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Media & Entertainment · head to head

Jellyfin vs Criterion Channel

Jellyfin logo

Jellyfin

Media & Entertainment

The free software media system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Criterion Channel logo

Criterion Channel

Media & Entertainment

Criterion Collection curated films

From
$10.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Jellyfin has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Jellyfin jellyfin is free open source software under the GNU GPL with no paid tier or vendor support contract available; Criterion Channel maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
  • They diverge on capability: Jellyfin covers Media server, Criterion Channel covers Criterion films.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Jellyfin and Criterion Channel actually diverge.

Attributes where Jellyfin and Criterion Channel differ
AttributeJellyfinCriterion Channel
Starting priceFree$10.99/month
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, DockerWeb, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox
Founded20181984

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Media & Entertainment).

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 Jellyfin

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

Only in Criterion Channel

  • Criterion films
  • 4K restoration
  • Essays
  • Special features
  • Curated selections
  • Account security
  • Content access
  • Roku support

Both cover

  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support
  • Smart-tv support

What people use each for

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

Jellyfin

  • Open-source media streamingnot Criterion Channel
  • Self-hosted librarynot Criterion Channel

Criterion Channel

  • Streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectivesnot Jellyfin
  • Watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental contentnot Jellyfin
  • Following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlightsnot Jellyfin
  • Educational and film-study use due to curated context and extrasnot Jellyfin

Where each one falls short

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

Jellyfin

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

Criterion Channel

  • Maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
  • No PlayStation 4 app available
  • HDCP compatibility issues reported on some devices like Chromebooks and Xbox One
  • No live chat or phone support for customer service
  • Limited library compared to mainstream services like Netflix and Hulu

Pricing, plan by plan

Jellyfin

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

Criterion Channel

$10.99/month
  • Monthly$10.99/month
  • Annual$99.99/year

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Criterion Channel if

  • You need criterion films.
  • You work on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
  • You also want 4k restoration.
Criterion Channel review

Questions people ask

Is Jellyfin or Criterion Channel better?
Neither clearly leads. Jellyfin starts at Free and Criterion Channel at $10.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Jellyfin or Criterion Channel?
Jellyfin has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Jellyfin and $10.99/month for Criterion Channel.
Does Jellyfin or Criterion Channel run on more platforms?
Jellyfin runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker. Criterion Channel runs on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
Can I use Jellyfin for free?
Yes. Jellyfin has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month.
What is Jellyfin best used for?
Jellyfin is most often used for open-source media streaming, self-hosted library. Of those, open-source media streaming and self-hosted library are not what Criterion Channel is typically brought in for.
What can Jellyfin do that Criterion Channel cannot?
Jellyfin covers Media server, Streaming, Library management, Open source. Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, 4K restoration, Essays, Special features. Both handle Smart TVs, Streaming devices, Web support, Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Criterion Channel: Can I watch Criterion Channel offline?

No, Criterion Channel requires an active internet connection for streaming. The service does not offer offline viewing or download capabilities.

Source
Criterion Channel: What devices does Criterion Channel work on?

Criterion Channel works on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, and Xbox. There is no PlayStation app or dedicated mobile app for iOS/Android.

Source
Criterion Channel: How much does Criterion Channel cost?

Criterion Channel costs $10.99/month or $99.99/year with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

Source
Criterion Channel: What is the maximum video quality on Criterion Channel?

Criterion Channel streams in HD quality only. The service does not offer 4K or Ultra HD resolution.

Source
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