Jellyfin vs Emby

Jellyfin Overview:

• Pros:
  • Open-source and free
  • Offline user authentication and operation
  • Supports plugins
  • Privacy and feature requests due to open-source nature
• Cons:
  • Can be resource-intensive compared to Plex
  • Lack of polished clients on all platforms
  • Issues with hardware transcoding, especially Dolby Vision Profile 7

Emby Overview:

• Pros:
  • Polished interface and functional clients on all platforms
  • Offers GroupWatch function and subtitle-switching
  • Much faster in playback compared to Jellyfin
• Cons:
  • No OIDC support due to limited plugin API
  • Issues with playback on some devices

General Comparison:

• Many users prefer Emby over Jellyfin due to the faster playback, more polished interface, and functional clients.
• Jellyfin is appreciated for being open-source, free, and having a focused approach on local media without privacy concerns.
• Jellyfin can be more resource-intensive than Plex, while Emby doesn't support multiple directories to a library like Jellyfin does.
• Plex is favored for its polished UI, wide device support, and features like VR playback and remote access through Plex servers.
• Users note that Jellyfin may not be as reliable as Emby when it comes to media playback and database stability.
• Some users still choose Plex due to its wide device support, stable performance, and useful features like VR compatibility, but others criticize it for privacy concerns.
• Kodi is mentioned for its role as a client app for Jellyfin, offering more customization options like plugins.
• Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin each have their strengths and weaknesses, offering a variety of features to cater to different user needs.
• Personal preferences, budget considerations, and specific use cases play a significant role in choosing between Jellyfin and Emby.

Highlighted User Comments:

• Opinions are divided between Jellyfin and Emby, with some users expressing a preference for Emby's faster playback and polished interface, while others appreciate Jellyfin's open-source nature and focus on privacy.
• Some users mention issues with both Jellyfin and Emby, such as playback errors, lack of polished clients, and resource-intensive performance, impacting their overall user experience.
• The availability of clients, stability of playback, privacy concerns, and customization options are key factors influencing users' decisions between Jellyfin, Emby, and Plex.
• Overall, users emphasize the importance of testing both Jellyfin and Emby to determine which best suits their media server needs, highlighting various aspects like resource consumption, playback quality, and client support.

Remember to consider your specific requirements, preferences, and compatibility with devices when choosing between Jellyfin and Emby. Each platform has its own strengths and limitations, so thorough testing and evaluation are recommended before making a decision.