SN Media Center Kodi It's a widely available tool that can be installed on virtually any Linux distro. Many Linux users who want to build a home theater PC hate the idea of setting it up manually. They prefer to have something ready to go. If you're looking for the best ready-to-use Linux distro for Kodi, you've come to the right place! In this article, we've listed the 10 best Linux distros for Kodi.
10 Best Linux Distros for Kodi
Here is a list of the best Linux Distro for: Kodi.
1. LibreElec
LibreELEC is a Linux distribution specifically designed for the Kodi Media Center application, with nothing else to slow it down. LibreELEC is considered the best Linux distribution for Kodi with Kodi as the primary user interface. Its advantages are listed below:
- LibreELEC is easy to install, with versions for both 32-bit and 64-bit computers. It comes with a USB/SD card writing tool, so you don't need to download a disk image. It provides instructions for creating installation media on a USB or SD card, making installation simple.
- It is one of the greatest Linux HTPC distros, the Kodi-based media center operating system. Raspberry Pi, AMD, Intel, and Nvidia HTPCs, WeTek Streaming boxes, Amlogic gadgets, and Odroid C2 are among the devices for which installers are available.
- The biggest appeal of LibreELEC, and the reason it's the obvious choice for anyone looking to build an HTPC, is that it supports not only the Raspberry Pi but also a wide range of hardware. It's one of the best Linux HTPC distros available due to its wide range of capabilities.
Download LibreELEC from Official Website To install it on your system.
The Kodi media center software is ready to use after installation. To customize your experience, you can use any of the standard add-ons. Kodi.
2. OSMC
OSMC is a great Linux media center distro that stands for Open Source Media Center. It is a free, open source media player. While Linux desktop and server operating systems are designed for standard laptops, desktops, and servers, OSMC is a Linux HTPC distro for single-board computers. OSMC is a heavily modified version of Kodi that aims to provide a similar experience to devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and other similar devices. Here are some other features of this distro.
- OSMC is also working on Vero, which was designed by the OSMC team.
- The Debian Linux based distro supports media playback from local storage, network attached storage (NAS), and the Internet.
- It's based on the open source Kodi project. As a result, OSMC gives you access to Kodi's entire add-on library.
- OSMC has a completely different user interface than Kodi. However, it offers the same add-ons, codec support, and other features.
Download and install OSMC from Official Website.
Note: This Distro is currently available for devices such as Raspberry Pi, Vero, and Apple TV.
3. OpenElec
The Open Embedded Linux Entertainment Center was created to run XBMC, however, it has now been developed to run KodiIt is the original LibreELEC, although due to its slow development rate, it is not updated quickly or supports as many devices.
There isn't much difference between OpenELEC and LibreELEC. If LibreELEC isn't right for you, but you still need a small operating system that runs Kodi and has plenty of functionality, this distro is a great choice. Some of its features are listed below.
- OpenELEC device compatibility is excellent. Mounting kits for the Raspberry Pi, Freescale iMX6, and a few WeTek boxes can be found here.
- All you need to do is install the downloaded file to a free hard drive partition. Your Linux HTPC will be running Kodi once it's complete.
- With access to Kodi's entire add-on library, you can customize your Linux media center to your liking. Kodi also supports live TV streaming and DVR, providing you with a complete media center experience.
Download the add-on .zip file from GitHub To install OpenELEC on Kodi.
4.Recalbox
Recalbox offers a different approach to movies, TV, and music than the other Kodi Linux distros on this list. It's a combination of Kodi with the EmulationStation frontend. Recalbox is a Linux distro focused on recreating old video games on the Raspberry Pi, not a home theater operating system (or other similar devices). On the other hand, Recalbox includes Kodi as an application. You can use the EmulationStation frontend to run Kodi, or you can boot directly into Kodi. The features of this distro are listed below.
- Recalbox is an excellent all-in-one solution for gaming, video, and music because it includes both Kodi and EmulationStation.
- It's a great way to combine Kodi and retro gaming on the same platform. For the best gaming and media experience, connect your retro gaming console to your PC.
- It is a Linux-based operating system that can be installed on both 32-bit and 64-bit computers and was originally designed for the Raspberry Pi.
Download and install Recalbox from Official Website As shown.
Note: Download the file according to the device you want to install it on.
5. GeeXboX
GeeXboX is one of the best Linux HTPC distros, although there are many alternatives to the embedded Linux media center distro. It is a free, open-source project that features embedded desktop and hardware installations. It is a Linux HTPC operating system that runs Kodi as the primary media player. While GeeXboX is a Linux media center distro, its availability is unique. Here are some of the features of this distro.
- It is also a Linux media center distro with a live CD.
- A standard hard drive can be used to run GeeXboX.
- Instead of installing to a hard drive, you can use a USB device or SD card to run GeeXboX.
- GeeXboX is one of the best Linux Distro Kodi options for HTPCs due to its versatility as a regular operating system or a portable HTPC.
- The operating system has been around for a long time and supports a wide range of hardware, including Raspberry Pis and regular Linux PCs in both 32-bit and 64-bit flavors.
Download the .iso file from Official Website To install GeeXboX as shown.
