owntone/owntone-server

Free

Audio server that can play to AirPlay 1+2 speakers (multiroom), Chromecast and locally. Supports Spotify, internet radio and many file formats. Also MPD server, iTunes DAAP, smart playlists, Apple Remote and much more.

FreeFree tier

Type

Open Source

Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About owntone/owntone-server

OwnTone is a media server that lets you play audio sources such as local files, Spotify, pipe input or internet radio to AirPlay 1 and 2 receivers, Chromecast receivers, Roku Soundbridge, a browser or the server’s own sound system. Or you can listen to your music via any client that supports mp3 streaming. You control the server via a web interface, Apple Remote, an Android remote (e.g. Retune), an MPD client, json API or DACP. OwnTone also serves local files via the Digital Audio Access Protocol (DAAP) to iTunes (Windows), Apple Music (macOS) and Rhythmbox (Linux), and via the Roku Server Protocol (RSP) to Roku devices. Runs on Linux, BSD and macOS. Previously called forked-daapd.

Key Features

Supports AirPlay 1 and AirPlay 2 for multi-room audio

Chromecast audio output

Local playback through server's sound system or browser

Spotify integration as an audio source

Internet radio streaming

MPD server functionality for MPD clients

DAAP (Digital Audio Access Protocol) serving for iTunes, Apple Music, Rhythmbox

Roku Server Protocol (RSP) support for Roku devices

Web-based control interface

Apple Remote and Android remote (e.g., Retune) support

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free and open-source (GPL-2.0 license)
Supports a wide range of output protocols (AirPlay, Chromecast, Roku, DAAP, RSP, etc.)
Multi-room audio capability with AirPlay 2
Active development with regular releases (latest v29.2)
Flexible control options (web, remote apps, API, MPD client)
Runs on multiple platforms (Linux, BSD, macOS)

Cons

Requires manual installation and configuration (no graphical setup wizard)
Limited to audio only (no video streaming)
May need some technical knowledge to set up network streaming and protocols
Dependency on third-party services like Spotify (requires premium account for some features)

Best For

Setting up a home multi-room audio system with various speaker protocolsStreaming Spotify or internet radio to AirPlay and Chromecast devicesReplacing iTunes home sharing with a cross-platform DAAP serverControlling music playback via mobile remotes or web interfaceIntegrating music servers with existing MPD clientsStreaming local music files to Roku devices

FAQ

What is OwnTone?

OwnTone is an open-source audio server (formerly forked-daapd) that streams audio from local files, Spotify, pipe input, or internet radio to various devices including AirPlay, Chromecast, Roku, and local output. It also serves as a DAAP server for iTunes/Apple Music and supports control via web interface, Apple Remote, Android remotes, MPD clients, and JSON API.

How do I install OwnTone?

Installation instructions are available on the OwnTone documentation website (owntone.github.io/owntone-server). The README and INSTALL.md in the GitHub repository provide detailed steps for building from source on Linux, BSD, and macOS.

What streaming protocols does OwnTone support?

OwnTone supports AirPlay 1 and 2, Chromecast, Roku Soundbridge (via RSP), DAAP (for iTunes, Apple Music, Rhythmbox), and standard mp3 streaming. It can also play audio directly through the server's local sound system.

Can I control OwnTone with my phone?

Yes, you can control OwnTone using the Apple Remote app (for iOS), Android remotes like Retune, or any MPD-compatible client. There is also a web interface accessible from any browser on the same network.