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Jellyfin vs Kodi

Jellyfin logo

Jellyfin

Software

The free software media system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Kodi logo

Kodi

Software

The ultimate entertainment center

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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; Kodi licensed under GPLv2, entirely free and open source with no commercial edition
  • They diverge on capability: Jellyfin covers Media server, Kodi covers Media playback.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Jellyfin and Kodi actually diverge.

Attributes where Jellyfin and Kodi differ
AttributeJellyfinKodi
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, DockerWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv
Founded20182003

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), 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 Jellyfin

  • Media server
  • Streaming
  • Self-hosted
  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • Mobile devices
  • Open source audit
  • Self-hosted security

Only in Kodi

  • Media playback
  • Add-ons
  • Customization
  • Remote control
  • Smart home
  • Streaming services
  • Add-ons
  • Community audited

Both cover

  • Library management
  • Open source
  • 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 Kodi
  • Self-hosted librarynot Kodi

Kodi

  • Media centernot Jellyfin
  • Home entertainmentnot 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

Kodi

  • Licensed under GPLv2, entirely free and open source with no commercial edition

Pricing, plan by plan

Jellyfin

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

Kodi

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Open source
    • All features
    • Add-ons

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 Kodi if

  • You need media playback.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv.
  • You also want add-ons.
Kodi review

Questions people ask

Is Jellyfin or Kodi better?
Neither clearly leads. Jellyfin starts at Free and Kodi at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Jellyfin or Kodi?
Jellyfin starts at Free and Kodi at Free.
Does Jellyfin or Kodi run on more platforms?
Jellyfin runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker. Kodi runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv.
Can I use Jellyfin for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Kodi is typically brought in for.
What can Jellyfin do that Kodi cannot?
Jellyfin covers Media server, Streaming, Self-hosted, Smart TVs. Kodi covers Media playback, Add-ons, Customization, Remote control. Both handle Library management, Open source, Ios support, Android support.
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