Uncovering the Best Universal Media Server Alternatives for Seamless Streaming
Universal Media Server is a robust media server designed to serve videos, audio, and images to any DLNA-capable device, supporting a wide range of operating systems like Windows, OS X, and Linux, and streaming to various devices including PlayStation, Xbox, and smart TVs. While a powerful tool, users often seek alternatives for enhanced features, different platform support, or specific user interface preferences. This article explores the top Universal Media Server alternatives to help you find the perfect fit for your home media setup.
Top Universal Media Server Alternatives
Whether you're looking for more advanced features, broader device compatibility, or a simpler interface, these Universal Media Server alternatives offer a diverse range of options to elevate your media streaming experience.
Plex
Plex is a popular freemium media server that beautifully bridges your computer and home theater, offering a visually appealing user interface and instant access to your media. It’s an excellent Universal Media Server alternative for users on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, and a plethora of other devices, boasting features like media transcoding, remote media access, automatic library search, and even offline sync of media files, making it a comprehensive solution for managing and streaming your digital content.
OSMC
OSMC (Open Source Media Center) is a free and open-source media player based on Linux, designed specifically for TVs. As a robust Universal Media Server alternative, it allows you to play back media from your local network and attached storage. It's available for Apple TV and Raspberry Pi, functioning as a complete operating system tailored for a seamless media center experience, including music and video streaming.
Infuse
Infuse is a freemium video player that excels in playing almost any video format on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV without the need for file conversion. It’s a fantastic Universal Media Server alternative for Apple device users, offering vast format support, DLNA support for network streaming, metadata search, and comprehensive subtitle and TV show metadata support.
MiniDLNA
MiniDLNA (aka ReadyDLNA) is a free, open-source server software primarily for Linux, designed to be fully compliant with DLNA/UPnP-AV clients. It's a lightweight and efficient Universal Media Server alternative, focusing on core DLNA server functionalities for seamless media sharing across your network.
Serviio
Serviio is a freemium media server available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It allows you to stream your media files (music, video, or images) to any DLNA-certified renderer device, similar to Universal Media Server. Key features include creating playlists, robust DLNA support, raw photo processing, and excellent support for subtitles and various media streaming capabilities for devices like PlayStation and Xbox.
PS3 Media Server
PS3 Media Server is a free and open-source DLNA compliant UPnP Media Server written in Java, designed primarily for the PS3 but also compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. It’s a direct Universal Media Server alternative focusing on streaming or transcoding media to DLNA-capable devices, providing essential media server functionalities.
Squire
Squire is a commercial media center for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV that streams movies and shows from torrents or local files. While different in its approach, it offers a unique Universal Media Server alternative for Apple users who want an always-running menu bar app to manage and stream their video content, especially to Apple TV.
Gerbera
Gerbera is a free and open-source UPnP media server for Linux, forked from the MediaTomb project. It serves as a reliable Universal Media Server alternative, focusing on efficient media streaming across your home network.
MediaTomb
MediaTomb is an open-source (GPL) UPnP MediaServer with a web user interface, available for Mac and Linux. While discontinued, it was a popular Universal Media Server alternative allowing users to stream their digital media through their home network and listen. Its legacy lives on through projects like Gerbera, offering core DLNA server and media streaming functionalities.
With a wide array of options available, exploring these Universal Media Server alternatives will help you discover the perfect media server that aligns with your specific needs, devices, and preferences, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable media streaming experience at home.