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COMPARE SOFTWARE ALTERNATIVES
Compare 7 alternatives to Apple Music. Use “Has a free option” to find tools you can try without buying a software plan. Check each card for hosting or AI usage costs.
The US provider page lists the Individual plan at $11.99/month after a one-month introductory trial for new subscribers; regional prices and eligibility vary. Personal-library players do not include Apple Music’s subscription catalog.
Search for a tool or task, check its pricing, and open its official website. Freemium means a free plan with paid upgrades.
NavidromeProduct logo · See the interface on the official websiteStream your own music collection from a server to your browser or music app.
Free software · bring your own media
Ad-free music player that streams from multiple sources.
We have not checked this tool’s current pricing. Visit its official website before choosing a plan.
MopidyProduct logo · See the interface on the official websiteAn extensible music server for a computer or Raspberry Pi.
The Apache-licensed core is free and plays local audio files and internet radio. It runs on a computer with audio output and uses a web client or an optional MPD extension for control; hardware, storage and third-party client costs are separate. It includes no Spotify, Audible or Netflix subscription catalog. Service extensions have separate requirements: Mopidy-Spotify requires Spotify Premium and its current README warns that third-party access-token streaming has been disabled, so do not rely on it as free or guaranteed Spotify playback.
Stream your own music collection through a server and compatible music apps.
Free software · hosting costs apply
TauonProduct logo · See the interface on the official websitePlay local audio files and music from your personal media server.
The GPL-3.0-or-later desktop player is free on Linux, with Windows and macOS builds available. Bring your own legally obtained audio files or connect a compatible personal server. It does not include Spotify or Apple Music’s licensed streaming catalog; music purchases, server hosting and third-party services can cost extra.
gonicProduct logo · See the interface on the official websiteA small self-hosted server for your own music collection.
The GPL music server is free to self-host and includes an administration interface. Listening requires a compatible Subsonic client; some clients are paid, so choose a free client for a no-cost software setup. Hardware, storage and network costs are separate. Its music and podcasts come from your own files and feeds, not a Spotify, Audible or Netflix subscription catalog. Optional transcoding needs FFmpeg.
A music library player and tag editor for local audio files.
Quod Libet is free GPL-2.0-or-later software with public Linux and Windows packages; the current download page has older macOS packages and an unofficial newer macOS build. It plays and organizes your own files, with podcast feeds and internet radio support, rather than including Spotify, Audible or Netflix subscription catalogs. Optional plugins and external services have their own requirements; the core player does not require a hosted plan.
