Meelo
Self-HostedOpen-source self-hosted multimedia streaming server
Overview
Meelo is an open-source self-hosted multimedia streaming server that lets you access your personal media library (videos, music, photos) from any device, anywhere. It automatically organizes media with metadata (posters, synopses), supports real-time transcoding for compatibility with phones, TVs, and browsers, and includes user management with role-based access controls. Deploy via Docker for a hassle-free setup, or manually install on Linux systems. It integrates with DLNA/UPnP for local streaming and offers secure remote access, giving you full control over your media without relying on third-party services.
Key Features
- Stream videos, music, and photos across devices
- Automatic metadata fetching & media organization
- Real-time transcoding for device compatibility
- User management with role-based access controls
- Docker deployment for easy setup
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Meelo hard to install?
Meelo is straightforward to install using Docker—just a single command sets up the server with all dependencies. Manual installation requires basic Linux knowledge (e.g., installing packages), but Docker is the recommended method for most users to minimize setup time.
? Is it a good alternative to Plex?
Yes! Meelo provides core streaming features like transcoding, metadata management, and cross-device access without Plex’s paid premium tiers. It’s open-source, so you retain full control over your media data, though it has fewer third-party plugins than Plex.
? Is it completely free?
Absolutely—Meelo is 100% open-source and free to use. All features, including transcoding, user management, and remote access, are available without any hidden costs or subscriptions.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (no third-party data sharing)
- ⊕ Free & open-source (no subscription fees)
- ⊕ Supports DLNA/UPnP for local device integration
- ⊕ Clean, intuitive user interface
Cons
- ⊖ Requires server resources (especially for transcoding)
- ⊖ Limited plugin ecosystem compared to Plex
- ⊖ Manual setup may challenge beginners (Docker recommended)