Media Center apps have been all the rage for a while now. The growing number of streaming services makes it almost necessary to have a powerful media center to handle it all.
And while apps like Plexus and Kodi have established themselves as market leaders, there are plenty of other options with their own benefits. Stremio, for example, is a cross-platform media center application that is rapidly gaining popularity, especially among PC users.
What makes Stremio different from the likes of Kodi? It’s really worth it ? Let’s find out.
Stremio: A Lighter and Meaner Alternative
There’s a reason why Kodi is the number one choice for a media center app. It has many features that you would struggle to find in other apps, making it a great option for power users.
But not all users need all of these features. Most people just want to stream their favorite shows and movies without any frills or whistles. In these cases, a simpler interface would be a better option.
Stremio is a media center app that promises just that. With a clean and neat interface, it is much easier to navigate. The optimized layout also makes the app run much faster, especially on a PC.
Features of Stremio
Stremio stands out from other similar streaming aggregators with a ton of unique features. Here is a short description:
Clean user interface
The most obvious advantage of Stremio over other media center apps is its streamlined user interface. Shows and movies are easy to find and discover, aggregating content from multiple sources.
Platforms like Netflix and YouTube are built-in by default, allowing users to get started without the need to configure additional plugins. Stremio also offers an extensive catalog of popular TV series and movies to browse, listing the sources of any curated content.
torrent support
Stremio is one of the few media center apps that supports streaming torrents. Instead of having to download an entire torrent video and then play it, you can stream it directly with Stremio.
Unsurprisingly, this opens up a whole new range of video streaming sources, giving you access to much more media content than is available on the major streaming platforms alone.
Community plugins
Another great strength of Stremio is its customization. Plugins, both official and community-created, can be installed to unlock more content sources and get more entertainment.
And since Stremio can work with torrents, many of these third-party plugins extract files from torrents, allowing you to stream them as well.
faster speeds
Media Center apps, while handy, are also often a bit slower. This is especially true for apps with more features, as powerful plugins often slow down core functions.
Stremio sets itself apart by keeping things simple and smooth. Its performance is much better than the main apps like Kodi, especially on a PC.
On slower internet connections, one can even preload any video, preventing it from buffering while you watch it. It works while Stremio is also minimized, so you can continue with other activities while your media fully loads.
Calendar display
Another useful feature is the calendar. It keeps track of shows added to your library, showing the release dates of upcoming episodes. You can also choose to be notified when a new episode comes out, which is always appreciated.
Stremio user guide
Unlike most media center apps, Stremio is quite easy to use. Just download the app, create an account, and search for the things you want to see. If you’re still having trouble, here’s a guide to get you started.
- First, download Stremio from the official site. We will demonstrate on a Windows PC, but the app is available on all platforms. Linux, Mac or even the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for iPhone and Android. Even smart TVs are supported, although it can be difficult to install them on devices like Amazon Firestick or Fire TV.
- Run the downloaded setup to install Stremio on your PC.
- Once the installation is complete, you will be presented with options to create a desktop shortcut and associate Stremio with torrent files. It may be a good idea to uncheck the torrent option if you are downloading other types of torrent files yourself.
- When you run Stremio for the first time, you will need to create or log in to an account. This account basically contains your user data, including your personal library and plugins. You can use the same account to pick up where you left off on any device.
- The main Stremio screen will now open. This is called the Adviceand shows popular movies and TV shows as well as things you’ve watched recently.
- By default, you may not get many sources for the media you are looking for. To install plugins, click on the puzzle piece icon in the top right. This takes you to a list of official and community plugins sorted by categories. There are addons for movies, series, cartoons, TV channels, basically anything you want to watch.
And that’s all there is to it. Since Stremio aggregates content from all streaming platforms, you can watch your Netflix shows alongside Amazon Prime TV series, as well as free sources like YouTube and third-party torrents.
Please note that Stremio does not verify the integrity of third-party plugins and you should do your own research before installing any.
Is the stremio good?
There is no shortage of media center apps. Whether you want to stream to an Android TV or just watch movies on your laptop, you’re spoiled for choice.
But if you are looking for a simple app that can be used without much tinkering, then Stremio is the perfect app for you. With its intuitive user interface and easy-to-install plugins, you can start streaming in no time.
The best part is that it also runs faster, loads videos quickly, and plays them without buffering. You can even get videos from torrent files and stream them directly without having to download them.
And since Stremio is available for all platforms, from smart TVs to smartphones, there’s no reason to miss out on the fun.
