Music Player Daemon

Self-Hosted

Open-source audio streaming daemon for centralized music playback

Overview

Music Player Daemon (MPD) is a lightweight, server-side audio player enabling streaming and management of local music libraries across devices. It supports FLAC, MP3, OGG, and more formats, integrating with desktop/mobile/web clients for control. Deployable via package managers or Docker, MPD keeps media centralized while allowing remote access. Features include playlist management, metadata editing, and gapless playback—ideal for privacy-focused self-hosted audio setups.

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:
  mpd:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: mpd
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Centralized music library management
Wide audio format compatibility
Support for multiple client interfaces
Gapless playback and metadata handling

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Music Player Daemon hard to install?

MPD can be installed via package managers (apt, brew) or Docker for simplified deployment. Initial setup (media directories, network access) may require editing a config file, but guides and client tools help beginners navigate the process easily.

? Is it a good alternative to Spotify?

MPD is a self-hosted alternative for your local library, unlike Spotify’s cloud streaming. It offers full control and no subscriptions but lacks curated playlists or online radio—ideal if you prioritize owning your music over external content.

? Is it completely free?

Yes, MPD is open-source under the GPL license. It’s free to use, modify, and distribute without any hidden costs or subscription fees.

Top Alternatives

Spotify Compare

Apple Music Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Media Streaming - Audio Streaming

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no cloud dependency)
⊕ Lightweight resource usage
⊕ Extensive client ecosystem
⊕ Full control over music collection

Cons

⊖ Requires separate client for interaction
⊖ Initial configuration may need manual setup
⊖ No built-in UI for direct control
⊖ Lacks curated streaming content like proprietary services