iTunes used to be a requirement app for Apple users on Mac and Windows to listen to music and synchronize files across devices. However, after Apple Music, Apple TV, and Podcast were released in 2019, Apple discontinued iTunes in 2020. Due to this reason, most people want to find iTunes alternatives to handle music libraries or synchronizing devices with any limitations.
No matter if you want a feature-rich music player, an easy-to-use music manager, or a file-syncing-capable tool, there are plenty of options on Windows and Mac. In this article, we are going to introduce the best 10 iTunes alternatives on Windows and Mac, which you can use to manage your music collection efficiently, sync files, and play music flawlessly on your devices.
Note:
If you want to download and convert iTunes music to DRM-free MP3, or want to copy iTunes library to external hard drives for flexible playing on other devices like in-car systems, home audio systems, or portable music players, you can try TuneFab iTunes Music Converter.
1. MusicBee
MusicBee has been one of the most powerful and feature-rich iTunes alternatives. It's particularly popular among big music library users because it can seamlessly sort, tag, and group thousands of songs. Its automatic tagging and metadata correction lets you keep your music library neat and organized easily. Seamless playback, ripping of CDs, and lossless import of the library from iTunes are other features that allow for easy switching over from Apple's ecosystem.
What adds to the attractiveness of MusicBee is its great degree of customization. You can alter the interface, employ custom skins, install plugins, and even enhance audio quality through internal DSP effects or external sound cards. MusicBee also has high-fidelity audio playback support with lossless codecs to offer the best listening experience.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Tags and organizes music files automatically.
- ● Handles high-quality audio formats like FLAC and WAV in addition to common formats like MP3, etc.
- ● The interface is highly customizable with themes and plugins.
- ● Imports iTunes libraries seamlessly.
Cons:
- ● Exclusive to Windows.
2. MediaMonkey
Both Windows and Mac are compatible, and MediaMonkey is top-notch at organizing, tagging, and synchronizing music files between devices. One of MediaMonkey's biggest selling points is its auto-categorization feature, similar to MusicBee's, that organizes your music library by metadata, thus avoiding the pain of manual file sorting. It also has podcast, audiobook, and video playback support of 100,000+ audio and video files, making it an all-around media utility.
It is also liked by users for its CD ripping and audio conversion functionalities, which help easily digitize physical collections. With extensive plugin support, you can also customize MediaMonkey to extend its capabilities or integrate it with other programs.
However, Its free edition is limited in functionality, and the learning curve is complicated for beginners. Generally, if customization and library management are your prime concerns, MediaMonkey is a good choice.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Share across Windows, Android, and Apple devices.
- ● Built-in native audio conversion.
- ● Tags and organizes your music automatically.
- ● Available on both Windows and Mac.
Cons:
- ● The free edition is restricted.
- ● The interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
- ● Syncing with Apple devices is complicated without extra plugins.
3. Winamp Player
Winamp is a traditional music player that has been widely used since the late 1990s, owing primarily to its fast and reliable audio playback. Winamp supports multiple audio formats and offers a highly nostalgic interface with hundreds of skins and plugins.
While its media library management is very basic compared to other iTunes alternatives, it still allows you to create playlists, add local files, and manage music to some extent. This makes Winamp ideal for users who require a light, no-frills music player instead of an all-in-one music management tool.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Supports almost all formats like MP3, MIDI, MOD, AAC, M4A, FLAC, WAV, etc.
- ● A very customizable interface with hundreds of skins and plugins available.
- ● A light application that does not use many system resources.
- ● Syncs music across devices.
Cons:
- ● Basic music library management with limited functionality for large collections.
- ● Lacks advanced features such as smart playlist creation.
- ● Windows only.
4. Foobar2000
Foobar2000 is a highly customizable music player for individuals who prefer audio quality.. It boasts a simple interface but richly featured audio playback functionality, with support for many high-resolution audio formats like FLAC, WAV, and DSD. Also, the interface, third-party plugin installability, and high-level DSP effect application make it ideal for those who enjoy having their listening experience tailored.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Exceptional audio quality with better format support.
- ● A very customizable interface with plugin integration.
- ● Gapless playback support for seamless listening.
