January 27, 2022 14:06 Updated by Kevin Miller in Listen to audio
Once you get great audio files in FLAC, which is a free lossless audio code, you must get FLAC audio players to enjoy the sound or music in all its glory. Most media players only support MP3 files, which should be the best FLAC player for Windows, Mac, Android phone and iPhone.
The article provides a complete list of the best FLAC players for different platforms. Whether you want to listen to FLAC files on your computer or enjoy audio files on the go, you can always find the right solution in this article.
- Part 1: Best 3 FLAC Players for Windows
- Part 2: 3 Best FLAC Players for Mac
- Part 3: Best 2 FLAC Players for Android Phones
- Part 4: 2 Best FLAC Players for iPhone
- Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions about Playing FLAC with Free FLAC Player
Hysolid (Free)
If your PC is connected to a quality hi-fi system, then Hysolid could be just what you're looking for. This is not a traditional media player. Instead, it turns your PC into a player that you control using your iOS or Android device. Just lie down on the sofa, select the music you want to hear, and your PC will play it through your Hi-Fi system.
Hysolid plays most hi-res formats you can throw at it. The application 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 being used, as well as whether playback is ideal.
Part 3: Best 2 FLAC Players for Android Phones
Top 1: Pi Music Player
Pi Music Player is one of the best FLAC players for Android to satisfy all your music needs. You can easily browse all your music files using the advanced folder view in the audio player. Moreover, Pi Power Share allows you to share FLAC across different platforms.
- 1. Built-in 5 equalizers with bass boost, 3D reverb effects, virtual, etc.
- 2. 25 stunning backgrounds for the glossy theme with in-app purchases.
- 3. Ringtone Cutter to accurately cut any MP3 to make your default ringtone.
- 4. The most minimalistic and excellent FLAC player to watch FLAC audio files.
Top 2: PowerAmp Player
PowerAmp Player A powerful FLAC audio player for Android that works with most audio formats and even some video formats. It includes crossfade, no skipping, playback boost, Chrome-cast support, dynamic queuing, and even playback of songs from folders/own library.
- 1. Graphic equalizers optimized for 10-band, for all file formats and presets.
- 2. Unique direct volume control for extended dynamic range and deep bass.
- 3. Several widgets with many selectable styles, advanced settings.
- 4. Headset support, automatic reconnection of headset and/or BT.
Amarra Luxe ($99)
Amarra Luxe is a premium music player. It also supports major hi-res formats including FLAC, MQA and DSD. Unfortunately, MQA is currently only supported on macOS.
This is a convenient application for streaming high-resolution audio. In addition to playing your music collection, Amarra Luxe can play music from Tidal and Qobuz.
Part 1: Best 3 FLAC Players for Windows
Top 1: Free Blu-ray Player
When you need a FLAC player for all video and audio formats, Free Blu-ray Player is capable of playing FLAC audio and HQ videos with high quality. Moreover, it also supports both DVD and Blu-ray discs.
- 1. Supports Dolby 5.1, DTS, HD audio and the latest playback technologies.
- 2. Play video, audio, DVD, Blu-Ray discs with original quality.
- 3. Capture your favorite snapshot when playing video files.
- 4. Various screen modes such as full, half, normal, dual and others.
Wonderful
Rating: 4.9 / 5 (176 votes)
Top 2: Audacious
A cheeky simple and advanced FLAC audio player available for Windows and Linux. It contains several great tools, plugins, flows and other features in an intuitive user interface.
- 1. Save computer resources to play FLAC files in original quality.
- 2. Create and edit your own playlist for a large collection of FLAC files.
- 3. Customize your sound with a graphic equalizer or experiment with effects.
- 4. Advanced plugins for downloading lyrics, setting alarms in the morning, etc.
Top 3: Foobar2000
Similar to other FLAC media player for Windows, you can play FLAC, MP3, CD audio, WavPack and other audio and video formats with Foobar2000 . The latest version is also updated with the latest UPnP playback code to listen to files from other devices.
- 1. Fully support playback mode and pause-free playback during audio playback.
- 2. Advanced tagging options to resume playback with ease.
- 3. Support audio CD ripping and transcoding of all supported audio formats.
