Anyone Still Using Their WDTV Live Hub in 2025?

Despite being discontinued years ago, the WDTV Live Hub from Western Digital continues to have a small but loyal following—even as of 2025. Originally released in 2010, the WDTV Live Hub was a media player and storage combo that allowed users to stream and play virtually any media file format locally or over a network. While streaming platforms and smart TVs have taken over the market, some users still find value in this compact, durable device.

So, who’s still using a WDTV Live Hub in 2025—and why?

1. Local Media Playback Still Works Great

One of the standout features of the WDTV Live Hub was its ability to play an extremely wide variety of file formats, including MKV, AVI, MP4, ISO, and more—something many modern devices still struggle with. For users who have extensive libraries of locally stored media (especially offline collections), the WDTV still holds up surprisingly well. It doesn’t rely on constant firmware updates to function, and there's no risk of files disappearing due to a streaming license expiring.

Even in 2022, users report that the device continues to run smoothly and plays files directly from its internal 1TB hard drive or over a network via DLNA or Samba.

2. No Ads, No Subscriptions, No Fuss

In a world filled with monthly subscriptions, algorithm-driven content, and advertisements, the WDTV Live Hub offers something refreshingly simple: media on your terms. It doesn’t require an internet connection to work, and once you’ve loaded it with your favorite shows, movies, or music, it’s just press-and-play. For some users, especially those who are technically inclined or privacy-conscious, that simplicity and control is worth keeping around.

3. Customization and Community Support

While WD officially ended support for the Live Hub years ago, a dedicated community has continued to support it through custom firmware (like WDLXTV), themes, and metadata tools. Enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with hardware have kept the platform alive by optimizing performance, improving visuals, and updating compatibility with newer file types.

Forums like AVS Forum and the WD Community still have active threads where users share tips, fixes, and ideas.

4. Downsides in 2025

Of course, the WDTV Live Hub isn’t without its limitations:

It no longer supports YouTube, Netflix, or any modern streaming services, since those APIs and apps are outdated.

The user interface feels very dated compared to Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV.

Transferring large files can be slow compared to modern NAS devices or SSD-based storage.

Still, for those focused on offline viewing, the WDTV holds its own.

Final Thoughts

In, using a WDTV Live Hub is no longer mainstream—but it's not obsolete either. If you value local media playback, format versatility, and no-nonsense file access, the device can still serve you well. For many, it’s a reminder of a time before everything was tied to the cloud or monthly subscriptions.

Are you still using your WDTV Live Hub in 2025? If so, you’re not alone—and your media player is far from done.