Best Kodi Alternatives: Stream Your Favorite Content Without the Complexity

If you’ve ever spent hours wrestling with complex add-ons, baffling interface tweaks, or sudden freezes on Kodi just to stream movies, TV shows or music, you’re not alone. Reddit and Quora users describe it better than anyone else: they witnessed it all, from malware-infected add-ons to the hassle of constant updates. Such problems also pushed them to search for Kodi alternatives that won’t leave them tearing their hair out.

The good news is there are plenty of options: from fully fledged media server solutions with high customization to simple “plug and play” options. After reading the article, you will know the pros and cons of each one of them and will be aware of simple tips to stay safe during online streaming.

Why you may look out for Kodi alternatives

Kodi is a powerful open-source media center that can handle everything from local media streaming to watching live TV channels. But ironically, the features that make Kodi so cool are also the cause of frequent headaches for users. Here are the reasons why you might want to switch to less complicated apps:

Complex interface and setup

Although Kodi offers extensive customization, many find it daunting to configure. Setting up new add-ons for some users feels like a complex puzzle.

Update struggles

Frequent Kodi platform updates can break existing add-ons. To fix them and make them work again, you may be forced to hunt down and manually install working add-ons from community sources. 

Freezes and buffering

If you install Kodi builds (pre-configured versions of Kodi) that promise access to many streaming add-ons, you may face unstable platform performance, sudden crashes, or painfully slow performance.

Potential malware in add-ons

This issue is not coming from Kodi directly, but is still very harmful. Many Kodi add-ons have not been officially tested and approved by the platform. This report suggests that malicious code can lurk inside “unofficial” plug-ins, and it is them that pose serious security risks. 

Kodi remains a great and robust tool if you’re a tech-savvy person and agree to tinker a bit to get the platform running. But if you prefer to “plug, play, and watch,” a simpler route would be to find a good alternative to Kodi.

Top Kodi alternatives to try

We have gathered a list of apps similar to Kodi​: from ultra-beginner-friendly player apps to advanced platforms that can power your own media server: 

1. Stremio

This app removes the horrible add-on installation process needed for Kodi. Instead of scouring random sites and installing zip files, which is common with Kodi, Stremio’s add-ons are easier to install with a single click. Stremio also automatically organizes content and updates your library across media devices, from your laptop to your smartphone. 

Notable features

• Cloud-based add-on system. It allows installing streaming add-ons (YouTube, Netflix, Twitch) with one click without needing zip files.
• Cross-platform syncing. Your watch progress automatically synchronizes across devices (available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android). 
• Integrated media player. Stremio plays 4K HDR videos, supports subtitles, and imports local files.
• TV episode calendar. The platform tracks upcoming episodes with iCal integration for reminders.
• Remote streaming streams your library to any browser via an HTTPS connection.

Pros

• Beginner-friendly setup if we compare Stremio vs Kodi.
• Good cross-device syncing for your watchlists.

Cons

• Fewer add-ons than in the case of Kodi.
• If you want to install additional plug-ins that are not offered as a platform’s basic package of features, you might require deeper tech expertise to set them up. 

2. Plex

If we compare Kodi vs Plex, the latter has a more polished interface and robust library management functionality. With Plex, you can set up a Plex media server on your desktop or NAS (Network Attached Storage) device to stream content to your phone, laptop, or Fire TV stick.

Notable features

• Media server organization. Plex offers auto-fetches posters, summaries, and metadata for movies, TV, and music.
• Multi-device streaming on smart TVs, Fire Stick, Roku, PlayStation, Apple TV, phones, tablets, browsers.
• Real-time transcoding. The feature converts unsupported video formats on the fly for smooth playback.
• Live TV & DVR allows watching and recording live TV (this requires a tuner).
• Extra tools like intro skipping, watchlist across platforms, “Watch Together” co-viewing, and 600+ free live TV channels.

Pros

• Mobile sync allows downloading shows/movies to watch offline on phones.
• Simple user interface that’s perfect for both novices and more proficient users.
• Offers only official channels

Cons

• The best functionality, such as DVR to watch live TV, often requires a Plex Pass subscription.
• Some advanced features can be difficult to set up if you’re new to “server” concepts.

3. Emby

Emby is another solution that focuses on user-friendly design. Users appreciate this app as it allows quick building of your own media server. Like in the case with Plex, Emby helps organize your videos, music, and photos placed on your device, and then stream them across multiple devices, be it smart TVs, gaming consoles, phones, or else. 

