What is LibreELEC used for?

LibreELEC is a minimal Linux distribution designed to run the Kodi media center software on popular media center hardware. It is a good fit for dedicated home theater boxes running Kodi and turning small single-board computers into media players.

Is LibreELEC open source?

Yes. LibreELEC is open source. Its source code is on GitHub at LibreELEC/LibreELEC.tv.

Yes. LibreELEC is open source, so the software itself is free to use.

Can I self-host LibreELEC?

Yes. LibreELEC can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.

What are some alternatives to LibreELEC?

Similar open-source tools in the Media & Streaming category include Kodi, Sonarr and Radarr. SaaS products in the same category include Acast, Amazon Music and AMC+.

Is LibreELEC actively maintained?

Yes. The most recent commit to LibreELEC was on 2 October 2026, and the latest release is 12.2.1, published on 31 October 2025. The project has 2.8k stars on GitHub.

LibreELEC: open-source media & streaming

About LibreELEC

LibreELEC is a Linux distribution described as just enough operating system for Kodi, the media center software. Instead of a general-purpose desktop, it provides a small, purpose-built system that boots straight into Kodi on popular media center hardware, which is why topics include embedded and JeOS, short for just enough operating system.

The repository holds the build system rather than a typical application. It is mostly Makefiles, with documents covering how to report issues and submit pull requests, coding standards for build scripts and package files, and a guide to the package.mk structure and its variables. The most recent release listed is 12.2.1.

LibreELEC forked from OpenELEC after disagreements over project direction and management, and its build system traces back to OpenBricks and GeeXboX. Original LibreELEC code is released under GPLv2, while patches to upstream code keep their upstream licenses. Support is available through a forum and an IRC channel, bugs go to GitHub Issues and donations are handled through OpenCollective.

Key features

Minimal Linux system focused on Kodi
Targets popular media center hardware
Makefile-based build system with package files
Documented coding standards for packages
Community forum and IRC support

Good fit for

→Dedicated home theater boxes running Kodi
→Turning small single-board computers into media players

Built with: Makefile
Tags: kodi; media-center; linux; embedded; jeos; operating-system; home-theater; libreelec

LibreELEC: questions and answers

What is LibreELEC used for?: LibreELEC is a minimal Linux distribution designed to run the Kodi media center software on popular media center hardware. It is a good fit for dedicated home theater boxes running Kodi and turning small single-board computers into media players.
Is LibreELEC open source?: Yes. LibreELEC is open source. Its source code is on GitHub at LibreELEC/LibreELEC.tv.
Is LibreELEC free?: Yes. LibreELEC is open source, so the software itself is free to use.
Can I self-host LibreELEC?: Yes. LibreELEC can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure.
What are some alternatives to LibreELEC?: Similar open-source tools in the Media & Streaming category include Kodi, Sonarr and Radarr. SaaS products in the same category include Acast, Amazon Music and AMC+.
Is LibreELEC actively maintained?: Yes. The most recent commit to LibreELEC was on 2 October 2026, and the latest release is 12.2.1, published on 31 October 2025. The project has 2.8k stars on GitHub.