Sonarr

Self-Hosted

Open-source TV show management and automation tool

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Overview

Sonarr automates downloading, organizing, and monitoring TV shows. It integrates with torrent clients (qBittorrent, Deluge) and Usenet providers, fetches metadata (posters, episode info), renames files for consistency, and alerts on new episodes. Deploy via Docker (most user-friendly), bare metal, or NAS (Synology/QNAP). Supports Linux, Windows, macOS, and has an intuitive web UI. Ideal for self-hosters wanting full control over their TV library without manual tracking or subscriptions.

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

Key Features

  • Automated TV show downloading & monitoring
  • Metadata and artwork management
  • Cross-platform deployment (Docker, NAS, bare metal)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Sonarr hard to install?

Sonarr is relatively easy to install, especially with Docker (a popular method for self-hosters). Most NAS devices (Synology, QNAP) have community packages or Docker support, simplifying deployment. Bare-metal setup requires downloading the appropriate binary for your OS and configuring it as a service.

? Is it a good alternative to proprietary media management tools?

Yes—Sonarr offers more control and customization than most proprietary tools (like Plex Pass's limited automation). It’s free, open-source, and integrates deeply with torrent/Usenet, making it ideal for users who want to manage their TV library without relying on cloud services.

? Is Sonarr completely free?

Sonarr is 100% free and open-source (licensed under GPLv3). There are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or paid tiers—all features are available to every user.

Top Alternatives

Media Center Master (proprietary) Search Google
Plex Pass (proprietary tier) Search Google

People Also Ask about Sonarr

Sonarr vs Media Center Master (proprietary)Sonarr vs Plex Pass (proprietary tier) Sonarr 2025 review Sonarr docker-compose example

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source
Category Media Management
Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

  • ⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted control)
  • ⊕ No subscription fees
  • ⊕ Seamless integration with torrent/Usenet tools

Cons

  • ⊖ Requires technical setup (Docker/NAS configuration)
  • ⊖ Dependent on external indexers/providers
  • ⊖ Learning curve for advanced settings

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