Kodi alternatives are other apps for playing and organising your own video and music collection. Lightweight media players open almost any file on one device, while media servers store your library once and stream it to your TV, phone and laptop. Choose a player if you watch on one computer, and a server if the family watches on several screens.
Kodi is a brilliant media centre, but it isn't for everyone. Some people find the setup fiddly, some only need a player that opens any file, and some want their library on every screen in the house.
Here are ten Kodi alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically: free video players for one device and media servers for a whole household. Every description comes from the project's own website, re-checked today.
The first question is simple. Where do you watch? If it's one laptop, a good player is all you need. If it's the living room TV, the kids' tablets and your phone, a media server saves you copying files around.
One more thing before you choose: none of these apps come with films or shows. They play what you already own, which matters more than people think.
Kodi alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site or store listing describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Free versions usually come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celluloid | Video player for Linux | Simple playback on Linux desktops | Yes |
| Emby | Media server | Streaming a library to many devices | Yes |
| IINA | Video player for Mac | Native-feeling playback on a Mac | Yes |
| Jellyfin | Open-source media server | Self-hosted streaming with no account | Yes |
| MPC-HC | Video player for Windows | Light, fast playback on older PCs | Yes |
| MPV | Command-line friendly player | Minimal, scriptable video playback | Yes |
| Plex | Media server and streaming app | Polished apps on smart TVs | Yes |
| PotPlayer | Video player for Windows | Detailed playback settings | Yes |
| SMPlayer | Video player | Remembering where you stopped | Yes |
| VLC | Cross-platform media player | Opening almost any file anywhere | Yes |
Ten Kodi alternatives worth a look
Celluloid
Best for: Linux users who want a clean, simple video player for local files.
Emby
Best for: Households who want one media library streamed to TVs, phones and tablets.
IINA
Best for: Mac users who want a modern player that feels at home on macOS.
Jellyfin
Best for: People who want a free, self-hosted media server they control completely.
MPC-HC
Best for: Windows users with older or slower PCs who want a light, fast player.
MPV
Best for: Tinkerers who want a minimal player they can configure and script.
Plex
Best for: Families who want a polished media server with apps on most smart TVs.
PotPlayer
Best for: Windows users who like fine control over subtitles, audio and video settings.
SMPlayer
Best for: Viewers who want a player that remembers where they stopped in every file.
VLC
Best for: Anyone who wants one player that opens almost any file on any device.
What Kodi is, and what it doesn't include
Kodi's own About page describes it as a media centre that brings your digital media together, and says it's 100% free and open source, supported by a team of volunteers. The same page states plainly that Kodi does not provide any media content or sources, and the alternatives here don't either.
So treat any app or add-on that promises free films and live channels with caution. The tools on this list are for playing your own files, recordings and music, which is exactly what they're good at.
Player or media server: which do you need?
- One screen: a desktop video player is quicker to set up.
- Several screens: a media server streams one library everywhere.
- Old hardware: lighter players run well on older machines.
- Subtitles: check how each app finds and styles subtitle files.
- Remote watching: some servers let you watch away from home, with limits.
Setting up a home media library
- Put all your films, shows and music in clearly named folders.
- Choose one computer or storage drive to hold the library.
- Install a media server or player and point it at those folders.
- Let it scan and match artwork, then fix any mismatches.
- Install the matching app on your TV and phones and test playback.
A word on watching together
A media server shines on family film nights, when everyone can pick from the same library on the big screen. If you're planning a full evening in, my list of board game apps for family night pairs nicely with it.
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Do you make media players or media servers? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on replacing Kodi
If you only watch on a laptop, install a good free player and stop there. You don't need a server for that.
If the whole family watches on different screens, a media server is worth the hour it takes to set up. Name your folders clearly first, because a tidy library makes every app on this list work better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Kodi?
It depends on how you watch. Players suit one device, while media servers suit several screens.
Is Kodi free?
Kodi's own site says it's 100% free and open source.
Does Kodi come with films and TV shows?
No. Kodi plays your own media, and so do the alternatives on this list.
What's the difference between a media player and a media server?
A player opens files on one device. A server stores your library and streams it to other devices.
Can I use these apps on a smart TV?
Media servers usually have TV apps. Desktop players run on computers.
Which Kodi alternative works on a Mac?
Several players and servers on this list support macOS.
Is there an open-source alternative to Kodi?
Yes. Several players and at least one media server here are open source.
Can I watch my library away from home?
Some media servers allow remote streaming, depending on your setup and plan.
Do these apps play subtitles?
Most do. Check how each one finds and styles subtitle files.
Can I keep using Kodi alongside another app?
Yes. Many people use a server for the TV and a player on their laptop.
What file types can these players open?
Most open common video and audio formats, and some open almost anything.
Do I need a powerful computer for a media server?
Not always. A modest machine can serve a home library, though converting video takes more power.