- 4.Easy to customize UI layout and keyboard shortcuts.
Audirvana ($75, with 30-day free trial)
Audirvana focuses on giving you control over streaming audio from sources to outputs. If you have a powerful computer that you want to put to work while processing great-sounding audio, this is an option worth considering. For example, Audirvana supports high-performance algorithms to take the load off the DAC and avoid oversampling.
This application also supports VST3 plugins. Audirvana is another option that isn't cheap, but the power of the app may make it worth paying for.
Part 4: 2 Best FLAC Players for iPhone
Top 1: Golden Ear
As a FLAC player name for iPhone, Golden Ear is capable of playing most lossless audio formats such as FLAC, APE, WAV, WavPack, AIFF and ALAC. It has a rich set of playback themes to enjoy FLAC audio files according to different requirements.
- 1. Play supported lossless audio formats up to 24bit/96KHz with high quality.
- 2. Supports CUE and LRC files with recommended UTF8 encoding.
- 3. Multiple editing tools to create, rename, delete folder and loop songs.
- 4. Recognize embedded artwork and comment tag inside FLAC files.
Top 2: Tonido
Tonido is a personal cloud with streaming access to all your data and media. FLAC Player for iPhone lets you access your entire collection of music, movies, photos, and documents you've saved. You can also download FLAC videos with the program.
- 1. Stream your entire music collection in FLAC, OGG, WMA and more audio.
- 2. Wirelessly download files directly to your iOS device and access them offline.
- 3. Create and manage music playlists for your music on iPhone.
- 4. Remote access to FLAC files for different devices.
Foobar2000 (Free)
Foobar2000 is one of the most popular music players for Windows, almost world famous. The name isn't the best and the interface is a bit dated, but the app is fast, customizable and, perhaps most importantly, free.
Foobar supports FLAC out of the box, but not DSD. To get support, you need to add the optional DSDIFF module, which you can .
Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions about Playing FLAC with Free FLAC Player
1. Is FLAC the best audio format?
FLAC is an acronym for Free Lossless Audio Codec. This is a popular lossless format. The sound quality is higher and better than other audio formats such as WAV and AIFF.
2. Can VLC play FLAC files?
Yes, VLC Media Player is an open source media player that supports playing FLAC files. Simply open VLC Media Player and click "Media" to "Open File" to import the FLAC file for playback.
3. Is FLAC better than MP3?
A FLAC file is a lossless audio format. Well, MP3 is a lossy format. So FLAC is technically better than MP3 in terms of quality. But FLAC files are about 6 times larger than MP3. When the two file formats remain the same quality, MP3 file size is smaller than FLAC.
Software for starting playback
How to open flac? Most audio players handle it without any problems. If you are using a player that cannot open .flac, you can find the correct plugin on the Internet. These files are especially recommended for people who value sound quality and feel its full power. It's also worth adding that many portable players support playback of these files (including iPod).
AIMP
AIMP is a multifunctional program for playing audio files on a computer. The Russian utility supports many music formats with the ability to add more using plugins.
Advantages:
- high sound quality;
- economical use of resources;
- graphic and sound special effects;
- plays and records Internet radio.
Flaws:
- not detected.
AIMP offers good sound quality and economical use of computer resources, as well as additional options such as opening flac files. It allows you to customize the sound using a graphic equalizer and add special effects (reverb and change the playback speed). AIMP plays and records Internet radio, supports keyboard shortcuts, and adds visual effects to the music being played. The program also creates playlists and contains additional graphic skins. Smooth transitions between tracks will be useful when playing music at a party.
AIMP, like any player worth its salt, displays extensive information about the file being played, plays songs randomly, and can also automatically turn off the computer at a designated time. This is a rather complex program, but it does not take much time to get information about all its functions. The default AIMP interface is elegant and functional. The basic functions will not pose any difficulties even for beginners, and advanced users will benefit from the full range of settings offered by AIMP. This is an excellent alternative to the popular Winamp player. AIMP is undoubtedly the leader among music players. If you value high sound quality and fast operation with minimal system load, install AIMP.
jetAudio
jetAudio is a multimedia playback program developed by the American division of Cowon. There are two versions available: one free Basic, the other Plus, which offers additional features. The program is popular due to its more efficient and fast software architecture compared, for example, to competitive Winamp. If a problem arises about how to reproduce a particular format, then there is probably no better solution.
