Seanime

Open source alternative to Crunchyroll, Plex, HIDIVE and Emby

4.3K stars
GPL-3.0
Active this month
Last commit 8 days ago

Last verified Oct 22, 2026

Manage your anime and manga library from a self-hosted server with AniList tracking, torrent downloads, online streaming, and a built-in manga reader.

Visit website GitHub4.3K Deploy on Hostinger

Read the full breakdownWho it is for, how it works, trade-offs and the FAQ

who it's for

Who Seanime is for#

Anime library managers replacing a multi-tool setup

Seanime replaces a disjointed setup of separate torrent client, browser-based tracker, video player, and manga app. One server handles library scanning against AniList, auto-downloads episodes on release, reads manga chapters, and syncs progress, all from the same web interface or desktop app.

Skip if:

Your media collection mixes anime with general movies, TV shows, or music. Seanime is purpose-built for anime and manga and does not provide metadata support for other content types.

Self-hosters reducing recurring streaming fees

For users who maintain a local anime library and want automated episode delivery without monthly fees, Seanime auto-downloads new episodes via configurable rules as soon as they air. Debrid and torrent streaming let you start watching without waiting for a complete download.

Skip if:

You need legal access to currently airing simulcast titles. Seanime does not provide or host content; you must obtain media through legal means. Crunchyroll and HIDIVE remain the path for licensed streaming of airing anime.

Multi-device anime households

The Tenji iOS/Android companion and the Denshi desktop client give a household multiple points of access to one Seanime server. Offline mode lets users download content to a mobile device and sync progress back when online. Watch party support lets household members watch together.

Skip if:

Your household primarily watches on a TV via a smart TV app or streaming stick. Seanime covers web browsers and mobile; there is no native TV app or casting integration described in the README.

the problem

The problem it solves#

Anime fans who build personal libraries typically run several tools at once: a torrent client for downloads, a browser tab for AniList tracking, a video player for local files, and a separate app for manga chapters. Keeping watch progress in sync across them is manual work, and none of them surfaces the episode release schedule or pulls new episodes automatically as they air.

Paid streaming services handle new episode delivery automatically but tie content access to monthly fees and offer no local library management. General-purpose media servers organize local video files but are not purpose-built for anime-native workflows: AniList-native tracking, airing-schedule auto-downloads, and built-in manga reading.

how Seanime solves it

How it solves it#

AniList-backed library scanner

Seanime scans local files and matches them to AniList entries without requiring strict naming conventions or folder structures. The matching is automated: add files and the library reflects your AniList lists. Browsing and managing your AniList from within the app is also supported, including custom non-AniList series.

Automatic episode downloader with airing rules

Configurable rules auto-fetch new episodes from torrent and Debrid sources as soon as they air. Rules support prioritization, scoring, and delay settings, so the right release is pulled without manual intervention. Compatible BitTorrent clients include qBittorrent and Transmission; Debrid services include Torbox, Real-Debrid, AllDebrid, and Premiumize.

Torrent and Debrid streaming

Episodes stream directly from active torrents or Debrid sources without waiting for a full download. The same Debrid integrations (Real-Debrid, AllDebrid, Torbox, Premiumize) that feed the auto-downloader also power direct streaming, so you can watch while a file is still transferring.

Manga reader with extension sources

The built-in manga reader works with local files and community-written JavaScript extensions that add new chapter sources. Progress syncs to AniList automatically. New manga sources are installable from the in-app extension marketplace.

Transcoding and direct play via FFmpeg

FFmpeg transcoding and hardware acceleration let any web browser play local library files without a dedicated client app. Direct play is available for compatible formats. The built-in player adds SSA/ASS subtitle support, Anime4K sharpening, and real-time subtitle translation.

Cross-platform apps including mobile

The Seanime Denshi Electron desktop client runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS with a libmpv-based video player. The Seanime Tenji companion app for iOS and Android supports library browsing, AniList management, streaming, true offline access, and can also run as a self-contained mobile server.

strengths · trade-offs

Strengths and trade-offs#

Strengths

Anime-native feature set, not adapted from a general media frameworkSeanime is purpose-built for anime and manga rather than adapted from a general media framework. AniList sync, episode auto-downloading, and manga reading are first-class features built into the product from the ground up. The product roadmap, per the README, is scoped to anime and manga, keeping the feature surface focused.
Extension marketplace for streaming and manga sourcesThe built-in JavaScript extension system lets the community add torrent providers, online streaming sources, and manga sources without waiting for official releases. Extensions are installed from an in-app repository, keeping the core server clean while allowing broad source coverage.
No recurring fees after self-hostingGPL-3.0 licensed and free to run. Once the server is running there are no per-seat fees, subscription tiers, or usage limits beyond your own infrastructure costs.
Watch parties and offline mobile accessThe built-in watch party feature lets multiple users watch together across Seanime instances or a shared local library. The Tenji mobile app supports offline mode: download content to the device, watch without a connection, and sync progress back when online. Both features come with the base install.

