Our verdict: JRiver Media Center is a deep, highly configurable media library and player aimed at audiophiles and home theater setups. It handles huge collections, bit-perfect output and network streaming. The 30-day trial is complete, but a license covers only one major version.
About JRiver Media Center
JRiver Media Center has been developed by JRiver in the US for more than two decades. It manages music, video, photos and TV in one library and can serve them to other devices on your network. Version 36 is current.
The trial is full featured for 30 days from the first install, with no account needed. After it expires the program will not run until you buy and install a license. A Windows license costs $99.98 and a Master License for Windows, macOS and Linux $124.98; each covers one major version, so later major versions are a paid upgrade.
What it does well
- Bit-perfect audio. Outputs audio unchanged through WASAPI or ASIO to external DACs.
- Large library management. Organizes big music, video and photo collections with flexible views and tags.
- DLNA and streaming. Serves media to other devices on the network and controls DLNA renderers.
- DSP Studio. Parametric EQ, room correction, upsampling and other audio processing.
- Theater View. A 10-foot interface for TVs and home theater PCs.
Who it is for
Good fit
Audiophiles and home theater users with large local media libraries.
Look elsewhere
Casual listeners who stream from services and want a simple free player.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full-featured 30-day trial
- Bit-perfect playback and strong DSP
- Handles very large libraries
Cons
- Stops running after the trial
- License covers only one major version
- Interface is dense and takes time to learn
How to install JRiver Media Center
The button downloads the official 64-bit Windows installer from JRiver's download server. On first start Media Center offers to import your media folders; you can stop the import and choose folders yourself. Leaving an email on the download page is optional.
Questions about JRiver Media Center
Is JRiver Media Center free?
No. It has a full 30-day trial with no account or card. After that it stops running until you buy a license: $99.98 for Windows or $124.98 for a Master License covering Windows, macOS and Linux, each valid for one major version.
Can I use one license on several PCs?
Yes. JRiver allows a single license on all your computers within reason, as long as they use the same operating system or you have a Master License.
Do I need to pay for new versions?
Updates within your major version are included. A new major version needs a paid upgrade.
