Alternatives to Black Candy

koel

16,485

MIT

Koel is a personal music streaming server that combines elegant design with powerful functionality. Built with Laravel and Vue.js, it delivers a beautiful, modern web interface for streaming your music collection with smart features, external service integration, and a focus on user experience that "just works."

Key Features

Beautiful Modern Interface:
- Stunning Vue.js-powered web interface
- Responsive design for all devices
- Clean, intuitive user experience
- Modern aesthetics and smooth animations
- Mobile-friendly design and navigation
- Progressive web app capabilities
Smart Music Features:
- High-quality music streaming and playback
- Intelligent smart playlist generation
- Favorites management and organization
- Recently played tracking and history
- Advanced queue management and controls
- Seamless music discovery and browsing
Rich Music Discovery:
- Comprehensive artist information and biographies
- Detailed album information and metadata
- Intelligent music recommendations
- Powerful search functionality across library
- Browse music by genre, artist, and album
- Related artist and music suggestions
External Service Integration:
- Last.fm scrobbling and integration
- YouTube music video integration
- Spotify service integration
- iTunes metadata and artwork fetching
- External service synchronization
- Rich metadata enhancement
Personal Experience:
- Individual user profiles and preferences
- Custom theme options and personalization
- Personal settings and configuration
- Detailed listening history and analytics
- Music statistics and insights
- Personalized music experience
Modern Technical Foundation:
- Laravel framework for robust backend
- RESTful API for extensibility
- Mobile device support and optimization
- Progressive web app functionality
- Modern web technologies and architecture
- Scalable and maintainable codebase
Self-Hosting Benefits:
- Complete control over music library
- Privacy-focused personal streaming
- No subscription fees or limitations
- Custom configuration and theming
- Independence from commercial services
- Enhanced security and data ownership

Technical Specifications

Language: PHP (Laravel), JavaScript (Vue.js)
License: MIT
Deployment: Web server, PHP, Node.js
Platforms: Cross-platform (web-based)
Requirements: PHP, MySQL, Node.js, web server
Database: MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite
Architecture: Laravel backend with Vue.js frontend

Use Cases

Personal Music Streaming: Individual music collection streaming
Music Enthusiasts: Beautiful interface for music enjoyment
Design-Conscious Users: Users who value aesthetic and UX
Social Music: Integration with social music services
Mobile Music: Cross-device music streaming and access
Modern Web Users: Users preferring contemporary web applications

Unique Advantages

Design Excellence: Beautiful, modern interface design
Laravel + Vue.js: Modern, robust web technology stack
Smart Features: Intelligent playlists and recommendations
External Integration: Rich integration with music services
Progressive Web App: Modern web app capabilities
Open Source: Transparent, customizable, and community-driven

Based on the Koel GitHub repository, this tool provides users with a beautifully designed personal music streaming server that excels in user experience and modern web technologies, making it ideal for music enthusiasts who want a self-hosted streaming solution with exceptional design, smart features, and seamless integration with external music services.

Navidrome Music Server

14,895

GPL-3.0

Navidrome is a modern, fast, and lightweight music server and streamer that brings contemporary design and performance to personal music streaming. With full Subsonic/Airsonic API compatibility and a beautiful web interface, it provides an excellent self-hosted music streaming experience with support for numerous client applications.

