The Best Apps of DLNA Media Server for Android Device

DLNA server software enables users to share media from their computer with a variety of devices, such as Android phones, game consoles, TVs, media players and iPhones. This is made possible through the DLNA protocol, which stands for Digital Living Network Alliance.

DLNA technology enables users to connect and stream data between DLNA-compatible devices, such as photos, videos, and Android home screens. It is often confused with Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) protocols, but DLNA has enhanced UPnP’s media-focused capabilities. To take advantage of this technology, users need DLNA media server software.

A media server enables you to share your movies, music and photos with DLNA compatible devices like TVs, game consoles and media players. It also provides extra features such as extracting metadata and transcoding video files for playback on multiple devices. This makes it easy to access your home media over the network.

Check the list of the best DLNA Media Server apps for Android devices

Plex

Plex is a top-tier streaming media app, boasting an elegant interface and comprehensive metadata downloads for a professional look. It can also be enabled as a DLNA server, allowing users to wirelessly connect their home devices – such as Android tablets and TVs – to the app.

This popular file-sharing software is renowned for its compatibility across a variety of devices and easy setup. It offers both free and paid versions, with the free version allowing users to share files locally, while the paid version enables streaming from the cloud and media synchronization.

Plex, a media server popular for its comprehensive set of features, is based on the Kodi/XBMC frontend. It has added a client/server configuration, transcoding and metadata processing to create an even more powerful experience.

kodi

Kodi is an open source media software that provides users with a user-friendly and attractive interface to access their stored media. It offers similar features to Plex, but also has additional capabilities such as PVR for watching and recording live TV on popular backends, a remote interface, the ability to customize the interface with various themes, and access to third party tools.

Kodi offers Android users a wealth of content, from official sources like YouTube and sports channels to international repositories. It also allows users to stream their own media.

Kodi is designed for video streaming, but it can also be used to view photos and listen to the radio. However, if you’re looking for a music streaming service, there are better alternatives.

PlayOn

PlayOn is the ultimate media server, offering effortless streaming to any DLNA-compatible device. It also stands out from the competition by allowing users to pre-record TV shows and integrate popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

PlayOn’s home media server software offers more than just streaming movies, music and photos from your PC to DLNA compatible devices. It can also record from multiple sources, skip ads during recordings and more.

This media server offers access to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, plus a web interface and mobile apps for iOS and Android, so users can watch their media on the go.

Emby

Emby offers users the ability to customize their media experience, with compatibility across multiple devices, including game consoles. It provides a central database for organizing media and web-based management tools for easy access. Plus, users can edit metadata and share files across different devices.

Cloud sync gives you the option to back up, convert, and archive your personal media for streaming across devices.

VLC

VLC, renowned for its multimedia capabilities, is also an excellent DLNA streaming app. It allows users to access content stored on their local media server and stream it to other devices like Chromecast.

VLC, the popular media player known for its simplicity and ease of use, has evolved significantly since its beta launch a few years ago. With an easy-to-navigate interface and DLNA functionality, users can enjoy the app free of charge. Despite not being as widely used on Android as it is on PC, VLC remains a top choice for many.

LocalCast

LocalCast is widely regarded as one of the top DLNA streaming apps for Android. It offers a reliable and efficient way to stream content from your device to other compatible devices.

Hi-Fi Cast + DLNA

Hi-Fi Cast + DLNA is an app designed to stream music from DLNA certified devices.

For music streaming, the Android app ‘Shuffle’ is the ideal choice. It allows users to create customised playlists of individual tracks, artists or albums from their Android device or other DLNA devices.

This app offers a music-focused DLNA streaming experience, allowing users to play music from their smartphones or other DLNA streaming devices. However, it is limited to just listening to music. If you’re looking for an app that specializes in this area, this one is worth a try.

BubbleUPnP

BubbleUPnP is a top-rated DLNA streaming app for Android, offering advanced features to stream media from your smartphone to any DLNA-certified device.

BubbleUPnP UPnP/DLNA lets you stream content from your device to a DLNA-compatible device, with multimedia controls for managing playlists, setting timers, and more.

This music streaming app supports Chromecast, DLNA-enabled TVs, and the latest gaming consoles. It offers features like play queue, editable playlists, scrobbling, sleep timer and various shuffle modes. Plus, users can view images in full-screen mode and control playback remotely.

Final note

Discover the best DLNA media server apps for Android devices. Share this article with friends and family, and contact us if you have any questions.