims to offer the best multimedia experience by converting your PC into a virtually complete multimedia solution. The program is powered by basic hardware that instantly plugs into your TV and displays all your photos, music, movies and TV shows in a very convincing way. You can even use the program with your projector for a better experience.
Some of its significant features are:
- lets you watch, schedule and record live TV for free;
- allows you to play movies, DVDs, videos and Blu-Ray discs;
- allows you to listen to the radio and your favorite music;
- allows you to enjoy photos, home videos or even create slideshows for fun;
- allows you to stream multimedia content, TV and radio to any other PC connected to the network;
- helps you to use a remote control sitting from your bed;
- allows you to get detailed updates with news, weather and more;
- allows you to access the software from mobile phones or directly on the web.
It also offers many plugins and skins for advanced tasks like monitoring your HTPC, streaming web TV or YouTube videos, and more.
Price: free and open source
MediaTomb is another great open source DLNA server based on UPnP media server which is accompanied by a pretty good web interface. It allows you to stream your personal media files using your home network connection and then watch or listen to them on different UPnP-based devices.
As a user, you can stream your personal media content to devices such as PlayStation 3. As this is Ubuntu-based software, you may have to look for alternatives to be able to stream to different devices.
Price: free and open source
Those looking for free and open source DLNA server software, MEEDIOS can be a great option. It is specially designed to manage and display all your digital media in one detailed package. The program offers full multimedia support, unlimited customization and a rich interface that can be used by the whole family. Some of the supported media include photos, music, TV shows, online media, web browsing, games and so on.
In addition, it also supports playback of these media on most formats and media which include physical, digital and web-based formats.
Price: free and open source
LXiMediaCenter is a DLNA based server that streams or transcodes your favorite media (photos, videos, music and TV shows) to various DLNA compatible TVs and media players such as, PS3, Xbox 360 and Streamium.
The interesting thing is that the program also provides support for subtitles and choice of audio language. It allows you to play your favorite digital media on any device you want.
Price: free
OpenFLIXR Media Server
OpenFLIXR Media Server is a full-featured media server that automatically downloads and manages media files. Whether it's any app (Couchpotato, Plex or SickRage), show all your media files. The best part is, whether it's a TV, PC, or cell phone, it streams to any device you can think of. It is a completely web-based software that includes tools for monitoring and management.
While it can keep all your media up to date and ensure they run smoothly using intelligent auto update, it can also run on any platform as it is a virtual app.
Price: free and open source
OSMC Media Center is a free and open source DLNA based media server designed for people, by people. It is a simple and easy to use software with an attractive appearance. It is based on Debian Linux and Kodi Media Center. In addition, it offers an app store that allows you to customize your experience with the program to your tastes and all using the remote control.
The program plays almost all major media formats available from different devices and streaming codes.
Price: free and open source
Conclusion
Choose from the complete list of best DLNA server software above and enhance your streaming experience.
