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Kodi vs Pluto TV

Kodi logo

Kodi

Software

The ultimate entertainment center

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
P

Pluto TV

Software

Stream movies, TV shows and clips for free

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; Pluto TV pluto TV is entirely ad-supported free streaming with no paid tier, available in a stated list of regions including the US, Canada, Latin America, Brazil, Germany/Switzerland/Austria, UK, Spain, France, Norway, Sweden, Italy and Denmark (Internet Archive capture, 1 January 2024)
  • They diverge on capability: Kodi covers Media playback, Pluto TV covers Streaming.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kodi and Pluto TV actually diverge.

Attributes where Kodi and Pluto TV differ
AttributeKodiPluto TV
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tvWeb, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv
Founded20032013

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 Kodi

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

Only in Pluto TV

  • Streaming
  • Live TV channels
  • Movies
  • TV shows
  • Recommendations
  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • Account management

Both cover

  • Android support
  • Ios support
  • Smart-tv support

What people use each for

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

Kodi

  • Media centernot Pluto TV
  • Home entertainmentnot Pluto TV

Pluto TV

  • Free streamingnot Kodi
  • Live TVnot Kodi
  • On-demand contentnot 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

Pluto TV

  • Pluto TV is entirely ad-supported free streaming with no paid tier, available in a stated list of regions including the US, Canada, Latin America, Brazil, Germany/Switzerland/Austria, UK, Spain, France, Norway, Sweden, Italy and Denmark (Internet Archive capture, 1 January 2024)

Pricing, plan by plan

Kodi

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

Pluto TV

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full content
    • Live channels
    • Ad-supported

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 Pluto TV if

  • You need streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
  • You also want live tv channels.
Pluto TV review

Questions people ask

Is Kodi or Pluto TV better?
Neither clearly leads. Kodi starts at Free and Pluto TV at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Kodi or Pluto TV?
Kodi starts at Free and Pluto TV at Free.
Does Kodi or Pluto TV run on more platforms?
Kodi runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Ios, Smart-tv. Pluto TV runs on Web, Ios, Android, Smart-tv, Roku, Fire-tv.
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 Pluto TV is typically brought in for.
What can Kodi do that Pluto TV cannot?
Kodi covers Media playback, Library management, Add-ons, Customization. Pluto TV covers Streaming, Live TV channels, Movies, TV shows. Both handle Android support, Ios support, Smart-tv support.
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