DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a widely used standard for media streaming. It allows multiple devices to connect and share media files over a local network. Android users have a variety of DLNA streaming apps available to them, each with its own unique features and capabilities. This article provides an overview of the best DLNA streaming apps for Android, including their features and functionality. Whether you’re looking to stream photos, videos, or music, this guide will help you find the best DLNA streaming app to suit your needs.
We have compiled a list of 9 Best Dlna Streaming Apps For Android for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
Table of Contents
9 Best Dlna Streaming Apps For Android
1. Plex: Stream Free Movies, Shows, Live TV & more
Plex is a free streaming app that allows users to watch movies, TV shows, and live TV channels without a subscription. With over 180 live TV channels available, users can watch their favorite TV shows and series, live channels, and free movies from any device. Plex offers a wide range of free, full-length movies from every genre such as action, anime, horror, children’s movies, dramas, comedies, and documentaries.
One of the key features of Plex is its ability to provide live streaming movies from various studios including Crackle, Paramount, AMC, Magnolia, Relativity, Lionsgate, among others. With a library of hundreds of movies, Plex makes it easy for users to find and watch their favorite films. Additionally, users can explore a variety of TV shows from different genres or discover new series with Plex’s free streaming services.
Plex has over 180+ channels available for free, including food, news, sports, international content, and more. With 24 free news channels, users can stay up-to-date with the latest news from various local and international sources such as Newsy, USA Today, Euronews, Reuters TV, People TV, among others. Plex also offers a media server solution that allows users to organize and stream their personal collection of movies, TV, music, and photos anywhere on all their devices.
Apart from live TV streaming, free movies, and TV shows, Plex also provides a media server and video streaming solution that automatically scans and organizes users’ files, metadata, and photos. Users can create photo albums, share libraries, search their favorite podcasts, discover new ones, and stream music. Plex requires version 1.18.3.0 and higher of the Plex Media Server (available for free at https://plex.tv/downloads) installed and running to stream to other devices. However, media playback from Plex Media Server on mobile devices is limited until the app is unlocked.
2. MediaMonkey
MediaMonkey is a music management app that allows users to navigate, manage and sync large music collections. The app offers numerous features such as wireless syncing with MediaMonkey for Windows, the ability to manage music, classical music, audiobooks, podcasts, and video, as well as navigation by artist, album, composer, genre, playlist, and folder. Users can also play any content supported by their device using system codecs, with replay gain and an equalizer. Additional features include a sleep timer, casting to Google Chrome cast or UPnP/DLNA devices, Android Auto support, bookmarking large files, accessing and downloading media from UPnP/DLNA servers, player widgets for home screen or lock screen, and playlist management with hierarchy. MediaMonkey is compatible with third-party scrobblers and offers full-library search functionality.
Wireless syncing with MediaMonkey for Windows is unrestricted, while Wi-Fi sync is a time-limited trial. Similarly, navigating by folder and casting to UPnP/DLNA devices are time-limited trials. MediaMonkey offers several upgrades as in-app purchases, including the Wi-Fi Sync addon, the UPnP/DLNA addon, the Advanced Media Management addon, and MediaMonkey Pro, which unlocks all trial functionality and provides all of the addon features in one bundle.
MediaMonkey requires certain permissions to function properly. These include permissions to access in-app purchases, retrieve running apps, find accounts on the device, read, modify, delete, or test access to the contents of USB storage, view Wi-Fi connections, have full network access, connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi, allow Wi-Fi multicast reception, view network connections, prevent the device from sleeping, modify system settings, change audio settings, pair with Bluetooth devices, install shortcuts, read phone status and identity, and disable the screen lock.
3. LocalCast for Chromecast/Android TV/Roku/Fire TV
The input is capable of supporting a wide range of devices, including Chromecast, Smart TVs, sticks, boxes, and other similar products. This feature allows for greater flexibility in terms of connectivity options, as users are not limited to a specific type of device. Additionally, it can simplify the setup process, as there is no need to worry about compatibility issues between different devices.
