Whether you are using a smartphone, laptop, or desktop, you will always find yourself looking for a decent music player so that you can play your favorite music on the system. A music player is a software application that allows you to play, organize, and manage various types of audio files, such as music, sound effects, instrumentals, and podcasts.
Right now, you will find thousands of options for a music player, whether you are looking for Android, Windows, or iOS operating systems. But, there are only a handful of options that you can consider to be the one and only music player that you need. Furthermore, you may also want your music player to be synchronized over all of your devices, which is a feature available in even more selected options.
In this guide, we are going to cover the best music players available out there for Windows OS. These music players can be used on any Windows platform, such as your laptop, desktop, and possibly your Windows OS smartphone as well. Along with that, we will also add some more information about the music players, such as their best features, pros, and cons, so that you can find the perfect music player based on your needs. But before that, let us discuss some factors that matter the most when it comes to a music player.
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Important Features of a Music Player
User Interface (UI) Design: An intuitive and user-friendly interface enhances the overall experience for all programs, and a music player is no exception for that. A well-designed UI is always easier to navigate, allowing users to quickly access and manage their music library.
Customization Options: Everyone appreciates music players that allow personal customizations. This includes the ability to adjust the layout, color schemes, and overall appearance to suit individual preferences as well as a certain theme to match other programs as well as the theme of the setup itself.
Supported Audio Formats: Most importantly, a versatile music player should support a wide range of audio formats to ensure compatibility with various file types. This flexibility enables users to play their entire music collection without the need for conversion. Also, users can fetch older titles from different sources without worrying about compatibility issues.
Playback Features: Essential playback features such as play, pause, skip, shuffle, and repeat are standard. Advanced features like crossfade, gapless playback, and speed control can enhance the listening experience for more discerning users. Along with that, efficient library management tools, including sorting, filtering, and searching options, are also crucial for users with extensive music collections. A robust music player should make it easy to organize and find tracks.
Resource Efficiency: A good music player should be resource-efficient, ensuring smooth performance without consuming excessive system resources. This is especially important for users with lower-end hardware configurations. Also, it is better to choose an option that offers cross-platform compatibility so that users can seamlessly transition between different devices and operating systems.
Default Music Player for Windows
Just like most other operating systems, Windows also offers built-in music players, or rather media players, that can be used for music without any problem. In previous versions of Windows, the default Windows Media Player was rather infamous because of its limited compatibility and support for formats. But after the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced a revamped Media Player along with a new program called Movies & TV, both of which are quite powerful and offer enhanced media playback capabilities.
1. Media Player
Media Player is a new app that replaces the old Windows Media Player in Windows 10 and 11. It is designed to play local content as well as stream content from various sources, such as Microsoft Store, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and many others. You can also play local media files from your device or even external drives. Media Player supports a wide range of media formats, codecs, and resolutions, and it can optimize media performance by adjusting to your device’s sound and display settings. Media Player also integrates with Cortana, so you can use voice commands to control the app.
Best Features
- Stream content from various services with one app.
- Play local media files in high quality and with fast speed.
- Use voice commands to search, play, pause, and resume media.
Pros
- Available with Windows 10 and 11 devices, including PCs, tablets, and phones.
- Simple and intuitive interface with easy access to settings and features.
- Secure and reliable option.
Cons
- May not support some older or less common media formats or codecs.
- Overall support for different video formats is rather limited
2. Movies and TV
Movies and TV is a new application that allows you to rent or buy the latest movies and TV shows from the Microsoft Store, and watch them using the app on your Windows 10 or 11 device. You can also play your own media files from your device or external drives. Movies and TV supports most media formats that Windows supports, and it can cast videos from your PC to your Xbox or other devices. Movies and TV also offer bonus movie content, such as director’s commentaries, deleted scenes, and interviews with the cast and crew. Furthermore, you can get the HEVC extension for Movies and TV apps from the Microsoft Store so that you can play x265 codec videos without any problem.
Best Features
- Rent or buy new movies and commercial-free TV shows from the Microsoft Store.
- Play your own media files in high definition and with smooth playback.
- Cast videos from your PC to your Xbox or other devices.
Pros
- Available on Windows 10 and 11 devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, and Xbox.
- Customizable and flexible, with options to change the playback speed, quality, and subtitles.
- Trustworthy option without any ads.
Cons
- Does not support streaming content from other services, such as Netflix or Disney+.
- Requires a Microsoft account to rent or buy content from Microsoft Store.
- May have some compatibility or performance issues with some media formats or codecs.
Best Free Music Players Alternatives For Windows PC
If you are not satisfied with the built-in media players available with Windows, you can try one of the best free music players that we are going to cover in this guide. As of right now, Windows does not offer a lightweight and exclusive music player. Instead, you will have to play the music with its all-in-one media player, which can be frustrating for a lot of users. Also, the built-in options do not have any customization options for updating music track tags or album art, which is one of the most necessary features for audiophile music audiences. Therefore, we are also going to add some of the most niche options that are ideal for playing high-end music via dedicated audiophile-grade AMPs.
