9 Best Free UPnP and DLNA Media Servers for Linux

If you're a Linux user, you might be looking for a free media server to stream your favorite music, videos, and photos to multiple devices. Fortunately, there are several UPnP and DLNA media servers available for Linux, and many of them are completely free. In this article, we'll explore nine of best free UPnP and DLNA media servers for Linux, and discuss their features and benefits.

What are UPnP and DLNA?

UPnP stands for Universal Plug and Play, which is a set of networking protocols that allows devices to discover and communicate with each other on a local network. DLNA, or Digital Living Network Alliance, is a set of guidelines and standards that enable devices to share media content across a network. UPnP and DLNA work together to make it easy for devices to communicate and stream media content, such as music, videos, and photos.

MiniDLNA

MiniDLNA is a lightweight, simple, and free UPnP media server for Linux. It's easy to set up and configure, and supports a wide range of media formats, including MP3, AVI, and JPEG. MiniDLNA can be installed using package manager of your Linux distribution, and can be configured using a simple text editor.

Plex Media Server

Plex Media Server is a powerful and feature-rich media server that supports UPnP and DLNA, as well as many other streaming protocols. It can stream media content to a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Plex Media Server can be installed on Linux using a package manager or a script, and can be configured using a web interface.

Rygel

Rygel is a free and open-source media server for Linux that supports UPnP and DLNA. It's easy to set up and use, and can stream media content to a variety of devices, including smart TVs, game consoles, and mobile devices. Rygel supports a wide range of media formats, including MP3, AVI, and MPEG.

MediaTomb

MediaTomb is a free and open-source media server for Linux that supports UPnP and DLNA. It's easy to install and configure, and supports a wide range of media formats, including MP3, AVI, and MPEG. MediaTomb can also transcode media content on fly, which means it can convert media files to a compatible format for streaming to different devices.

Universal Media Server

Universal Media Server is a free and open-source media server that supports UPnP and DLNA, as well as many other streaming protocols. It's easy to install and configure, and supports a wide range of media formats, including MP3, AVI, and MPEG. Universal Media Server can also transcode media content on fly, which means it can convert media files to a compatible format for streaming to different devices.

Serviio

Serviio is a powerful and feature-rich media server that supports UPnP and DLNA, as well as many other streaming protocols. It's easy to install and configure, and supports a wide range of media formats, including MP3, AVI, and MPEG. Serviio can also transcode media content on fly, which means it can convert media files to a compatible format for streaming to different devices.

GMediaServer

GMediaServer is a free and open-source media server for Linux that supports UPnP and DLNA. It's easy to install and configure, and supports a wide range of media formats, including MP3, AVI, and MPEG. GMediaServer can also transcode media content on fly, which means it can convert media files to a compatible format for streaming to different devices.

Kodi

Kodi is a free and open-source media player that also functions as a UPnP and DLNA media server. It's easy to install and configure, and supports a wide range of media formats, including MP3, AVI, and MPEG. Kodi can be installed on Linux using a package manager or a script, and can be configured using a user-friendly interface.

BubbleUPnP Server

BubbleUPnP Server is a free and open-source media server that supports UPnP and DLNA. It's easy to install and configure, and supports a wide range of media formats, including MP3, AVI, and MPEG. BubbleUPnP Server can also transcode media content on fly, which means it can convert media files to a compatible format for streaming to different devices. It also supports streaming from online sources such as YouTube, SoundCloud, and Tidal.

How to Choose Best Media Server for Your Needs

When choosing a media server for your Linux system, there are several factors to consider, including type of media content you want to stream, devices you want to stream to, and level of customization and configuration you require. Here are some tips to help you choose best media server for your needs −

• Consider media formats you want to stream − Make sure media server you choose supports file types you want to stream, such as MP3, AVI, and MPEG.

• Consider devices you want to stream to − Make sure media server you choose is compatible with devices you want to stream to, such as smart TVs, game consoles, and mobile devices.

• Consider level of customization and configuration you require − Some media servers, such as Plex Media Server, offer a high level of customization and configuration, while others, such as MiniDLNA, are more lightweight and simple.

In addition to factors mentioned above, there are other features and considerations to keep in mind when choosing a media server for your Linux system. For example −

Transcoding

If you have media files in different formats that aren't compatible with all of your devices, look for a media server that can transcode files on fly. This means that server will automatically convert file to a compatible format for device you're streaming to.

User interface

Some media servers have a user-friendly web interface that makes it easy to configure and control server. Others may require more technical knowledge to set up and use.

Remote access

If you want to be able to access your media server from outside your home network, look for a server that supports remote access. This will allow you to stream your media content from anywhere with an internet connection.

Plugins and extensions

Some media servers, such as Kodi and Plex Media Server, have a wide range of plugins and extensions available that can add additional features and functionality to server.

Ultimately, best media server for your Linux system will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Take time to research and try out different options to find one that works best for you.

Another important consideration when choosing a media server for your Linux system is level of support and community behind it. A strong and active user community can provide valuable resources, such as documentation, tutorials, and support forums, to help you get most out of your media server. Look for a media server with a large and active user community to ensure that you have access to help and resources you need.

Another factor to consider is performance and resource requirements of media server. Some media servers may require more resources, such as CPU and RAM, than others to operate smoothly. If you have a low-powered device, such as a Raspberry Pi, look for a lightweight media server that won't strain your system's resources. On other hand, if you have a powerful desktop or server, you may be able to run a more feature-rich media server without issue.

Conclusion

UPnP and DLNA media servers make it easy to stream media content across a network, and there are many free and open-source options available for Linux users. From lightweight and simple servers like MiniDLNA to feature-rich options like Plex Media Server, there's a media server to suit every need. By considering media formats you want to stream, devices you want to stream to, and level of customization and configuration you require, you can choose best media server for your Linux system.