Jellyfin

Self-Hosted

Open-source media server for streaming your personal content

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Overview

Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server that lets you organize and stream your personal collection of movies, TV shows, music, photos, and more to any device. It supports cross-platform access (web, mobile, smart TVs, gaming consoles) and offers features like metadata scraping, subtitle management, parental controls, and live TV/DVR integration. Deployable via Docker, bare metal, or NAS devices, it prioritizes user privacy by keeping data local—no subscriptions or third-party tracking. It’s community-driven, with regular updates and a plugin ecosystem to extend functionality.

Key Features

  • Organize and stream personal media (movies, TV, music, photos)
  • Cross-platform support for web, mobile, smart TVs, and gaming consoles
  • Metadata scraping & subtitle management
  • Live TV/DVR integration
  • Plugin ecosystem for extended functionality

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Jellyfin hard to install?

Jellyfin is relatively easy to install using Docker (recommended for most users) which simplifies setup. Pre-built packages are also available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and NAS devices. Beginners can follow official documentation or community guides to get it running quickly.

? Is Jellyfin a good alternative to Plex?

Yes—Jellyfin is an excellent open-source alternative to Plex. It offers core features like media streaming and organization without Plex’s subscription-based restrictions (e.g., mobile sync, live TV in free tiers) and keeps your data local for better privacy. However, Plex may have more polished third-party app support in some cases.

? Is Jellyfin completely free?

Yes—Jellyfin is 100% free and open-source. There are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or premium tiers. All features (including live TV/DVR, plugin support, and cross-platform streaming) are available to everyone at no cost.

Top Alternatives

Plex Search Google
Emby Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source
Category Media Streaming - Multimedia Streaming
Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

  • ⊕ Privacy-focused (no third-party tracking or data sharing)
  • ⊕ No subscription fees or premium tier restrictions
  • ⊕ Open-source & community-driven development
  • ⊕ Cross-platform compatibility

Cons

  • ⊖ Requires server setup (technical for beginners)
  • ⊖ Metadata may need manual adjustments occasionally
  • ⊖ Community plugin stability varies

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