Key Features

Modern Music Streaming:
- High-quality audio streaming with multiple format support
- Advanced transcoding capabilities for compatibility
- Adaptive bitrate streaming for optimal performance
- Gapless playback for seamless listening experience
- Real-time streaming with minimal latency
- Professional audio quality preservation
Beautiful Modern Interface:
- Contemporary, responsive web interface
- Dark and light theme options
- Mobile-optimized design and navigation
- Intuitive user experience and controls
- Fast, reactive interface performance
- Modern design principles and aesthetics
Extensive Client Compatibility:
- Full Subsonic API compatibility
- Airsonic protocol support
- Support for numerous mobile and desktop clients
- Native mobile app compatibility
- Cross-platform client ecosystem
- Standard protocol implementation
Efficient Library Management:
- Lightning-fast library scanning and indexing
- Comprehensive metadata support and management
- Automatic album art fetching and display
- Smart playlist creation and management
- Advanced search and filtering capabilities
- Intelligent music organization
High Performance:
- Lightweight Go-based architecture
- Fast response times and low latency
- Minimal memory usage and resource consumption
- Efficient library scanning algorithms
- Optimized for performance and scalability
- Single binary deployment
User-Focused Features:
- Multi-user support with individual preferences
- Favorites management and personal collections
- Recently played tracking and history
- Listening statistics and analytics
- Last.fm scrobbling integration
- Personalized music discovery
Self-Hosting Benefits:
- Complete control over music library
- Privacy-focused personal streaming
- No subscription fees or limitations
- Custom configuration and preferences
- Independence from commercial services
- Enhanced security and data ownership

Technical Specifications

Language: Go
License: GPL-3.0
Deployment: Docker, Go binary
Platforms: Cross-platform (Linux, macOS, Windows)
Requirements: Minimal system resources
Database: SQLite
Architecture: Single Go binary with embedded web interface

Use Cases

Personal Music Streaming: Individual music collection streaming
Family Music Server: Household music sharing and streaming
Music Enthusiasts: High-quality personal music streaming
Subsonic Users: Modern alternative to legacy Subsonic servers
Mobile Music: Cross-device music streaming and access
Privacy-Conscious Users: Self-hosted alternative to commercial streaming

Unique Advantages

Modern Design: Contemporary interface and user experience
Go Performance: Fast, efficient, and lightweight
Subsonic Compatible: Works with existing Subsonic ecosystem
Single Binary: Simple deployment and maintenance
Active Development: Regular updates and improvements
Open Source: Transparent, customizable, and community-driven

Based on the Navidrome GitHub repository, this tool provides users with a modern, high-performance music streaming server that excels in design and compatibility, making it ideal for music enthusiasts who want a contemporary self-hosted streaming solution with excellent client support and beautiful interface design.

Ampache

3,659

AGPL-3.0

Ampache is a comprehensive web-based audio and video streaming application that transforms your media collection into a personal streaming service. Built with PHP and designed for multi-user environments, it provides powerful media management, streaming capabilities, and social features for sharing your music and video library.

Key Features

Comprehensive Media Streaming:
- Full audio streaming with high-quality playback
- Video streaming and media server capabilities
- Support for multiple audio and video formats
- Transcoding support for compatibility
- Quality selection and bandwidth optimization
- Cross-platform streaming access
Advanced Library Management:
- Automatic media scanning and indexing
- Comprehensive metadata management
- Album art and cover image support
- Tag editing and organization tools
- Smart library organization and categorization
- Duplicate detection and management
Multi-User Platform:
- Complete multi-user support and management
- Granular user permissions and access controls
- Personal playlists and favorites for each user
- Individual listening history and preferences
- User-specific recommendations and statistics
- Social interaction and sharing features
Powerful Streaming Features:
- Built-in web player with modern interface
- Mobile app support and compatibility
- RESTful API for third-party applications
- Subsonic API compatibility
- DLNA/UPnP support for media devices
- Streaming protocol optimization
Social and Discovery Features:
- User ratings and review system
- Comments and social interaction
- Media sharing and recommendations
- Advanced statistics and analytics
- Discovery features and suggestions
- Community-driven content curation
Enterprise Administration:
- Comprehensive web-based admin interface
- Advanced user and permission management
- Catalog and library administration
- System monitoring and performance tracking
- Extensible plugin system
- Backup and maintenance tools
Self-Hosting Benefits:
- Complete control over media library
- Privacy-focused personal streaming
- No subscription fees or limitations
- Custom configuration and branding
- Independence from commercial services
- Enhanced security and data ownership

