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Gerbera alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Gerbera: no apps, users or remote streaming, and XML configuration is technical. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Gerbera, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Universal Media Server currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Universal Media Server logoUniversal Media ServerOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux +14 of 466.5
2Jellyfin logoJellyfinOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux +44 of 457.2
  1. Universal Media Server logo

    1. Universal Media ServerTop pick

    Best for: People who want to play files on a smart TV or console over DLNA without accounts or apps

    Open sourceSelf-hostableWindows, macOS, Linux, Web

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Gerbera

    A DLNA server with a web player and cross-platform builds including Windows.

    Pros

    • Works with a huge range of DLNA devices
    • Automatic transcoding with little setup
    • No tracking, free and open source

    Cons

    • No dedicated client apps or remote streaming
    • Newest builds reach Patreon supporters first
    • Interface is functional rather than polished
    Visit Universal Media Server Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Universal Media Server a good Gerbera alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPL-2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Protocols
    DLNA, UPnP, HTTP(S)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026universalmediaserver.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Linux, macOS
    Checked Oct 25, 2026universalmediaserver.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Origin
    Based on PS3 Media Server
    Checked Oct 25, 2026universalmediaserver.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Jellyfin logo

    2. Jellyfin

    Best for: People who want a full Plex-style server that is free, private and fully under their control

    Open sourceSelf-hostableWindows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted, Web, iOS, Android

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Gerbera

    A full server with apps and remote streaming if DLNA is not enough.

    Pros

    • Completely free, with hardware transcoding included
    • No accounts or cloud dependency
    • Live TV, DVR and SyncPlay built in

    Cons

    • Apps are less polished than Plex's
    • Remote access needs your own proxy or VPN setup
    • Some platforms rely on community clients
    Visit Jellyfin Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Jellyfin a good Gerbera alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPL-2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Subscription
    None required
    Checked Oct 25, 2026jellyfin.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Hosted service
    No, self-hosted only
    Checked Oct 25, 2026jellyfin.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Live TV and DVR
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026jellyfin.org(opens source in a new tab)

The best Gerbera alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Universal Media Server logo

Best Gerbera alternative for most people

Universal Media Server

A DLNA server with a web player and cross-platform builds including Windows.

Jellyfin logo

Best Gerbera alternative for a free option

Jellyfin

A full server with apps and remote streaming if DLNA is not enough.

Se

Best Gerbera alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Serviio

Device profiles and a Pro edition for remote access.

Universal Media Server logo

Best Gerbera alternative for open source

Universal Media Server

A DLNA server with a web player and cross-platform builds including Windows.

Mi

Best Gerbera alternative for self-hosting

MinimServer

A UPnP server focused on music browsing and tagging.

Universal Media Server logo

Best Gerbera alternative for Mac

Universal Media Server

A DLNA server with a web player and cross-platform builds including Windows.

Universal Media Server logo

Best Gerbera alternative for Windows

Universal Media Server

A DLNA server with a web player and cross-platform builds including Windows.

Universal Media Server logo

Best Gerbera alternative for Linux

Universal Media Server

A DLNA server with a web player and cross-platform builds including Windows.

Jellyfin logo

Best Gerbera alternative for iPhone and Android

Jellyfin

A full server with apps and remote streaming if DLNA is not enough.

Universal Media Server logo

Best Gerbera alternative for working in the browser

Universal Media Server

A DLNA server with a web player and cross-platform builds including Windows.

Gerbera alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Gerbera?

Universal Media Server ranks first right now. A DLNA server with a web player and cross-platform builds including Windows. Serviio and MinimServer follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Gerbera?

Yes. Universal Media Server (open source), Serviio (free plan + paid), MinimServer (free plan + paid) and Jellyfin (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Gerbera?

Yes: Universal Media Server and Jellyfin. Universal Media Server and Jellyfin can also be self-hosted.

Which Gerbera alternatives work on Linux?

Universal Media Server, Serviio, MinimServer and Jellyfin run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Gerbera?

The complaints we hear most: no apps, users or remote streaming; XML configuration is technical; no Windows build.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Gerbera, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.