VLClean Plain comparisons of self-hosted media tools

How to run automated media services for NAS owners in 2026

Learn what NAS owners need ready, how to organize automated media services, and which tools can handle parts of the workflow.

By VLClean ยท

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

NAS owners can prepare their storage, media workflow, and review process before choosing tools. A clear setup helps requests, approvals, and library updates stay organized.

OptionRequest methodCost details
AskarrRequest a movie or show on Askarr, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. [1]The Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. [1]
Request formPeople submit movie or show titles through the chosen form.not published
Shared request listPeople add movie or show ideas to the chosen shared list.not published

What you need before you start

Make sure the NAS already has the storage space and media workflow needed for the services being used. Decide which types of movies and shows should be handled automatically and which ones need a review before they are added.

Radarr and Sonarr are helper programs that many NAS owners run to find and add movies and shows to their library. If you use them, have each one installed and working on the NAS before you connect anything.

Choose where requests will come from and how updates will be tracked. A clear process helps avoid confusion when several services are involved.

Prepare account details for any services that require them, and review what access each tool uses before connecting it to the workflow.

Step by step

  1. Decide which parts of the media workflow should be automated and which parts should stay under manual review.
  1. Prepare the NAS storage and the programs that manage movie and show requests or library updates. Keep the roles of each tool clear so it is easy to understand what happens after a request is made.
  1. Pick a request method that gives people a clear place to send movie or show ideas. Tell users what types of requests are accepted and what happens after a request is submitted.
  1. Connect the chosen request method to the programs that manage the library workflow if the tool supports that process. Review how requests move from a submitted title to an added item.
  1. Check status updates regularly so incomplete requests or problems can be handled before they build up.
  1. Write simple instructions for anyone who will use the system. Include how to search for titles, where to send requests, and who reviews changes.
  1. Review the setup after it has been used for a while and update the instructions when the workflow changes.

Tools that can do it

Askarr is a hosted website that works with your existing Radarr and Sonarr. [1] Askarr can be used by requesting a movie or show on Askarr, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. [1]

You add Askarr once in each of Radarr and Sonarr as a list they read your requests from. [1] Askarr never connects to your Radarr or Sonarr and never gets the access keys to them. [1]

Askarr can show when a title was added and downloaded through a webhook from Radarr and Sonarr. [1] Askarr also lets you paste a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link to find the title. [1]

Before choosing a tool, check how it handles title searches, approvals, updates, and the way requests move into the library workflow.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid choosing a workflow without knowing which tool handles each part of the process. A clear separation between requests, approvals, and library updates makes problems easier to find.

Avoid sharing access without checking what information a service uses. Review account requirements and permissions before adding a tool to the workflow.

Avoid skipping instructions for other users. Explain how to submit requests, what can be requested, and how status updates will be handled.

Avoid forgetting regular reviews. Automated services still need attention when requests, storage, or media rules change.

Frequently asked questions

How can NAS owners run automated media services?

NAS owners can start by preparing storage, deciding which parts of the workflow need review, and choosing tools that match the way requests and library updates should happen. A clear process helps keep automated media services organized and makes it easier to understand where each task belongs.

Can Askarr work with Radarr and Sonarr?

Askarr is a hosted website that works with your existing Radarr and Sonarr. [1] You add Askarr once in each of Radarr and Sonarr as a list they read your requests from. [1] Review the workflow before choosing a tool for a NAS setup.

Does Askarr require changes to a NAS installation?

Askarr is a hosted website that works with your existing Radarr and Sonarr. [1] Nothing is installed; you add Askarr to Radarr and Sonarr as a list they read requests from. [1] Check how each service fits the current NAS workflow before making changes.

How do users request movies and shows with Askarr?

Users can request a movie or show on Askarr, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. [1] Askarr also lets a title be found by pasting a TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link. [1] Askarr's plans include a request history with live status. [1]

What should NAS owners check before choosing an automated media tool?

Check how a tool handles requests, title searches, updates, and the process for moving requests into the media workflow. Askarr plans include a request history with live status. [1] Compare those details with the way the NAS is managed before choosing a method.

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)

Related comparisons