In this article, we line up the best Kodi alternatives for streaming movies, shows, and more. These alternatives offer streaming options for a range of media devices including FireStick, PC, Mobiles, and more. They are also supported by different operating systems such as Windows, iOS, Android and more.
Why are we giving you these best KODI alternatives?
We all know that Kodi is an incredible streaming service, with tons of great features and compatible with any device you can think of, including Windows.
But, it isn't perfect.
Some users have reported that Kodi doesn't work on their computer or it causes issues with their current setup. This could happen because of a number of reasons:
- Each computer is different from another.
- You have apps, files, or services that aren't compatible with Kodi
- Your system might be having issues
So, if you're looking for an alternative to Kodi, this article will introduce 11 different media players that offer similar functionality without the downsides of Kodi.
With these Kodi alternatives, you have more options to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, documentaries and more on your computer.
This list will show you the best Kodi alternatives for Windows so that you can find something more suitable for your system!
What is Kodi?
Do you ever find yourself with a hankering for some quality TV or film but can't decide what to watch? You're not alone. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Crunchyroll have made it possible to stream unlimited amounts of content. But it gets messy logging in and out of your accounts all the time, scrambling to find the perfect show to binge watch.
Kodi makes all of your media accessible through a centralized application. It’s one of the most popular media center applications available today, as it can be installed on almost any device, including Windows computers and laptops.
Kodi allows you to stream TV shows, movies, documentaries and more on your computer without forcing you to jump between websites. Kodi also has the ability to play content from any of Kodi's official add-ons or through third-party applications, which makes the app incredibly versatile for streaming lots of different types of media.
Best Kodi alternatives to use on Windows
In a market as vast as media streaming, there are many companies competing to create the best software to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. While Kodi is up there amongst the best apps, other apps may bring you features better suited for your needs.
To find the perfect Kodi alternative for you, first consider what features are most important to you. It’ll help narrow down your search by considering how these alternatives might be better at certain tasks!
#1 Plex
Plex is a Kodi alternative that’s best known for its organizational abilities. Kodi can be difficult to keep track of in your media library when you have over hundreds or even thousands of files. Plex neatly organizes everything into categories, making it easy to find what you’re looking for without any fuss.
Plex has a massive collection of features that will revolutionize the way you use your media. Your library will quickly become a versatile media organizer which automatically pulls in metadata from around the internet so it's always accurate and up-to-date!
You'll also have access to some stunning skins — ensuring there are never any boring views when browsing through all these great movies & TV shows.
Are you interested? Plex offers a free version, as well as a paid premium service that you can get a hold of today by going to plex.tv and tuning in.
#2 Stremio
Stremio is the best way to watch your favorite movies, series and YouTube videos. You can enjoy HD quality with subtitles on-demand. Cast any file to your other devices (such as Chromecast or AppleTV) in seconds via Stremio's media library directly. These functionalities may push the service past what Kodi can do for you.
You also get curated recommendations based on what you like, so there'll always be something new on your radar every time you open Stremio. Keep discovering new media, and rediscovering classics you might’ve forgotten to check out. You’ll never be out of the loop!
Stremio is great because it’s free and doesn’t even require any third-party add-ons to bring its full functionality to your devices. To get started, go to stremio.com and download the beta!
#3 Jellyfin
Jellyfin is a personal media server and client. The capabilities are comparable to those in Kodi, but with more simplicity and additional useful functions. For example, you can watch a movie or TV show with other people via group play, which is not available in Kodi currently.
What is Jellyfin’s goal? To be the perfect free alternative to Kodi, without any hassles. It already succeeds in flawless synchronization between a Windows 10 PC and an Android TV, and there are only more exciting features on the way! The file type support in Jellyfin is also far superior to that in Kodi, giving more people opportunities to play various types of media in one centralized app.
What we love about Jellyfin is that it has, — thanks to the dedicated developers, — complete documentation for all users. Even less experienced people can configure an impeccably functioning media server with ease. Try it out on jellyfin.org today!
#4 Emby
Emby is a powerful media streaming server that can provide the most robust player for any device. With its players covering Windows, iOS and Android among others as well as an all-inclusive web player, it has become one of today's best choices when looking for a Kodi alternative.
Emby takes your recorded, digital or ripped media and presents it in a simple to digest interface. Emby prides itself on delivering an intuitive experience for the whole family by presenting all kinds of different types of media on one easy-to navigate device with fast browsing capabilities that won't slow you down!
