DisplayGrid

Free plan APILinuxMacSelf-hostedWebWindows

What DisplayGrid is

DisplayGrid is free, self-hosted digital-signage software for restaurants, churches, schools, and community spaces. It can display images, videos, PDFs, HLS streams, WebRTC streams, web pages, custom HTML, clocks, and text, with offline playback available. Screens can be divided into independently controlled regions, each with its own playlist, and slides can run on day-and-time schedules. The asset library supports images, videos, and PDFs, with automatic WebP optimization for images. Roles include Super Admin, Admin, Operator, and Viewer, plus a PIN-protected kiosk overlay. HLS and WebRTC (WHEP) sources can carry camera or OBS feeds paired with go2rtc or MediaMTX. A token-authenticated REST API supports Home Assistant, n8n, and cron jobs, including emergency overrides and read-only screen and playlist status. The server runs in Docker or from source and requires no cloud account. Network traffic stays local unless optional HTTPS is configured through a Caddy reverse proxy. Raspberry Pi 5 or x86 hardware is recommended for video-heavy use; Pi 4 may struggle with 4K or complex video.

Who it suits

DisplayGrid suits organizations that can host signage themselves and need scheduled, offline playback across varied media types. Its roles and REST API also fit teams managing multiple screens or automated integrations.

What it does well

Free forever and self-hosted
Supports offline playback
Flexible media and stream support
Independent screen regions and playlists
REST API with token authentication

What to know first

Requires self-hosted deployment
Pi 4 may struggle with 4K video
Video-heavy use recommends Raspberry Pi 5 or x86

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Free	Free forever · self-hosted	Free

As joemighty.github.io lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

DisplayGrid offers broad signage playback, scheduling, access roles, and local automation without a cloud account. It is a strong fit for groups able to run and maintain their own Docker or source-based server.

Facts from DisplayGrid's own pages

Access control: It offers Super Admin, Admin, Operator, and Viewer roles, plus a PIN-protected kiosk overlay. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
API access: Yes · joemighty.github.io, 21 Sept 2026
Content types: images,videos,PDFs,HLS streams,WebRTC streams,web pages,custom HTML,clocks,text · joemighty.github.io, 21 Sept 2026
Deployment: The server can run as a Docker container or from source, and the product describes itself as self-hosted with no cloud account required. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · joemighty.github.io, 21 Sept 2026
Hardware limits: The maker recommends Raspberry Pi 5 or x86 hardware for video-heavy use; Pi 4 may struggle with 4K or complex video. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Integrations: The token-authenticated REST API can be used with Home Assistant, n8n, or cron jobs; its stated API surface covers emergency overrides and read-only screen and playlist status. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Layouts: Screens can be split into independently controlled regions, each with its own playlist. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Live streams: Slides can play HLS or WebRTC (WHEP) sources, including camera and OBS feeds paired with go2rtc or MediaMTX. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Media: The asset library supports images, videos, and PDFs, with automatic WebP optimisation for images. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Offline playback: Displays cache their last playlist and keep playing through network outages. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Platforms: Native apps are offered for Windows 10 or later, macOS 11 or later, and Linux; the display client can also run in a browser. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Product: DisplayGrid is self-hosted digital signage for restaurants, churches, schools, and community spaces. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Scheduling: Slides can be scheduled by day and time window. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Security: The network guide says traffic stays on the local network and nothing needs to be exposed to the internet; it documents optional HTTPS through a Caddy reverse proxy. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
Support: The project page links to GitHub for reporting bugs. · joemighty.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
User roles: advanced · joemighty.github.io, 21 Sept 2026

Where DisplayGrid stands on Freedom251

Digital Signage Software#31 of 207