Best media center software for windows

You could watch videos and listen to music from various folders and collection. The app was dynamic enough to record TV. And all of these tasks were interconnected in such a way that they could connect with any Windows system in the home network. As we shifted from Windows 7 to 8, a world of things changed from one end to the other.

In this article, we will tell you about the five best Windows Media Center alternatives that you can trust. All of the following options are actually much more capable that WMC ever was, making us sure you're enjoying using them.

If you are looking for a real media center to replace WMC, Kodi should be your default option. Previously known as XMBC, Kodi is an open source and free software that has been popular with users ever since it launched.

From playing locally stored files to streaming from services like YouTube, you can truly do a lot with Kodi. Furthermore, you can use Kodi to record TV programmes with the help of corresponding software. This bunch of features makes Kodi a superb alternative if you have used Windows Media Center in the past. Another great feature of Kodi that has been a favorite with fans is the ability to play Python-based mini-games. Besides the media-centric features, you can also customize Kodi in terms of its looks and productivity.

A large number of skins help you tune the look of Kodi just the way you want. While Plex is a good alternative to Windows Media Player, it comes with its fair share of limitations.

You cannot record TV or watch live TV on this media player. However, it is still an awesome alternative to WMC, thanks to a boatload of terrific features. It supports a number of media formats and keeps all your files and data organized.

The networking feature in Plex is out of the league. You can use Plex on just about any device you have. There is also a community where like-minded media lovers can share content. If you are looking to expand your media player into a number of devices, Plex is a great theater application.

On the face of it, Plex is a great media player. However, the software also works as a great organizer of your files and media. The integrated model of online media streaming offered by Plex is one of the best you will get on a free application. Plex - Our Choice. Podcast aggregator Tidal integration Capable free version Easy setup. No HTPC support. Remote streaming connection issue.

Unlimited recordings Easy to use and set up Downloads never expire. Only Win. No longer open source. Open source and free Can provide cover art Highly customizable. Users must beware of malicious add-ons. Automatic backups Notifications if backups fail Easy restore process. Weak functionality. Exodus is one of the more notable third-party add-ons for Kodi with which you can stream and watch a plethora of blockbuster movies and TV shows. MediaMonkey is a great choice for all of you which does not organize its video and music collection.

You can tag, categorize and make selections of your files. If you have to switch from iTunes or Windows Media Player , you will be able to import your playlists and selections in Media Monkey and use it without any problems. You can customize the way it looks so you can personalize the lists with genres, albums, musicians, tracks.

Watch your favorite videos in a few clicks. You can install it on your Windows 7, 8, 10 devices without any problems — it is fully optimized for these versions. It can be used in more than 15 languages and it does not slow down your computer. Expert Tip: Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files.

If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is. Click here to download and start repairing. Jellyfin is a software built by volunteers that offers a stunning media platform to enjoy the best productions.

Shortly, this app is completely free and offers valuable services like media distribution of movies, music, or TV shows. It is possible to collect any media content you want and access it right away. Thus the given support is unlimited and satisfies all preferences in terms of entertainment. The server provided by this platform allows free downloading and media streaming in the blink of an eye.

Plus, you can set up your live TV and record any program you prefer to add to your library. And regarding support, you can watch your media on the fly.

So you can stream content on a Fire TV device or via Kodi installation in order to transport your media anywhere. MediaPortal is a Kodi descendent as its original source code was forked from that media center. However, MediaPortal bears relatively little resemblance to Kodi. This is open-source media center software exclusively for Windows. You can add either MediaPortal 1 or 2 to Windows from this page ; although MP2 is the latest version it has fewer skins and plug-ins. The software has a more extensive selection of skins than Kodi that come in a variety of styles and have full-screen fan art, alternative themes, add-ons, and many customization options.

MediaPortal also has skins configured for more specific screen sizes, high-definition resolution, and touch screen devices. Users can watch live TV from thousands of channels and record programs to their hard disks, and MediaPortal comes with its own TV Guide.

Jellyfin is free media software. It helps you to stream any media from your server. This application allows you to collect and manages videos.

Subsonic is a personal media streamer. It enables you to listen to music from any browser. It allows you to use remote to control your Home theater PC. Mezzmo is a media server software for streaming TV shows, movies, music, and photos.

The tool is easy to use as well as highly configurable. It works with all popular devices like browser, TV, home theater systems, and more. TVersity is a tool that enables you to stream web and personal media. It helps you to watch movies and videos from computer to TV or mobile. Serviio is a free media server software that allows you to stream media files on TV and mobile phones.

The tool is based on Java technology, and therefore it is platform-independent. JRiver Media Center is a program that enables you to manage and watch movies and videos. You can control your media using iPhone, iPad, and more. Madsonic is a media streamer and web-based audio, video, and photo library.