The program offers very wide capabilities, such as support for popular music and video formats (MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, RM, AVI, MPEG, RMVB, MOV, etc.), CD burning, audio recording, ID3 tag editing, skin support and visualizations, subtitle support, database integration, album and playlist management, conversion of music files and videos, radio and Internet broadcasting, song synchronization (karaoke) and many others.
Winamp
Winamp is a well-known free music player that has evolved from a simple program into a comprehensive multimedia machine that also plays movies. It is quite versatile and, thanks to many settings and skins, can be adapted to the needs of each user.
Advantages:
- total configuration;
- small file size;
- fast action;
- skins that change the Winamp interface.
Flaws:
- does not support MOV files;
- does not support subtitles without an additional codec.
Winamp supports skins that allow you to change the appearance of the player. Controlling playback is easy, although Winamp allows you to use many additional functions. A minimized version of Winamp in the form of a thin strip on the edge of the screen allows you to use the program without taking up your workspace. Winamp supports most media file formats and works quickly even on weak computers. Thanks to the available plugins, you can “make” Winamp work with mp3 and listen to it from your iPod. Winamp also makes it easy to manage your multimedia library on your computer. The full version allows you to burn CDs.
Winamp Remote is an additional feature of the new version of the player that allows you to use the multimedia resources of uPnP devices (for example, a mobile phone) through your home network. Together with Winamp, you also have access to huge multimedia resources on the Internet. This program is ideal for playing Internet radio and Internet TV in the Shoutcast system.
GOM Player
GOM Player is a free multimedia player with a nice interface. One of the leaders in popularity among those who open the flac format. Although there are no revolutionary solutions in it, it works well and stably. GOM Player can open most, if not all, video files. This is due to an improved set of built-in codecs. With just one click, GOM Player is able to search and download the missing codec.
Advantages;
- does not boot the PC;
- good interface.
Flaws:
- periodic program crashes.
Unfortunately, GOM Player is not without its drawbacks. The program cannot process DVDs. It can play individual VOB files, but attempting to play a disc or DVD image will close the program. GOM Player does not work on weak computers.
VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a free media player that recreates any video format. Ease of use and speed make VLC one of the best options on the market.
Advantages:
- playback of most video formats;
- ease of use;
- contains codecs;
- Blu-ray support.
Flaws:
- primitive appearance.
This is an extremely versatile program. Play DVD, DivX, MKV, music files, TV and Internet radio. It can capture and save a video stream or run its own TV program over the Internet. Supports subtitles and allows you to synchronize them with the movie if they are not working correctly. While playing a movie, you can change its colors, contrast and brightness level, and rotate the image - for example, to watch while lying down. VLC allows you to add special effects - blur, noise and other filters. You can also break the picture into pieces and view it as a mosaic.
VLC has its own set of codecs, which means you don’t have to download and install anything extra. VLC can also play partially downloaded videos. The interface is extremely simple - a novice user will be delighted. The more demanding user will also be satisfied, because the configuration options and additional features hidden in the menu bar are very extensive.
VLC is a program that stands out for its simple interface, excellent playback capabilities and economical use of computer resources. If you like watching movies on your computer or listening to Internet radio or TV, you should try VLC. It is deservedly one of the most popular video players on the market.
Media Player Classic
Media Player Classic (MPC) is a free alternative to Windows Media Player. If you want a simple and lightweight video, audio and DVD player, download Media Player Classic.
Advantages:
- very light;
- plays most multimedia formats;
- excellent replacement for Windows Media Player;
- DVD player.
Flaws:
- You may need to install additional codecs;
- no longer in development.
Media Player Classic works great in Windows 7 and performs well as a DVD player. If you are interested in playing RMVB files, you can download a package containing the corresponding codecs. Media Player Classic has a very simple and intuitive interface, without any filters or unnecessary effects. In the simple media player category, the MPC is an excellent choice.
KMPlayer
KMPlayer features a large number of configuration options and filters that improve image quality. Like most competing players, KMP has no problems displaying subtitles, supports skins and a playlist editor.
