Get Spotify Open Spotify You look like someone who appreciates good music. Listen to all your favourite artists on any device for free or try the Premium trial. As the undisputed leader in on-demand streaming music service, Spotify allows both free and paid users to access to over 35 million songs. But Spotify has applied Ogg Vorbis format in all songs and playlists, which prevents members listening to Spotify music on most popular devices, like the common MP3 players.
If you are an audiophile and need some free and open-source Linux music server software to create your own self-hosted live streaming audio server for your massive collection of music files then you are at the right place.
We already covered the best open-source Linux based media server software to build your own media server using an old home PC. The media server tools, we have listed in that article are can also be used as music servers such as Plex, Kodi, and Emby media servers. Apart from this server software, we are also going to list a few dedicated open source and free DIY audiophile music server software here in this listicle, have a look maybe they somehow help you…
But before diving into the article let me tell, who need such kind music server software?
A person, who has a large collection of music or just wants to create his own Spotify like a server to stream music locally or remotely anywhere both on Desktop PC (like Windows, macOS, and Linux) and mobile platforms like Android, iOS, and Windows-based smartphones.
The purpose of os a music server is to deliver a music track which stored on the server storage when requested by the client. These Music HTTP servers should be capable of providing music files over the local area network and to other computers connected to the internet.
The Open-source software category has a wide range of multimedia server software; capable enough to turn your computer into a Jukebox. It does not end here, even there is a dedicated Linux music server distro called VortexBox which comes in the form of a bootable ISO file and can directly convert your old bare metal PC into a full-fledged music server.
Note: If you are using any of the given software to stream music over the internet (commercially) then be sure that you have copyright ownership of those tracks if they come under the copyright. However, for personal or music under free licenses can be stream without any issue.
List of Best Free Linux Music Server Software
Dedicated Music server operating system
List of Best Free Linux Music Server Software
![Server Server](https://www.ninetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/voyado-ninetech-partnership-1024x453.jpg)
Build your own audiophile music server using free and opens source software
- Plex
- Emby Server
- Subsonic
- Ampache – Music Streaming Server
- Madsonic
- Airsonic
- Serviio
- Daphile- Dedicated Headless Music Server
- VortexBox music server distro
- Icecast
- Mopidy
- Sockso
- Jinzora
- Music Player Daemon
Plex – Media Server
Yes, we know that the Plex is the media server but it is an all-rounder player. This means it can use to stream music and video both including images. The reason it is on the top list because of its client application availability. The Plex is almost available for every device such as Android, iOS, Smart TV, Windows phone, Apple Tv, Xbox one, Plays station, and more. It uses a client-server architecture to work as a home theatre PC. You can install the Plex server on Windows, macOS, Linux likes Ubuntu, FreeBSD, and other NAS server platform and Docker. That’s why it is one of the best music server software available for free. Spotify xbox free 6 months. See: How to install Plex media server on Ubuntu
Emby Server
It is open-source media server that let you handle the home videos, music, and photos both locally and remotely. Does spotify download songs twice. It is available as a client for both Desktop PC and smartphones. Emby apps are available for Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox, Home Theater Computers, and more. The parental control and dlna services are also there. The interface of this media cum music sever is really beautiful and I am using it for my personal usage. Their server application is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, FreeBSD, NAS, and Docker. You may want to know: How to install Emby server on Ubuntu to create your own music server.
Subsonic
The is another well-known free music server software to stream your favorite music on the go. It supports MP3, OGG, AAC, and any other audio or video format that streams over HTTP. The transcoding engine of the Subsonic allows you to stream lossy and lossless formats by converting to MP3 on-the-fly. See: How to install Subsonic on Ubuntu Linux.
It can work with any network media player such as VLC, Windows media player, iTunes Winamp, and XMMS including embedded Flash player. The tag parsing and editing of MP3, AAC, OGG, FLAC, WMA, and APE files are also possible using the Jaudiotagger library.
Also the Subsonic provide a wide range of language support which is up to 28 along 30 different user themes to suit your personality. The user can also set his own personal avatar. Now come to the availability of the Subsonic server, it can be installed on Windows, MAcOS, Linux, Red Hat / Fedora, Synology NAS and also available as a Stand-alone version (all platforms), and WAR version (all platforms).
