DLNA Streaming Apps

Apps That Stream Media From Your Own Servers

Overview

Power users that have a lot of media that they want to listen to in multiple locations and formats tend to use DLNA/UPnP servers. The apps in this AppGuide will give you the best apps to get media streaming from your servers to your iDevice.

Essential Apps

• $4.99

  PlugPlayer

  by PlugPlayer, LLC

  Using an Apple-like interface, PlugPlayer is a great option for accessing DLNA/UPnP servers. I found this app to be more reliable than others I tried. It even carries the option to stream music to another iDevice, say while its docked to speakers. For $5 this app is a bit expensive, but not a bad option from streaming your media over the network.

• Free

  Onkyo Remote

  by Onkyo Sound & Vision Corporation

  Onkyo Remote is a fantastic app with a boatload of features. Along with handling DLNA/UPnP servers, Onkyo can manipulate content from Napster, Last.fm and most A/V receivers. With pretty stable performance, Onkyo is a top choice for streaming media from DLNA/UPnP servers.

Notable Apps

• Free

  ConnectR

  by Roberts Radio Ltd.

  ConnectR, an app by Roberts Internet Radios, is a neat app that has a few tricks up its sleeve. Aside from accessing UPnP servers, ConnectR can connect to Last.fm, FM stations, DAB, Roberts Radios, and more. Connectivity is fairly reliable and makes this app notable rather than essential.

Decent Apps

• $3.99

  DiXiM DMC

  by DigiOn, Inc.

  This app is a great DLNA/UPnP app that I personally haven’t had issues with. However, it does not work with iOS 5; until this is fixed, there is no way to recommend DiXiM DMS, especially since it is a paid app.

• Free

  media:connect for DLNA and UPnP media streaming

  by Persona Software, LLC

  Media:connect is an app that does not claim to be feature rich but instead presents itself to be a simple DLNA/UPnP app. With a free and paid solution, many, including myself, have found that this app simply does not work consistently enough for daily use. This app is one to stay away from for the time being.

• Free

  SmartStor Fusion Stream DLNA Digital Media App

  by Promise Technology, Inc.

  SmartStor is another app that can access your DLNA/UPnP server for free, but like media:connect, it fails to function reliably.

• Free

  UPnP Peek

  by MJD Services Ltd

  UPnP Peek may be good for streaming, when it works. However, since that is a rare occurrence, I highly recommend staying away from this app.