As the popularity of home servers and NAS devices continues to surge, many users are turning to local streaming solutions rather than relying solely on cloud-based platforms. To make the most of your media files stored on a network drive, a reliable video player with integrated support for DLNA, SMB, and HTTP protocols is essential. These protocols allow devices to communicate seamlessly across a local network, making it possible to stream high-quality video content directly to your favorite devices—without the hassle of transferring files manually.
TL;DR
If you stream videos from a NAS or home server, choosing a media player that supports DLNA, SMB, or HTTP is key for a smooth experience. Top contenders include VLC for its versatility, Plex for smart libraries, and Infuse for its beautiful interface and rich metadata. Players like Kodi and MX Player also offer impressive streaming and customization options. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, there’s a great local network streaming option for you.
Top 7 Video Players with Integrated Network Streaming Support
1. VLC Media Player
Supported Protocols: DLNA, SMB, FTP, HTTP, and more
VLC is possibly the most well-known media player available today. Its open-source nature and broad codec support have made it the go-to choice for casual and power users alike. One of VLC’s standout features is its network stream capability—simply enter the network URL or browse SMB shares, and you’re ready to go.
VLC works flawlessly across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It supports subtitle syncing, audio track switching, and advanced filtering, making it a comprehensive solution.
2. Infuse
Supported Protocols: SMB, FTP, WebDAV, DLNA
Infuse, exclusive to Apple platforms (iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS), is a visually stunning media player that excels in metadata handling and subtitle support. It automatically fetches metadata from the internet to create a Netflix-like viewing experience using your own local files.
Infuse’s streaming capabilities are streamlined. Once a network source is linked, the app indexes your media library neatly—without requiring server software. To extend support even further, Infuse integrates with Trakt.tv and iCloud syncs for play state sharing across devices.
3. Plex
Supported Protocols: HTTP (streaming via Plex Media Server), DLNA
Plex is more than just a media player—it’s an entire media ecosystem. With Plex, users set up a centralized server that can stream content to nearly any device over HTTP. Additionally, Plex supports DLNA for devices that don’t run the Plex app.
The main benefit of Plex is its organized media management, allowing categories, metadata fetching, parental controls, and even live TV capabilities (with hardware support). It’s an ideal solution for households who want a unified streaming interface with cloud-optional functionality.
4. Kodi
Supported Protocols: SMB, DLNA, UPnP, HTTP
Kodi is a powerful, open-source media center that can transform any device into a fully-functional media hub. With its support for various network protocols, Kodi makes connecting to NAS drives and home servers seamless. Users can easily navigate shared folders, stream content, and even integrate add-ons for extended features such as IPTV and online channels.
Kodi supports deep customization, including skins and plugins, and is available on a wide range of platforms including Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi.
5. MX Player (Android)
Supported Protocols: SMB, HTTP, FTP (with MX Share plugin)
MX Player has long been a favorite among Android users, and with its latest updates, it’s also become a capable network streaming app. Support for SMB and HTTP is available via optional extensions, which easily enable the player to connect to NAS servers.
In addition, MX Player offers hardware decoding, multi-core processing, and extensive subtitle support, making it ideal for hands-off local network streaming. Its developer’s focus has shifted slightly towards ad-supported content, so a premium version is recommended for ad-free experiences.
6. Nova Video Player
Supported Protocols: SMB, UPnP/DLNA, FTP, SFTP, WebDAV
Nova Video Player is an open-source Android app based on the Universal Android Music Player sample and is designed for rich metadata-based browsing of network content. Nova scans shared network folders and presents a unified library similar to Plex or Infuse but without needing a backend server.
It supports external subtitles, multiple audio tracks, and detailed video information. Nova is a fantastic choice for users who want a clean, simple way of browsing their media over a LAN environment without a lot of setup.
7. nPlayer
Supported Protocols: SMB, FTP, WebDAV, DLNA, HTTP
For both Android and iOS users, nPlayer is a hidden gem. This versatile player supports virtually every streaming protocol you can imagine, along with advanced features like DTS sound decoding, gesture controls, and playback customization.
What sets nPlayer apart is its emphasis on network streaming. Browsing remote content is seamless, and connections can be maintained in the background. Additionally, it supports subtitle formats like SMI, ASS, and SSA—all helpful for enthusiasts watching foreign-language content.
Conclusion
Each of the video players listed above offers unique advantages based on platform, interface, and network protocol support. Whether you’re looking for powerful customization (Kodi), sleek viewing (Infuse), or cross-platform simplicity (VLC), there is an option tailored to your needs. Ultimately, choosing the right player hinges on how often you stream media over a local network, preference in UI design, and whether you rely on centralized server software like Plex.
FAQ
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Q: What’s the difference between DLNA, SMB, and HTTP streaming?
DLNA is a protocol designed for media streaming within home networks. SMB (Server Message Block) is a file sharing protocol commonly used for browsing shared folders. HTTP streaming implies accessing media through a web-based link or server, such as Plex.
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Q: Which media player is best for Apple TV?
Infuse is widely considered the best option for Apple TV users due to its beautiful UI, rich metadata handling, and full support for streaming protocols like SMB and DLNA.
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Q: Can I stream 4K content through these players?
Yes, most modern video players like VLC, Infuse, Kodi, and Plex support 4K video playback, but the performance also depends on the device’s hardware and network bandwidth.
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Q: Do I need a media server like Plex for streaming?
No. Some players like VLC, Infuse, Nova, and nPlayer can connect directly to network shares like SMB or DLNA sources without additional server software.
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Q: Are these apps free?
Many apps like VLC, Kodi, and Nova are completely free. Others, like Infuse and nPlayer, offer free versions with limited features and optional premium upgrades.
