Gerbera

Self-Hosted

Open-source UPnP/DLNA media streaming server

Overview

Gerbera lets you stream local videos, music, and photos to UPnP/DLNA-compatible devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile apps. It organizes media with metadata, playlists, and custom categories. Deployment options include Docker (simplest), binary packages for Linux/Windows, or source builds. Key features include a web UI for management, optional transcoding, and support for diverse file formats. Ideal for self-hosting, it enables private access to your media library across your home network.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  gerbera:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: gerbera
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Stream media to UPnP/DLNA-compatible devices (smart TVs, consoles, mobiles)
Metadata-driven media organization with playlists and custom categories
Docker deployment and web-based administration interface

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Gerbera hard to install?

Gerbera is easy to install via Docker (one command) or binary packages for Linux/Windows. Basic setup takes minutes, though advanced configurations (like enabling transcoding) may need some technical knowledge.

? Is Gerbera a good alternative to Plex?

Yes, for users prioritizing open-source software and UPnP/DLNA streaming. Unlike Plex, it doesn’t require an account or subscription, but lacks Plex’s cross-platform app ecosystem and cloud sync features.

? Is Gerbera completely free?

Yes! Gerbera is licensed under the GPLv2, so it’s completely free to use, modify, and distribute without any hidden costs or subscription fees.

Top Alternatives

Plex Media Server Search Google

Emby Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Media Streaming - Multimedia Streaming

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosting (no third-party data sharing)
⊕ No subscription fees (100% open source)

Cons

⊖ Advanced features like transcoding require manual configuration
⊖ Limited to UPnP/DLNA-compatible devices natively