Universal Media Server 14.12.1

Universal Media Server ❘ Open Source ❘
Windows Mac
Rank 4 among competitors

Effortlessly stream media to various devices with Universal Media Server.

Peter Salakani

06/09/2025

A versatile software application that allows users to easily stream multimedia content to multiple devices on the same network.

Universal Media Server Review: The Ultimate Solution for Home Media Streaming

Universal Media Server (UMS) is a robust, open-source media server that transforms your home network into a powerful multimedia sharing hub. Designed to effortlessly stream your favorite videos, music, and photos to a variety of devices, UMS is ideal for users seeking a versatile and reliable media streaming experience.

Key Features That Elevate Your Media Experience

Extensive Format Support: UMS supports a wide array of media formats and codecs, ensuring smooth playback regardless of your media library.
Real-Time Transcoding: Capable of transcoding media files on-demand, UMS guarantees compatibility with diverse devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
Multi-Protocol Streaming: Seamlessly stream content via UPnP, DLNA, and HTTP protocols, providing flexible access to your media library.
Customizable Settings: Fine-tune transcoding parameters and create device-specific profiles to optimize streaming quality and performance.

Ease of Use and Configuration

The user-friendly interface simplifies media sharing setup and management. You can organize your media collections efficiently, configure sharing permissions, and customize transcoding options without hassle. Additionally, UMS’s automatic detection of devices and network settings makes integration straightforward for users of all skill levels.

Benefits for Home Entertainment Enthusiasts

Convenient Access: Access your media library from any supported device within your home network without manual file transfers.
Enhanced Compatibility: Overcome format limitations with on-the-fly transcoding, ensuring your media is always compatible with your playback device.
Flexible Streaming: Adapt your streaming profiles to match various devices and viewing preferences, enhancing overall multimedia enjoyment.

Conclusion

If you're seeking a free, open-source media server that offers extensive format support, reliable transcoding, and flexible streaming options, Universal Media Server stands out as an excellent choice. Its combination of performance, customization capabilities, and ease of use makes it an indispensable tool for creating a connected and immersive home entertainment environment.

Overview

Universal Media Server is a Open Source software in the category Audio & Multimedia developed by Universal Media Server.

The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked Universal Media Server for updates 597 times during the last month.

The latest version of Universal Media Server is 14.12.1, released on 07/10/2025. It was initially added to our database on 06/21/2012. The most prevalent version is 14.12.1, which is used by 32% of all installations.

Universal Media Server runs on the following operating systems: Windows/Mac.

Universal Media Server has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems for streaming media content.
Offers easy setup and user-friendly interface for beginners.
Provides extensive codec support for various file types.
Ability to transcode media files on-the-fly, ensuring compatibility with different devices.
Regular updates and community support available for troubleshooting and enhancements.

Cons

May have issues with inconsistent performance on some devices and network setups.
User interface might feel outdated compared to other similar streaming software.
Some advanced features may require additional configuration or technical knowledge to optimize.
Occasional bugs or compatibility issues with specific media files or hardware configurations.
Streaming quality can be affected by network speed and server performance.

FAQ

What types of devices are supported by Universal Media Server?

Universal Media Server supports streaming to a wide range of devices including PlayStation, Xbox, smart TVs, smartphones, and media players.

What types of media files can be streamed with Universal Media Server?

Universal Media Server supports streaming of various media file formats including video, audio, and images.

Is Universal Media Server easy to set up?

Yes, Universal Media Server is very easy to set up. Simply install the software on your computer, add your media files to the server, and you're good to go.

Can I access Universal Media Server remotely?

Yes, with the correct settings you can access Universal Media Server remotely from any device with an internet connection.

Does Universal Media Server transcode media files?

Yes, Universal Media Server can transcode media files on the fly to ensure compatibility with the target device.

Are there any limitations to the number of media files that can be added to Universal Media Server?

No, there are no limitations on the number of media files that can be added to Universal Media Server.

Is Universal Media Server compatible with all operating systems?

Universal Media Server is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems.

Can I customize the streaming quality on Universal Media Server?

Yes, you can customize the streaming quality to suit your device's specifications and your internet connection speed.

Is Universal Media Server free to use?

Yes, Universal Media Server is completely free and there are no hidden costs or fees.

Does Universal Media Server offer technical support?

Yes, Universal Media Server offers a forum where users can get technical support and assistance.

Peter Salakani

I'm Peter, a software reviews author at UpdateStar and content specialist with a keen focus on usability and performance. With a background in both software development and content creation, I bring a unique perspective to evaluating and discussing general software topics. When I'm not reviewing software, I enjoy staying updated on the latest tech trends, experimenting with new applications, and finding innovative solutions to everyday tech challenges.

Latest Reviews by Peter Salakani

Installations

597 users of UpdateStar had Universal Media Server installed last month.

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