While streaming services are becoming one of the most popular ways to play music, they are not for everyone. If you have a collection of your favorite tracks on your hard drive , then you need a decent music player..
If you are still using Windows Media Player or Winamp, you are missing out on many of the possibilities offered by more advanced programs. They make it easy to group tracks, find them, and play them. So here's our guide to the best players for Windows computers. Blow off the dust from songs accumulated on your hard drive!
Plexamp
The Plex toolbox has long been capable of streaming a collection of tracks to mobile apps and through a desktop browser, but it recently added the new Plexamp software to its roster .
With an obvious Winamp nod in its name, Plexamp focuses on making it as easy as possible to access tracks, render playlists and albums through attractive artwork and lots of cool stuff..
It still has some minor bugs and you need a Plex Media Server to access the songs, but if you value simplicity above all else, it's worth looking at how the app uses search queries and auto-discovery tools instead of the standard track grid.
MusicBee
MusicBee includes just about every feature you need, from volume normalization and ripping CDs to Last.fm scrobbling and built-in equalizer so you can customize the sound to your liking..
The program will quickly do the job of scanning files stored on your computer, if necessary, can import tracks from iTunes, and will also provide many ways to process files. If you find the default interface a little overwhelmed, use Smart Theater Mode, a useful alternative layout.
With support for smart playlists, compatibility with multiple Winamp plugins, sync across multiple devices, a selection of skins, and a community of users, MusicBee is ideal for those tired of iTunes.
Kodi
Kodi is another one of those apps that you've probably heard of (or even used) but never regarded as a music player. The program is closely related to video, not audio, but has very cool music control functions and works on almost every mobile and computer platform.
If you trust Kodi with your collection, you will find that you can handle most of the popular formats, as well as browse songs by album, artist, genre, recently played tracks. Kodi lets you create your own smart playlists based on custom criteria, just like iTunes does.
And while the program is primarily intended for use on a large screen, it works great on a desktop or laptop computer.
VLC Media Player
You may have heard of VLC Media Player or have used it to play individual files in just about any video or audio format imaginable. Yes this is true!
For example, you can use it to manage your music library as well as create simple (non-smart) playlists. VLC comes with some great visualizations to try out. There are many filters and equalizer effects to change the sound.
VLC isn't going to win any interface design awards, but it includes everything you need. If you want to get more advanced functions (for example, file sharing over a local network), then the player can offer them too.
MediaMonkey
For many years, MediaMonkey has been a quality alternative to Windows Media Player. Has almost everything you need to control music: support for podcasts, CD-copying, converting files, normalizing the volume, searching the Internet for information about tracks and albums, synchronization with mobile devices.
The interface is not the most modern, but for those who like complete control over the collection of tracks and the ability to interact with it in several ways, it is perfect. A premium version is available for $ 25, which offers faster conversions, advanced searches, create playlists, and more.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a great open source Windows Media alternative. Apparently the app is built on the Universal UWP. Here, all the settings are placed in such a way that users do not have to strain their eyes to find them. The application interface can be changed using special settings.
Dopamine supports a wide variety of formats including MP4, WMA, OGG, FLAC, M4A, AAC, WAV, APE, and OPUS. This application may seem weak in terms of feature set to some users. But there is still plenty of room for activity. You can apply live text display, auto-add meta tags, and many more features.
Clementine
Clementine may not be as good as MusicBee, but it does have some serious possibilities. There is a built-in file manager. The player easily finds music on many online services such as SoundCloud, RockRadio, RadioTunes. You can also set up Clementine to access music stored in cloud storage: Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive.
The player comes with all the standard features, including equalizer and support for various formats. It is an open source application and is a fork of another player called Amarok. You can use your Android smartphone as a remote control.
foobar2000
Existing since 2002, foobar2000 is well known to many music lovers. The modular design makes it easy to add new features and components. The player is available for all versions of Windows, and there is also an application for Android and iOS. A portable version is available.
When reviewing the interface, it is worth noting its minimalism in comparison with other programs. Some users may not like this, because in the 21st century, not everyone wants to see a player stylized for Windows 98. But you should not judge a book by its cover. Moreover, advanced users can change the appearance as soon as they wish.
User can customize different keyboard shortcuts for commands. Can play various formats including MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, FLAC, WAV, Opus, Speex and others. Supports automatic import of metadata, ripping CDs, unpacking ZIP, GZIP, 7z archives.
AIMP
The first version of AIMP was introduced in 2006. The first two letters of the name are the initials of its creator, Russian programmer Artem Izmailov. Supports almost all popular formats. There is a built-in converter, alarm clock and sleep timer.
The player can do a lot more than playing songs stored on your hard drive. The program has a pleasant and user-friendly interface that helps you organize your library. Supports creating custom and smart playlists, ripping CDs, managing meta tags, changing skins.
If you're looking for a player with an equalizer, AIMP definitely deserves a look. It has a built-in 18-band equalizer with a variety of sound effects. And here you can also change the theme with one click of the mouse. The playlist panel is “removable” - it can be detached from the playback control window.
iTunes
Should I talk about iTunes ? Perhaps you have already heard of him. It's not just a program that connects your iPhone to your computer. Also - it is one of the best music players.
iTunes can play tracks saved on your computer or purchased from the iTunes Store. If you are subscribed to Apple Music, the player turns into a streaming app.
Popular formats are supported including MP3, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless and AAC. It also provides easy management of tracks from the library. In addition to playing files on a PC, it is possible to transfer them in a local network. This will allow you to quickly copy tracks to other devices in the house. There is metadata import, equalizer and a number of other functions.
Songbird
Songbird's interface is very simple yet functional. Manage music and videos, create playlists. Then sync it with your portable player or phone. You can choose to play on certain wireless devices, for example, a speaker in the kitchen, or use the program as a media server, which will allow you to access your music library from your phone from the next room.