Kodi 21.3 Omega

Unlike basic video players that simply open files, Kodi transforms your computer, smartphone, or streaming box into a fully-featured home theater system.

Automatic metadata fetching, cover art display, episode tracking, and remote control support create an experience rivaling expensive commercial solutions.

Why Choose Kodi for Your Media Center

Universal Platform Support

Kodi runs natively on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Raspberry Pi.

Install once on your desktop, then sync your library to Kodi for Android for consistent playback across all your devices.

Home theater enthusiasts can check our best video player for Android TV guide for setup recommendations.

Complete Format Compatibility

Play virtually any video or audio format without hunting for codecs. Kodi handles HEVC/H.265, AV1, MKV, MP4, FLAC, and hundreds of other formats natively.

For devices requiring additional codec support, the HEVC Video Extensions or AV1 Video Extension can enhance system-wide playback.

10-Foot Interface Design

The optimized interface works perfectly from your couch. Navigate your entire media library using a remote control, game controller, or smartphone app.

This makes Kodi the ideal choice for living room setups and dedicated media center PCs.

Extensive Add-On Ecosystem

Thousands of free add-ons extend Kodi's functionality with weather displays, news feeds, lyrics, and streaming integrations. The built-in repository system makes discovering and installing new features effortless.

Kodi vs. Other Media Solutions

For users who want simpler video playback without full media center functionality, several excellent alternatives exist.

VLC Media Player offers universal format support with a straightforward interface.

MPC-HC and MPC-BE provide lightweight playback with advanced subtitle support - see our MPC-BE vs MPC-HC comparison for detailed differences.

PotPlayer appeals to power users seeking extensive customization options, while SMPlayer excels at resume playback across sessions. mpv player targets command-line enthusiasts who prefer minimal interfaces with maximum performance.

For network streaming to multiple devices, dedicated media servers like Jellyfin Server and Emby complement Kodi's local playback capabilities perfectly.

Improving Kodi Performance

Maximize your Kodi experience with the right supporting tools. Install the K-Lite Codec Pack for comprehensive DirectShow codec support on Windows systems.

For advanced video rendering, LAV Filters provide hardware-accelerated decoding - follow our guide on transforming your media player with LAV Filters for optimal configuration.

Users experiencing HEVC playback issues should check how to play HEVC files or explore our best players for HEVC files recommendations.

Mobile and Android Options

Transform your mobile device into a portable media center with Kodi for Android. Your library database, add-ons, and settings sync seamlessly between desktop and mobile installations.

Alternative Android video players include MX Player with its excellent gesture controls and hardware acceleration, plus the MX Player Custom Codec for DTS and EAC3 audio support. VLC for Android delivers the same format compatibility as its desktop counterpart - see our getting started with VLC for Android tutorial.

KMPlayer for Android offers cloud storage integration and Chromecast support for users who need additional streaming flexibility.

System Requirements

• Windows: Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11 (32-bit and 64-bit).
• Mac: macOS 10.14 Mojave or newer.
• Linux: Most modern distributions supported.
• Android: Version 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer.
• Storage: 500 MB free space for installation.
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended for 4K content).

Ready to Build Your Media Center?

Join millions of users who rely on Kodi for their home entertainment needs. Download Kodi free and discover why it remains the top choice for media center enthusiasts worldwide.