Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Koel VS Subsonic

Compare Koel VS Subsonic and see what are their differences

Koel logo Koel

A personal music streaming server that works.

Subsonic logo Subsonic

Subsonic is a free, web-based media streamer, providing ubiquitous access to your music and video.
  • Koel Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-13
  • Subsonic Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-11

Koel features and specs

  • Self-hosted
    Koel is a self-hosted music streaming application, giving users complete control over where their music is stored and how it is accessed, without relying on third-party services.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, Koel allows users to audit the code for security, make contributions, and customize the software to fit their needs.
  • Web-based Interface
    Koel offers a web-based interface that is accessible from any device with a web browser, making it easy to stream music from various devices.
  • Integration
    Koel can integrate with other services and tools thanks to its RESTful API, which expands its functionality and allows for custom implementations.
  • No Ads
    Since Koel is self-hosted, it is free from advertisements, providing an uninterrupted listening experience for users.

Possible disadvantages of Koel

  • Technical Setup
    Installing and configuring Koel requires some technical expertise, as it involves setting up a server environment, which can be complex for non-technical users.
  • Maintenance
    Being a self-hosted solution, Koel requires regular maintenance and updates by the user to ensure security and functionality.
  • Hosting Costs
    Users need their hosting service to run Koel, which can incur additional costs depending on the server specifications and bandwidth usage.
  • Limited Social Features
    Unlike commercial streaming services, Koel lacks integrated social features such as music sharing and collaborative playlists.
  • Mobile App Support
    Koel's mobile experience might not be as polished as mainstream music apps, potentially requiring additional third-party apps for a better experience.

Subsonic features and specs

  • Web-based Interface
    Subsonic offers a web-based interface that allows users to access their media library from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Media Streaming
    Enables users to stream music and videos to multiple devices simultaneously, including smartphones, tablets, and other computers.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Subsonic is compatible with various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and has mobile apps for Android and iOS.
  • Podcast Support
    The system includes features for subscribing, downloading, and streaming podcasts directly within the application.
  • Transcoding
    Supports on-the-fly transcoding, converting media files into various formats to best suit the device being used.
  • User Management
    Offers comprehensive features for creating, managing, and restricting user access, making it suitable for multi-user environments.
  • API Availability
    Subsonic provides a well-documented API, which allows for extensive customization and integration with other applications.

Possible disadvantages of Subsonic

  • Premium Features
    Many advanced features such as mobile streaming and higher quality audio are only available with a paid subscription.
  • Outdated User Interface
    Although functional, the web interface can appear outdated compared to more modern media server applications.
  • Complex Setup
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex for users who are not familiar with setting up servers or tweaking network settings.
  • Server Dependent
    Requires a dedicated server to host the media library, which can be a barrier for users without the necessary hardware.
  • Limited Official Support
    Official support options are limited, which may necessitate reliance on community forums and user guides for troubleshooting.
  • Resource Intensive
    Streaming and transcoding operations can be resource-intensive, necessitating a powerful server for optimal performance.
  • Security Concerns
    Self-hosted services need to be properly secured, requiring users to manage updates and configurations to protect against vulnerabilities.

Analysis of Subsonic

Overall verdict

  • Subsonic is considered a good option for users who need a robust solution to stream their personal media library. However, it's worth noting that it has transitioned to a subscription-based model, which might deter some users. Some alternatives like Plex and Emby are also recommended for similar functionalities.

Why this product is good

  • Subsonic is a media server software that allows users to stream their music and video collection from anywhere with internet access. It provides features like support for various media formats, mobile apps, playlist management, transcoding capabilities, and an active community for plug-ins and enhancements. Users appreciate its customizable interface and the convenience it offers for managing and accessing large media libraries remotely.

Recommended for

    Subsonic is recommended for tech-savvy users who are comfortable managing and hosting their own media server. It's ideal for those with extensive media collections who require remote access and prefer a self-hosted solution to commercial streaming services.

Koel videos

Brainwavz Koel review - 3D printed earphones that sound great! - By TotallydubbedHD

More videos:

  • Review - Koel Cafe - Review by #SimplyYum
  • Review - UNBOXING AND REVIEW KOEL OIL SPRAYER

Subsonic videos

Subsonic - Your Own Personal Streaming Server (Overview)

More videos:

  • Review - 223 Subsonic Ammo
  • Review - Ammunition Review: CCI QUIET vs Aquila Subsonic. Which is best for stealth hunting? With BLOOPERS!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Koel and Subsonic)
Audio & Music
46 46%
54% 54
Music Streaming
39 39%
61% 61
Music
100 100%
0% 0
Media Players And Streaming Platforms

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Koel and Subsonic

Koel Reviews

35 Open-source Free Music and Audio Streaming Servers (Self-hosted)
Koel (also stylized as koel, with a lowercase k) is a simple web-based personal audio streaming service written in Vue on the client side and Laravel on the server side. Targeting web developers, Koel embraces some of the more modern web technologies to do its job.
Source: medevel.com

Subsonic Reviews

7 Best Home Media Server Software Choices (2022)
At the end of the day, Subsonic will not be the best choice for everybody, especially since it is only compatible with a limited number of streaming devices. Avid show and movie watchers will have to deal with a lack of subtitle support, plus an inability to stream quality settings. For myself, music makes up over half the media I own, and Subsonic adequately meets my needs....
Source: heavy.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Koel seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. 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.

Koel mentions (1)

Subsonic mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Subsonic yet. Tracking of Subsonic recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Koel and Subsonic, you can also consider the following products

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

Ampache - Web ( HTTP centralized ) based audio/video streaming application

Spotify - Map shows when two people play same song at same time

Funkwhale - Funkwhale is a modern, self-hosted, free and open-source music server

YouTube Music - YouTube Music is a streaming app primarily designed for Android and iOS mobile devices. The app lets individuals search for music from their favorite artists, enjoy playlists, and access 30 million musical tracks.

Swing Music - Beautiful and fast music streaming server.