Who Arrmada is for#
Home Lab Users Running an Existing Arr Stack
If you manage Sonarr, Radarr, qBittorrent, and Overseerr separately, Arrmada consolidates the entire setup into one app with one database. The install takes over on a fresh server; Arrmada does not import existing arr library databases.
Skip if:
Skip if you need ARM architecture support (Raspberry Pi 4 or similar). Arrmada is x86-64 only as of v0.x.
Family Media Server Operators Using Plex or Jellyfin
The built-in request system lets household members browse and request titles, signing in with their existing Plex or Jellyfin account. Arrmada handles approvals and notifies requesters when content is ready, replacing a standalone Overseerr install.
Skip if:
Skip if your primary use case is casual streaming without download automation. Arrmada is a management tool, not a media server; you still need Plex or Jellyfin to stream.
Self-Hosters Adding Books and Audiobooks to Their Media Library
Arrmada covers ebooks and audiobooks alongside video, with series tracking and a built-in audiobook server compatible with apps like Lissen. This removes the need for a separate Readarr install and a standalone audiobook server.
Skip if:
Skip if your book collection requires calibre integration or specialized metadata sources. Arrmada's book handling is purpose-built rather than a full Readarr equivalent at v0.x.
The problem it solves#
Running a home media library with the arr stack means maintaining five to seven separate applications: Sonarr for TV, Radarr for movies, Readarr for books, qBittorrent for downloads, Overseerr for requests, and Tautulli for viewing stats. Each runs its own web server, stores its own database, and requires separate updates. When one service fails, tracing a broken movie import means reading logs across three or four apps.
Household request management makes it worse: Overseerr or Ombi need their own configuration and must stay in sync with your media server. Keeping Plex and a six-app stack all pointing at the same media folders is a recurring maintenance task, not a one-time setup.
How it solves it#
Unified Movies, TV, Books, and Audiobook Management
Covers the full arr stack in one app. Movies and TV use the same download-and-import pipeline as Radarr and Sonarr, with anime numbering support. Books and audiobooks include series tracking and a built-in audiobook server compatible with listening apps like Lissen.
Built-in qBittorrent, Pre-Configured
qBittorrent ships with Arrmada and is already wired up on install. No separate setup, no torrent client configuration to maintain. Optional SABnzbd support adds Usenet alongside BitTorrent if you bring your own indexers and provider.
Household Request and Approval System
Family members browse and request titles through a built-in Overseerr-style interface. They can sign in with their Plex or Jellyfin account. Requests move through an approval queue, and requesters get notified when their title is ready.
Plex and Jellyfin Integration with Viewing Insights
Connect either or both media servers. Arrmada adds Watch buttons, triggers library scans after every import, and provides an Insights view showing who has watched what, play history, and stats, covering the same ground as Tautulli without a separate install.
Overnight Video Conversion to HEVC or AV1
Shrinks oversized video files overnight, checking every converted result against the original before replacing it. Supports Intel and AMD GPU acceleration for faster encodes. Reduces library storage without manual file management.
Subtitle Download and AI Transcription
Pulls embedded subtitles from video files, downloads them from online sources, or generates them with a local AI model. Covers edge cases where a release ships without subtitles or where embedded tracks are missing from the file.
Strengths and trade-offs#
Strengths
- One Database and One Web InterfaceThe arr stack requires a separate database, web server, and update path for each service. Arrmada uses one database and one port. Configuration lives in one place, and there is one thing to back up, update, and restart.
- MIT License, No Subscription RequiredArrmada is MIT-licensed and free to run on your own server indefinitely. Plex Pass and Emby Premiere charge for features like offline sync, live TV, and download management integration. Arrmada covers the automation layer at no ongoing cost.
- Hardlinked Imports and Automatic RollbacksImports use hardlinks where possible to avoid duplicate disk usage. A recycle bin catches accidental deletes. Nightly backups run automatically, and a one-step rollback returns to the previous version if an update fails to start.
Trade-offs
- -Early-Stage Software with Rough EdgesArrmada is at v0.x and under active development. The README explicitly warns to keep backups and expect rough edges. With 153 stars and 8 forks as of October 2026, the community is small, and users may encounter bugs without established community workarounds.