- ● Full ReplayGain support
Cons:
- ● No built-in library management to sort large music libraries.
- ● Outdated UI.
5. Vox Music Player
VOX Music Player is a high-fidelity iTunes alternative designed for Mac users who desire the highest quality of sound. VOX is committed to delivering Hi-Res audio in 24bit/192kHz sound resolution. It supports several audio formats, including FLAC, ALAC, DSD, APE, and M4A, without any compression or conversion.
What sets VOX apart is its seamless integration with SoundCloud, YouTube, and over 30,000 internet radio stations, so it's a bit more than a music player. Plus, its VOX Music Cloud offers unlimited storage for your music library, so you can sync your iTunes library across Apple devices without compromising quality.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Supports FLAC, ALAC, DSD, and other lossless audio formats.
- ● Offers unlimited cloud storage for syncing music libraries.
- ● Integrates with more than 30,000 radio stations.
- ● Clean and minimalist design for streamlined music browsing.
Cons:
- ● No advanced playlist and metadata editing functions.
- ● Needs a VOX Premium subscription for cloud storage and advanced sound settings.
- ● Not for Windows.
6. Clementine
Clementine is inspired by Amarok 1.4 and focuses on providing a light and fast experience for music fans. Being a substitute for iTunes, it allows you to manage local music libraries, rip CDs, and move music onto portable players. In addition to this, you can also stream online music from platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and Icecast or listen to your uploaded music via cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Clementine plays back many different types of audio files and has advanced features such as dynamic playlists, smart playlist creation, and remote control with Android devices, so it is an easy option for users seeking a free and adaptable music manager.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Operates on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- ● Can be remotely controlled using an Android app.
- ● Advanced features like dynamic and smart playlist support.
Cons:
- ● No updates since 2016.
- ● Lacks a modern or good-looking design.
7. Audirvana
The greatest strength of Audirvana is its capability to deliver bit-perfect audio playback by minimizing system interference and managing computer resources optimally. It handles high-resolution audio file formats like DSD, FLAC, and MQA and offers exclusive DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) access, offering unparalleled pure sound output.
It also integrates with streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, and HighResAudio, allowing you to enjoy studio-grade sound directly from your computer. Even though it supports basic local library management, it lacks advanced capabilities like device syncing or deep metadata editing.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Unparalleled sound quality with bit-perfect audio playback.
- ● Exclusive DAC access and high-level audio processing for pure sound.
- ● Audirvāna Remote app version to control your music.
Cons:
- ● Limited music library control.
- ● Requires high-quality equipment to experience the full sound quality.
8. Fidelia
Fidelia supports lossless audio FLAC, AIFF, WAV, and Apple Lossless for playing studio-quality audio. The interface is minimalistic and user-friendly, similar to a classic stereo system for a more immersive listening experience. The basic import of the iTunes library and the playlist organization are included, but sync functions are not offered.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Audio Unit plug-in support allows for advanced sound customization.
- ● AirPlay support enables wireless music streaming to other speakers.
- ● Remote control from the iOS app.
Cons:
- ● No sync feature.
- ● Availability only on Macs.
- ● Paid software.
9. Swinsian
Swinsian stands out in library management with advanced tag editing, removal of duplicate tracks, and customizable interface views. Folder watching, one of its standout features, is the automatic updating of your library when new files are placed in monitored folders without needing manual imports.
But since it is a Mac-only software program, if you are using another OS, you may seek other alternatives.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Automatic folder watching to maintain your library without manual imports.
- ● Extensive format support such as FLAC, MP3, ALAC, WAV, and others.
- ● Customizable interface with art grid, column browser, and playlist windows.
Cons:
- ● No device syncing is included.
- ● No advanced sound enhancement features.
- ● Mac-only application.
- ● Paid license with no free version after trial.
10. iMazing
iMazing is not just a music player, but an iOS device manager, a wonderful alternative for iTunes. It imports and exports music, playlists, and media files between your iPhone, iPad, and computer easily. One of its biggest positives is that it can manage your device's music library without syncing, giving you full control over your music library.
iMazing also supports backing up and restoring entire music libraries, which makes it an easy choice for people who frequently switch devices. But since iMazing is more of a device management program, it doesn't possess advanced music playback features, making it less ideal for casual listening.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- ● Transfer and save your messages, music, files, and data from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or PC.