Notable features

• Parental controls for families.
• Built-in options for local media streaming and scanning your entire library for metadata to help you organize and enhance your media collection.

Pros

• Active community forums that quickly address bugs.
• Modern and sleek interface for navigating large libraries.
• Good for multi-user setups. In practice, everyone in your household can have separate profiles.

Cons

• Some advanced features like DVR, ad-skipping, and cloud sync are locked behind “Premier” membership.
• Setup can feel complex if you’re completely new to media server configurations.

4. MediaPortal

Looking for Kodi alternatives for Windows specifically? MediaPortal is what you are looking for. This Windows-centric solution focuses on providing users with watching live TV, recording broadcasts, and even scheduling recordings so you never miss a show. It’s a free, open-source project that’s been around for over 20 years and has a supportive community.

Notable features

• Live TV with DVR to watch, pause, rewind, and record live TV using a tuner card.
• Movie & video library. MediaPortal fetches IMDb data, cover art, and organizes local movies.
• Supports high-quality audio playback with album covers and playlists.
• FM and Internet radio stations 
• Photo slideshow & weather updates allow viewing images in fullscreen slideshows and check forecasts.
• Ability to add sports, YouTube, weather widgets, and customize UI with skins.

Pros

• Great for Windows-based media devices with TV tuner cards.
• Constant updates and bug fixes by a dedicated development community.
• Straightforward user interface that looks like a cable box menu.

Cons

• Limited to Windows only. The app is not suitable if you are looking for Kodi alternatives for Mac or cross-platform streaming.
• The platform’s interface may look a bit outdated compared to more modern solutions.

5. Elmedia Player 

If you need Kodi alternatives for Mac, Elmedia Player could be a sound choice. Though it’s not such a comprehensive media server solution as the above-mentioned options, Elmedia Player is a popular Kodi alternative for macOS. It is known for its stability, wide file format support, and built-in casting options to Chromecast, Apple TV, or other smart streaming devices.

Notable features

• Plays 70+ formats. Elmedia Player supports MP4, AVI, MKV, FLV, WMV, MOV, plus FLAC, MP3, AAC for audio.
• Wireless streaming – casts 4K video to Chromecast, Apple TV, DLNA devices, PlayStation, Xbox.
• Playback controls  to adjust speed (0.5x–2x), A-B loop, brightness, and contrast.
• Subtitle management allows auto-downloading subs from OpenSubtitles.org, supports SRT, ASS, SMI.
• Picture-in-Picture & screenshots – Pop-out videos while working, capture frames mid-playback. 

Pros

• Stable performance on macOS.
• Supports playlists, subtitles, and extensive playback customization.
• Doesn’t require complicated add-ons or plugins.

Cons

• No library management or “server” approach used in Plex or Emby.
• Advanced features require a Pro license (such as streaming to unlimited devices).

6. OSMC

OSMC (Open Source Media Center) is built on Debian Linux and Kodi but aims to deliver a simpler, more user-friendly environment. You can install it on Raspberry Pi, Vero devices, or even some Apple TV models. Because it’s Kodi’s half-blood brother, you get the same add-ons but a more convenient interface and regular monthly updates.

Notable features

• Self-updating. OSMC installs automatic updates for security and stability.
• Supports all Kodi add-ons – it accesses official & third-party plugins (Netflix, YouTube, IPTV).
• Installs apps like a web browser, torrent client, file-sharing server.
• Plays media via SMB, NFS, UPnP, WebDAV, FTP, works as an AirPlay target.

Pros

• Lightweight OS that quickly turns your device into a media hub. (The OSMC team recommends using at least an 8GB SD card, noting that the operating system occupies around 1GB of space.)
• Works great with a Raspberry Pi or Vero streaming boxes:, Vero 4K, Vero 4K+, and Vero V. It also supports the 1st generation of Apple TV.
• Better interface when compared to Kodi.
• Regular patching often solves the security issues found in stock Kodi.
• Compatible with many Kodi add-ons out of the box. 

Cons

• Not quite as “plug and play” as other solutions if you’re new to the topic.
• OSMC relies on Kodi add-ons, which might still bring major security concerns.

7. Universal Media Server

If you’re looking for a reliable solution that can stream your local files to a wide range of devices, look at Universal Media Server. As a media server software based on UPnP, it’s known for easy transcoding and broad compatibility. Indeed, Universal media server supports basically anything that can handle DLNA: a wide variety of Smart TVs, gaming consoles, smartphones, tablets, computers, media players, set-top boxes, audio receivers, and blue-ray players.

