Top 9 Best DLNA Streaming Apps of 2024 – (Android & iOS)

The Best DLNA Streaming Apps for Android & iPhone: DLNA, Digital Living Network Alliance, is one of the simplest protocols for sharing all kinds of multimedia content between a computer or a centralized server (such as a NAS) with other devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, and even televisions and consoles connected to our local network.

Currently, many Best DLNA Streaming Apps allow us to reproduce content through this protocol. However, it is also true that many of them are rather bad DLNA Streaming Apps and that it is better to avoid them. Therefore, in this article, we have wanted to collect what we think are the best Dlna apps for iphone iOS and android.

Top 9 Best DLNA Streaming Apps

The first thing we must do to be able to access our DLNA content from an iPhone or iPad is to have a DLNA server on our computer or on a server connected to the local network, such as a NAS. To create our own DLNA or UPnP server, we can use many tools or  DLNA Streaming Apps.

Best DLNA Streaming Apps

Suppose we want to turn the server into a complete multimedia center. In that case, Plex is, without a doubt, one of the Best DLNA Streaming Apps for this purpose, since in addition to using its own protocols, it creates a DLNA server that allows us to access all the content easily from any computer or device without using the Plex app.

If we use Windows 10 and have all the multimedia files saved on our hard drive, the fastest way to put it into operation is to use the DLNA server itself included in Windows 10, a server that we can enable very easily in Windows 10 Control Panel.

Suppose we want to use a specialized app to create and manage this server. In that case, we can use Universal Media Server, a free dlna app for iPhone and android and open-source app, to turn any Windows, macOS, or Linux computer into a DLNA server.

The Best DLNA Apps for Android & iOS

As always, Android offers developers greater freedom when developing their Best DLNA Streaming Apps, so, as it is not such a restrictive platform, we can find very interesting DLNA Streaming Apps, such as the ones we are going to see below.

In the case of iOS, it is a bit more complicated to find alternatives to the height that allow us to squeeze this protocol because Apple is much more restrictive when developing and publishing Best DLNA Streaming Apps. So, from the outset, the first app does not. We will find in the App Store is Kodi.

1. Plex: Stream Movies & TV Shows

Plex is one of the best-streaming media apps out there today. Its interfaces are elegant. It downloads all kinds of metadata for your media to make it look elegant and professional. It is great in every aspect.

On top of that, Plex can also be enabled to function as a DLNA server (Settings -> Server -> DLNA). So you can connect it wirelessly to all your DLNA certified home devices and give them the interface they deserve, already be it on your Android tablet or Android TV.

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Plex comes with the best media streaming features such as shared playlists between devices, resuming videos on different Plex devices, using your Android device as a Plex TV remote, and much more. We cannot recommend it highly enough.

2. Kodi: Open Source Home Theater Software

Of course, one of the Best DLNA Streaming Apps that cannot be missing on our devices if we are going to use them to stream is Kodi, the well-known and controversial multimedia center.

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Although if we are looking for a quick and easy app to launch, this may not be the best option, we cannot deny that it is complete thanks to a large number of add-ons and plugins available.

3. BubbleUPnP for DLNA / Chromecast / Smart TV

Suppose we are looking for a simpler app to play our multimedia content (photos, videos, and music) in streaming on our Android smartphone or tablet through the DLAN protocol. In that case, an app we should take a look at is  BubbleUPnP. This free app for Android.

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This app is compatible with UPnP / DLNA multimedia servers and integrates with the main clouds, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, and can even play files from these clouds.

BubleUPnP is a very interesting service as it helps us to fulfill our mission. This app allows us to cast our multimedia content to a Chromecast or any device that has a DLNA connection. Something we like is that this app gives us the possibility to use cloud services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Google Drive, Google Music, Google Photos, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive.

BubbleUPnP’s capacity is very simple because it is practically a multimedia server, and apart from that, it is a remote control to broadcast whatever you want.

The main features of BubbleUPnP are:

  • Connects to any UPnP / DLNA server.
  • Also plays locally saved media files.
  • Integrates with the cloud: Google Drive, Google Photos, Box, Dropbox, OneDrive, and music services like TIDAL and Qobuz.
  • It allows us to send the content that we are playing to a Chromecast device.

