Best Linux Distros for Jellyfin

Choosing the right Linux distribution is crucial for a stable and efficient Jellyfin media server setup. This guide explores the best distros tailored to optimize Jellyfin's performance, ensuring a seamless media streaming experience.

What makes a good Jellyfin distro?

💻

Stability

A stable distro ensures that your Jellyfin server runs smoothly without frequent crashes or the need for constant updates.

🚀

Performance

High performance is essential for handling media transcoding and streaming without lag or buffering.

🔧

Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface and easy setup process help even beginners set up a Jellyfin server quickly.

🛠️

Community Support

Strong community support provides access to troubleshooting resources and updates, enhancing the Jellyfin experience.

Recommended distros

Our top picks for jellyfin, ranked by overall experience.

1
Ubuntu Server Icon

Ubuntu Server

Best overall experience

Ubuntu Server is renowned for its stability and robust community support, making it an ideal choice for setting up a Jellyfin media server.

  • Long-term support releases
  • Wide range of software packages
  • Strong community and documentation
  • Optimized for server environments
2
Debian Icon

Debian

Rock-solid stability

Debian offers a stable and secure environment, perfect for ensuring your Jellyfin server runs without interruptions.

  • Extensive package availability
  • Strong security features
  • Stable release cycle
  • Trusted by developers
3
Fedora Server Icon

Fedora Server

Cutting-edge features

Fedora Server provides the latest features and technologies, giving Jellyfin users access to new improvements and optimizations.

  • Rapid release cycle
  • Innovative features
  • Strong support for containers
  • Robust security features
4
Arch Linux Icon

Arch Linux

Highly customizable

Arch Linux offers unmatched customization, allowing advanced users to tailor their Jellyfin server to their exact specifications.

  • Rolling release model
  • Comprehensive documentation
  • Highly customizable
  • Access to AUR for additional packages
5
Manjaro Icon

Manjaro

User-friendly Arch base

Manjaro combines the power of Arch Linux with user-friendly tools, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users.

  • Simplified installation process
  • Access to Arch repositories
  • Strong community support
  • Regular updates
6
Opensuse Leap Icon

openSUSE Leap

Enterprise-grade stability

openSUSE Leap provides a stable and enterprise-grade platform, ideal for running a reliable Jellyfin server.

  • Strong enterprise backing
  • Rich feature set
  • Excellent YaST management tool
  • Regular updates and security patches

Compare jellyfin distros

Not sure which to pick? These comparisons might help.

Jellyfin FAQ

What is the best Linux distro for Jellyfin?

Ubuntu Server is often recommended due to its stability, ease of use, and strong community support, making it ideal for Jellyfin.

Can I run Jellyfin on a lightweight Linux distro?

Yes, lightweight distros like Debian or Manjaro can run Jellyfin efficiently, provided your server meets the hardware requirements.

Is a GUI necessary for running Jellyfin on Linux?

A GUI is not necessary for managing Jellyfin, as it can be configured and managed via the command line interface and web-based GUI.

How does community support affect Jellyfin on Linux?

Community support provides access to troubleshooting resources, updates, and enhancements, improving the overall Jellyfin experience.

Can I use Docker to run Jellyfin on Linux?

Yes, Docker is a popular choice for running Jellyfin on Linux, offering containerized deployment and ease of management.

What hardware is recommended for a Jellyfin server on Linux?

A multi-core CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, and sufficient storage are recommended for running an efficient Jellyfin server on Linux.

Related categories

Not sure which to pick?

Compare any two distros side-by-side.