Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Icecast VS Ampache

Compare Icecast VS Ampache and see what are their differences

Icecast logo Icecast

icecast is free server software for streaming multimedia.

Ampache logo Ampache

Web ( HTTP centralized ) based audio/video streaming application
  • Icecast Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-03
  • Ampache Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-30

Icecast features and specs

  • Open Source
    Icecast is open source, meaning it's free to use and allows for community contributions to its development and improvement.
  • Multi-Format Support
    Icecast can stream various audio formats, including MP3, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, and more, providing flexibility in content delivery.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Compatible with various operating systems such as Linux, Windows, and macOS, ensuring wide usability.
  • Scalability
    Designed to handle multiple streams and a large audience, making it suitable for both small and large broadcasting needs.
  • Extensive Documentation
    Icecast has comprehensive documentation available, assisting users in setting up and managing their streams efficiently.

Possible disadvantages of Icecast

  • Complex Setup
    Initial setup, configuration, and management can be complex, especially for new users without technical expertise.
  • Limited Support
    As a community-driven project, it may not offer the same level of immediate, professional support as some commercial alternatives.
  • CPU Intensive
    Broadcasting multiple streams can be CPU intensive, requiring a robust server setup to manage high loads effectively.
  • Feature Limitations
    May lack some advanced features found in commercial streaming services, such as built-in analytics or DRM support.
  • Dependent on Third-Party Tools
    Some functionalities, such as advanced orchestration or monitoring, may require additional third-party software or tools.

Ampache features and specs

  • Open-source
    Ampache is open-source software, which means it is free to use and modify. This allows for a high level of customization and the ability to adapt the software to specific needs.
  • Cross-platform compatibility
    Ampache can run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions, making it versatile and accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Remote streaming
    Ampache allows for streaming your music library over the internet, enabling access from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be particularly useful for personal use or sharing with friends and family.
  • Comprehensive music management
    Ampache offers extensive music management features, including metadata editing, playlist creation, and support for a wide range of audio formats.
  • Third-party integrations
    Ampache supports integration with various third-party software and services, enhancing its functionality. Examples include integration with music players and media server software.

Possible disadvantages of Ampache

  • Complex setup
    Setting up Ampache can be technically challenging for users who are not familiar with server management and web applications. This might require a steep learning curve and additional time investment.
  • Performance issues
    Depending on the server’s hardware and the size of the music library, Ampache can experience slow performance and lag during operation, particularly with larger collections.
  • Limited support
    As an open-source project, Ampache relies on community support. While there is an active user community, professional support options are limited compared to commercial products.
  • Security concerns
    Hosting your own music server over the internet exposes you to potential security risks. Proper configuration and updates are crucial to mitigate vulnerabilities.
  • User interface
    While functional, Ampache's user interface may be seen as outdated or less polished compared to modern commercial music streaming services.

Analysis of Ampache

Overall verdict

  • Ampache is generally considered a good choice for users looking for a comprehensive and flexible music streaming solution, particularly those who prefer open-source software with customizable options. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of features make it a competitive option in the market.

Why this product is good

  • Ampache is a web-based audio streaming application and file manager that allows users to access their music collection from any location and on any device, given internet access. It has a robust feature set that includes support for multiple playback options, including local, cloud, and third-party services. It is open-source and highly customizable, which makes it appealing to those who like to have control over their software environment. It also offers web-based and cross-platform access, aiding in user convenience. Additionally, the community-driven development ensures continuous updates and improvements.

Recommended for

  • Music enthusiasts who have large personal music collections.
  • Users who prefer open-source software and want to customize their music streaming platform.
  • Individuals seeking a self-hosted music streaming solution.
  • Tech-savvy users who can handle installation and configuration processes on their own server or hosting service.
  • Cross-platform users who need access to their music from various types of devices.

Icecast videos

The Best IceCast Tutorial Ever

Ampache videos

Hak5 - Ampache, Boxee and Wireless Virtual Machines

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Icecast and Ampache)
Audio Player
100 100%
0% 0
Media Player
0 0%
100% 100
Music Streaming
22 22%
78% 78
Media Players And Streaming Platforms

User comments

Share your experience with using Icecast and Ampache. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Ampache might be a bit more popular than Icecast. We know about 23 links to it since March 2021 and only 20 links to Icecast. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Icecast mentions (20)

  • AzuraCast: A Simple, Self-Hosted Web Radio Management Suite
    I'm using icecast2 for that. The only downsides are that it does only mp3s and sometimes it goes mute after a track ends. A short silent transition track should workaround the latter problem but I never managed to make it work. I configured a hotkey to restart VLC on my laptop instead. https://icecast.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Setting up my own scanner broadcast on my website
    My impression is that people use Icecast for this. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • PSP Internet Radio in 2023
    Yeah, if you have an old Raspberry Pi collecting dust or something like that, icecast will work great. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Is there a self-hosted software for hifi music streaming?
    Icecast server. It's exactly would covers you needs... For free. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Show HN: Phoenix10.1, a Personalized Radio Station
    Very cool, if you want to go even further with this. You could integrate this using Icecast[1] with Liquidsoap[2] to have a more expansive schedule. 1 = https://icecast.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
View more

Ampache mentions (23)

  • Ask HN: Flac/MP3 listeners: How do you store/play your music?
    I'm not sure if this would fit all your needs aside from running on Linux but Ampache [1][2] has been around for a very long time and has the ability to mesh with other instances. It started as a small project run by some students at OSU and evolved over time. [1] - https://ampache.org/ [2] - https://github.com/ampache/ampache. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • self-hosted alternative to spotify?
    Https://ampache.org/ could be an alternative. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Step Up in Linux knowledge
    You can also do something such as build a mp3 server on headless Debian install https://ampache.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Where I can do my backup?
    Now it's time to make backups of my nextcloud, bitwarden, ampache files. Source: over 2 years ago
  • What's yout preferred selfhosted music streaming suite?
    Ampache. I've been using it for a while and it's great. I'd suggest using it with Ample, as Ample's UI is better. It supports the Subsonic API, so subsonic clients will work with it. It also supports DAAP and uPnP, for other clients. It has it's own API as well, but not many apps use that. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Icecast and Ampache, you can also consider the following products

Rocket Broadcaster - Broadcast live to your internet radio station (Icecast, SHOUTcast, and more).

Subsonic - Subsonic is a free, web-based media streamer, providing ubiquitous access to your music and video.

butt - butt (broadcast using this tool) is a streaming tool for live audio data from your computers Mic or...

Navidrome - Music Server and Streamer compatible with Subsonic/Airsonic.

SHOUTcast Radio - SHOUTcast Radio is the home of free Internet Radio.

Airsonic - Airsonic is a Free and Open Source community driven media server which allows you to stream...