LibreELEC USB-SD Creator
LibreELEC USB-SD Creator selects and downloads a LibreELEC image, then writes it to a USB stick or SD card to create bootable media for an HTPC device.
What LibreELEC USB-SD Creator is
LibreELEC USB-SD Creator selects and downloads a LibreELEC image, then writes it to a USB stick or SD card to create bootable media for an HTPC device. It offers the latest stable release, with a separate option to show older stable releases. You can also select a previously downloaded .img.gz file or drag it into the app. Writing an image overwrites all data on the target USB or SD device. LibreELEC describes its operating system as a lightweight Linux distribution for Kodi on popular media center hardware. The Creator is free and open source, with no paid plans stated. The current app supports 64-bit Windows 10 and 11, and macOS 14 or newer; a Linux version for Ubuntu and Debian derivatives is not currently available. It checks for updates but does not download or install newer versions automatically, so users must install them manually. The project provides SHA-256 links for Windows and macOS installers and directs users with app problems to its USB-SD Creator Support forum.
Good
- Downloads the latest stable image
- Can use a local .img.gz file
- Free and open source
- Provides SHA-256 installer links
Watch out
- Writing media overwrites its existing data
- No current Linux version is available
- Updates must be installed manually
- Requires Windows 10 or 11, or macOS 14 or newer
Who it suits
The Creator suits people preparing bootable LibreELEC media for an HTPC on supported Windows or macOS versions. It can also write a local .img.gz image instead of downloading one through the app.
Verdict
LibreELEC USB-SD Creator handles image selection and bootable-media writing in one app for supported Windows and macOS systems. Check the target drive carefully because writing replaces its data, and install updates yourself when needed.
Plans and prices
From LibreELEC USB-SD Creator's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| LibreELEC USB-SD Creator | Free | Free and open source software; no paid plans stated |
The facts
Each one read from LibreELEC USB-SD Creator's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Choose an image
- The app offers the latest stable LibreELEC release, with a “Show all” option for older stable releases.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Download verification
- The download page provides SHA-256 links for the Windows and macOS installers.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- LibreELEC describes its operating system as a lightweight Linux distribution purpose-built for Kodi on popular media center hardware.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Languages
- Version 1.5 added Arabic and Korean translations.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- The app selects and downloads a LibreELEC image for an HTPC device and creates bootable USB or SD card media.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security context
- LibreELEC says its default configuration is designed for home networks and should not be used in security-sensitive networks.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users with app problems to its USB-SD Creator Support forum.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Update behavior
- The app checks for updates, but it does not download or install newer versions automatically; users must install them manually.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Use a local image
- You can select a previously downloaded .img.gz file or drag and drop it into the app.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Write media
- The app writes the selected image to a USB stick or SD card, overwriting all data on the target device.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2016checked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Linux availability
- The Linux version for Ubuntu and Debian derivatives is not currently available.checked 8 Oct 2026
- macOS signing
- LibreELEC says it signs the macOS app to prevent Gatekeeper issues.checked 8 Oct 2026
- macOS support
- The current app is available for macOS 14 and newer.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The current app is available for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11.checked 8 Oct 2026
Alternatives to LibreELEC USB-SD Creator
- 1
UNetbootin
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows7.1Free plan - 2
USBImager
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.1Free plan - 3
balenaEtcher
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.8From $1,720 a year - 4
FlashBoot
Free planWindows6.5$29.95 one-time - 5
WinToUSB
Free planWindows6.5$44.95 one-time - 6
Unraid USB Creator
LinuxmacOSWindows6.4$49 one-time