6 Best Media Center Software in 2024

If you like watching and listening to different content on Hulu, Netflix, and Spotify, why not create your personal collection of favorite audio and video files with the help of the best media center software? Such programs make it possible to turn a huge library of DVD and Blu-ray disks, as well as CD and vinyl rips into one curated assembly and access it virtually from anywhere.

Top 6 Media Center Software

  1. Plex - Tons of compatible client devices
  2. Emby - Highly customizable
  3. PlayOn - Saves videos from streaming services
  4. Subsonic - On-the-fly re-sampling
  5. Airsonic - DLNA built in
  6. Kodi - Massive add-on library

The majority of software integrates with streaming services, but it is better to use them if you already have a large media collection and want to arrange and access files in a curated manner. So, have a closer look at the software we’ve picked and choose those that perfectly meet your needs.

1. Plex - Our Choice

Tons of compatible client devices
  • Podcast aggregator
  • Tidal integration
  • Capable free version
  • Easy setup
  • No HTPC support

Verdict: Plex is one of the best TV recording software that can control any video or audio stream and also can make your internet faster. You will have a great deal of control over the videos and audios that you use on your Plex system.

One of the best features that you should be able to take advantage of is the ability to stream all of your music and photos right from your computer to your TV.

plex interface

2. Emby

Highly customizable
  • Multiple operating systems
  • Robust metadata editing capabilities
  • Importing IPTV playlists
  • Remote streaming connection issue

Verdict: If you have a large system that requires media access but you do not want to invest in expensive DVR equipment then the best media center software solution for you would be Emby. The great thing about Emby is that it is extremely affordable so you will not have to worry about breaking the bank when you buy this product.

In addition to that, the interface used by Emby is easy to use and intuitive so anyone can manage their own media. Therefore, no matter what type of networked system you have or what type of multimedia you want to stream you will be able to find software that works with it.

emby interface

3. PlayOn

Saves videos from streaming services
  • Unlimited recordings
  • Easy to use and set up
  • Downloads never expire
  • Only Win

Verdict: PlayOn is a great video streaming service for anyone looking for an easy way to set up their home entertainment system. The software will manage all of your video games, picture and sound formats, as well as your Internet services such as DSL or cable Internet.

It is designed in such a way that it is very easy to use even for those who have never had experience with setting up a home entertainment system before. It does not matter whether you are setting up an older system or a newer one, PlayOn should be able to help you successfully get everything up and running without complications.

playon media center software interface

4. Subsonic

On-the-fly re-sampling
  • On-the-fly MP3 conversion
  • Support for ratings
  • Great for music, movies, TV shows
  • Allows apps pre-caching of tracks
  • No longer open source

Verdict: Subsonic provides a streamlined means of delivering your service without having to deal with the technical issues of configuring and deploying a conventional dial up server. Subsonic is an application that deliver full bandwidth capability using a single ISDN connection, and is ideal for the client hosted VoIP service industry.

The software has the ability to deliver audio and video over the Internet in real time, which makes it ideal for both SIP based client hosted VoIP services as well as CD RTP VoIP services. Subsonic technology utilizes the application of streaming compression technology to deliver streaming audio and video content through the use of a single IP Cable.

subsonic media center software interface

5. Airsonic

DLNA built in
  • Open source and free
  • Can provide cover art
  • Highly customizable
  • Users must beware of malicious add-ons

Verdict: Airsonic is the solution to all your electronic media needs. It provides you a great means to stream audio and video. This streaming video recorder offers a complete solution for your online entertainment.

airsonic media center software interface

6. Kodi

Massive add-on library
  • Automatic backups
  • Notifications if backups fail
  • Easy restore process
  • Weak functionality

Verdict: Kodi media center software has a number of great features such as multi-room video transcoding, better audio decoding, enhanced video and sound effects, and a plethora of other features. Kodi is able to serve the latest devices and operating systems because of the major version.

Once you have installed this software, you can watch movies on Kodi with add-ons.

kodi media center software interface
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