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Input: Easy to set up and use, with intuitive controls and user-friendly interface
Output: Setting up and using the input is designed to be a straightforward process, thanks to intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface. This feature can be particularly beneficial for users who may not be tech-savvy or who are new to the product. The ease of use can help to minimize frustration and improve the overall user experience. Furthermore, having a clear and straightforward interface can save time and effort when navigating through different features and settings.
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Input: High-quality audio and video output for an enhanced entertainment experience
Output: The input is capable of delivering high-quality audio and video output, which can improve the overall entertainment experience. The clarity and resolution of the video can make a significant difference in terms of the viewing experience, while high-quality audio can enhance the sound quality of music, movies, and TV shows. This feature can be particularly beneficial for users who place a premium on audio and video quality, or who want to replicate the cinema or home theater experience.
4. VLC for Android
VLC media player, a cross-platform multimedia player, is available for free and as an open source software, and supports playback of most multimedia files, discs, devices, and network streaming protocols. VLC for Android, a port of the VLC media player, is capable of playing video and audio files, network streams, network shares and drives, and DVD ISOs, similar to the desktop version of VLC. The application comes with a complete audio player and database, and supports all audio formats. It is a non-commercial software, devoid of advertisements, in-app-purchases, and spying, and is developed by volunteers, with the source code available for free.
VLC for Android plays local video and audio files, network streams, and DVD ISOs, including adaptive streaming, and supports all formats, including MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, Ogg, FLAC, TS, M2TS, Wv, and AAC. All codecs are included, and it supports subtitles, teletext, and closed captions. The application contains a media library for audio and video files and allows browsing folders directly. It features support for multi-track audio and subtitles, auto-rotation, aspect-ratio adjustments, and gestures to control volume, brightness, and seeking. Additionally, it includes a widget for audio control, supports audio headset control, cover art, and a complete audio media library.
VLC for Android needs certain permissions to function, including access to media files on the device and SD cards, network and internet streams, audio settings, system settings, drawing over other apps, and vibration control. Additionally, it needs permission to prevent the device from sleeping when watching a video, modify or delete the contents of USB storage, and view network connections to monitor device connectivity. It also requires permission to start the custom picture-in-picture widget and to provide voice search on Android TV devices. The application is intended for Android users and is available for free.
5. Kodi
Kodi® media center is a cross-platform software media player and entertainment hub for digital media designed for home theater PCs. It features a 10-foot user interface intended to function as a primary media player in the living room. The graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to browse and access videos, photos, podcasts, and music from various storage and media carrier options, including hard drives, optical discs, local networks, and the internet. The software can be operated using a remote control as the primary input device.
It is essential to note that the official Kodi version does not include any content. Users must provide their own media from local or remote storage locations or any other media carrier that they personally own. Kodi also allows users to install third-party plugins that may grant access to content available from official content provider websites. However, it is important to note that watching illegal content, which would otherwise be paid for, is not approved or endorsed by Team Kodi.
The skin Estuary is the new standard design that provides a fast and user-friendly feel. With the Estouchy skin, Kodi has been adjusted to work better with larger 5-inch or larger phones and tablets, although it is not recommended for use on smaller phones.
It is important to review the disclaimer associated with Kodi. The application does not supply or include any media or content. Users must provide their own content or install one of the third-party plugins. Kodi has no affiliation with any third-party plugin or add-on provider. Kodi does not support or endorse the streaming of copyright-protected material without permission of the copyright holder. Furthermore, it is important to install an official released version by Team Kodi to upgrade from a previous version.
Kodi® is a trademark of the XBMC Foundation and is released under the GPLv2.0+ license. The software includes a range of third-party libraries that use compatible licenses. Due to the inclusion of some GPLv3.0 libraries, the application becomes GPLv3.0 as binary.
The iMediaShare app allows users to access their personal digital content from any location. This includes photos, videos, and music, which can be instantly streamed to any connected TV screen or audio system. Online content such as news, sports, and music videos can also be accessed through the Flipps app.
The iMediaShare app automatically detects any connected devices within the immediate vicinity of the user, eliminating the need for manual setup. Once a device has been selected, videos can be streamed instantly on the big screen. The app also features an intuitive touchscreen interface for adjusting volume, playback, and switching between videos.
