VLClean Plain comparisons of self-hosted media tools

Media request managers for servers in 2026

Compare media request managers for media server administrators and see how each option handles requests, access, and limits.

By VLClean ยท

VLClean is published by the makers of Askarr and Watcharr, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Media server administrators can compare request tools by how people submit requests, how status is shown, and how each option works with an existing setup. Askarr uses a hosted website where requests are read by Radarr and Sonarr. [1]

OptionRequest approachCost details
OverseerrSeerr is a free request management and media discovery tool that works with Jellyfin, Plex, or Emby servers. [2]not published
JellyseerrSeerr is a free application for managing requests for a media library. [3]not published
OmbiOmbi offers request management with native mobile applications for iOS and Android. [4]not published
DoplarrDoplarr is an *arr request bot for Discord. [5]not published
AskarrYou request a movie or show on Askarr, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. [1]Askarr's own fee: $0 for 10 requests a month. [1] Plus costs $3.99 a month for 50 requests a month. [1] Pro costs $6.99 a month for unlimited requests. [1] Card fee: not published

What media server administrators need from media request managers

Media server administrators often need a way for people to ask for movies and shows without sending separate messages. A request manager can collect requests, show progress, and help organize how titles move through an existing media workflow. The right choice depends on how requests are made, who can submit them, and what connected services are needed. Some tools focus on websites, while others use chat services or mobile apps. Administrators should check how each option handles requests, permissions, notifications, and available limits before choosing.

Overseerr for media server administrators

Seerr is a free request management and media discovery tool that works with Jellyfin, Plex, or Emby servers. [2] Seerr can add multiple Radarr and Sonarr servers, including separate 4K servers. [2] Seerr is released under the MIT License and is free. [2]

Jellyseerr for media server administrators

Seerr is a free application for managing requests for a media library. [3] Seerr has a granular permission system. [3] Seerr currently integrates with Sonarr and Radarr. [3]

Ombi for media server administrators

Ombi offers native mobile applications for iOS and Android for request management. [4] Ombi has an optional approval system for admins to manage and control what content gets added to a server. [4] Ombi integrates with Sonarr, Radarr, CouchPotato, SickRage and more to fulfill requests. [4]

Doplarr for media server administrators

Doplarr is an *arr request bot for Discord. [5] The Doplarr repository was archived by its owner on Jun 15, 2026 and is read-only. [5]

Askarr for media server administrators

Askarr is made by the team that publishes this site. Askarr is a hosted website that works with your existing Radarr and Sonarr. [1] You search for a movie or show on the Askarr website and request it, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. [1] You add Askarr to Radarr and Sonarr once as an import list, and they read your requests from it. [1] Askarr never connects to your Radarr or Sonarr and never receives their API keys. [1] Radarr and Sonarr report back so the site shows when a title was added and downloaded. [1] You can paste a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link to find the title. [1] Plans include a request history with live status. [1] You can try the dashboard with a throwaway demo account and sample data without signing in. [1]

Matching the tool to the job

For website based requests, Askarr lets people search for a movie or show and request it, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. [1] For request management with Jellyfin, Plex, or Emby servers, Seerr is a free request management and media discovery tool. [2] For Discord requests, Doplarr is an *arr request bot for Discord. [5] For mobile request apps, Ombi provides native mobile applications for iOS and Android. [4] For permissions, Jellyseerr provides a granular permission system. [3]

Questions to ask before you choose

Before choosing a media request manager, consider how people will submit requests and how much control is needed. Check whether the tool matches the current media setup, how it handles permissions, and whether it shows request progress. Ask whether requests happen through a website, chat service, or mobile app. Check what notifications or connected services are supported. Also check costs, request limits, and how the tool handles access.

Frequently asked questions

Which media request managers should media server administrators compare?

Media server administrators can compare tools by request method, connected services, permissions, and status tracking. Options differ in whether requests happen through a website, chat service, or mobile app. The right choice depends on the current setup and the way people need to request titles.

Can Askarr work without adding software to a media server?

Askarr is a hosted website that works with existing Radarr and Sonarr. [1] Nothing is installed; Askarr is added as an import list in Radarr and Sonarr so those apps read requests from it. [1]

How does Askarr keep Radarr and Sonarr access separate?

Askarr never connects to your Radarr or Sonarr and never receives their API keys. [1] You add Askarr to Radarr and Sonarr once as an import list, and they read requests from it. [1]

Does Askarr show what happens after a request is made?

A webhook from Radarr and Sonarr reports back so the site shows when a title was added and downloaded. [1] Plans include a request history with live status. [1]

What should media server administrators check before choosing a request manager?

Media server administrators should check request limits, supported workflows, user controls, and pricing details. Askarr's Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. [1] Plus costs $3.99 a month for 50 requests a month. [1] Pro costs $6.99 a month for unlimited requests. [1] Prices for other tools are not published here, so check their pages.

The Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. [1]

Try Askarr

Sources

  1. Askarr's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)
  2. Overseerr, overseerr.dev, read 2026-10-07
  3. Jellyseerr, github.com/Fallenbagel/jellyseerr, read 2026-10-07
  4. Ombi, ombi.io, read 2026-10-07
  5. Doplarr, github.com/kiranshila/Doplarr, read 2026-10-07

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