We bring you a small collection of 14 applications to set up a music server on your computer. With them, you can configure a server on your main computer, and then you can listen to the music you have on it from other devices through official websites or applications.
With this, what you are going to get is create your own Spotify with the music files you have on your computer. This way, you can choose to buy digital music directly from the artists so that they get more benefits than with Spotify and then manage it without fees and with more privacy, although you can also use your own files after ripping a CD.
And as we always say at Xataka Basics, these are the proposals that we have chosen, but perhaps you know others that also deserve to be on the list. If so, we invite you to Leave us your proposals in the comments sectionand so that all readers can benefit from the knowledge of our xatakeros.
Plex
We can only start with this application, because you can also set up your own Spotify with Plex. You have the server application for your computer, and then clients to watch movies, music and more on any other device. Plex It is very versatile, and very well known.
It has some specific functions like an exclusive player for music and others that are paid, although you can make a single payment of just 120 euros and have it for life.
Swing Music
An open source self-hosted streaming service, which stands out for having a magnificent design maximum care. It has functions such as separating different versions of a disc, showing related artists or albums, or being able to navigate between your music files.
The client works through the browserso you can use it anywhere. You also have a search engine, handle duplicate files, and more options that keep coming. You can install the server on Windows, macOS or GNU/Linux.
koel
This alternative is open source, has a modern design, and is feature-rich. It’s free, although you also have a paid version that allows you to store your files in the cloud or share music with friends.
Its modern and colorful design makes it catch the eye, very clean and simplified, but it also stands out for its optimization and speed. All of this being a great player with all the options, including metadata editing or genre categorization. In addition, it integrates with Last.fm, Spotify or YouTube among others.
Jellyfin
Jellyfin is one of the main Plex alternatives, and in fact also has a specific music app in developmentalthough it may not work as well yet. However, you can also use its general app to find the music section.
The main characteristics of this tool compared to Plex is that It is totally freeand at the moment it does not have a paid version. In short, it’s like setting up your own Spotify and Netflix all together.
Emby
Emby is another of the great alternatives to Plex, and although It does not have a specific application to listen to musicin the complete app of the tool you have a section to access the songs from the folders on your computer that you have chosen. Like Plex, this tool also offers most of its free options, although it also has several others that are with the paid version.
Navidrome
Free and open source, it allows you to stream from your computer. virtually any audio format. It has good support for multi-artist compilations, and makes use of all the metadata you’ve been editing in the files.
Uses very few resourcesand can be used on both macOS, Linux and WIndows, even for Raspberry Pi. The client is web, for use in any browser, although it is also compatible with service clients such as Subsonic, Madsonic or Airsonic.
mStream
A fairly simple, self-hosted music streaming service that can work on any operating system with server applications for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux and Raspberry Pi. You also have clients to listen to your music for Android and iOS, as well as for the browser.
Playback is almost perfect with a good sound viewer and playlist sharing features. You can also easily drag files to upload to the server, all with an open source project.
funkwhale
This is a community-led projectin which there are different pods or servers created by other users where music is hosted and you can upload yours. You also have the opportunity to create your own pod, although it is somewhat more complex. In the end, the idea is to be able to enjoy your music or podcasts wherever you want.
Ampache
A veteran project but constantly updated, focused on being able to create your own music streaming service. All this with an open source tool that has been developing since 2001, and with which you will be able to install third-party clients for mobile, tablet or television.
It has a web interface with which you will be able to configure the local and remote file synchronizationall in a single consistent collection. And then, you can access your music from any device, whether with an app or an HTML5 player.
Gonic
A recent and lightweight alternative, compatible with Subsonic client appswith simple management of your folders and support for podcasts. Gonic is especially recommended for those looking for a minimalist, modular and easy-to-install alternative.
It stands out for its scanning speed, and for also being compatible with scrobbling applications such as listenbrainz or last.fm, to have your listening statistics. Perhaps its only drawback is a simpler and more schematic interface, but in exchange it is very easy to use.
Subsonic
This is a powerful streaming service where your computer also becomes a server. It is used to stream video and music. It is also a base for many third party clientsso if you don’t like their applications you can always turn to others.
The price of this server is $1 per month, although you can pay $99 for a lifetime subscription. It has apps for Android, iPhone, macOS, Chrome and other platforms. You also have support for the main audio and video formats.
YouAMP
It is a client for Subsonic music servers created for Android. It uses the Material You design language, and is open source. You can browse albums, artists and songs, play music, add multiple servers, manage play queues and more.
Mopidy
Mopidy is an open source tool created to play music locally on a Raspberry Pi and other devices. However, it is an extensible tool, and has plugins to convert it to a remote streaminr service to listen to your MP4s on any device.
In fact, you can even use it to integrate services like Spotify or YouTube in case you see it necessary. The positive part is that thanks to being open source and community support, you have clients for almost any device.
Another tool open source which allows you to play all your multimedia content to any device. You can install the application on any Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux computer, and it is compatible with many devices for playback, including mobile phones, televisions or audio receivers. It focuses on movies and series, but also plays music.
In Xataka Basics | 18 tricks (and some extra) to get the most out of Plex
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings