Emby is personal media server software that turns a folder of movies, TV shows, music and photos into a Netflix-style library you can stream to almost any device on your network or, with remote access enabled, over the internet. The core server software is free to install and run, fetching metadata and artwork automatically, while an optional Emby Premiere subscription unlocks extras like mobile sync for offline viewing and some client apps.
Emby vs Plex and Jellyfin
Emby, Plex and Jellyfin all serve the same basic role: turning a personal media library into a streamable service. Jellyfin is a free, fully open-source fork of an older Emby codebase, so it shares Emby's architecture but has no paid tier at all. Plex, like Emby, is freemium, though the two differ in which features sit behind their respective paid plans — Emby Premiere, for instance, historically bundled features like mobile app access and hardware transcoding that Plex handles differently under Plex Pass.
Emby Features
- Media Library Organization — automatically fetch metadata and artwork for movies, TV, music and photos.
- On-the-Fly Transcoding — convert video on the fly to match a client device's supported format and bandwidth.
- Wide Client App Support — stream to smart TVs, mobile devices, game consoles, browsers and streaming boxes.
- Live TV and DVR — tune in and record live TV with a supported tuner device.
- User Profiles and Parental Controls — separate libraries and access restrictions per household member.
- Mobile Sync — download media for offline playback on mobile devices (an Emby Premiere feature).
- Plugin Support — extend server functionality with community and official plugins.
- Remote Access — stream your library outside your home network.
How to Install Emby Server on Windows
- Open the official download page using the button on this page, which links to emby.media.
- Download Emby Server for your platform — Windows, macOS or a Linux package.
- Run the installer and follow the setup wizard, which launches the initial server configuration in a browser.
- Add your media folders so Emby can scan and build your library with metadata and artwork.
- Install an Emby client app on your TV, phone or browser and sign in to start streaming.
Is Emby really free?
Freemium. The core Emby Server and most streaming functionality are free; the optional Emby Premiere subscription unlocks extras such as mobile sync for offline downloads and certain client apps.
How to download Emby safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for emby.media — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering Emby. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to Emby
Other free media players software worth comparing before you decide:
Plex
A popular personal media server with a free tier and paid Plex Pass.
Jellyfin
A free, open-source personal media server forked from Emby.
Frequently asked questions
Is Emby free?
Yes, the core Emby Server software is free to download and use; Emby Premiere is an optional paid subscription for additional features.
What is the difference between Emby and Jellyfin?
Jellyfin is a free, fully open-source fork that originated from an older version of Emby's codebase; Emby remains a freemium product with a paid Premiere tier for some features.
Does Emby support live TV?
Yes, with a compatible TV tuner device, Emby can provide live TV viewing and DVR recording.
Can I stream my Emby library outside my home?
Yes, Emby supports remote access so you can stream your library over the internet, not just on your local network.
What platforms does Emby Server run on?
Emby Server runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and also has options for NAS devices like Synology.
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