OSMC
OSMC is a free, Linux-based media player for viewing media from a local network, attached storage, and the Internet.
What OSMC is
OSMC is a free, Linux-based media player for viewing media from a local network, attached storage, and the Internet. It supports Raspberry Pi, Vero, and first-generation Apple TV devices, with network playback, subtitles, hardware acceleration, and 4K playback. Its listed formats include MPEG-2, VC-1, H.264, H.265/HEVC, AV1, MKV, MP4, MOV, WMV, TS, and M2TS, as well as AAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, Opus, WAV, and WMA. OSMC is licensed under version 2 of the GPL. It includes an App Store with free apps such as a torrent client, web browser, and TV tuner, and provides access to Debian repositories with more than 30,000 packages. OSMC says it provides regular updates and lets users decide when or whether to install them. The project is maintained by volunteers, with a community-managed wiki and community for help. OSMC recommends changing default passwords and keeping systems current when exposing services remotely, and does not vouch for third-party add-ons.
Good
- Free and licensed under version 2 of the GPL.
- Supports network playback and subtitles.
- Lists hardware acceleration and 4K playback.
- Includes an App Store with free apps.
- Provides access to Debian repositories with over 30,000 packages.
Watch out
- Supports only Raspberry Pi, Vero, and first-generation Apple TV devices.
- OSMC does not vouch for third-party add-ons.
- Users must choose when or whether to install updates.
Who it suits
OSMC suits people seeking free media-player software for Raspberry Pi, Vero, or first-generation Apple TV. Its supported formats and Linux basis are useful to check against your device and media library.
Verdict
OSMC offers broad media-format support and add-on options at no cost. Check that your device is supported, and take its remote-exposure security guidance into account.
Plans and prices
From OSMC's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| OSMC | Free | Free and open source media center |
The facts
Each one read from OSMC's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 4K playback
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Add-on limits
- OSMC says it cannot endorse third-party add-ons or vouch for their safety or efficacy.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Customization
- OSMC provides access to Debian repositories with more than 30,000 packages.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Format support
- MPEG-2,VC-1,H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,MKV,MP4,MOV,WMV,TS,M2TS,AAC,FLAC,MP3,OGG,Opus,WAV,WMAchecked 21 Sep 2026
- Hardware acceleration
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- License model
- freechecked 21 Sep 2026
- Media playback
- OSMC says it can play major media formats and supports a variety of sharing protocols.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Network playback
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Open source
- OSMC is licensed under version 2 of the GPL.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security guidance
- OSMC recommends changing default passwords and keeping systems up to date when exposing services remotely.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Subtitle support
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Support
- OSMC’s community-managed wiki and community are resources for users seeking help.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Updates
- OSMC says it provides regular updates and lets users choose when, or whether, to install them.checked 8 Oct 2026
- What it does
- OSMC is a Linux-based media player for playing media from a local network, attached storage, and the Internet.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Who maintains it
- OSMC is developed and maintained by a group of volunteers in their own time.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- App Store
- OSMC includes an App Store with free apps, including a torrent client, web browser, and TV tuner.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Installer platforms
- The OSMC device installer is available for Windows XP SP2 or later, macOS 12.6 or later, and Linux AppImage for AMD 64-bit.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Supported devices
- OSMC currently supports Raspberry Pi, Vero, and first-generation Apple TV devices.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Raspberry Pi,Vero,Apple TVchecked 21 Sep 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdomchecked 28 Sep 2026
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