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Entertainment · head to head

Kodi vs LÖVE

Kodi logo

Kodi

Entertainment

The ultimate entertainment center

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LÖVE logo

LÖVE

Game Development

Framework for making 2D games in Lua

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Kodi licensed under GPLv2, entirely free and open source with no commercial edition; LÖVE lOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • They diverge on capability: Kodi covers Media playback, LÖVE covers Lua scripting.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kodi and LÖVE actually diverge.

Attributes where Kodi and LÖVE differ
AttributeKodiLÖVE
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tvWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
CategoryEntertainmentGame Development
Founded20032008

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

  • Media playback
  • Library management
  • Add-ons
  • Customization
  • Remote control
  • Smart home
  • Streaming services
  • Add-ons

Only in LÖVE

  • Lua scripting
  • Graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Box2D)
  • Audio support
  • Input handling
  • File I/O
  • Vector math
  • Animation support

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Linux support
  • Android support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

Kodi

  • Media centernot LÖVE
  • Home entertainmentnot LÖVE

LÖVE

  • Making 2D games in Luanot Kodi
  • Rapid prototyping of 2D gameplaynot Kodi
  • Shipping small 2D games to desktop and mobile from one Lua codebasenot Kodi

Where each one falls short

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

Kodi

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

LÖVE

  • LOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • Games must be written in Lua, with no other supported scripting language
  • Supported platforms are limited to Windows Vista and later, macOS 10.11 and later, Linux, Android and iOS
  • The iOS build is distributed as source and libraries rather than a ready installer
  • There is no commercial support offering; help is through community forums, Discord and a subreddit

Pricing, plan by plan

Kodi

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

LÖVE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Lua scripting
    • Cross-platform support

Which should you pick?

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 library management.
Kodi review

Choose LÖVE if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
LÖVE review

Questions people ask

Is Kodi or LÖVE better?
Neither clearly leads. Kodi starts at Free and LÖVE at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Kodi or LÖVE?
Kodi starts at Free and LÖVE at Free.
Does Kodi or LÖVE run on more platforms?
Kodi runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv. LÖVE runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Kodi for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Kodi best used for?
Kodi is most often used for media center, home entertainment. Of those, media center and home entertainment are not what LÖVE is typically brought in for.
What can Kodi do that LÖVE cannot?
Kodi covers Media playback, Library management, Add-ons, Customization. LÖVE covers Lua scripting, Graphics rendering, Physics engine (Box2D), Audio support. Both handle Windows support, Linux support, Android support, Ios support.
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