Jellyfin DesktopLinux
vs
KodiWindows
Jellyfin Desktop as a Linux alternative to Kodi
Updated
Our verdict
Jellyfin Desktop is a good replacement for Kodi if you already use Jellyfin as your media backend. It handles local playback and streaming from a Jellyfin server well, with solid hardware decoding and audio passthrough. However, it’s not a standalone media center — it needs a Jellyfin server. If you want local library management or use add-ons, Kodi is still better. For users who prefer centralized media management and clean playback across devices, Jellyfin Desktop is a reliable, no-fuss option.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2.0.0 (December 14, 2025)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Plays video, music, and podcasts from a centralized media library
- Supports hardware-accelerated video decoding for smooth playback
- Handles audio passthrough, including Dolby Digital and DTS
- Switches between audio tracks and subtitles during playback
- Runs on Linux with a native desktop interface
What is different
- Jellyfin Desktop requires a Jellyfin server; Kodi manages media locally
- No add-ons or plugin ecosystem like Kodi’s
- No 10-foot interface optimized for TVs
- Does not scrape metadata or organize libraries directly
- Lacks built-in PVR or live TV support
Opening your Kodi files
Jellyfin Desktop does not open Kodi libraries or configuration files. It does not import .nfo files, playlists, or watched status directly. Media organization happens on the Jellyfin server side, which scans and indexes files independently. If your media is already tagged for Kodi, you may need to re-scan in Jellyfin. Playlist and subtitle files (like .srt) are supported during playback, but syncing Kodi-specific metadata isn't possible.
Switching from Kodi to Jellyfin Desktop, step by step
- Set up a Jellyfin server and point it to your media directories
- Ensure your media is properly named and organized for Jellyfin to parse
- Install Jellyfin Desktop via Flathub or native packages
- Log in to your Jellyfin server from the desktop client
- Use Jellyfin Desktop to browse and play content
Key features of Jellyfin Desktop
- Connects directly to self-hosted Jellyfin servers
- Hardware-accelerated video decoding via libmpv
- Supports audio passthrough (including Dolby Digital and DTS)
- Plays many formats without transcoding
- Built with Qt WebEngine for responsive UI
- Available as Flatpak and native packages
- Runs on Linux desktops with minimal dependencies
- Supports playlists, subtitles, and audio track switching
How to install Jellyfin Desktop on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.jellyfin.JellyfinDesktopsudo pacman -S jellyfin-serverFrequently asked questions
Can Jellyfin Desktop work without a Jellyfin server?
No. Jellyfin Desktop is a client only — it requires an active Jellyfin server to access media. It cannot play files directly from local folders without server integration.
Does it support the same video formats as Kodi?
Yes, most formats are supported without transcoding thanks to libmpv. Playback capabilities are similar, but Jellyfin Desktop relies on the server for metadata, not local file inspection.
Can I use it on a TV like Kodi?
Not effectively. It lacks a 10-foot interface and is designed for desktop use. For TV viewing, consider the Jellyfin web client or a dedicated app.
