Jellyfin alternative: Kinosail vs Jellyfin
Kinosail and Jellyfin are both free, self-hosted media servers with no vendor account. Kinosail focuses on secure defaults, built-in passkeys and multi-factor sign-in, and a single hardened container. Jellyfin has more store apps, live TV, plugins, and an open source license.
You do not have to choose all at once. Kinosail can import your Jellyfin history, and some Jellyfin mobile apps can connect to a Kinosail Server.
At a glance
| Feature | Kinosail | Jellyfin |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Remote streaming and hardware transcoding | Free | Free |
| Passkeys and multi-factor sign-in | Built in | Plugins or a single sign-on proxy |
| Container defaults | Non-root, read-only root filesystem, all capabilities dropped | Depends on your Compose file |
| Media folder access | Read-only mount by default | Set in your Compose file |
| Automatic intro and credits detection | Built in | Through plugins |
| Watch together | Watch Rooms | SyncPlay |
| Viewer Profiles with per-library access | Yes | Yes |
| HTTP API | Versioned API with scopes | Yes |
| MCP server for AI assistants | Built in | Not built in |
| Live TV and DVR | No | Yes |
| Plugin catalog | No | Yes |
| Store apps for TVs and consoles | Not yet | Yes |
| Jellyfin mobile apps | Some apps can connect | Yes |
| License | Source-available (PolyForm Perimeter) | Open source (GPL-2.0) |
Checked on October 26, 2026.
Who should choose Kinosail
- You want passkeys and multi-factor sign-in without plugins or a proxy.
- You expose your Server to the internet and want strict container and access defaults.
- You want Owner and Viewer roles, per-library access, and a separate restricted gateway for public HTTPS.
- You want an MCP server so an AI assistant can search and play your library.
Who should stay with Jellyfin
- You need live TV, DVR, or a specific plugin.
- You need a store app on Roku, a game console, or a smart TV.
- An OSI-approved open source license is a requirement for you.
Switch from Jellyfin
- Install Kinosail with Docker beside Jellyfin. Mount the same media folders read-only.
- Let Kinosail scan. It reads local NFO files, embedded tags, and folder artwork.
- Open Settings → Migration, choose Jellyfin, and enter the Server URL, access token, and source user ID. Preview, then import. Read the import guide.
- Optional: turn on compatible Jellyfin apps. Connect browsers and Jellyfin apps.
Questions
Is Kinosail a fork of Jellyfin?
No. Kinosail is a separate server written in Go. It offers a Jellyfin-compatible connection so that some Jellyfin mobile apps can sign in to a Kinosail Server.
Can I keep using my Jellyfin apps?
Some Jellyfin apps for iOS and Android can connect to Kinosail. The Owner sets up trusted HTTPS and turns on Allow compatible Jellyfin apps to connect. Check the setup steps and limits first.
Can I import my Jellyfin history and favorites?
Yes. Kinosail imports watched state, resume positions, Jellyfin favorites as My List entries, and supported video playlists. You preview every match first and can keep a recurring sync.
Is Kinosail free like Jellyfin?
Yes. The Kinosail Server and web Player are free, with no paid features. Jellyfin is open source under GPL-2.0. Kinosail is source-available under the PolyForm Perimeter License, which is not an open source license.
What does Jellyfin do better?
Jellyfin has more client apps in stores, live TV and DVR, a large plugin catalog, and an open source license with a large community. Choose Jellyfin if those matter most.
Sources
- Jellyfin, jellyfin.org and Jellyfin source code, checked October 26, 2026.
- JellyWatch, Jellyfin 2FA setup guide, third-party guide, 2026.
- Kinosail, Security overview, Secure accounts, and Existing media and history.
Jellyfin is a trademark of the Jellyfin project. Kinosail is not affiliated with Jellyfin. If a fact here is out of date, open an issue.