The Subsonic client app is available for Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, Mac, Sonos, Chrome and more. It means, if you go for Subsonic then you will not going to get compatible issues. The videos streaming in the Subsonic is paid. However, if you need a server application just for streaming the Music then you can go for it. You can also listen what you’re playing on the Last.FM using automatically register, via the built-in Audioscrobbling support.
Play music directly on the server’s audio hardware using the jukebox mode and also it is very easy to install on Raspberry Pi and Odroid C2 boards.
Madsonic
Madsonic is a web-based media library and media streamer with jukebox functionality. Based on Java technology, Madsonic music server software can run on most of the platforms, including Windows, macOS, OSX, Linux and Unix variants. Apart from a personal streaming media server, it can also be used a jukebox locally. To stream and play music from Madsonic sever either you can use different clients those support the Madsonic or Subsonic REST API or web browser via an intuitive web interface.
It is a completely open-source and free Media streaming software and a fork of closed source Subsonic Server. So, if you don’t want to pay for Subsonic then you can use the MediaSonic. Some key features of it are easy to use interface,
Flexible and adaptable, Supports most media formats, Customizable user experience, Integrates web services, and Mobile Apps.
Flexible and adaptable, Supports most media formats, Customizable user experience, Integrates web services, and Mobile Apps.
Ampache – Music Streaming Server
Ampache is another popular free and open-source music streaming server software. It is web-based audio/video streaming application and file manager. The Ampache allows to stream music directly into the browser using the HTMl5 player on almost any internet-enabled device. To get the lyrics of songs you can also connect the Ampache to ChatLyrics and Lyrics Wiki to import Metadata from MusicBrainz. It provides Subsonic API backend which allows the user to use Subsonic clients. Ampache supports multiple network music players to play songs such as VLC, WinAMP, Foobar2000, Windows media player and almost any player that has the HTTP stream capability. Furthermore, it can also work with Plex, DAAP clients, UPnP/DLNA and XML-API clients.
Airsonic
Airsonic can be said as an open source alternative to closed source Subsonic media server but with all capabilities because it is a fork of Subsonic. It is a free and web-based media streamer designed to handle the very larger collection of music files stored on your local disk. However, it mainly optimized for Mp3 streaming but can support any audio or video streaming over HTTP like from OGG and AAC to WMA, FLAC, and APE.
With help of transcoder plug-ins, Airsonic can convert any audio format, including WMA, FLAC, APE, Musepack, WavPack and Shorten. It can also work as a local jukebox.
Airsonic comes with an integrated Podcast receiver and as based on Java technology it can run almost all platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux and Unix variants.
Mopidy
Mopidy is also open source and free MPD and HTTP music server written in Python that runs in a terminal or in the background on Linux computers or MacOS with some network connectivity.
For controlling the Mopidy from frontend you can install some extensions. Also, it can be easily run on the Raspberry P either using Raspbian or Arch Linux to create an affordable Jukebox.
Moreover, has the capability to play music from your local disk and from cloud services like Spotify, SoundCloud, and Google Play Music via an extension on phone, tablet, desktops or web clients.
Basically, you can say it a headless music server software that can be controlled by installing extensions and plays music via a browser or MPD client. With Mopidy’s extension support, backends for new music sources can be easily added. IF you are looking for hackable private music streaming server or personal music server then it is for you.
Serviio
Serviio is a free media server that can work as your private streaming server. It supports the streaming of music, video, or images on your connected home network. Apart from the free edition, it also has a pro edition with enhanced sharing possibilities. Serviio can work with Smart TVs, PPlayStation3, XBox 360, smartphones, tablets, and more. For different devices, it uses a particular profile in order to tune the maximum potential of that device’s potential or minimize lack of media format playback support (via transcoding).
As it based on Java technology which allows this music server to run on most platforms such Windows, Mac and Linux including NAS like embedded systems.
Dedicated Music server operating system
VortexBox -Dedicated Linux Music Server Distro
VortexBox is a Fedora-based Music Sever Linux distribution that can easily turn your computer into a music server or Jukebox. It can automatically rip CDs to FLAC and MP3 files, ID3-tag the files, and download the cover art.
To play music files served by the VortexBox you can use any network-based player like VLC; it means you can use it to stream songs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS devices.
