Installation¶
Choose the installation method that best fits your needs. qBitrr offers multiple installation options for different environments and preferences.
Installation Methods¶
Docker (Recommended)¶
Docker provides the easiest and most consistent way to run qBitrr across all platforms.
Best for:
- Users already running qBittorrent and Arr apps in Docker
- Simplified updates and maintenance
- Consistent environment across platforms
- Users who want easy path mapping
Get Started: Docker Installation Guide →
PyPI (pip)¶
Install qBitrr directly from Python Package Index using pip.
Best for:
- Users with Python 3.11+ already installed
- Native performance requirements
- Integration with other Python tools
- Developers and power users
Get Started: pip Installation Guide →
Binary Download¶
Download pre-built executables for Linux, macOS, or Windows. No Python required!
Best for:
- Users who don't have Python installed
- Simple single-file deployment
- Systems where Docker isn't available
- Quick testing without dependencies
Get Started: Binary Installation Guide →
# Linux/macOS
curl -L -o qbitrr https://github.com/Feramance/qBitrr/releases/latest/download/qbitrr-linux-x64
chmod +x qbitrr
./qbitrr
Systemd Service¶
Run qBitrr as a system service on Linux.
Best for:
- Production deployments on Linux servers
- Automatic startup on boot
- Integration with system logging
- Resource management and monitoring
Get Started: Systemd Setup Guide →
Comparison¶
| Feature | Docker | pip | Binary | Systemd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Python Required | No | Yes (3.11+) | No | Yes |
| Easy Updates | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Manual | ✅ |
| Auto-start | ✅ | ⚠️ Manual | ⚠️ Manual | ✅ |
| Resource Usage | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Isolation | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ Partial |
| Path Mapping | ✅ Easy | ⚠️ Complex | ⚠️ Complex | ⚠️ Complex |
| Multi-user | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Quick Comparison¶
Choose Docker if:¶
- ✅ You're already using Docker for qBittorrent/Arr apps
- ✅ You want simple updates (just
docker pull) - ✅ You need consistent environments across systems
- ✅ You want easy path mapping and permission management
Choose pip if:¶
- ✅ You already have Python 3.11+ installed
- ✅ You want native performance
- ✅ You're comfortable with Python environments
- ✅ You need development flexibility
Choose Binary if:¶
- ✅ You don't have Python and don't want to install it
- ✅ You want a single executable file
- ✅ You're testing qBitrr quickly
- ✅ Docker isn't available
Choose Systemd if:¶
- ✅ You're on Linux and want system integration
- ✅ You need automatic startup on boot
- ✅ You want centralized logging via journald
- ✅ You're running a production server
Prerequisites¶
Regardless of installation method, you'll need:
- qBittorrent - Running and accessible
- v4.x or v5.x supported
- WebUI enabled
-
Authentication configured
-
Arr Instance - At least one of:
- Radarr (v3.x, v4.x, v5.x)
- Sonarr (v3.x, v4.x)
-
Lidarr (v1.x, v2.x)
-
Network Access - qBitrr needs to reach:
- qBittorrent WebUI
- Arr instance(s) API
- Internet (for auto-updates, optional)
After Installation¶
Once you've installed qBitrr using your preferred method:
- First Run - Generate default configuration
-
Configure qBittorrent - Set connection details
-
Configure Arr Instances - Add your Radarr/Sonarr/Lidarr
-
Set Up Categories & Tags - Essential for tracking
-
Verify Operation - Check logs and WebUI
- WebUI Guide →
Migration¶
Already running qBitrr and want to switch installation methods?
Getting Help¶
Need assistance with installation?
Next Steps¶
Ready to install? Choose your method:
- 🐳 Docker Installation → (Recommended)
- 🐍 pip Installation →
- 📦 Binary Installation →
- ⚙️ Systemd Service →
Or jump straight to:
- 🚀 Quick Start Guide → - Get running in 5 minutes!