Comparison · Media players
Infuse vs Jellyfin: which is better in 2026?
Jellyfin ranks higher in our list of media players (#3 against #4, score 87.5 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 85.5Editorial score87.5
- 3Platforms3
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Infuse if you want
Apple users who play a large personal video library.
A video player for iPhone, iPad and Mac with subtitle downloads, cloud and network sources, and 4K Dolby Vision playback on Pro. It is Apple-only, and Pro costs $1.99 a month, $16.99 a year or $99.99 for a lifetime license.
Choose Jellyfin if you want
A free, self-hosted library with no vendor account.
Free software media server with no subscription, streaming to web and Android clients from your own hardware. Setup and maintenance fall on the user, which makes it harder to start than Plex.
The main differences
- Only Infuse runs on macOS.
- Only Infuse runs on iOS.
- Only Jellyfin runs on Android.
- Only Jellyfin runs on Web.
- Jellyfin is open source; Infuse is not.
Side by side
| Score | 85.5 | 87.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in list | #4 of 10 | #3 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree app; Pro from $1.99 a month or $99.99 lifetime | Free and open sourceFree and open source with no subscription; you host the server |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | macOSiOS, iPadOSmacOS, iOS, iPadOS | WebAndroidSelf-hostedWeb, Android, Self-hosted |
| Made by | Firecore | Not stated |
| Serves a home library | No | Yes |
| Best for | Apple users who play a large personal video library | A free, self-hosted library with no vendor account |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Infuse vs Jellyfin
- Is Jellyfin better than Infuse?
- Jellyfin ranks higher in our list of media players (#3 against #4, score 87.5 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Infuse is best for: Apple users who play a large personal video library. Jellyfin is best for: a free, self-hosted library with no vendor account.
- Which is cheaper, Infuse or Jellyfin?
- Infuse: Free app; Pro from $1.99 a month or $99.99 lifetime. Jellyfin: Free and open source with no subscription; you host the server.
- Do Infuse and Jellyfin run on the same platforms?
- Infuse supports macOS, iOS, iPadOS. Jellyfin supports Web, Android, Self-hosted.
Choosing between the two
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