xibo
Xibo is an open-source digital signage platform featuring a web-based content management system and display players for Windows, Linux, and commercial options for Android, LG webOS, and Samsung Tizen. It has been actively developed since 2009 and is distributed under AGPL-3.0, making it free to use but with specific copyleft obligations.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | xibosignage/xibo |
| Owner | xibosignage |
| Primary language | Unknown |
| License | AGPL-3.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 719 |
| Forks | 180 |
| Open issues | 122 |
| Latest release | Unknown |
| Last updated | 2026-05-27 |
| Source | https://github.com/xibosignage/xibo |
What xibo is
Xibo is a distributed digital signage system comprising a PHP-based CMS, native players for multiple platforms (Windows/.NET, Linux), and a message relay component (XMR) for real-time player communication. The architecture supports multi-screen networks with centralized content scheduling and management via a web interface.
Get the xibo source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/xibosignage/xibo.gitcd xibo# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Multi-repository architecture: CMS, players, Docker containers, and optional components (XMR, Interactive Control) are split across separate repositories; integration effort scales with deployment scope.
- Database and infrastructure requirements: Self-hosting requires PHP environment, database (not specified), and web server; Docker containers available but require container orchestration knowledge.
- Player deployment and licensing: Windows and Linux players are open source; commercial players (Android, LG webOS, Samsung Tizen) have separate licensing; clarify player strategy before procurement.
- AGPL-3.0 copyleft obligations: Any modifications to the source code must be made available under AGPL-3.0 or disclosed; legal review recommended for derivative works.
- Community vs. vendor support: Community forums available at community.xibo.org.uk; critical production deployments may warrant Xibo Ltd's commercial support contract.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Need immediate commercial support and SLA guarantees — While Xibo Ltd offers commercial support, the open-source project itself has no guaranteed SLA or dedicated vendor support unless you purchase their hosting/support packages.
- Require proprietary software with no source code inspection — AGPL-3.0 requires that any modifications must be contributed back or the modified code disclosed; organizations unable to comply with copyleft obligations should avoid.
- Seeking a plug-and-play SaaS offering with zero administration — Self-hosting Xibo requires database, web server, and player management; Xibo Ltd's hosted CMS is available but involves vendor dependency.
- Need native iOS player support — No iOS player mentioned in the repository list; only Windows, Linux, and commercial Android/LG/Samsung players are available.
License & commercial use
Xibo is licensed under AGPL-3.0 (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0), a copyleft open-source license. This means the software is free to use, modify, and distribute, but any modifications or derivative works must be made available under the same license (or disclosed if run as a service). The license is OSI-approved.
Commercial use of unmodified Xibo is permitted under AGPL-3.0. However, if you modify the source code or integrate it into a proprietary service, you must disclose those modifications under AGPL-3.0 or the same license. Xibo Ltd offers separate commercial hosting, support, and commercial player licenses (Android, LG, Samsung) for additional revenue; verify licensing terms for derivative works and deployment models with legal counsel.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Moderate |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | High |
AGPL-3.0 source code is publicly auditable, reducing hidden vulnerabilities. However, self-hosted deployments require secure configuration of the PHP CMS, database, message relay (XMR), and player communication channels. No formal security audit, responsible disclosure policy, or CVE history provided in data; conduct threat modeling for internet-facing deployments and apply standard PHP security hardening. Commercial support may include security patches and advisory.
Alternatives to consider
Brightsign Network
Proprietary, cloud-managed digital signage platform with built-in media players; lower operational overhead but vendor lock-in and per-screen licensing.
Signagelive
SaaS-first digital signage with web CMS and multi-platform player support; avoids self-hosting complexity but relies on vendor infrastructure and subscription model.
OpenSignage (if available) or homegrown custom solution
Alternative open-source options (limited) or in-house development for highly specialized requirements; full control but higher development and maintenance costs.
Build on xibo with DEV.co software developers
Xibo offers a free, auditable, open-source alternative for organizations ready to self-host or engage commercial support. Assess AGPL-3.0 licensing implications and infrastructure requirements before committing.
Talk to DEV.coRelated on DEV.co
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xibo FAQ
Can I use Xibo commercially without paying Xibo Ltd?
What are the hardware requirements for players?
Is Xibo suitable for a single-screen deployment?
How does real-time content update work?
Work with a software development agency
From first prototype to production, DEV.co delivers software development services around tools like xibo. Our software development agency staffs experienced software developers and web developers for custom software development, web development, integrations, and ongoing support across open-source cms and beyond.
Evaluate Xibo for Your Digital Signage Needs
Xibo offers a free, auditable, open-source alternative for organizations ready to self-host or engage commercial support. Assess AGPL-3.0 licensing implications and infrastructure requirements before committing.