InputStream Adaptive

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.2 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Kodi users playing adaptive or DRM-protected streams
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Add-on type
  Media source
• Facts checked
  4 Oct 2026

• Where it wins

  • Demuxes segmented, multi-bitrate internet streams.
  • Supports MPEG-DASH, HLS and Microsoft Smooth Streaming.
  • Can be invoked through Kodi ListItem properties and tested with STRM files.

• Where it doesn't

  • DRM availability depends on the operating system.
  • Requires Kodi video add-ons to configure appropriate ListItem properties.
  • Its scope is specialized stream playback, not a broad end-user add-on.

Our verdict on InputStream Adaptive

InputStream Adaptive is a free, open-source Kodi add-on for demuxing segmented, multi-bitrate internet streams. It is intended for Kodi video add-ons and users who need playback support for adaptive formats or selected DRM-protected streams, rather than a standalone, general-purpose media add-on. Its listed formats include MPEG-DASH, HLS and Microsoft Smooth Streaming, with DRM support for Widevine and PlayReady subject to operating-system availability.

The integration model is aimed at add-on developers and stream configuration work. Kodi video add-ons can invoke InputStream Adaptive through configured ListItem properties, so its role is as a playback component within a Kodi setup. The project also documents STRM files containing URLs and playback parameters for testing. That makes the add-on more relevant where a developer or technically capable Kodi user can supply the stream details and configure playback, rather than for someone looking for a browsing interface or content library.

Its appeal is narrow but clear: users who need segmented adaptive playback or supported DRM formats can consider it, while those seeking a broad Kodi add-on should look elsewhere. DRM support is not uniform across environments, since availability depends on the operating system. The project is GPLv2-licensed and provides integration, building and testing instructions in its wiki. InputStream Adaptive is therefore best suited to Kodi environments where the relevant stream format, DRM support and add-on configuration align.

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InputStream Adaptive pricing

InputStream Adaptive fact sheet

Alternatives to InputStream Adaptive

• TMThe Movie Database PythonA free Kodi add-on that adds TMDb movie details and artwork to a library.9.2
• MSMusicBrainz Scraper LibraryA focused, free Kodi module for retrieving music information from MusicBrainz.7.9
• PIPVR IPTV Simple ClientConnect IPTV playlists and program guides to Kodi’s PVR interface.7.9

See all InputStream Adaptive alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 21 Oct 2026 · How we research and update