In my personal opinion, I believe that LibreELEC is the better choice between the two. Let me explain why.
Firstly, installation is a breeze with LibreELEC. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned user, the installation process is straightforward and hassle-free. The official website provides clear and concise instructions, making it easy for anyone to get started. On the other hand, OpenELEC’s installation process can be a bit more complicated, especially for those who are new to the world of media center software.
Secondly, LibreELEC works well on a range of hardware. Whether you have a Raspberry Pi, a PC, or even an older device, LibreELEC is compatible with a wide variety of hardware configurations. This flexibility is a major advantage, as it allows users to choose the hardware that best suits their needs and budget. OpenELEC, on the other hand, has more limited hardware support, which can be frustrating for those who want to use it on older or less common devices.
Furthermore, LibreELEC has a much larger and more active community. This means that there is a wealth of support and resources available for users. Whether you have a question, need troubleshooting help, or want to explore additional features, you can rest assured that there are plenty of knowledgeable users and developers ready to assist you. OpenELEC, while still having a community, does not seem to be as active or engaged as LibreELEC’s community.
Another aspect that sets LibreELEC apart is the overall organization and management of the project. It feels more professional and well-run compared to OpenELEC. Updates are frequent and reliable, and the development team seems to be more responsive to user feedback and bug reports. This level of dedication and attention to detail is crucial for the long-term success and stability of any software project.
In terms of performance, both LibreELEC and OpenELEC offer similar performance levels. Both are lightweight and optimized for media playback, ensuring smooth and lag-free streaming experiences. However, due to the more active community and frequent updates, LibreELEC may have a slight edge in terms of performance optimizations and bug fixes.
To sum it up, for newbies just starting out, LibreELEC is the way to go. Installation is a breeze, it works well on a range of hardware, and there is much more support out there. The community is very helpful and the entire project seems much better run. While OpenELEC is still a viable option, it may not offer the same level of user-friendliness and support as LibreELEC.