Notable features

• Web-based interface that allows browsing media, playing content, and pushing playback to any connected device. 
• DLNA/UPnP streaming. Universal Media Server streams to smart TVs (Samsung, LG), gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox), media players, mobile phones.
• Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS devices, Docker containers.
• Auto-converts unsupported video/audio formats using FFmpeg, VLC, tsMuxeR.
• Auto metadata fetching. The platform retrieves movie posters, actor details, music album art from IMDb & MusicBrainz.
• Searches & downloads subtitles automatically during playback.

Pros

• Automatic, on-the-fly transcoding for various file formats.
• Simple and minimalistic interface.
• Particularly good at handling large libraries on modest hardware.
• Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Frequent updates from a passionate open-source community.

Cons

• The Plugin catalog is smaller and less maintained, so you might find some broken add-ons.
• Lacks the robust “media library” approach of platforms like Plex or Emby (metadata, advanced sorting, and such).

Even knowing the best Kodi alternatives, your streaming experience still can be restricted by geo-blocks, spoiled with lower speed and annoying video stuttering due to ISP throttling. What to speak of privacy risks of hacks and compromising your data? This is why you might consider using a VPN. 

Why you need a VPN when using Kodi alternatives

Whether you choose to go on with Plex, Emby, or any other apps similar to Kodi, a VPN can make your experience safer. Here are some other reasons to opt for using a VPN:

Bypass geo-restrictions 

If you find that some channels or streaming platforms aren’t available in your region, a VPN service can help you get access to blocked content and watch whatever you want whenever you want it.

Protect yourself from malicious add-ons

If you decide to continue using Kodi or opt for another platform from our list, you’d want to protect yourself from potentially malicious add-ons. Yes, many popular media server solutions are trying to filter out shady third-party plug-ins, but some malicious scripts can still slip through. A VPN encrypts your traffic, eliminating the chances of someone hijacking your data.

Stop ISP throttling

Have you ever noticed that your video stream stutters, even though your Internet connection is usually fast? Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may track how much data you use and throttle or slow down your streaming content. A VPN conceals your online activities, so your ISP won’t throttle you for streaming.

Safeguard your personal data

A secure VPN connection hides your IP address and ensures your location, and overall traffic remains private. So you stay anonymous, whether streaming sports or binge-watching your favourite show.

But in reality, not all VPNs are the same. Free VPNs might seem like a tempting solution, but do you know that many free providers may sell user data to advertisers or third parties? It undermines the VPNs’ bare value in protecting your privacy. Additionally, their encryption protocols are often weak and leave your personal information vulnerable to hackers and surveillance. Instead of compromising your security, consider using a reliable VPN provider like VeePN. 

VeePN: your digital security for Kodi alternatives

If you want to have a smooth and butter-free streaming experience without compromising on privacy of personal data, use VeePN. Here is what makes it this VPN provider stand out:

Global server network 

You can freely pick from 2500+ servers from 89 locations in 60 countries. Thanks to this broad network, you can watch foreign broadcasts or bypass local firewalls in seconds.

High-speed streaming servers

VeePN offers optimized servers designed specifically for streaming so that you won’t be stuck staring at annoying loading wheels.

No Logs policy 

VeePN doesn’t store any logs, therefore your streaming history and personal information will remain private.

Compatible with many OS and TV services 

You can install VeePN to change location and protect up to 10 devices under one subscription. This works from smartphones, Smart TVs, and up to Playstation and Xbox.

Kill Switch 

If your VPN connection glitches, Kill Switch helps block unencrypted traffic so none of your data leaks unexpectedly.

Antivirus

Even if you happen to download malicious add-ons for Kodi, VeePN Antivirus will save your Windows and Android-running devices. 

Test VeePN without risks, as you get a 30-day money-back guarantee. That said, let’s walk through the VeePN set up process.  

How to get started with VeePN

1. Pick your subscription plan. Go to VeePN’s VPN subscription plan and choose the one that suits your budget and current needs.

2. Choose your device and download VeePN: macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Fire TV, Apple TV, Playstation, Xbox, routers, and more. 

3. Launch the VeePN app

4. Go to the streaming tab. Select the server location you prefer (for instance, if you want to access a US-only streaming service, pick a US server)

5. Connect to the server 

Voila! Head to Kodi or the app you’ve chosen and enjoy region-free and secure streaming.

Written by Oliver Bennett Oliver Bennett is a dedicated cyber security content writer with a knack for breaking down intricate cyber topics into accessible and actionable insights.

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