While many Mac users prefer to use iTunes, things are different on Windows. Although Microsoft's operating system has always offered built-in options such as Windows Media Player or Groove Music, Windows users are more likely to search for their favorite music player.
However, if you are an audiophile, the search becomes more difficult. Try to find a music player that supports high-resolution audio in FLAC, MQA or DSD and your options are limited. That's why we've rounded up the best music apps for Windows.
Hysolid
If your computer is connected to a quality hi-fi system, Hysolid may be just what you're looking for. This is not traditional media player software. Instead, it turns your computer into a music player that you control using your iOS or Android device. Simply sit back, select the music you want to hear, and your computer plays it through your hi-fi system.
Hysolid will play most high resolution formats you use. The app is compatible with PCM audio, including WAV and FLAC up to 384 kHz, as well as DSD from 2.8 MHz to 11.2 MHz in DSF format. Hysolid can also display the operating mode of the USB DAC you are using, as well as whether the playback is ideal.
Download : Hysolid (free)
KMPlayer
KMPlayer has captivated the hearts of users for a long time. This multifunctional player stands out qualitatively among the huge market of players. Korean developers installed all the necessary codecs into the program, saving users from unnecessary hassle and wasting time. Even when loading a format that is not supported by the program, the KMP player will look for it on its native website.
KMPlayer is easy to customize and flexible in operation. Thanks to data storage in the registry, the player can be used as a portable one. It is possible to edit and include subtitles, while loading the audio track, and select the audio stream. Built-in nine-band equalizer.
One of the rare but useful functions is the normalization of the audio stream, with which you can avoid wheezing and sound problems. The tools include not only video capture, but also audio files.
Advantages:
- universal media player;
- variety of integrated codecs;
- a large number of effects and settings;
- automatic update from the official website;
- flexible to use.
Flaws:
- demands on system resources;
- There may be difficulties with the interface;
- At times unstable at work.
The program is easy to configure and make “for yourself” on any PC. With each new version, the number of supported formats increases, while new functionality and features are added.
Amarra Lux
If Amarra Luxe seems familiar, that's because it also earned a spot on our list of the best high-resolution music player apps for macOS. This is a premium music player, and as such, it's not cheap, but it's packed with features. It also supports key high-resolution formats, including FLAC, MQA, and DSD. Unfortunately, MQA is currently only supported on macOS.
It's also a handy app if you want to stream high-resolution audio. In addition to playing your music collection, Amarra Luxe can stream music from Tidal and Qobuz. If you want to control all your music with one app, no matter where that music is, this might be what you're looking for.
Download : Amarra Luxe ($99)
VLC Media Player
You may have heard of or used VLC Media Player to play individual files in almost 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 (not smart) playlists. VLC comes with some great visualizations that you can try. 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 more advanced features (for example, sharing files over a local network), the player can offer them too.
Audirvana
Audirvana is another app that made our macOS list, and it lets you control how audio is streamed from source to output. If you have a powerful computer that you want to use for great audio processing, this is an option worth considering. For example, Audirvana supports running high-performance algorithms to take the load off your DAC and avoid oversampling.
This application also supports VST3 plugins. Whether you want to add an equalizer or view your favorite songs using a spectrum analyzer, it can be useful for audiophiles. Audirvana is another option that doesn't come cheap, but the power of the app may make it a price worth paying.
Download : Audirvana ($75, 30-day free trial)
Plexamp
The Plex suite of tools has long been capable of streaming a collection of tracks to mobile apps and desktop browsers, but it recently added new Plexamp software to its roster.
With an obvious nod to Winamp in its name, Plexamp focuses on making it as easy as possible to access tracks, visualizing playlists and albums through attractive artwork and lots of nice features.
It's still a bit buggy, and you'll need Plex Media Server to access songs, but if you value simplicity above all else, it's worth seeing how the app uses search queries and auto-discovery tools instead of the standard track grid.
Foobar2000
One of the most popular music players for Windows, Foobar2000 is almost a common name. It may not have a great name and the interface is a little dated, but this app is fast, customizable and, perhaps most importantly, free. While it's not the only free player on this list, it is the only one that looks like a "traditional" media player.
Foobar supports FLAC out of the box, but not DSD. To get support, you'll need to add the DSDIFF add-on, which you can download from the Foobar2000 website. Once the component is installed, it becomes an even more powerful audio player. This information is especially useful if you already know and love Foobar200.
Download : Foobar2000 (free)
Daum PotPlayer
Daum PotPlayer or simply PotPlayer is a popular and completely free media player with enormous functionality.
The player is almost identical to KMPlayer, similar interface and functionality, and this is not at all strange, because they have the same developer. True, Daum PotPlayer is more advanced and meets all the requirements of today.
PotPlayer (that's how it was renamed in 2022) has a modern design and supports changing skins. There is visualization during playback and the ability to change hot keys. Thanks to a huge selection of settings, it is now possible to influence the quality of video and audio files.
Advantages:
- support for a huge number of modern formats, including 3D;
- interface personalization;
- built-in DXVA codecs;
- subtitle support;
- audio and video filters;
- built-in equalizer;
- visualization;
- playback from YouTube;
- FPS conversion function;
- low demands on system resources;
- plays even damaged files;
- sending files to the Trash after playing.
Disadvantage: Russian language must be selected manually.
