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Windows Media Center Alternatives for Mac OS X

Looking for Windows Media Center alternatives? We've curated 9 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need Mac OS X options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Kodi

Kodi

Open Source

Kodi is a powerful, free, and open-source media player software designed to transform your device into a comprehensive home theater PC. It provides a stunning interface optimized for large screens, allowing you to manage and play virtually all popular types of digital media.

Key Features

  • Excellent media organization and library management.
  • Supports a vast range of media formats.
  • Highly customizable through skins and add-ons.

vs Windows Media Center

Excellent media organization and library management. compared to Windows Media Center
Plex

Plex

Freemium

Plex is a comprehensive media server software that organizes your personal media libraries (movies, TV shows, music, photos) and streams them to virtually any device. It combines a powerful server backend with user-friendly client applications, making it easy to access your entertainment wherever you are, both online and offline.

Key Features

  • Centralized and organized media library with rich metadata.
  • Wide array of client applications for almost all devices.
  • Excellent remote streaming capabilities.

vs Windows Media Center

Centralized and organized media library with rich metadata. compared to Windows Media Center
Universal Media Server

Universal Media Server (UMS) is a free UPnP and DLNA media server that allows you to stream your media files to various devices on your network. It's a powerful tool for accessing your movies, music, and pictures on smart TVs, game consoles, and other DLNA-compatible devices without needing to copy files.

Key Features

  • Excellent device compatibility via DLNA/UPnP.
  • Powerful real-time media transcoding support.
  • Supports a vast array of media formats.

vs Windows Media Center

Excellent device compatibility via DLNA/UPnP. compared to Windows Media Center
Emby

Emby

Freemium

Emby is a powerful, open-source media server that revolutionizes how you access and enjoy your personal media collection. It organizes your movies, TV shows, music, and photos into a visually stunning and easily navigable interface, streaming them seamlessly to practically any device, anywhere.

Key Features

  • Excellent media organization and metadata fetching.
  • Robust and efficient media transcoding.
  • Wide compatibility with various devices.

vs Windows Media Center

Excellent media organization and metadata fetching. compared to Windows Media Center
MythTV

MythTV

Open Source

MythTV is a free and open-source digital video recorder (DVR) software designed to transform a Linux-based computer into a complete home media center. It allows users to watch, record, and play live television, manage their video library, listen to music, and more.

Key Features

  • Free and open source
  • Highly configurable
  • Powerful DVR capabilities

vs Windows Media Center

Free and open source compared to Windows Media Center
PS3 Media Server

PS3 Media Server

Open Source

PS3 Media Server is a discontinued, yet highly functional, UPnP/DLNA media server designed initially for the PlayStation 3 but compatible with a wide range of rendering devices. It allows users to stream and transcode various media formats from their computer to network-connected devices.

Key Features

  • Powerful real-time transcoding for wide format compatibility.
  • Free and open-source with no licensing costs.
  • Broad compatibility with DLNA-compliant devices.

vs Windows Media Center

Powerful real-time transcoding for wide format compatibility. compared to Windows Media Center
Serviio

Serviio

Freemium

Serviio is a robust freeware media server application empowering users to seamlessly stream their digital media collection across their home network. It supports a wide range of devices including DLNA-compliant TVs, game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, and mobile devices, making accessing your music, movies, and photos easy and convenient.

Key Features

  • Wide compatibility with DLNA devices
  • Excellent media format support and on-the-fly transcoding
  • Effective automatic metadata retrieval

vs Windows Media Center

Wide compatibility with DLNA devices compared to Windows Media Center
JRiver Media Center

JRiver Media Center

Commercial

JRiver Media Center is a comprehensive, all-in-one multimedia solution for organizing, playing, and managing your digital media collection across various platforms.

Key Features

  • Excellent audio playback quality and support for high-resolution formats.
  • Comprehensive and powerful media library management tools.
  • Supports a wide range of media types (music, video, photos, TV).

vs Windows Media Center

Excellent audio playback quality and support for high-resolution formats. compared to Windows Media Center
Squire

Squire

Commercial

Squire is a versatile media player and streaming solution designed for enjoying movies, TV shows, and local media. It supports torrent streaming, acts as a media server, and offers seamless integration with devices like Apple TV and Chromecast.

Key Features

  • Integrated torrent streaming is highly convenient.
  • Comprehensive metadata management for a clean library.
  • Versatile casting options (Apple TV, Chromecast).

vs Windows Media Center

Integrated torrent streaming is highly convenient. compared to Windows Media Center

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