Technical Specifications

Language: PHP
License: AGPL-3.0
Deployment: Web server, PHP, database
Platforms: Cross-platform (web-based)
Requirements: PHP, MySQL/PostgreSQL, web server
Database: MySQL, PostgreSQL
Architecture: LAMP/LEMP stack web application

Use Cases

Personal Media Server: Individual music and video streaming
Family Entertainment: Household media sharing and streaming
Music Enthusiasts: Comprehensive music collection management
Content Creators: Media library organization and sharing
Small Organizations: Team media sharing and collaboration
Privacy-Conscious Users: Self-hosted alternative to commercial streaming

Unique Advantages

Dual Media Support: Both audio and video streaming capabilities
Social Features: Community aspects with ratings and sharing
Subsonic Compatibility: Works with existing Subsonic clients
Extensible Platform: Plugin system for customization
Mature Project: Long-established with active development
Open Source: Transparent, customizable, and community-driven

Based on the Ampache GitHub repository, this tool provides users with a feature-rich, web-based media streaming solution that excels in multi-user environments and social features, making it ideal for families, music enthusiasts, and organizations who want a comprehensive self-hosted alternative to commercial streaming services with advanced library management and social interaction capabilities.

mStream

2,269

GPL-3.0

mStream is a straightforward music streaming server designed for simplicity and cross-platform compatibility. Built with Node.js and featuring GUI management tools, it provides an easy-to-use solution for personal music streaming that works seamlessly across Mac, Windows, and Linux systems.

Key Features

Universal Platform Support:
- Native Windows application support
- macOS compatibility and optimization
- Linux distribution support
- Cross-platform consistency and reliability
- Native desktop applications
- Universal deployment options
Intuitive Management Tools:
- User-friendly GUI management interface
- Clean, modern web interface
- Easy configuration and setup process
- Streamlined library management tools
- Intuitive user experience design
- Simplified administration controls
Efficient Music Streaming:
- High-quality music streaming capabilities
- Support for multiple audio formats
- Quality selection and optimization
- Playlist creation and management
- Advanced search functionality across library
- Smooth playback and streaming performance
Simplicity-Focused Design:
- Lightweight application architecture
- Quick and easy installation process
- Minimal configuration requirements
- Rapid setup and deployment
- Simple operation and maintenance
- User-friendly approach to music streaming
Essential Features:
- Built-in file browser for music navigation
- Comprehensive metadata display
- Album art support and display
- Mobile device compatibility
- Responsive web design
- Essential music streaming functionality
Modern Technical Foundation:
- Node.js backend for performance and reliability
- Modern web technologies and standards
- RESTful API for extensibility
- JSON-based configuration system
- Efficient resource utilization
- Clean, maintainable codebase
Self-Hosting Benefits:
- Complete control over music library
- Privacy-focused personal streaming
- No external dependencies or services
- Simple maintenance and updates
- Independence from commercial platforms
- Enhanced security and data ownership

Technical Specifications

Language: Node.js (JavaScript)
License: GPL-3.0
Deployment: Node.js application
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Requirements: Node.js, music files
Database: File-based (no external database)
Architecture: Node.js server with web interface

Use Cases

Personal Music Streaming: Individual music collection streaming
Cross-Platform Users: Users with multiple operating systems
Simplicity Seekers: Users preferring straightforward solutions
Desktop Users: Users wanting native desktop applications
Quick Setup: Users needing rapid deployment
Lightweight Streaming: Resource-conscious music streaming

Unique Advantages

Cross-Platform Native: True cross-platform compatibility
GUI Management: User-friendly management tools
Simplicity Focus: Straightforward setup and operation
Lightweight Design: Minimal resource requirements
Node.js Performance: Fast and efficient streaming
Open Source: Transparent and customizable

Based on the mStream GitHub repository, this tool provides users with a simple, cross-platform music streaming server that excels in ease of use and universal compatibility, making it ideal for users who want a straightforward, lightweight solution for personal music streaming with native support across all major operating systems.