Daphile- Dedicated Headless Music Server
Daphile stands for Digital Music Convenience for Audiophiles which is a music server and player operating system meant to run as dedicated headless music server PC. It is based on open source Squeezebox Server, Squeezelite, and Linux.
The Daphile being a headless server which means not graphical user interface but that doesn’t mean it is complicated. After installing the Daphile you will get an IP address just open it in the browser and you totally control your music library from anywhere locally or over Internet remotely.
The Daphile Headless music server OS features Bitperfect and gapless playback, Extensive audio format support, Native DSD playback up to DSD512, PCM resolutions up to 384kHz/24bit, High-quality audio resampling including PCM to DSD conversion, Convolution filtering for DRC and equalizer, “Play from RAM” to minimize CPU load and disk activity during playback, Automatic audio device configuration with multiplayer support, CD ripping with AccurateRip verification, automatic metadata tagging, and cover art, Supports external file servers as a music source, Easy configuration and installation through the web interface, WiFi hotspot support (if compatible hardware exists), Software update via the web interface, Network-attached storage (NAS) service and last but not least Whole system included in just about 200MB ISO-file
Few other dedicated free music/ media server software and worth to try if you are a Windows/Linux user:
Icecast 2
Icecast is an audio/video streaming media server that right now supports Ogg (Vorbis and Theora), Opus, WebM and MP3 streams. It can be used to create an Internet radio station or a privately running jukebox and many things in between.The Icecast support number clients for Windows, macOS and Linux/Unix some of them are liquidsoap
RoarAudio, butt (broadcast using this tool), Mixxx, Music Player Daemon (MPD), Traktor DJ Studio, Ices, DarkIce, DeeFuzzer, FreeJ, IceGenerator, Muse, Ezstream, Ladiocast macOS, Edcast reborn Windows, StreamS Live Encoder Windows, Cool Mic Android, KoalaSAN iOS, iCast iOS, ShoutVST and more…
RoarAudio, butt (broadcast using this tool), Mixxx, Music Player Daemon (MPD), Traktor DJ Studio, Ices, DarkIce, DeeFuzzer, FreeJ, IceGenerator, Muse, Ezstream, Ladiocast macOS, Edcast reborn Windows, StreamS Live Encoder Windows, Cool Mic Android, KoalaSAN iOS, iCast iOS, ShoutVST and more…
Sockso – Personal Music Server
Sockso is a free, open-source, personal music host server that is really easy to setup for everyone. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you do not want a high-end production music server and just basic need of streaming music or listen with your friends then Sockso can be used. IT is very simple to install just download and double-click on it. It supports MP3, OGG Vorbis, Flac, and WMA. Features GUI interface, Online flash music player, playlists, search, Download single tracks, or entire albums/artists or playlists and more capabilities.
Jinzora
Jinzora music server software allows streaming digital media through an internet connected computer, home stereo set or a hardware jukebox device.
Music Player Daemon
Spotify Free Music Online
Music Player Daemon (MPD) is a server-side application for playing a variety of sound files through plugins and libraries and can be controlled by its network protocol.
So, these are some best available open source free audio streaming software those will definitely help you to create your own self-hosted music streaming server. However, its all depend on one’s requirement but the Plex, Emby and Subsonic/Madsonic are few ultimate solutions to create the whole package of entertainment. I didn’t try the dedicated music server Daphile but you can do because of it really an interesting one…
If you have any question or want any installation guide on music server software, let us know, the comment box is all your!!
ALSO, SEE:
When the compressed music came out, people reckoned that it was only for some time, that the quality would improve. However, lossy music rapidly gained its admirers due to file's small size. It looked very appealing to be able to store thousands of songs no matter what the quality is. Sadly, compressed music was in favor for quite a while, at least, longer than it should have. As a consequence, musicians waste hours and days in studios re-recording what they think of, quantity has taken over quality and what appeared to be a bliss turned out to be evil.
Digital music streaming services is not a brand-new thing. The problem is that there’s so much music to discover and even though some services say they have some exclusives, most music collections are more or less similar, making possible over 30 million tracks for streaming.
Spotify doesn't need any kind of introduction. If you don't know what it is, you must be living in the Stone Age.
For those who still haven't googled, Spotify is a digital music streaming service that offers access to millions of songs, playlists, and podcasts from artists all over the world. It rapidly extended as a nice streaming service for several reasons:
- Free subscription with ads.