With iMediaShare, there is no need to pass around a single phone to share videos with a group. Instead, videos can be streamed to any connected TV, allowing everyone to view them.
Supported players include a variety of Internet-connected TVs from Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, LG, and Philips, as well as gaming consoles like Xbox 360 and Xbox One, DISH Hopper, and Apple TV.
7. BubbleUPnP for DLNA / Chromecast / Smart TV
BubbleUPnP is a media streaming application that allows users to stream their music, videos, and photos to various devices within their household. The app is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, Nexus Player, Nvidia Shield, DLNA TV, Smart TV, music receivers from popular HiFi brands, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Playstation 3 and 4, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, and local Android playback.
BubbleUPnP is capable of accessing media from multiple sources, including UPnP/DLNA media servers on the local network, local media stored on the user’s Android device, popular cloud media storage providers such as Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, and music services like TIDAL and Qobuz. The app also allows users to play media from other apps using Share/Send, such as web browsers and file managers.
The app offers a variety of features, including extensive Chromecast support that allows users to play incompatible Chromecast media with smart transcoding, subtitles with custom appearance, and audio/video track selection. It also provides fast and secure Internet access to home media on the go from mobile and WiFi networks. Other notable features include playback queue, editable playlists, scrobbling, sleep timer, various shuffle modes, renderer functionality, DLNA media server functionality, media download, and dark and light themes.
Some BubbleUPnP features are only possible from the PS3 or PS4 interface, while others are provided by BubbleUPnP Server, an optional software that can be installed on any machine on the local network to provide additional services. The app also offers a paid BubbleUPnP License app that unlocks restricted features. For technical support, users can contact bubblesoftproducts@gmail.com.
8. AllCast
AllCast is an Android feature that allows users to send videos, music, and photos to their TV. It provides a casting option for smart TVs, DLNA renderers, and other popular devices like Chromecast, Roku, and Xbox. The feature can stream from Dropbox or Drive using the internet, which requires permissions.
Checking Wi-Fi status and searching for devices on the local network necessitate permissions to change Wi-Fi states. The streaming feature also requires keeping the Android on while streaming, necessitating a wake lock. The feature can also play content from an SD card, requiring read/write external storage permissions. A premium license verification requires reading phone state, and searching for Google accounts necessitates getting accounts permission. Google Drive login requires using credentials, while Google Music casting requires superuser permission.
The free version of AllCast has ads that show on the phone while casting. Users can upgrade to the premium version to remove ads. If experiencing any issues while using AllCast, users can refer to the AllCast-Wiki available at https://github.com/koush/support-wiki/wiki/AllCast-Wiki for troubleshooting.
9. Screen Stream Mirroring
Screen Stream Mirroring is an app that enables users to mirror and broadcast their Android screen and audio in real time. This allows users to share their screen with any device or PC on the same network through media player, web browser, Chromecast, and UPnP / DLNA devices. The app is ideal for creating powerful presentations for work, education or gaming. In addition, users can live broadcast everything to popular streaming servers such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming, Facebook, and Ustream, and record it to video files.
The app has a free version that can be used to test whether the application works with a user’s device before purchasing the Pro version. However, the free version has a time limit for each application run.
Some of the features available in the app include no root, which means that prior to Android 5.0, users need to run a startup tool from their computer to activate screen mirroring. The app also allows for mirroring and screen sharing with media players and tools such as VLC, XBMC/KODI, OBS, and others. Users can even mirror and share their screen with web browsers, UPnP / DLNA video players such as XBMC/KODI, and UPnP / DLNA devices such as Smart TV and Blu Ray players.
Other features of the app include compatibility with Google Cast™, streaming timer and stop when lock screen, camera overlay widget while streaming, image overlays and web overlays, Twitch chat preview while broadcasting, internal audio and microphone audio streaming, mixed audio streaming, recording, screen drawing while mirroring, and compatibility with network tethering.
Users can make any number of connections, allowing multiple people to connect at the same time. The app also has many settings to optimize performance. Users are advised to read the instructions prior to installing the app, and to contact the developer’s customer support team for any issues or requests.
For unrooted devices, users can download a startup tool from the developer’s website to activate screen mirroring.