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Media & Entertainment · head to head

Jellyfin vs Libsyn

Jellyfin logo

Jellyfin

Media & Entertainment

The free software media system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Libsyn logo

Libsyn

Podcast & Audio Publishing

The original podcast hosting platform since 2004

From
$5/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; Libsyn basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month
  • They diverge on capability: Jellyfin covers Media server, Libsyn covers Reliable hosting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Jellyfin and Libsyn actually diverge.

Attributes where Jellyfin and Libsyn differ
AttributeJellyfinLibsyn
Starting priceFree$5/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, DockerWeb, Ios, Android
CategoryMedia & EntertainmentPodcast & Audio Publishing
Founded20182004

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

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
  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • Mobile devices

Only in Libsyn

  • Reliable hosting
  • Advanced analytics
  • Monetization platform
  • Distribution network
  • Custom website
  • Ad insertion
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

Both cover

  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Jellyfin

  • Open-source media streamingnot Libsyn
  • Self-hosted librarynot Libsyn

Libsyn

  • Hosting podcast audio and distributing it to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTubenot Jellyfin
  • Measuring audience with IAB certified download statisticsnot Jellyfin
  • Monetising shows through advertising on enterprise plansnot 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

Libsyn

  • Basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month
  • Advanced IAB verified stats require the $25 per month Advanced plan; Basic gets basic stats only
  • Spotify video distribution requires the Advanced or Max plan
  • Dynamic ad insertion sits on Professional and Enterprise plans that are quoted by sales with no published rate
  • The top published tier, Max at $150 per month, still caps audio uploads at 55 hours per month

Pricing, plan by plan

Jellyfin

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

Libsyn

$5/month
  • Classic 50$5/month
    • 50 MB monthly storage
    • Basic statistics
    • Podcast page
  • Classic 150$15/month
    • 150 MB monthly storage
    • Advanced statistics
    • Custom website
  • Advanced 400$20/month
    • 400 MB monthly storage
    • Premium analytics
    • Multiple shows
  • Advanced 800$40/month
    • 800 MB monthly storage
    • Full analytics suite
    • Priority support

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 Libsyn if

  • You need reliable hosting.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want advanced analytics.
Libsyn review

Questions people ask

Is Jellyfin or Libsyn better?
Neither clearly leads. Jellyfin starts at Free and Libsyn at $5/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Jellyfin or Libsyn?
Jellyfin has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Jellyfin and $5/month for Libsyn.
Does Jellyfin or Libsyn run on more platforms?
Jellyfin runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Desktop, Docker. Libsyn runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Jellyfin for free?
Yes. Jellyfin has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Libsyn starts at $5/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 Libsyn is typically brought in for.
What can Jellyfin do that Libsyn cannot?
Jellyfin covers Media server, Streaming, Library management, Open source. Libsyn covers Reliable hosting, Advanced analytics, Monetization platform, Distribution network. Both handle Web support, Ios support, Android support.
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