Ampache
A mature web jukebox with enough knobs to remind you it predates subscription fatigue.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-11
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- AGPL-3.0
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hostedself-host, real ops
- Installation
- Docker image followed by a browser-based installer, or a PHP web stack with MySQL/MariaDB
- Operational Setup
- The first-run wizard asks for database-admin credentials and writable config/catalog paths, so permissions and MySQL setup arrive before music playback
- Where Your Data Lives
- Audio/video files remain in server-side catalog folders; users, playlists and indexed metadata live in a MySQL/MariaDB database with a PHP configuration file
- The Catch / Trade-off
- It offers none of Apple Music's licensed catalogue or Apple-device polish, and its older, administration-heavy web interface is a much rougher everyday listening experience.
Replaces 4 paid apps
up to $48.96/mo ($588/yr) in subscriptions
Ampache FAQ
Common questions
Is Ampache free and open source?+
Ampache is an open-source tool licensed under AGPL-3.0 that runs on self-host. A mature web jukebox with enough knobs to remind you it predates subscription fatigue.
What paid software does Ampache replace?+
Ampache serves as a free replacement for 4 paid SaaS applications: Apple Music, Spotify Premium, TIDAL, YouTube Music Premium, saving up to $48.96/month ($588/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Ampache?+
Installation: Docker image followed by a browser-based installer, or a PHP web stack with MySQL/MariaDB. Setup notes: The first-run wizard asks for database-admin credentials and writable config/catalog paths, so permissions and MySQL setup arrive before music playback
What is the catch or trade-off with Ampache?+
It offers none of Apple Music's licensed catalogue or Apple-device polish, and its older, administration-heavy web interface is a much rougher everyday listening experience.