6. Ubuntu
Ubuntu may not be a ready-to-use Linux HTPC distro. However, it is one of the greatest Linux media center distros. This is due to its wide application compatibility and ease of use. However, depending on your preferences and hardware, you may find that the operating system you choose for your Linux media center varies. Since it is a Debian-based operating system, you can install several HTPC and home server software alternatives, including:
- Madsonic,
- Subsonic for Linux,
- Docker,
- Radarr,
- CouchPotato alternative
However, unlike specialized Linux HTPC distros, Ubuntu is not preconfigured. However, it does come with some common HTPC software. Ubuntu is the foundation of your Linux media center distro, due to its adaptability and application compatibility.
You can download Ubuntu from Official Website.
On Ubuntu, you can install files
- Kodi,
- Plex,
- Emby,
- Stremio,
- Even RetroPie.
7. Retro Pie
RetroPie, like Recalbox, is one of the most popular Kodi Linux distros. It's a gaming-focused Raspberry Pi Linux media center distro. RetroPie features Kodi for local file playback, network streaming, and Kodi add-ons, as well as EmulationStation.
RetroPie and Recalbox differ mainly in terms of installation and customization. Some of the features of RetroPie compared to Recalbox are listed below.
- Recalbox is still one of the most user-friendly Linux HTPC Distros.
- RetroPie is easier to get started with because its installation is as simple as dragging and dropping files. Recalbox, on the other hand, is less customizable.
- RetroPie has a large number of shaders and options to customize your gaming experience.
- RetroPie also has a wide range of gaming system compatibility.
- The support team is also much better.
Download RetroPie from Official Website As shown below.
8. Sabayon
This Gentoo-based Linux media center is ready to use out of the box. As a result, it's ready to use right out of the box, with a full application and feature set. Although Sabayon isn't advertised as a Linux HTPC distro, the GNOME version includes a large number of media center applications.
- Send as a client Bit Torrent ،
- Kodi As a media center,
- Exile As a music player,
- و Totem As a media player.
Sabayon stands out as one of the best Linux distros for HTPC use due to its comprehensive selection of standard HTPC applications. This all-in-one solution creates a ready-to-use Linux media center. Download Sabayon from Official Website Today.
9. Linux MCE
You might also consider Linux MCE if you're looking for a good Linux distro for Kodi. Media Center Edition is the MCE part of the name. It's a Linux media center hub with a focus on automation. For ease of use on HTPCs, Linux MCE offers a 10-foot user interface. A personal video recorder (PVR) and powerful home automation are also included. Here are some of the notable features of this distro:
- There's a focus on streaming and automation, as well as media metadata management. You can operate audio and video devices, as well as play retro games while listening to and viewing information in different rooms.
- All climate control, lighting, home security, and surveillance devices are controlled using Linux MCE.
- Linux MCE also includes a VoIP phone that can be used for video conferencing. As a result, these new smart home features present Linux MCE as a viable alternative to more expensive home automation equipment.
- MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) for classic arcade games and MESS (Multiple Super Emulator System) for home video games are included in Linux MCE.
Download Linux MCE from his official site As shown below.
With the rise of smart homes and automation, Linux MCE serves as a one-stop shop for smart home media and control.
10. LinHES
LinHES is a Linux media center distro for home theater PCs that was formerly known as KnoppMyth. LinHES (Linux Home Entertainment System) promotes a 20-minute HTPC setup. R8, the latest version, runs on Arch Linux. Custom scripts for setting up the MythTV PVR platform are available onboard. LinHES, like Sabayon, is a premium Linux media center distro. This is largely due to its comprehensive feature set, which includes:
- Full DVR, DVD playback, music jukebox, and metadata support are among the highlights of this Distro.
You'll also have access to your photo library, as well as full video details, fan art, and games. - LinHES also comes as a complete package that includes both the front-end and back-end. There's also an option to install just the front-end.
It is one of the best Linux HTPC Distro available, thanks to its ease of use and diverse installation options. - LinHES is a beefed-up HTPC, similar to Mythbuntu. It's better suited for non-DVR users because it focuses on MythTV DVR features.
- LinHES comes with a flashy blue user interface by default, which may turn some users off. However, dig a little deeper and you'll discover a competent Linux media center.
Download LinHES from Official Website.
Pro Tip: Not Recommended Options
While these are the best Linux Kodi distros for HTPC use, there are a large number of Linux HTPC distros to choose from. Mythbuntu and Kodibuntu, in particular, are excellent choices but are currently unsupported. As a result, progress has slowed. However, Linux media center distro options continue to work. However, don't hold your breath for future support. It's difficult to recommend using Kodibuntu or Mythbuntu in the long term due to slow development.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q1. What does the term Distro mean in Linux?
answer. A Linux distribution, sometimes known as a Linux distro, is a personal computer operating system composed of components created by various open source software groups and programmers. Thousands of software packages, utilities, and applications can be found in a single Linux distribution.
Q2. Is Raspberry Pi a Linux operating system?
answer. Raspberry Pi OS, formerly known as Raspbian, is the official Raspberry Pi Foundation Linux Distro for the Pi.
Q3. Is Mac OS a Linux Distro only?
answer. You may have heard that Macintosh OSX is more useful than Linux, with a nicer user interface. This isn't entirely true. However, OSX is based in part on FreeBSD, an open-source version of Unix. It was built on top of UNIX, an operating system developed by AT&T Bell Labs more than 30 years ago.
Q4. How many Linux Distro are there?
answer. There are over 600 Linux Distros available, with nearly 500 in active development.
We hope you've chosen the right app for your needs from these 10 best Linux distros for Kodi. Let us know your favorite below. Keep visiting our page for more great tips and tricks and leave your comments below.