- -Linux x86-64 OnlyArrmada requires a 64-bit Intel or AMD (x86-64) Linux server with Docker Compose v2. There is no ARM architecture support (Raspberry Pi, Apple Silicon servers), and no native Windows or macOS host option. Users on ARM-based hardware need an alternative setup.
Arrmada vs alternatives#
Arrmada vs Plex Pass
Plex is a popular media server with a free tier and a paid Plex Pass subscription that adds mobile sync, live TV, hardware transcoding, and download features. Plex does not natively automate library downloads, manage requests, or organize new additions. Users who want those features still need Sonarr, Radarr, Overseerr, and Tautulli alongside Plex.
| Feature | Arrmada | Plex Pass |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | Proprietary subscription |
| Automates downloads | Yes (torrents, optional Usenet) | No |
| Request system | Built-in (Overseerr-style) | Requires Overseerr or Ombi |
| Viewing insights | Built-in (Tautulli-style) | Plex dashboard |
| Audiobook server | Built-in | No |
| Video conversion | Built-in (HEVC / AV1) | No |
| Cost | Free | Paid subscription |
Arrmada's advantage is consolidation: it covers the full automation layer (downloading, organizing, requesting, and converting video) alongside either Plex or Jellyfin. Plex Pass subscribers who also want arr functionality still need separate third-party tools. Arrmada eliminates those additional installs.
Plex Pass is the better choice when you need polished mobile apps, live TV support, or the Plex ecosystem of third-party integrations. Arrmada does not stream content; it manages and organizes your library for Plex or Jellyfin to serve.
Arrmada vs Emby Premiere
Emby is a media server with a paid Emby Premiere tier for advanced features including hardware transcoding, mobile sync, and backup. Like Plex, Emby does not automate library downloads or manage household requests natively.
| Feature | Arrmada | Emby Premiere |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | Proprietary subscription |
| Automates downloads | Yes | No |
| Request system | Built-in | Requires third-party apps |
| Viewing insights | Built-in | Server dashboard |
| Cost | Free | Paid subscription |
Arrmada and Emby serve different roles in a home media setup. Emby handles streaming; Arrmada handles finding, downloading, and organizing what Emby plays. Running both together covers more ground than either alone.
Emby Premiere makes sense when you need its hardware transcoding or polished mobile clients. Arrmada is the better pick for users who want automated library management without maintaining a separate arr stack.
Quick start#
Self-hosting uses Docker Compose on a 64-bit Linux server.
```bash
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tristenlammi/Arrmada/main/install.sh | sh
```What it's built on#
- Languages
- GoTypeScript
- Frameworks
- React
FAQ#
Does Arrmada replace Plex or Jellyfin?
No. Arrmada works alongside Plex or Jellyfin, automating the download and organization layer. Plex and Jellyfin handle streaming; Arrmada handles finding, downloading, importing, and managing your library. You connect either or both media servers during Arrmada's setup wizard.
Does Arrmada replace Sonarr, Radarr, and Overseerr?
Yes. Arrmada covers movies and TV with the same import and upgrade logic as Radarr and Sonarr, and includes a built-in request system that replaces Overseerr. qBittorrent ships pre-configured, so you do not need a separate torrent client setup either.
Is Arrmada stable enough to use?
Arrmada is at v0.x and under active development. The project recommends keeping backups, and the installer includes automatic rollback if an update fails to start. It is suitable for home lab and personal use where you can tolerate occasional rough edges, but is not recommended for setups where any downtime is unacceptable.
What hardware does Arrmada require?
A 64-bit Intel or AMD (x86-64) Linux server with Docker Compose v2 and a free TMDB API key. Intel or AMD GPU support is optional and speeds up video conversion and AI subtitle generation. ARM architectures like Raspberry Pi are not currently supported.
Does Arrmada support Usenet in addition to torrents?
Yes, optionally. SABnzbd can be added alongside qBittorrent using the --with-sabnzbd flag during installation. You need to provide your own Usenet provider subscription and indexers. By default, only BitTorrent download support is active.
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