Linux is not a server-specific or programmer specific operating systems anymore. You can use it for any purpose. Linux is a multipurpose operating system.
So, let’s talk about the media server software today. The media server can be used for media management, playing and streaming your music or videos, and so on.
Though the title is specific for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, You can use it for any Linux operating systems.
Best Media Server Software For Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
1. Plex
Plex is popular free to use Media server software for Linux with a beautiful user interface. Tidal, popular music streaming service is also integrated with the Plex server.
Download the .deb file from the official link and install it in your Linux.
2. Kodi
Kodi is an open-source media server software for Linux. We are using it in our office for media streaming and management. This is the best media server software for Linux.
How to install Kodi in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
Run the following commands to install Kodi in Ubuntu by adding the official PPA
sudo apt-get install software-properties-common sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install kodi
For other Linux operating systems, download the Kodi from the link below.
3. LibreELEC
LibreELEC is based on the Kodi media server. At the time of this article, LibreELEC 9.2.1 (Leia) is the latest version. It has also DRM support like the Kodi media server. You can download the LibreELEC for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or for any Linux based operating systems from the download link below.
4. Universal Media Server
Universal Media Server is a free, open-source, and cross-platform media server software. It is pretty simple and offers minimum features.
Download Universal Media Server
5. Jellyfin
Jellyfin is an opensource media server software and is a fork of Emby media server. It has no built-in tracking, and no central servers collecting your data. You can also run it via your web browser. It lets you watch your media from a web browser, apps on your Android, iOS (including AirPlay), Android TV, or Fire TV device, or via your Chromecast or existing Kodi installation.
6. Gerbera
Gerbera is another simple media server tool that can be used to stream services using your local network resources. It has also optional transcoding support feature which can convert your media to a format supported by your devices.
7. Emby
Emby is a powerful and advanced Media server software. It can automatically convert and streams your personal media play on any device. It even syncs your personal media to smartphones and tablets for easy offline access. For parents, It has also the feature like to create access schedules, time limits, and more.
Bonus Addition:
- MythTV : Open-source media server software, consider as an alternative to Windows Media Center or Tivo.
- Serviio: Based on Java technology, It can streams audio, video (SD & HD) and image files in their native format or transcoded in real-time, supports RAW camera images, supports automatic renderer detection and per-IP profile assignment and many more.
- Madsonic: It is a popular media server software. Web-based media library and media streamer with jukebox functionality. You can even make your own add-ons or scripts with the Madsonic’s API.
- OSMC: It is free and open-source software which was originally based on the KODI media server. OSMC is a beautifuly designed media center software that is also easy to use.
