OpenELEC VS CoreELEC

Compare OpenELEC VS CoreELEC and see what are their differences

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OpenELEC

OpenELEC, which stands for Open Embedded Linux Entertainment Center, is a Linux operating system that makes the host computer a Kodi media center. The software was the winner of the Swiss Opensource Award in 2014.

CoreELEC

A lightweight OS for Kodi

Landing page //
2019-01-29

Landing page //
2021-12-18

OpenELEC

Website: openelec.tv
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CoreELEC

Website: coreelec.org
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OpenELEC features and specs

Lightweight
OpenELEC is a lightweight operating system that is designed to run Kodi on minimal hardware, making it ideal for older devices.
Ease of Use
OpenELEC provides a simple user interface and straightforward installation process, which is appealing to users looking for an out-of-the-box media center solution.
Dedicated Media Center OS
Being dedicated solely to running Kodi, OpenELEC offers optimized performance and a streamlined system for media playback.
Cost-Effective
OpenELEC is open-source and free to use, which is beneficial for users looking for a cost-effective media center setup.
Strong Community Support
OpenELEC has a robust community of users and developers who provide support, share knowledge, and contribute to its development.

Possible disadvantages of OpenELEC

Limited Functionality
As a minimalistic operating system, OpenELEC may not support additional services or applications beyond its primary function as a media center.
Hardware Compatibility
OpenELEC may have limited compatibility with certain hardware components or peripherals, which could require users to ensure compatibility beforehand.
Less Frequent Updates
Compared to some other media center solutions or operating systems, OpenELEC may receive updates less frequently, potentially affecting access to new features or security patches.
Limited Customization
Due to its focus on simplicity and ease of use, OpenELEC offers fewer customization options compared to other more flexible operating systems.
Potential Stability Issues
Some users have reported stability issues, particularly when using newer versions or hardware, which may impact overall user experience.

CoreELEC features and specs

Optimized for Amlogic SoCs
CoreELEC is specifically designed to work efficiently on devices using Amlogic System on Chips (SoCs), ensuring better performance and compatibility on these platforms compared to more general-purpose operating systems.
Lightweight
The operating system is lightweight and minimal, allowing it to run efficiently on modest hardware, thus enabling older or less powerful devices to function effectively as media players.
LibreELEC Derivative
Being a fork of LibreELEC, CoreELEC inherits a robust foundation and benefits from LibreELEC's media center capabilities while adding optimizations and improvements for Amlogic-based devices.
Community Support
CoreELEC has an active community that supports and provides frequent updates, contributing to its development and troubleshooting user issues.

Possible disadvantages of CoreELEC

Limited to Amlogic Devices
CoreELEC is tailored specifically for devices with Amlogic chipsets, which means it is not suitable for devices with other types of hardware, limiting its usability.
Learning Curve
Users unfamiliar with Linux-based systems or media player configurations might face a learning curve when first installing and setting up CoreELEC.
Lack of Native App Store
Unlike more mainstream operating systems, CoreELEC does not have a native app store, which may be frustrating for users accustomed to downloading and installing applications this way.
Hardware Compatibility
While optimized for Amlogic SoCs, there can still be some hardware compatibility issues depending on specific models and peripherals, which may require manual tweaking.

OpenELEC videos

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My HTPC Is Now Running OpenELEC

CoreELEC videos

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CoreELEC running on Beelink GT-King

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenELEC and CoreELEC)

OpenELEC

CoreELEC

Video

52 52%

Video

48% 48

Media Player

45 45%

Media Player

55% 55

Watch Movies Online

50 50%

Watch Movies Online

50% 50

Media Players And Streaming Platforms

44 44%

Media Players And Streaming Platforms

56% 56

User comments

Share your experience with using OpenELEC and CoreELEC. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Reviews

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

OpenELEC Reviews

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CoreELEC Reviews

The 10 Best Immutable Linux Distributions in 2024

Some distributions are tailored for specific use cases, like IoT (Ubuntu Core), container orchestration (RancherOS), or media centers (CoreELEC). The suitability of each distribution for its intended purpose was a significant factor, ensuring that users get the best experience for their specific needs.

Source: www.fosslinux.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, CoreELEC should be more popular than OpenELEC. It has been mentiond 17 times 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.

OpenELEC mentions (2)

Does Kodi support HDR passthrough using an x86 processor or an nvidia/AMD dGPU on Linux now?
Its all good. I use to run Kodi on a HTPC that I built with openelec and it was pretty stable. I am not sure if it is available anymore (openelec.tv) it was a linux distro. I switched to NVidia shield due to the accessibility to Netflix and Amazon and I have not looked back. Oh an its cheaper than a HTPC I think... Source: about 3 years ago
Got Jellyfin a few days ago and LOVE the web version, but bad Roku app is a dealbreaker. Before I can it, are there any work arounds you guys have found?
I know there are various customized distros for the RasPi, such as OpenElec, but as a staunch Linux and FLOSS advocate I still don't think that's what most people are searching for when they look for a streaming device these days. Source: about 4 years ago

CoreELEC mentions (17)

Are there any decent android tv boxes that can power a 2tb hard drive and can install core elec to rom?
It's a lite version of kodi like libreelec https://coreelec.org/ It does have a list of chipsets it's compatible with but wondered if anyone on here was using it with an android box without any issues. Source: almost 2 years ago
How many widgets are you running with Arctic Horizon 2?
Coreelec on the Beelink GT King 2 and Khadas VIM4 was about 40s but still acceptable. Source: about 2 years ago
4K Remux and dolby atmos and DTS X - which media player to install?
TV's won't output multichannel lossless audio, only compressed audio codecs or stereo PCM. You need an external device for multichannel lossless audio. The Shield TV, tube or pro, is the only Android TV device that will output multichannel lossless audio. The Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen or a custom CoreELEC box are other options that will also do this. The CoreELEC box is the cheapest solution but requires some... Source: about 2 years ago
Hey guys I have a old android box (x96 mini) that I’d maybe like to try and set up hopefully to play some n64 games, is there a good tutorial or some website out there to help do that or does anyone here have any information?
You can find more info on the CoreELEC site. Typically all you do on these is flash an image to a MicroSD card, copy an appropriate dtb for CPU/RAM config and place it renamed on the root of the MicroSD, pop it in, and hold the reset button (which can be hidden, such as in the back of the 3.5mm AV port so have a paperclip handy) and keep it held while you plug in the box and it should boot. Source: over 2 years ago
I have this old android tv box, there is a way to delete everything and put in it OSMC? The main reason is that I cannot update Android and the remote integration is good for kodi but not for the other features that it offers.
Put CoreELEC on it. You can find it here: https://coreelec.org/. Source: over 2 years ago