Ampache vs Tempo
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted media servers options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | Ampache | Tempo |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Under-an-hour setup | Read-the-docs project |
| Health score | 88 · Excellent | 20 · At risk |
| Category | Media Servers | Media Servers |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | PHP | Java |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 512 MB | 128 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal | binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 3,832 | ★ 2,240 |
| First released | 2001 | 2022 |
| Replaces | Spotify | Spotify, Plexamp |
What are Ampache and Tempo?
Ampache
Ampache is a web-based audio and video streaming application and file manager that lets you access your music from anywhere. It supports the Subsonic API, sharing, and a wide range of clients.
- Subsonic API support
- Audio and video streaming
- Sharing and playlists
- Many client apps
Tempo
Tempo is a free and open-source music streaming client for Subsonic-compatible servers such as Navidrome and Airsonic. It features a Material You interface, offline downloads, and Android Auto support.
- Subsonic API support
- Material You theming
- Android Auto
- Offline downloads
Ampache vs Tempo: key differences
Ampache is written in PHP, while Tempo is built with Java. Licensing differs — AGPL-3.0 for Ampache versus GPL-3.0 for Tempo. Tempo is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 512 MB for Ampache. Ampache is the more established project (first released 2001), while Tempo arrived in 2022. Ampache lists first-class Docker deployment; Tempo does not.
Why pick each one
Choose Ampache if…
- Long-established project
- Flexible catalog options
Watch out for
- Configuration can be complex
- Dated areas of the UI
Choose Tempo if…
- Modern Android design
- Works with multiple servers
Watch out for
- Android only
- No video support
Frequently asked questions
Is Ampache or Tempo better?
Neither is universally better. Ampache has the larger community, while Tempo is simpler to set up (easy difficulty). Choose based on the comparison table above and your own setup.
Are Ampache and Tempo free and open-source?
Yes. Ampache is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Tempo under GPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Ampache and Tempo with Docker?
Ampache: yes. Tempo: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, Ampache or Tempo?
Tempo has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 512 MB for Ampache. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.