Portable JellyFin server

[Trey Spooner]

I'm currently running a JellyFin server on my desktop PC in my basement, but I'm planning on building out a network closet and migrating it to a rack mount server... But I've got this crazy idea to create a semi-portable standalone JellyFin server. The idea would be that we could take it in the car and with a local network be able to stream and entertain kids on line drives regardless of having any cellular network coverage.

Any ideas or suggestions? I could easily just do a small form factor PC, a router and (if my library expands more) and small NAS or external enclosure. But is there something even more compact I haven't considered?

[TheDreadPirate]

An N100 based mini PC is a good option. It can act as both the server and client. You also wouldn't need a router in that setup since you can use "localhost" to access Jellyfin. USB SSDs/HDDs is probably a better option for portable storage.

[gnattu]

Or just bring a laptop?

[conor]

A turris mox combined with a wifi module would be the most extreme portable option I can think of.

https://linitx.com/product/turris-mox-po...uter/16912

Would need to build one with 1GB of ram and have a usb disk for external storage.

The turris os supports LXC so you can install a regular linux distro with that.

Obviously no transcoding but direct streaming would work fine.

[TheDarkPioneer7]

If you don't want to have the lan in the car you could make it a DAS for the car and use it as a media server home

[marvelolivia]

That sounds like an awesome idea! A semi-portable JellyFin server can definitely work, and there are a few ways to make it even more compact and efficient.
Instead of a full small form factor PC, you could consider a Raspberry Pi 4 or Intel NUC for a lower-power, space-saving solution. Pair it with a portable SSD or a small NAS for storage, and you’ll have a lightweight, self-contained media server.
For networking, a travel router (like the GL.iNet GL-AR750S) would create a local Wi-Fi network in the car, allowing any device to connect and stream. If you’re going for ultra-compact storage, something like a Toshiba BG4 256GB NVMe SSD inside a USB enclosure could work well for storing media without adding much bulk.
Would you prefer a fully battery-powered setup, or would you be okay running it off a car inverter?

[pheppy]

I'm not an Emby fan. But I do run an emby server on an my previous android phone with 1 TB SSD. Turn android hotspot on and stream to all local connected devices. Best to optimise the video, so no transcoding is required.

I'd wish jellyfin would have an android version or run in termux.

[conor]

Latest Android has a Linux VM available (Debian).

https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/13/a..._terminal/

I was able to install Jellyfin (though I've no intention of using it).