NymphCast review 2026: what this open-source Raspberry Pi casting server can do, how it compares to Chromecast, and where to find setup docs and alternatives.
Category
Media & Audio/Video Tools
Pricing
Open Source, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Headquarters
N/A (independent open-source project)
Open SourceSelf-Hosted
Overview
NymphCast is an open-source project that turns Linux-capable hardware, most often a Raspberry Pi, into a network audio and video receiver for a television or powered speakers. It was created by developer Maya Posch and is documented on the Nyanko project website, with source code hosted on GitHub under a BSD license.
Unlike commercial casting devices, NymphCast is entirely self-hosted and free to use: there is no company, subscription, or account system behind it, and users install the server software themselves on supported hardware and connect using the available client applications.
Key Features
The NymphCast server receives audio and video streamed from client devices on the local network, as well as internet media, and outputs it to a connected display or speakers. Client options include command-line tools, a graphical client, and an Android application, all of which can discover and control a NymphCast server.
NymphCast also supports a preview-status apps system built on AngelScript, allowing developers to extend the server with support for additional streaming protocols or build custom on-screen interfaces for the client. As an actively evolving hobbyist project, some app features and protocol integrations remain experimental.
Pricing
NymphCast is completely free and open source, released under a BSD license with no paid tier, subscription, or commercial edition. Users only incur the cost of the hardware they run it on, such as a Raspberry Pi.
Key Features
Network audio and video casting — Stream audio and video from a client device or media server to a NymphCast receiver connected to a TV or powered speakers over the local network.
Cross-platform client support — Command-line, graphical, and Android clients can discover and control NymphCast servers on the network.
Internet media streaming — The NymphCast server can pull and play internet media sources directly, not just content pushed from a local client.
AngelScript apps (preview) — An extensible apps system, currently in preview status, lets developers add custom protocol support or on-screen interfaces to the server.
Runs on affordable Linux hardware — Designed to run on low-cost, Linux-capable single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi rather than requiring dedicated commercial hardware.
Fully open-source and self-hosted — BSD-licensed source code is publicly available on GitHub, with no account, cloud dependency, or vendor lock-in.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Completely free and open source with no subscription or account requirement.
Runs on inexpensive, widely available hardware such as the Raspberry Pi.
Self-hosted design gives users full control over their media casting setup.
Extensible through an AngelScript-based apps system for developers who want custom functionality.
Multiple client options, including command-line, GUI, and Android.
Cons
Maintained largely by a single developer, so release cadence and support are inconsistent compared with commercial products.
The apps system and some protocol integrations are still in preview or experimental status.
Requires more technical setup (building or flashing software onto hardware) than a plug-and-play commercial casting device.
Documentation is more limited than mainstream projects like Kodi or commercial Chromecast devices.
Smaller community and slower bug-fix turnaround than commercially backed casting platforms.
Pricing
NymphCast Free N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NymphCast free?
Yes, NymphCast is a free, open-source project released under a BSD license with no subscription or paid edition.
Who created NymphCast?
NymphCast was created by developer Maya Posch and is documented on the Nyanko project website, with source code hosted on GitHub.
What hardware does NymphCast run on?
NymphCast is designed to run on Linux-capable single-board computers, most commonly the Raspberry Pi.
Is NymphCast similar to Chromecast?
Conceptually yes, NymphCast lets you cast audio and video to a connected receiver, but unlike Chromecast it is open source, self-hosted, and not tied to a commercial vendor or account.
What clients can control a NymphCast server?
NymphCast supports command-line clients, a graphical desktop client, and an Android app for discovering and controlling servers on the network.
Is NymphCast under active development?
The project continues to be developed on GitHub, though as a single-maintainer open-source project some features, including its apps system, remain experimental.
Where can I find NymphCast documentation?
Documentation is hosted on the Nyanko project website alongside the source code and releases on the MayaPosch/NymphCast GitHub repository.