- Millions of tracks available.
- $9.99 / month .
- Supported in 60 countries.
It seemed like an outstanding service, but the world is now shifting towards Hi-Res music, and Spotify has no victory there. Today I will explain to you why Spotify is already in the past, Spotify Hi-Res is no Hi-Res and suggest a better alternative.
Spotify Sound Quality
Like the rest of music streaming services, Spotify uses compressed audio files so that you can stream and download music without pauses or interruptions. Streams are in OGG (Ogg Vorbis) at 96 kbps on mobile, 160 kbps for so-called 'High' quality on mobile and 320 kbps on mobile and computers for Premium subscribers. These digits are enough to refuse to use the service. If you reckon it makes no difference, you can check out the short-film The Distortion of Sound, where Slash, Snoop Dogg, Michael Shinoda, and the rest will explain in detail why compression is no good for 2017. The worst thing about compressed music is that loudness entirely predominates over the quality thus making the sound more ripped and not exactly what was recorded in a studio. Louder doesn't imply better music experience, and right now is the time we accept it.
Fortunately, there's a better alternative. VOX Music Player for Mac & iPhone plays most music formats including Hi-Res ones (FLAC, ALAC, WAV, etc.).
Spotify Hi-Res
There's been lots of hype around Spotify's announcement about the introduction of so-called Hi-Res Premium account. For extra $5-10 (it randomly varies from account to account) you are offered an opportunity to listen to CD quality at 44.1 KHz/16 bit frequency while real Hi-Res starts at 48 KHz/24 bit. Sure, CD quality is better than compressed OGG but is it worth it? I doubt. The only player able to support playback of such quality is VOX Music Player for Mac & iPhone, where you don't think about the quality because you know for sure what you've uploaded.
Spotify Interface
Spotify should make it more comfortable to find songs because if there's at least one misspelled letter, it would be hard to find what you've been looking for. Another annoying feature is that you can't put the songs in any kind of order which makes it really challenging to find any song. If you are listening to an album, and then add songs one by one, what you eventually have is that exact album but with songs in reversed order. Storing music a bit pain in the ass, so you have to think in advance in what order you want them to be on your added music list.
As an alternative, VOX Music player has its own cloud storage called VOX Music Cloud Storage. It is a limitless cloud which has only one purpose – store all your Hi-Res library thus tackling the problem of Hi-Res file's size. It instantly syncs with you VOX account so you can enjoy the music you have on the cloud. Additional great feature is the option to download songs, which may be useful if you know for certain you won't be having any internet for some time.
Try VOX Music Player with Premium Features Now!
Spotify Radio
What Spotify calls Radio is actually just a set of pre-made playlists of different genres. It is also common that these playlists confuse some algorithms and you have EDM music playing on an Alternative channel. Discovering new music narrows down to Browse. It has dozens of playlists and to know how the playlists work there, read the next section.
For people who tend to explore new music with radio, VOX Music Player makes it possible to listen to more than 30,000 stations from all around the world. It appeals to any taste regardless of the genre or country. You will always find new music and be able to explore new genres with no problems.
Spotify Daily Mix
Playlists, as well as radio, focus on assisting people with exploring previously unknown artists. Spotify has millions of pre-created playlists starting from 'The Best of .. [band's name]' to Top-50 of a country you pick. Unfortunately, Your Daily Mix section is based on what you already have on your music list, so there's little chance to actually discover something new, local or underground. Another flaw of Spotify's playlist is that they usually offer most popular tracks of a particular genre or musician. For example, if you regularly listen to some trip-hop, you will most likely find Portishead, Tricky, Massive Attack and the rest of the genre bests on your Daily Mix.
VOX Player doesn't provide pre-made playlists since we believe playlists are very personal and private. Musicians usually spend hours in studios creating something unique not to be put in one line with hundreds of different artist just because someone decided they sounded alike. Vizio smart tv spotify app.
Conclusion: Spotify + Hi-Res?
Streaming services have made their contribution to humanity, but it's high time we moved into the future, and it's all about Hi-Res music. We strongly encourage you to stop hurting your ears and choose the best alternative to Spotify for your iPhone. VOX Music Player has everything and more and can satisfy the needs of even the most demandable listeners.
Get Music On Spotify Free
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Spotify Free Music Streaming
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Start experiencing the best audio player now.