If you’re looking for the best Kodi Alternatives, you’ll be happy to know that there are many to choose from. Kodi is a famous media center app that is known for being easy to use and flexible. It’s free, open-source, can be changed, and works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and tvOS, among other platforms. Even though Kodi is a great choice, there are other media center apps that are just as good or even better. Plex, Emby, and OSMC are some of the most well-known options. But if you want the best option to Kodi, look no further than Stremio. Stremio is free and works on all devices. It also has a wide range of add-ons that can greatly improve your viewing experience.
Kodi is a famous online platform for streaming movies, TV shows, live TV, sports, and even small games. You can also use Kodi to manage all the material you have downloaded. The best thing about this streaming tool is that it is open source and you can add different add-ons from other companies. But the only bad thing about Kodi is that it has a hard-to-use layout and takes time to learn. So, if you are new to the site, it might be hard to learn how to use its features. With this in mind, we have put together a list of the best options to Kodi that you can try in 2022. So, let’s get going without further ado.
What is Kodi?
Kodi is open-source software for a media player that lets you organize, stream, and play media on different platforms. It was first made in 2002 as XBMC, which stood for Xbox Media Center. It was made to run on the first-generation Xbox game console. Since then, it has grown into a flexible multimedia platform that can be run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and other operating systems.
Benefits of using a Kodi alternative
🔒 Better privacy: Kodi’s options often put user privacy and data security first, which makes data collection and tracking less likely than with Kodi, which is open source.
🖥️ Interface that’s easy to use: Many Kodi alternatives have easier-to-use interfaces that make it easier for people with different levels of technology knowledge to find and watch media.
🔌 Preconfigured Add-Ons: Some alternatives come with add-ons and repositories that are already set up. This makes it easier to access and stream material without having to do a lot of setting up or customizing.
🔄 Regular Updates: Kodi alternatives may get updates and changes more often, making sure that the media center experience is more stable and reliable with fewer bugs and problems.
⚖️ Legal Considerations: Using an alternative to Kodi may help users stay out of trouble with the law when it comes to certain third-party add-ons and content sources, since some alternatives put copyright laws and licensing deals first.
Best Kodi Alternatives Comparison Table
Kodi Alternatives: If you want an alternative to Kodi that works like a media center, you have a few choices. Plex is a good option for managing and streaming video that is easy to use. Emby has a server-client setup that can be changed, and Jellyfin is a free, open-source option. Also, Infuse is made for Apple users, which makes sure that the media experience is smooth.
| Feature | Stremio | Jellyfin | Emby | Plex | MediaPortal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Streaming Software | Media Server | Media Server | Media Server | Media Center |
| User Interface | User-Friendly, Modern | Web and App UI | Web and App UI | User-Friendly, Modern | Media Center UI |
| Content Sources | Add-ons, Torrents | Local Media, Plugins | Local Media, Plugins | Local Media, Plugins | Local Media, Plugins |
| Media Organization | Metadata Scraping | Metadata Fetching | Metadata Fetching | Metadata Fetching | Metadata Scraping |
| Cross-Platform | Yes (Web and Apps) | Yes | Yes | Yes (Wide Support) | Windows |
| Offline Viewing | Limited (Downloads) | Yes | Yes | Yes (Syncing) | Limited (Downloads) |
| Plugins/Extensions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Freemium | Free | Freemium | Freemium | Free |
Stremio
Features
- Stream and organize your favorite movies, TV shows, and web series.
- Supports add-ons for easy access to content from various sources.
- User-friendly interface with a calendar for tracking new episodes.
- Cross-platform compatibility, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
- Library synchronization for a seamless viewing experience across devices.
Some things about Stremio are like Kodi. It is one of the best options to Kodi because of this. Stremio is also a cross-platform media service that lets you watch movies, shows, live TV, and more. On many devices, you can get it through the official methods, and on others, you can easily load it from the side. Overall, this is one of the best Kodi Alternatives you can consider now.
Pros
- Sleek and user-friendly interface.
- Centralized library management.
- Wide range of add-ons and content sources.
- Supports both local and online streaming.
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to Kodi.
- Smaller community and fewer third-party add-ons.
Jellyfin
Features
- An open-source media server for managing and streaming media content.
- Provides a central hub for accessing movies, music, TV shows, and more.