- ● Maximum control over music files without automatic syncing.
- ● Schedule automatic wireless backups
Cons:
- ● Requires a license fee for use in full features.
- ● Primarily focused on file transfer, lacking robust music management tools like smart playlists or audio customization.
How to Choose the Best Alternative to iTunes?
When picking the best alternative to iTunes, it's crucial to determine what aspects are most important to you. Various tools have exclusive functionalities, thus choosing from the needs. Here are some of the most important factors to look into:
1. Compatibility
Make sure the software you select is compatible with your operating system. Some of the choices, like MusicBee, are Windows only, whereas Swinsian and Vox Music Player are Mac only. If you use both platforms, choose cross-platform tools.
2. Compatibility
Choose the features of the tool that fit your needs, e.g., for music management, MediaMonkey and Swinsian offer improved tagging, smart playlists, and duplicate file detection. If you like the sound quality, Audirvana offers professional results.
3. Price
Free alternatives like MusicBee and Winamp offer decent music management, but you can pay for other tools with advanced features like improved sound quality or hassle-free device transfer. Just choose the one you can afford.
4. Ease of Use
The user interface is very crucial. A simple-to-use interface can greatly enhance your user experience, particularly if you're a beginner.
5. Audio Format Support
If you possess high-fidelity music files like FLAC, DSD, or ALAC, you will get the best sound using Audirvana, Fidelia, or Foobar2000. For standard formats like MP3, WAV, or AAC, most software will meet your needs without issues.
For your convenience, we’ve also summarized these key features in the comparison table below:
| iTunes Alternatives | System Compatibility | Key Features | Free Version | Lowest Price | Ease of Use | Audio Format Support | Best for |
| MusicBee | Windows | Music management, smart playlists, advanced tagging | ✔️ | Free | 9/10 | MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, ALAC | Managing large music libraries easily |
| MediaMonkey | Windows, Mac | Automatic tagging, large library management, multi-device sync | ✔️ | $39.95 | 7/10 | MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, OGG, WMA | Multi-device music management |
| Winamp | Windows | Fast music playback, customizable interface, basic library control | ✔️ | Free | 8/10 | MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, MOD, OGG | Simple and fast music playback |
| Foobar2000 | Windows | High-quality audio playback, customizable interface, plugin support | ✔️ | Free | 6/10 | FLAC, WAV, AIFF, DSD, MP3, AAC | Audiophiles seeking high-res sound |
| Vox Music Player | Mac | Hi-res audio playback, unlimited cloud storage, SoundCloud integration | ✔️ | $4.99/month | 8/10 | FLAC, ALAC, DSD, APE, M4A | High-quality audio streaming on Mac |
| Clementine | Windows, Mac, Linux | Cloud music access, dynamic playlists, Android remote control | ✔️ | Free | 7/10 | MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, WAV | Streaming music from cloud platforms |
| Audirvana | Windows, Mac, Linux | Bit-perfect audio, exclusive DAC access, hi-res audio playback | 30-day free trial | $5.84/month | 6/10 | DSD, FLAC, MQA, ALAC, WAV | Professional-level high-fidelity audio |
| Fidelia | Mac | High-quality audio playback, Audio Unit plugin support | Free Trial | $29.99 | 7/10 | FLAC, AIFF, WAV, ALAC | High-resolution music playback |
| Swinsian | Mac | Advanced tag editing, folder watching, smart playlists | Free Trial | $24.95 | 7/10 | MP3, FLAC, AAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MusePack, DSF, and APE | Managing large music libraries on Mac |
| iMazing | Windows, Mac | File transfer, device sync, music export, backup/restore | ✔️ | $39.99/year | 8/10 | MP3, AAC, ALAC, WAV | Transferring music between devices |
Conclusion
Anyways, no best iTunes alternatives exist, and the best one is the one most appropriate for you. All of these alternatives offer distinctive features such as file syncing, support for high-res audio, and cross-platform compatibility, broad format support, so select according to your priority. We hope this guide has given you all the necessary information so that you can make an informed decision.
