Kodi
Open source home theater and media center software
21.1k stars 6.6k forks last commit first released
Actively maintained
Last commit 26 Aug 2026.
Kodi is a free and open source home theater and media center application for playing and managing digital media. It is designed for a 10-foot, remote-friendly experience on TVs while also working well as a desktop media player.
Key Features
- Library management with media scanning, artwork, metadata, and collections
- Playback for a wide range of audio and video formats
- Network playback and streaming over common network protocols
- Add-on system for extending functionality (including official add-ons)
- Powerful theming and skinning engine for customizable UI
- Cross-platform support across major desktop and mobile operating systems
Use Cases
- Living-room HTPC media center for local and NAS-hosted libraries
- Unified playback app for video, music, photos, playlists, and slideshows
- Extensible media hub using add-ons and custom skins for tailored setups
Limitations and Considerations
- Add-on availability, quality, and maintenance can vary across the ecosystem
- Performance and hardware decoding capabilities depend on the platform and device
Kodi is a mature, community-driven media center focused on a polished TV experience and broad format support. Its add-on and skinning ecosystem makes it suitable for both simple playback and highly customized home theater setups.
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