- User-friendly web interface for easy navigation and media playback.
- Supports multiple user profiles with customizable access permissions.
- Offers media transcoding and direct streaming to various devices.
Jellyfin is a free software media system that lets you manage and stream your media the way you want. It is an alternative to the closed-source Emby and Plex, which are used to send media from a dedicated server to the devices of end users through various apps. Jellyfin’s family tree goes back to Emby’s 3. Overall, this is one of the best Kodi Alternatives you can consider now.
Pros
- Open-source and free to use.
- Excellent media server capabilities.
- Strong emphasis on privacy and data control.
- Active and growing community.
Cons
- May require technical expertise to set up.
- Fewer client applications compared to Plex.
Emby
Features
- Media server with support for organizing and streaming your media collection.
- Offers live TV and DVR capabilities for cord-cutting enthusiasts.
- Cross-platform compatibility for accessing content on various devices.
- Allows media sharing with friends and family via Emby Connect.
- Plugins and add-ons enhance functionality and extend media support.
Emby is a personal media server platform that lets you add all of your music, home videos, photos, and live TV and instantly converts them so you can stream and play them on any device.To use Emby, you must first download and install the server, then download the Emby app for your device, sign up, and then view your media.
Emby has a Supported Server, so you can use it on more than one operating system, Docker, NASes, and game consoles, which you can’t do with Kodi. Still, this is one of the best Kodi Alternatives you can consider now.
Pros
- Robust media server features.
- Extensive library management and organization tools.
- Multiple client applications and platform support.
- Live TV and DVR capabilities.
Cons
- Some features are locked behind a paid subscription.
- User interface can be less intuitive for beginners.
Plex
Features
- Media server and player for organizing and streaming your content.
- User-friendly interface with personalized libraries and recommendations.
- Remote access to your media library from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Supports a wide range of platforms, including smart TVs and streaming devices.
- Offers offline sync for enjoying media without an internet connection.
Plex is another great option to Kodi. It has more than 50,000 free on-demand titles and more than 250 live TV channels from all over the world. Even though it’s free, the range is pretty good, and the ads don’t pop up too often to be annoying. During tests, famous movies like Freeway, Journey’s End, A Christmas Carol, Walking Tall, Baby on Board, and Ben played without any lag. Thus, this is one of the best Kodi Alternatives you can consider now.
Pros
- User-friendly and polished interface.
- Broad platform and device support.
- Media server and client in one.
- Rich ecosystem of add-ons and plugins.
Cons
- Some advanced features require a premium subscription.
- Dependency on a Plex account for remote access.
Media Portal
Features
- Open-source media center software for Windows.
- Allows you to watch, schedule, and record live TV.
- Supports a variety of plugins and extensions for added functionality.
- Customizable interface with skinning options.
- Integration with online resources and media libraries.
Media Portal is an open-source media tool that can turn your computer into a hub for all kinds of media. It’s easy to connect to other devices like your TV, DVD player, projector, or Blue-ray player, and it makes it easier to organize your media. Media Portal is only available for Windows right now, but it can run on devices with only average hardware. This means that it doesn’t use a lot of resources. Overall, this is one of the best Kodi Alternatives you can consider now.
Pros
- Designed specifically for media center PCs.
- Highly customizable and extensible.
- Support for live TV and recording.
- Open-source and actively developed.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for configuration.
- Less user-friendly for non-technical users.
How to choose the right Kodi alternative
📺 Media Compatibility: Ensure that the alternative can play the video, music, and streaming formats you want to use.
🎨 User design: Opt for a different option with a design that is easy to use and fits your needs.
🔌 Add-Ons and Plugins: Seek alternatives that have a wide range of add-ons and plugins to expand functionality and access more material.
🖥️ Compatibility with your devices: Verify if the option works with your PC, smartphone, or set-top box.
👥 Community Support: Select an alternative that has a busy and helpful user community that can help you fix problems and get updates.
FAQs
Stremio is becoming one of the most popular media platforms out there and for good reason. This is perhaps the one Kodi alternative that comes closest to emulating the experience of using a more high-end streaming service like Netflix or HBO Go.
PVR IPTV Simple Client. PVR IPTV Simple Client is the basic IPTV Kodi add-on that most Kodi users will use. It comes pre-built into the Kodi app.
