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Apple TV+ vs Jellyfin

Apple TV+ logo

Apple TV+

Software

Original stories from the most creative minds

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Jellyfin logo

Jellyfin

Software

The free software media system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Jellyfin has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple TV+ standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier; Jellyfin jellyfin is free open source software under the GNU GPL with no paid tier or vendor support contract available
  • They diverge on capability: Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, Jellyfin covers Media server.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple TV+ and Jellyfin actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple TV+ and Jellyfin differ
AttributeApple TV+Jellyfin
Starting price$9.99/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIos, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, WebWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker
Founded20192018

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple TV+

  • Apple Originals
  • 4K HDR
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Family sharing
  • Downloads
  • Apple devices
  • Gaming consoles
  • Family sharing controls

Only in Jellyfin

  • Media server
  • Streaming
  • Library management
  • Open source
  • Self-hosted
  • Streaming devices
  • Mobile devices
  • Open source audit

Both cover

  • Smart TVs
  • Ios support
  • Smart-tv support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple TV+

  • Original content streamingnot Jellyfin
  • Family entertainmentnot Jellyfin

Jellyfin

  • Open-source media streamingnot Apple TV+
  • Self-hosted librarynot Apple TV+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple TV+

  • Standalone subscription costs 12.99 USD per month after a 7 day free trial, with no lower priced tier

Jellyfin

  • Jellyfin is free open source software under the GNU GPL with no paid tier or vendor support contract available

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple TV+

$9.99/month
  • Apple TV+$9.99/month
    • All originals
    • 4K HDR
    • 6 family members

Jellyfin

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited streaming
    • Open source
    • No ads

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple TV+ if

  • You need apple originals.
  • You work on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web.
  • You also want 4k hdr.
Apple TV+ review

Choose Jellyfin if

  • You need media server.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker.
  • You also want streaming.
Jellyfin review

Questions people ask

Is Apple TV+ or Jellyfin better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple TV+ starts at $9.99/month and Jellyfin at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple TV+ or Jellyfin?
Jellyfin has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple TV+ and Free for Jellyfin.
Does Apple TV+ or Jellyfin run on more platforms?
Apple TV+ runs on Ios, Macos, Smart-tv, Gaming-consoles, Web. Jellyfin runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker.
Can I use Jellyfin for free?
Yes. Jellyfin has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple TV+ starts at $9.99/month.
What is Apple TV+ best used for?
Apple TV+ is most often used for original content streaming, family entertainment. Of those, original content streaming and family entertainment are not what Jellyfin is typically brought in for.
What can Apple TV+ do that Jellyfin cannot?
Apple TV+ covers Apple Originals, 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Family sharing. Jellyfin covers Media server, Streaming, Library management, Open source. Both handle Smart TVs, Ios support, Smart-tv support, Web support.
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