BubbleUPnP IOS

BubbleUPnP is an essential application for streaming media between devices, but it is not available for iOS devices. Instead, consider using the suggested alternatives mentioned above.

4. Hi-Fi Cast + DLNA

HiFi + DLNA streaming is dedicated to music and supports the playback of the most common music file formats (MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV) on Google Home devices as well as other devices that support DLNA streaming.

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You can set all kinds of shuffle for your music, be it individual tracks, artists or albums, and you can play music from your Android device or other DLNA devices that contain the music. If you just want to stream music, this is your best option.

5. LocalCast for Chromecast/Android TV/Roku/Fire TV

Suppose we are looking for an app similar to the previous one that allows us, in addition to connecting to other computers or local DLNA servers and cloud storage servers, to transmit multimedia content to devices such as Chromecast easily.

In that case, LocalCast is another of the apps that should not be missing from our repertoire. Unlike BubbleUPnP, which focuses on playback, this app also allows us to customize the video with functions such as zooming, rotating, or scrolling and allowing us to search and use subtitles.

The main features of this app are:

  • Allows you to send local content from DLNA / UPnP servers or from the cloud to any Chromecast.
  • Very simple operation: Connect, choose what to play, and start watching it, without complications.
  • It allows us to adjust the video and even add local subtitles.

Of course, we must bear in mind that this app does not have a player as such, but we must connect it to a Chromecast or similar to be able to play the video. Finally, if we want an app that works the same on Android and iOS, we must choose LocalCast. As in Android, this app allows us to connect to any DLNA or UPnP server to access all its multimedia content, photos and music, and videos, and play this content on any Chromecast.

6. VLC

Surely we know VLC, the player with the icon of the cone, from our computer. This player has long been available for iOS as well.

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In addition to allowing us to play the video that we have saved locally on our iPhone or iPad, this best android dlna player also has a series of functions and characteristics to reproduce content on the network, being able to connect to CLNA and UPnP servers to access their content.

The main features of VLC for iOS are:

  • Play virtually any audio and video format saved on iPhone or iPad.
  • Supports DLNA and UPnP protocols. It also allows us to connect to different clouds.

7. UPnP / DLNA Streamer

Suppose we want an app specially designed to connect to these types of servers, to be able to stream to televisions and other devices, and even turn our iPhone or iPad into a complete DLNA server, then without a doubt. In that case, we should try  UPNP / DLNA Streamer.

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The main features of this app are:

  • It allows you to play content on the iPhone or iPad and send it to cast devices, such as Chromecast or Apple TV.
  • Compatible with DLNA, UPnP protocols, and with apps like Plex, Kodi, Serviio, and more.

8. iMediaShare Personal – Best Dlna App for Android TV

If you want a DLNA app with an amazing interface, please give iMediaShare Personal a try. The app allows you to stream your digital media directly from your Android device to your large TV without the need for cables.

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While your media is playing on your TV, the app acts as a remote control for you to control the media. It allows you to control playback such as pause, next, etc., using your hand gestures.

9. AllCast

While all of the apps listed up to this point stream content to any device, AllCast offers the widest compatibility. You can cast media to Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Xbox 360 and Xbox One, PS4, and other DLNA-enabled devices.

It also allows you to stream from your Dropbox, allowing you to stream content directly without having to download it first.

What is a DLNA server?

A DLNA server stores multimedia content and uses it on a network wirelessly. In general, the server is a DLNA-enabled PC or a NAS (network-attached storage).

Once activated, the server allows you to browse the entire multimedia collection from various devices conveniently.

What is DLNA server software?

A DLNA server software is an app that lets you share your computer’s growing library of movies, audios, and pictures with other DLNA-compatible devices.

These include your Android phone, TV, game consoles, media players, iPhone, and more, while connectivity between devices is established via the convenient DLNA protocol.

Why You Need The Best DLNA Server Software?

Once installed, the DLNA server app instantly configures your PC as a streaming media hub, opening up a sea of ​​exciting and personalized entertainment options.

Conclusion

As I’ve already mentioned, the Best DLNA Streaming Apps make the whole process super simple and straightforward. Do you know or use other apps to play streaming content on Android or iOS through the DLNA protocol?