PotPlayer combines all the features of the best modern media players. Rating magazines (including CHIP) have named Daum PotPlayer the best music player for Windows several times in a row.
Jriver
Jriver is software that tries to do many things for many people. Luckily, he seems to be good at almost everything he puts his mind to. This supports quality audio in lossless PCM and DSD formats. When it comes to the audio subsystem, it can use either ASIO or WASAPI, which means it will pass audio to your DAC just fine.
There are a few features here that seem obvious but are missing from other players. One example is optional audiophile quality crossfeed. The developers say this makes listening with headphones more natural and less fatiguing, as it sounds more like what you're hearing from speakers in the room.
Download : Jriver ($59.98 for Windows only license, $79.98 for basic license)
MusicBee
MusicBee includes just about every feature you need, from volume normalization and CD ripping to Last.fm scrobbling and a built-in equalizer so you can tweak 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 also provide many ways to process files. If you find the default interface a bit overwhelming, use Smart Theater Mode, a useful alternative layout.
With support for smart playlists, compatibility with multiple Winamp plugins, syncing with a range of devices, a selection of skins, and a community of users, MusicBee is ideal for those who are tired of iTunes.
Kodi is another one of those apps that you've probably heard of (or even used) but never considered as a music player. The program is closely related to video rather than audio, but has very cool music management features and works on almost every mobile and computer platform.
If you trust Kodi with your collection, you'll find that you'll be able to handle most popular formats, as well as browse songs by album, artist, genre, and recently played tracks. Kodi allows you to create your own smart playlists based on user criteria, just like iTunes does.
And although the program is primarily designed for use on a large screen, it works great on a desktop or laptop.
Ruon
While most examples of high-definition music player software focus only on audio quality, Roon focuses on something else. The developers say something was lost in the transition to digital music. To recapture the sense of engagement you get from shuffling through sheet music, Roon aims to introduce a searchable "journal" of your music.
Roon doesn't just apply this technique to music stored on your computer. This can be done with music played from a local NAS or even Tidal. If music isn't a side hustle for you, but something you want to do, Roon might be worth checking out.
Download : Roon ($199/year or $499/lifetime, with free trial)
Foobar 2000
Free minimalistic audio player for Windows. The program first announced itself in 2002, but to this day it does not lose relevance, because constant improvements and updates keep pace with the times.
Foobar 2000 is available in two versions: Standard and Portable. Selecting the “Standard” option implies installing files in the registry, and the “Portable” version will be saved in the folder with the program files.
The program takes up only 3.3 MB, and supports dozens of formats: MP3, MP4, AAC, CD Audio, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC, WavPack, WAV, AIFF and many others. If you install additional extensions, you can play less common formats.
Foobar 2000 also has standard DSP modules, a ReplayGain scanner, renderer and converter. The program works on the principle of old favorite players, without filling up the memory with unnecessary extensions and additions.
Freeform (UI) support allows you to change the interface to personal preferences through plugins.
Advantages:
- support for a huge number of formats;
- unpacking RAR and ZIP;
- low consumption of system resources;
- working with several playlists simultaneously;
- audio decoders provide excellent sound quality;
- support for ReplayGain, Freeform (UI) and ABX test technologies.
Disadvantage – too minimalistic interface
The developers of Foobar 2000 have provided an open program architecture that allows third-party developers to expand the functionality. The program works on Windows 7, XP, Vista, 8.10.
JPLAY FEMTO
If you proudly proclaim yourself an audiophile to all who will listen, this might be the perfect software for you. Developed by self-proclaimed "fanatical audiophiles", this software aims to optimize everything to deliver the audio signal from the source to your DAC with the highest quality possible. This feature supports PCM, DSD audio and even claims to improve Tidal and Qobuz audio quality.
Like Hysolid, it is not a player. Instead it is a server. Once it's up and running, you can use it with any UPnP-compatible application or hardware. The developers recommend Bubble UPnP for Android, but Kinsky for Windows, macOS and iOS has also been tested.
Among other features, JPLAY FEMTO includes a hibernation mode. This aims to reduce background noise generated by your PC. This is achieved by eliminating processes and threads that cause jitter. This means you may no longer want to use your computer during playback, but it will sound fantastic.
Download : JPLAY FEMTO ($167.79)
Songbird
Songbird's interface is very simple, but it is also very functional. Manage music and videos, create playlists. Then sync it with your portable player or phone. You can choose to play to certain wireless devices, such as a speaker in the kitchen, or use the program as a media server, which will allow you to access your media library from your phone in the next room.
Source
Are you looking to start your Hi-Res audio journey?
Finding the right app to play high-res music is great, but it doesn't mean much if you don't have high-res music to listen to. These apps will also play your MP3 collection, but if you have a great audio setup, you'll get more out of it by purchasing high-quality audio.
When it comes to buying music, there are several online stores to choose from. Next up are streaming services, which are also starting to offer high-definition audio. If you don't know where to start, take a look at our list of music sites every audiophile needs in their life. that all audiophiles need.
MediaMonkey
For many years, MediaMonkey has been a quality alternative to Windows Media Player. It has almost everything you need to manage music: support for podcasts, CD copying, file conversion, volume normalization, searching the Internet for information about tracks and albums, synchronization with mobile devices.
The interface isn't the most modern, but for those who like full control over their track collection and the ability to interact with it in multiple ways, it's ideal. A premium version is available for $25, which provides faster conversions, advanced search, playlist creation, and more.