You can take advantage of parental controls to let your little ones enjoy some lighthearted fun; but you'll have even more fun using Emby Premiere and receiving additional bonus features such as Cover Art, Mobile Sync, Cloud Sync, and more! Go to emby.media to get started.
#5 MediaPortal
MediaPortal is an open-source media center software that turns your computer into a digital entertainment center. It can be used to watch live TV, movies, listen to music, and view photos. In this blog post, we will give you a brief overview of what MediaPortal is and how you can use it to your advantage.
MediaPortal is a great media player that offers many features and can be customized to fit your needs. It supports a wide range of formats including DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming content. You can use it to manage your music, videos, and photos too. It even has a built-in TV guide so you can easily find what's on TV, and you can use it to record live TV or create your own video library.
It’s powered by the latest technology, connects straight to your TV and displays all of the shows, movies or photos that you need! Get your hands on this service by going to team-mediaportal.com and signing up.
#6 Streama
Streama is the answer to all your film and TV show organization needs! If you’re like most people, chances are good that at some point in time — whether it be recently or years ago, — you had a huge shelf full of CDs, DVDs and cassettes. Have you ever wanted to replicate that feeling digitally, but never found out how to?
Most streaming services and apps don’t walk hand-in-hand together. What you can watch in one isn’t available in the other. This completely breaks the immersion, so digitize your library with Streama instead!
With an easy-to-use interface designed specifically for efficiency, there's no need to worry about organizing anymore. You can get your hands on this amazing app by going to the official Streama Github page. More documentation available here.
#7 Universal Media Server
The Universal Media Server is a media server that can provide movies, music, and photos to any DLNA-capable device. It works with any DLNA-capable device and is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows.
It has the capabilities needed to stream to all sorts of devices, including the PlayStation and Xbox One, as well as numerous TVs like Samsung or Sony, smart phones, Blu-ray players, and much more. This alone may put it above Kodi when it comes to looking for an alternative.
Universal Media Server is a foolproof way to do your streaming. It has useful features like 3D viewing, subtitle support and on the fly transcoding! The user-friendly interface makes it easy to create and organize your online library. Did we mention that it’s completely free? Head to universalmediaserver.com in any browser and get started today.
#8 Serviio
Serviio is a media server that enables users to access and share their photos, music, and videos across all of their devices. It supports a wide range of formats, including MKV, AVI, MP4, OGM, FLAC, and more.
Additionally, Serviio allows users to stream content to smart TVs, Playstation 4, Xbox One, and other connected devices. It is an open-source project that is regularly updated with new features and bug fixes. If you are looking for a media server that can handle all of your streaming needs, Serviio is a great option.
If you think this is the best Kodi alternative for your needs, download Serviio for free or check out the Pro version on serviio.org today.
#9 PlayOn
PlayOn is a browser and media server that allows you to stream TV shows and movies from your computer or mobile device. With PlayOn, you can watch the latest episodes of your favorite TV show right as they air on television. You can also search for any movie or TV show available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, YouTube and more!
Features include watching live TV, recording offline content for viewing later, skipping ads seamlessly while streaming videos, downloading video files to your devices to watch anywhere without internet connection. PlayOn is available on playon.tv for an affordable price with a free trial.
#10 OSMC
OSMC is a free and open-source media player alternative to Kodi that can play back video files, audio files, DVDs, CDs, VCDs and various streaming protocols. OSMC is available for all major operating systems including Windows.
The OSMC interface offers an intuitive layout with many customization options to suit your needs. You can even change the interface by applying a skin. You will also find features like TV Guide listings in different countries which are updated automatically without any user input required!
OSMC has been designed primarily for use with televisions and home cinema setups but it can be used on other devices too — get it today on the osmc.tv website.
#11 Popcorn Time
Popcorn Time is another Kodi alternative you would want to take a look at in 2022. This is a third-party streaming service that lets you watch unlimited, free movies and TV shows. Originally available only on Android mobiles and Android-based TV devices, now, it’s also supported on Windows PC, Mac, and iOS. You can download the Windows app from the official website.
Popcorn Time does not own any content. It works as a content aggregator. It has an incredibly simple and user-friendly interface. The content is well organized for easy access.
Since Popcorn Time is a third-party service, it is best to use it with a VPN. This will make sure none of your streaming activities are monitored or logged. You may also need a VPN to download the app as its download link is blocked in some countries.
Final thoughts
We hope you found one of these 11 best Kodi alternatives to Windows suit your needs. Whether it's a better interface, more functionality or just something that suits your personal preferences, there are plenty of options out there for everyone!
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