Freedom251 › Media Player Software
OSMC
by OSMC
What OSMC is
OSMC is a free, Linux-based media player for media stored on a local network, attached storage, or the Internet. It supports Raspberry Pi, Vero, and first-generation Apple TV devices, with network playback, subtitles, hardware acceleration, and 4K playback. Its listed formats include MPEG-2, VC-1, H.264, H.265/HEVC, AV1, MKV, MP4, MOV, WMV, TS, and M2TS, along with AAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, Opus, WAV, and WMA. Licensed under version 2 of the GPL, OSMC includes an App Store with free apps such as a torrent client, web browser, and TV tuner. It also provides access to Debian repositories containing more than 30,000 packages. OSMC says it issues regular updates and lets users choose whether and when to install them. The project is maintained by volunteers, with a community-managed wiki and community for help. Its device installer is available for Windows XP SP2 or later, macOS 12.6 or later, and Linux AppImage for AMD 64-bit.
Who it suits
OSMC suits people who want a free media player for Raspberry Pi, Vero, or first-generation Apple TV. Its listed format support and access to Debian repositories may also matter to users choosing a media center for those devices.
What it does well
- Plays media from networks, attached storage, and the Internet.
- Supports 4K playback and hardware acceleration.
- Includes an App Store with free apps.
- Provides access to more than 30,000 Debian packages.
- Users choose when, or whether, to install updates.
What to know first
- Device support is limited to Raspberry Pi, Vero, and first-generation Apple TV.
- OSMC cannot vouch for third-party add-ons.
- Remote services require attention to default passwords and updates.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| OSMC | Free and open source media center | Free |
As osmc.tv lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://osmc.tv/.
- Use the device installer on Windows XP SP2 or later, macOS 12.6 or later, or Linux AppImage for AMD 64-bit.
- Choose a supported device: Raspberry Pi, Vero, or first-generation Apple TV.
- Install OSMC on the device and use it to play media from a network, attached storage, or the Internet.
- Explore the App Store or Debian repositories for additional software.
Verdict
OSMC offers broad listed format support and a free App Store for its supported devices. Consider its device limits and the maker’s security guidance before exposing services remotely.
Questions
How much does OSMC cost?
OSMC is free, with a free plan priced at $0.
Which devices does OSMC support?
OSMC currently supports Raspberry Pi, Vero, and first-generation Apple TV devices.
Is OSMC open source?
Yes. It is licensed under version 2 of the GPL.
What media formats can it play?
Its listed formats include MPEG-2, VC-1, H.264, H.265/HEVC, AV1, MKV, MP4, MOV, WMV, TS, M2TS, AAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, Opus, WAV, and WMA.
What operating systems can run the device installer?
The installer is available for Windows XP SP2 or later, macOS 12.6 or later, and Linux AppImage for AMD 64-bit.
Where can users get help?
OSMC’s community-managed wiki and community are resources for users seeking help.
Facts from OSMC's own pages
- Add-on limits
- OSMC says it cannot endorse third-party add-ons or vouch for their safety or efficacy. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- App Store
- OSMC includes an App Store with free apps, including a torrent client, web browser, and TV tuner. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- Customization
- OSMC provides access to Debian repositories with more than 30,000 packages. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- Format support
- MPEG-2,VC-1,H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,MKV,MP4,MOV,WMV,TS,M2TS,AAC,FLAC,MP3,OGG,Opus,WAV,WMA · osmc.tv, 21 Sept 2026
- 4K playback
- Yes · osmc.tv, 21 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · osmc.tv, 21 Sept 2026
- Hardware acceleration
- Yes · osmc.tv, 21 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdom · osmc.tv, 28 Sept 2026
- Installer platforms
- The OSMC device installer is available for Windows XP SP2 or later, macOS 12.6 or later, and Linux AppImage for AMD 64-bit. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- License model
- free · osmc.tv, 21 Sept 2026
- Media playback
- OSMC says it can play major media formats and supports a variety of sharing protocols. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- Network playback
- Yes · osmc.tv, 21 Sept 2026
- Open source
- OSMC is licensed under version 2 of the GPL. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Raspberry Pi,Vero,Apple TV · osmc.tv, 21 Sept 2026
- Security guidance
- OSMC recommends changing default passwords and keeping systems up to date when exposing services remotely. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- Subtitle support
- Yes · osmc.tv, 21 Sept 2026
- Support
- OSMC’s community-managed wiki and community are resources for users seeking help. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- Supported devices
- OSMC currently supports Raspberry Pi, Vero, and first-generation Apple TV devices. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- Updates
- OSMC says it provides regular updates and lets users choose when, or whether, to install them. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- What it does
- OSMC is a Linux-based media player for playing media from a local network, attached storage, and the Internet. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
- Who maintains it
- OSMC is developed and maintained by a group of volunteers in their own time. · osmc.tv, 8 Oct 2026
Where OSMC stands on Freedom251
- Media Player Software#28 of 76