Maraschino Review
Last Updated: Jul 07, 2025
| Rating |  |
| Price | Free |
| Features | Last Updated 2023 |
| HTPC Software | |
| Usenet Search | |
| NZBGet Compatible |
Maraschino was designed for Linux users who want to manage their home theater from anywhere. This web-based HTPC front-end integrates multiple media applications into a single dashboard-style interface, allowing users to monitor and control media centers like XBMC (now Kodi), SABnzbd, SickBeard, CouchPotato, and more. The program is completely open source and can be accessed from any device with a web browser, making it convenient whether you’re at work or relaxing on your couch.
However, it’s important to note that there have been no significant updates to this software for the past several years, and its GitHub repository has seen little to no recent activity, indicating that it may now be outdated and potentially insecure for modern use. Some sources suggest that Maraschino has been discontinued. Users looking for alternatives might consider modern solutions like Plex, Organizr, Heimdall, Dashy, Flame, or Homer, which offer active development and broader integrations with current tools like Sonarr, Radarr, Jellyfin, and Plex.
The Features
Maraschino boasts a variety of features designed to simplify the downloading, organizing, and viewing of your media content. Downloading is facilitated through SABnzbd+, one of the most popular Usenet downloaders, known for its efficiency. This program not only downloads content on demand but also serves as a search tool for new releases, streamlining the process of finding the latest media.
Highlighted Features based on their site:
- Customizable applications module providing quick access to your web interfaces (e.g., SABnzbd+, SickBeard, or any other links you want to include).
- Recently added episodes/movies/albums modules - click an episode or movie to play it in Kodi.
- Media library browser - browse your entire movie and TV library, and click to play in Kodi. Queue items to play after.
- Control multiple Kodi servers - if you have Kodi servers in different rooms, switch between them instantly and control them remotely using Maraschino. Send notification messages to them as needed!
- SABnzbd+ and NZBGet modules manage your NZB queue from within Maraschino, showing current downloads, speed, time/MB remaining, and a progress bar. You can control (pause, resume, speed limit) your downloads directly from the interface.
- Usenet search - search Usenet and add files directly to SABnzbd+ with a single click.
- Currently playing bar with play/pause/stop/volume controls, and a clickable seek bar.
- trakt.tv shouts module displays what others are saying about the episode or movie you’re watching and allows you to contribute your own comments (requires a free trakt.tv account).
- trakt.tv plus module - see what your friends are watching and receive personalized TV and movie recommendations based on your viewing history.
- SickBeard module enables browsing upcoming episodes and managing SickBeard directly from Maraschino (add new shows, search for episodes, etc.).
- CouchPotato module allows you to browse upcoming movies and manage CouchPotato directly from Maraschino (add new movies, etc.).
- Headphones module lets you browse upcoming albums and manage Headphones directly from Maraschino (add new artists, search for albums, etc.).
- Disk space module shows you used/remaining space on your various drives.
- uTorrent and Transmission modules for torrent users.
- Weather module for your local city.
- Full-screen background image that changes to the fan art of what you’re currently watching (optional, can be turned off).
- Customizable from within the application itself - choose how many columns you want, add new modules, rearrange them using drag-and-drop, and modify their settings without touching any configuration files.
This program integrates with Transmission and uTorrent, allowing you to control these applications from the Maraschino interface, accessible over the Internet. Reviews by users have generally been positive, indicating that the program is well-designed and performs as advertised.
On the Maraschino site, a host of other features are listed. Not only can Maraschino inform you about your remaining disk space, facilitate Usenet searches, and provide an easy way to browse your media library, but it can also give you the weather.
For Linux users, Maraschino may have been a great addition, particularly for multimedia enthusiasts. Its aesthetic appeal, including the option for full-screen background images that change to the fan art of the content being viewed, provided a visually engaging experience. However, given the lack of updates and the emergence of more actively maintained alternatives, users are encouraged to explore other options for centralized HTPC management.
