# Kodi: Free Open Source Alternative to Amazon Prime, Emby, Plex

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/kodi
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Kodi (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Amazon Prime, Emby, Plex, Stremio. Plays videos, music, TV shows, photos, and games from a single interface, with live TV, PVR recording, and broad format support across devices.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Kodi
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://kodi.tv/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/xbmc/xbmc
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 21.4k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/xbmc/xbmc or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Amazon Prime.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (4)
Replacing these paid tools with Kodi saves up to $100/mo ($1,200/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Amazon Prime](https://caniforkit.com/amazon-prime) | [hosting](https://caniforkit.com/category/hosting) | $25/mo | [Compare Amazon Prime vs Kodi](https://caniforkit.com/vs/amazon-prime-vs-kodi) |
| [Emby](https://caniforkit.com/emby) | [hosting](https://caniforkit.com/category/hosting) | $25/mo | [Compare Emby vs Kodi](https://caniforkit.com/vs/emby-vs-kodi) |
| [Plex](https://caniforkit.com/plex) | [hosting](https://caniforkit.com/category/hosting) | $25/mo | [Compare Plex vs Kodi](https://caniforkit.com/vs/plex-vs-kodi) |
| [Stremio](https://caniforkit.com/stremio) | [hosting](https://caniforkit.com/category/hosting) | $25/mo | [Compare Stremio vs Kodi](https://caniforkit.com/vs/stremio-vs-kodi) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Kodi free and open source?
Kodi is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Plays videos, music, TV shows, photos, and games from a single interface, with live TV, PVR recording, and broad format support across devices.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Kodi?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Amazon Prime.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)