Best Linux Distros for Smart TV

Choosing the right Linux distro for your Smart TV can greatly enhance media playback, user interface, and overall performance. This guide will help you find the ideal distro to transform your TV experience.

What makes a good smart tv distro?

📺

Media Support

Comprehensive codec support ensures smooth playback of various video and audio formats, crucial for an optimal viewing experience.

⚙️

Performance

Efficient use of resources allows the distro to run smoothly on TV hardware, providing seamless navigation and playback.

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Ease of Installation

User-friendly installation processes make it easy to set up the distro on your Smart TV, saving time and effort.

📡

Network Compatibility

Robust network support ensures stable streaming and connectivity, essential for accessing online content and services.

Recommended distros

Our top picks for smart tv, ranked by overall experience.

1
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LibreELEC

Best for Kodi

LibreELEC is a lightweight, open-source Linux distribution focused on running the Kodi media center. It's optimized for performance and simplicity, making it ideal for Smart TVs.

  • Optimized for Kodi
  • Minimal resource usage
  • Easy installation process
  • Strong community support
2
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OSMC

User-Friendly Media Center

OSMC is a free and open-source media center built on Linux, offering an intuitive interface and a wide range of features, perfect for Smart TV setups.

  • Simple user interface
  • Regular updates
  • Wide device compatibility
  • Strong community support
3
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OpenELEC

Minimalist Media Center

OpenELEC is a streamlined distro designed to run Kodi with minimal setup. It emphasizes quick boot times and a hassle-free experience.

  • Fast boot times
  • Minimalistic design
  • Low resource usage
  • Dedicated Kodi support
4
Geexbox Icon

GeeXboX

Versatile Media Center

GeeXboX is a free Linux distribution providing a full-featured media center solution, capable of handling a wide range of multimedia formats and devices.

  • Versatile media support
  • Customizable interface
  • Lightweight operation
  • Wide hardware compatibility
5
Plex Media Server Icon

Plex Media Server

Best for Streaming

Plex Media Server allows you to organize your media and stream it to any device, including Smart TVs, providing a seamless streaming experience.

  • Comprehensive media management
  • Cross-device streaming
  • User-friendly interface
  • Regular updates
6
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Mythbuntu

DVR and Media Center

Mythbuntu is an Ubuntu-based distro tailored for creating digital video recorders and media centers, offering a robust feature set for Smart TVs.

  • Integrated DVR capabilities
  • Ubuntu-based stability
  • Comprehensive media support
  • Customizable setup

Compare smart tv distros

Not sure which to pick? These comparisons might help.

Smart TV FAQ

Can I use any Linux distro on my Smart TV?

Not all Linux distros are optimized for Smart TVs. Specialized distros like LibreELEC and OSMC are tailored for media playback and better suit the hardware and interface of a Smart TV.

How do I install a Linux distro on my Smart TV?

Installation typically involves creating a bootable USB drive with the Linux distro and connecting it to the Smart TV. Follow the distro's specific installation instructions for best results.

Is there a performance difference between distros on Smart TVs?

Yes, performance varies based on how optimized the distro is for media playback and resource management. Distros like LibreELEC are known for their performance efficiency.

Do these Linux distros support 4K video playback?

Most of these distros support 4K video playback, provided your Smart TV hardware is capable. Check the specific distro and hardware support for 4K capabilities.

Can I run apps like Netflix on these distros?

Running apps like Netflix may require additional setup or plugins, as these distros primarily focus on local media playback. Consider compatibility and available apps before choosing a distro.

What is the best Linux distro for streaming on Smart TVs?

Plex Media Server is often recommended for streaming, offering robust media management and cross-device compatibility, making it ideal for Smart TVs.

Related categories

Not sure which to pick?

Compare any two distros side-by-side.