Self-hosted

OwnTone: Your Local-First Self-hosted Audio Media Server

Hamza Musa

12 Sep 2025 — 3 min read

What is OwnTone?

Tired of juggling apps to play your music? Stop the chaos. Meet OwnTone, the cool, open-source media server that turns your entire audio library into a wireless, seamless soundtrack for your life.

No more switching between Spotify, iTunes, and local folders. Just one server. Infinite ways to stream.

Basically, it lets you play audio sources such as local files, Spotify, pipe input or internet radio to AirPlay 1 and 2 receivers, Chromecast receivers, Roku Soundbridge, a browser or the server’s own sound system. Or you can listen to your music via any client that supports mp3 streaming.

You control the server via a web interface, Apple Remote, an Android remote (e.g. Retune), an MPD client, json API or DACP.

Your music. One place. Everywhere you go.

OwnTone is built from the bones of mt-daapd and forked-daapd, OwnTone isn’t just a reboot, it’s a full upgrade. Think of it as your personal music brain: fast, smart, and totally in control.

Stream Anywhere. Anytime. Any Device.

With OwnTone, your local music, podcasts, audiobooks, internet radio stations, and even Spotify playlists (yes, with Premium) all come together in one seamless experience. Whether you're using:

iTunes (DAAP)
Roku (RSP)
AirPlay (multi-room support!)
Chromecast
Or just playing locally on your machine

…you’re covered. No more switching between apps. Just one server, infinite possibilities.

Control It Your Way

Want to play a song from your bedroom? Use the web interface, clean, modern, and intuitive. Prefer the classic Apple Remote? Works like a charm. Need integration with MPD clients or want to automate everything via a JSON API? OwnTone’s got your back.

It’s not just about streaming, it’s about control. Full freedom, zero lock-in.

Built for Developers, Loved by Users

Powered by lightning-fast C code and wrapped in a beautiful Vue.js web interface, OwnTone blends performance with polish. It runs smoothly on Linux, FreeBSD, and macOS, perfect for home servers, NAS setups, or even Raspberry Pi projects.

And because it’s open source, there’s no black box. You own your data. You control your experience.

Why OwnTone Stands Out in 2025

In a world where streaming services dominate, OwnTone gives you back ownership of your music. It’s not about subscriptions — it’s about your collection, your rules, your sound.

Whether you’re a retro tech fan digging into DAAP history, a home theater geek loving multi-room AirPlay sync, or a minimalist who wants a lean, reliable media server, OwnTone delivers.

Features

Stream to AirPlay (synchronized multiroom) and Chromecast devices
Share local library with iTunes and Roku
Local audio playback with ALSA or PulseAudio
Supports multiple different clients:
- Remote apps like Apple Remote (iOS) or Retune (Android)
- Integrated mobile friendly web interface
- MPD clients
Supports music and audiobook files, podcast files and RSS and internet radio
Supports audio files in most formats
Supports playing your Spotify library (requires Spotify premium account)
Runs on low power devices like the Raspberry Pi