Trade-offs

-One-person project with limited tracker supportThe README explicitly states this is a one-person project that may not meet every use case. Built-in support for other trackers (MyAnimeList, Trakt, SIMKL) is not planned. Support for media players beyond the built-in options is also not planned. Users who rely on those ecosystems will need to look elsewhere or manage sync manually.
-GPL-3.0 copyleft applies to distributed copiesGPL-3.0 permits personal and internal team self-hosting without restriction. The copyleft obligation applies when you distribute a modified copy to others (shipping a packaged app or embedding Seanime in a product), at which point you must make the modified source available under GPL-3.0. Running a private or hosted instance for others does not constitute distribution under GPL-3.0 and does not trigger the source-release requirement.
-No built-in localizationThe README states that built-in translations are not planned. The interface is English-only. Non-English-speaking users who need a localized UI will not find support here.

versus alternatives

Seanime vs alternatives#

Seanime vs Plex

Plex is a general-purpose media server for managing local libraries across device types. Seanime targets the same self-hosted library use case but is designed specifically for anime and manga, with AniList as its core metadata layer, a built-in auto-downloader tied to the airing schedule, and a manga reader and extension marketplace for streaming and manga sources.

For a library that is exclusively anime and manga requiring AniList-native tracking and automated episode fetching, Seanime is built for that workflow. For libraries that include movies, TV shows, music, or other content types, Seanime covers only the anime and manga portions.

Seanime vs Crunchyroll and HIDIVE

Crunchyroll and HIDIVE are commercial streaming services. Seanime does not provide or host media content; it manages files you already own or have legal access to.

For users who already maintain a local library, Seanime provides offline access, manga reading, and AniList sync with no recurring fees. Crunchyroll and HIDIVE remain the better choice when you need access to officially licensed titles you do not already own. Seanime does not replace licensed content access.

Seanime vs Emby

Emby, like Plex, is a general-purpose media server. Seanime is purpose-built for anime and manga, adding AniList-native library management, an anime-specific auto-downloader tied to the airing schedule, and a built-in manga reader. For libraries that include non-anime content or households already running Emby infrastructure, Seanime covers the anime and manga portions; general content management remains with the existing setup.

tech stack · detected from GitHub

What it's built on#

Languages: GoJavaScriptTypeScript
Frameworks: React

frequently asked

FAQ#

Is Seanime free to use?

Yes. Seanime is GPL-3.0 licensed and free to self-host on Windows, Linux, or macOS. There are no subscription fees or usage tiers. GPL-3.0 permits personal and internal team use without restriction. The copyleft obligation applies when you distribute a modified copy of the software to others, not when you run it as a hosted service.

Does Seanime require Docker to run?

Seanime is distributed as a Go binary for Windows, Linux, and macOS, and as the Seanime Denshi Electron desktop app. FFmpeg is needed for transcoding local files for playback on web browsers.

Does Seanime sync with AniList?

Yes. AniList integration is a core feature. Seanime scans local files and matches them to AniList entries automatically, and it syncs your watch progress back to your AniList account. You can browse and manage your AniList lists from within the app. Note: other trackers (MyAnimeList, Trakt, SIMKL) are not supported and are not planned per the README.

Does Seanime support manga reading?

Yes. The built-in manga reader works with local files and community-built extension sources. Chapter progress syncs to AniList automatically. New manga sources can be added through the in-app extension marketplace, which hosts community-written JavaScript extensions.

How does Seanime compare to Plex or Emby for anime?

Plex and Emby are general-purpose media servers. Seanime is purpose-built for anime and manga: it uses AniList as its core metadata layer, auto-downloads episodes by airing schedule, and includes a built-in manga reader. For a library that is exclusively anime and manga with AniList-native workflows, Seanime is built for that use case. For libraries that mix anime with other content types, Seanime covers only the anime and manga portions.

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Seanime vs Plex

Seanime vs Crunchyroll and HIDIVE

Crunchyroll and HIDIVE are commercial streaming services. Seanime does not provide or host media content; it manages files you already own or have legal access to.