Is WebDAV better than DLNA for music streaming?

For remote access and security, yes. WebDAV works over HTTPS, so it is encrypted and accessible from anywhere. DLNA only works on local networks and has no encryption. WebDAV is also simpler — no media server or database is needed.

Do I need to install anything on my NAS to use WebDAV?

Usually not. Synology, QNAP, TrueNAS, Nextcloud, and ownCloud all include WebDAV support. On Synology, install the WebDAV Server package from Package Center and enable HTTPS. No media server like Plex or Jellyfin is required.

Yes. SOLONAS for iPhone and Apple Watch are both free on the App Store. No subscription required for core playback.

WebDAV Music Player for iPhone & Apple Watch

The WebDAV Music Player for Apple Devices

SOLONAS connects to any WebDAV server and streams your MP3 and FLAC collection to iPhone and Apple Watch. No cloud uploads. No media server to install. Just WebDAV.

Also available for Apple Watch

What Is WebDAV and Why Use It for Music?

WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) is an extension of HTTP that lets clients browse folders and stream files from a remote server. It has been a web standard since 1999 and is built into nearly every NAS device on the market.

For music, WebDAV is ideal because it needs zero extra software on your server. Your NAS already speaks WebDAV. You just enable it, point a player at your music folder, and stream.

Compare that to Plex, Jellyfin, or Subsonic — each of which requires installing a full media server, scanning your library into a database, and maintaining a separate application. WebDAV skips all of that. Your files stay in plain folders. The player reads them directly.

WebDAV vs. Other Music Streaming Protocols

There are several ways to stream music from a home server. Here is how WebDAV compares to the most common alternatives:

Feature	WebDAV	DLNA / UPnP	SMB / CIFS	Subsonic API
Works over internet (HTTPS)	Yes	No — LAN only	No — LAN only	Yes
Encrypted	Yes (HTTPS)	No	Optional (SMB3)	Yes (HTTPS)
Requires server software	No — built into NAS	No — built into NAS	No — built into NAS	Yes — Subsonic, Navidrome, etc.
Library scanning / database	None — reads folders directly	Yes — media index required	None	Yes — library scan required
Apple Watch support	Yes (via SOLONAS)	No	No	No
Folder-based browsing	Yes	No — uses media categories	Yes	Depends on client

WebDAV is the only protocol that is built into your NAS, works over the internet with encryption, and has a dedicated Apple Watch music player.

A Music Player Built for WebDAV

Most music apps treat WebDAV as an afterthought or do not support it at all. SOLONAS was designed from the ground up for WebDAV streaming.

Native WebDAV Browsing

SOLONAS reads your WebDAV folder tree directly. No scanning, no indexing, no import. Your library appears exactly as it is on disk.

HTTPS Encrypted

All traffic between SOLONAS and your server travels over HTTPS. Your music and credentials are encrypted end to end.

iPhone and Apple Watch

Dedicated native apps for both platforms. The Watch app is fully standalone — no iPhone needed during playback.

MP3, FLAC, and CAF

Play the formats your library uses. SOLONAS v8.0 added FLAC and CAF support alongside MP3.

LAN and Remote

Streams on your local network without configuration, or remotely over HTTPS when you are away from home.

Free, No Subscription

Download free from the App Store. No Plex Pass. No premium tier. Your music, your server, forever.

WebDAV Servers That Work with SOLONAS

Any server that speaks WebDAV over HTTPS is compatible. Here are the most popular:

Synology DiskStation Install WebDAV Server from Package Center. Enable HTTPS on port 5006. Full guide.

QNAP NAS Install WebDAV Server from QNAP App Center and enable HTTPS.

TrueNAS / FreeNAS Enable WebDAV under Services. Set HTTPS and point SOLONAS at your share.

Nextcloud WebDAV is built in at /remote.php/dav/files/[user]/ — no extra config.

ownCloud Built-in WebDAV endpoint works out of the box with SOLONAS.

Apache / nginx / Caddy Enable the WebDAV module on any standard web server for a lightweight setup.

WebDAV Music Player — Common Questions

What is a WebDAV music player?

A WebDAV music player is an app that connects to a WebDAV server and streams audio files directly. WebDAV is a standard protocol built into most NAS devices, so no extra media server software is needed.

Which music players support WebDAV?

SOLONAS is a dedicated WebDAV music player for iPhone and Apple Watch. It connects to any WebDAV-over-HTTPS server including Synology, QNAP, TrueNAS, Nextcloud, and ownCloud.

Is WebDAV better than DLNA for music?

For remote access and security, yes. WebDAV works over HTTPS (encrypted, accessible from anywhere). DLNA is LAN-only with no encryption. WebDAV is also simpler — no media index or database required.

Can I stream music over WebDAV to Apple Watch?

Yes. SOLONAS for Apple Watch connects directly to WebDAV servers and streams MP3 and FLAC files to your wrist. It is the only dedicated WebDAV music player for watchOS.

Do I need to install anything on my NAS?

Usually not. Most NAS devices include WebDAV. On Synology, install the WebDAV Server package from Package Center and enable HTTPS. No Plex, Jellyfin, or Docker required.

Does WebDAV work remotely, outside my home network?

Yes. WebDAV runs over HTTPS, so it works from anywhere with an internet connection. For remote access, enable HTTPS on your NAS and optionally set up port forwarding or a service like Synology QuickConnect.

Is SOLONAS free?

Yes. Both SOLONAS for iPhone and SOLONAS for Apple Watch are free on the App Store. No subscription, no in-app purchase for core playback.