Light Alloy
In addition to the FLAC format and other audio and video extensions, the media playback program supports all types of SRT, SUB, SSA and TXT subtitles, DVD format and uses various included filters. Unlike competing players, it has rich functionality and a huge number of available configuration parameters, thanks to which you can adjust the image accordingly - screen size (diagonal), brightness, contrast and saturation level, as well as configure additional subtitle parameters.
Universal Viewer
Universal Viewer allows you to read files in many formats, including multimedia materials. It doesn't claim to be the best player, but in situations where none of the other players can open the file, this utility may surprise you.
Advantages:
- compatible with many formats;
- Extensive configuration options.
Flaws:
- language pack in a separate file.
During tests, Universal Viewer showed excellent results. Displays (and edits) Word (also DOCX) and Excel files, plays music files and movies. It rendered the document in PDF format, no problem with different digital photo formats or with binary files. The program reads HTML and can work like a regular web browser.
You can set the character encoding of text, manipulate an image, or view file data. Most often you need to set the format by selecting the downloaded file type or set auto-detection. Universal Viewer supports plugins written for Total Commander, which gives it almost unlimited possibilities. Universal Viewer is a truly universal program for displaying various types of files. PDF, photos, videos, text documents, spreadsheets and even websites - it can handle them all with ease.
Windows Media player
Although there are many players with more features and support for more formats, Windows Media Player does its job well and is easy to use. This is a secure solution from Microsoft for those who want to enjoy music and video playback on their Windows PC.
Advantages:
- suitable for Windows XP;
- exceptional performance;
- easy to use;
- convenient search.
Flaws:
- To install, you need to activate Windows;
- does not play DVDs;
- limited synchronization capabilities.
To provide better functionality and make it easier to sort your media files, Windows Media Player has improved the library. This applies to music on both hard drives and portable devices. Windows Media Player contains almost the same features as its predecessors, and also adds new features. We can download themes, change the visualization and adapt the player to our needs.
Winamp
Most kids today probably don't know about this classic audio player. It was not only one of the first, but perhaps one of the most popular programs ever created for Windows.
Although its popularity has dropped significantly over time, new updates have gradually illuminated this player.
Winamp now has FLAC support, so it allows you to listen to high-quality versions of your favorite tunes. With this missing piece added to the puzzle, Winamp could once again find itself at the top of the food chain.
Let's not forget that it has almost unparalleled graphics, tons of customization options, and a great viewing experience. As a bonus, Winamp also has a paid version that adds even more customization options and improved audio playback.
Exterior
A strict, weighty box made of aluminum, in a minimalist style, perfectly assembled and simply must fit harmoniously into systems with a black body. Symbols and inscriptions are clear. The control buttons are made of aluminum and clearly respond to pressing. The information on the screen is readable from 2 meters away, and the viewing angles show that the IPS matrix is not the worst. There are no complaints here, except for the wooden included power cord, which was immediately replaced with a decent one.
VLC Media Player
VLC, less commonly called VideoLan Player, is one of the world's most popular players for all platforms. VLC has FLAC support for audio files, but also plays video files.
It is a fairly reliable media player, although it has a rather complex user interface. The design isn't high-end, and some of the features aren't as intuitive. However, if you just want to create a playlist and listen to your favorite FLAC albums, you don't need to customize it too much.
Of course, the reason VLC is so popular is its ability to play a wide range of formats, both audio and video. As an added bonus, it also comes with plenty of built-in streaming channels.
Needless to say, sometimes more is better.
5K Player
5K Player is what you might call a high-end Windows Media player if there ever was one. It's free, loaded with features, and of course supports FLAC files.
Its user interface is one of the easiest to use, but don't let that fool you. There are many options for customization. The default layout simply shows you the most important settings.
One of the really interesting and unique features is that 5K Player has a built-in audio converter. If you're looking for something that goes beyond FLAC playback, you may appreciate the ability to convert videos to MP3 or AAC files.
EQ can be confusing if you don't know what you're doing. The setup tool also has a bit of a learning curve.
The 5K player also allows you to download YouTube videos, as well as video or audio files from other popular streaming services. It can also be used with your TV. Airplay lets you share media across different screens and speakers.