1. VLC
VLC, short for VideoLAN Client, is a versatile and open-source multimedia player that stands as a truly versatile option in the digital entertainment landscape. Beyond its humble beginnings as a video player, VLC has evolved into an all-in-one media powerhouse. It supports an extensive array of audio and video formats, making it the go-to choice for those who demand compatibility without any compromises. With its minimalist interface, VLC is a simplistic media player that gets straight to the point. And with a wide array of additional tools, it has become the prime choice for millions of users worldwide.
Best Features
- Wide support for video formats
- Available for multiple operating systems
- Highly customizable UI
- Capable of streaming content from various sources, including torrents
Pros
- Open-source media player
- No external codecs are necessary
- Regularly updated
Cons
- User interfaces are dated
- Audio tagging can be tricky
- The professional toolbar is slightly complicated
2. MusicBee
MusicBee is a one-of-a-kind audio player that caters to the exclusive taste of audiophiles with a blend of functionality and aesthetics. This is a Windows-exclusive music player that offers a lot of fancy features along with seamless library management, extensive format support, and an intuitive interface. So, the media player is suitable for both novice users and seasoned music enthusiasts. MusicBee’s visualizer options and customization capabilities are some of the features that make it an ideal music player. On top of that, MusicBee also has the WASAPI plugin built-in that allows users to bypass all software audio processing and deliver the audio output directly from the dedicated hardware such as a DAC or an AMP.
Best Features
- A lot of variations are available for UI design
- Audio file format support is very good
- Extensive library management options
- Built-in WASAPI audio plugin
Pros
- It has the most advanced dedicated audio features
- Completely free option
- Easy to install and update
Cons
- Only available for Windows OS
- Not the best option for casual listeners
3. AIMP (Artem Izmaylov Media Player)
AIMP is also a free audio player for Windows and Android that supports a variety of audio formats, codecs, and resolutions, such as MP3, AAC, WMA, and FLAC. It also includes a built-in audio converter and tag editor that allows you to convert your audio files to different formats and edit their metadata with ease. It also has an 18-band equalizer and DSP effects, so you can adjust the sound quality and apply various effects as per your liking. AIMP also supports plugins and custom skins to extend its features and change its appearance. Overall, it is a lightweight and powerful audio player that can handle large music collections and provide high-quality sound.
Best Features
- Simple Interface
- Great support for audio formats
- Advanced audio features are available
- Built-in audio converter
Pros
- High-quality sound output
- Regularly updated with stable versions
Cons
- Cross-platform support is limited
- The library management tool is not as good as other options
4. MediaMonkey
MediaMonkey is yet another free media organizer and player for serious collectors. It can manage and play your audio and video files on your Windows or Android devices, as well as sync them with other devices or cloud services, such as iTunes, Google Play Music, and Amazon Music. It supports most media formats and can help you burn CDs and DVDs. It also offers features such as audio tagging, editing, converting, and streaming, which allow you to organize your media library, edit your media files, convert them to different formats, and stream them to other devices or online services. MediaMonkey also has a smart and flexible interface, and it supports scripts and addons that can automate and enhance its functions.
Best Features
- Advanced library management features
- The auto-organize feature is available
- It supports syncing with other Windows devices
- It supports customizable skins and themes
Pros
- Can be used on different devices
- Regular updates are provided
Cons
- Only available for Windows OS
- The free version has certain limitations
5. Foobar2000
Foobar2000 is a freeware audio player for Windows that is known for its minimalist design and high performance. It can play many audio formats and supports gapless playback, ReplayGain, and CD ripping. It also has a customizable and flexible user interface, which allows you to arrange the layout, components, and menus according to your preferences. It also has an open component architecture that allows third-party developers to create and share components that can extend its functionality, such as decoders, encoders, visualizations, and DSPs. Furthermore, you can collaborate with popular audiophile sound reviewers and follow their tips and tricks for Foobar2000 for an even better experience.
Best Features
- It allows complete UI overhaul from scratch
- Audio format support is best compared to other choices
- Supports 3rd party plugins
- Open-source development with a highly active community
Pros
- The best option for audiophiles
- Supports dedicated 3rd party plugins for special audio hardware
- UI can be customized as per your custom design
Cons
- Initial setup takes a long time
- Not the best option for casual listeners
6. Dopamine
Dopamine is one of the most elegant audio players that offers to make organizing and listening to music as simple and elegant as possible. It is available for Windows and Mac so you will be able to use it on different devices without any problem. It can play local and online music, such as MP3, FLAC, OGG, and SoundCloud. It can also create and manage playlists, view and edit song metadata, and even watch and download music videos from YouTube directly. Dopamine also has a beautiful and modern interface, and it supports themes and languages that can change its appearance and languages.
Best Features
- Suitable for multiple audio formats
- Automatic library management is available
- Built-in audio equalizer
- Built-in last.fm integration
Pros
- Customizable player appearance
- Contains multiple theme options
- Free and Open Source
Cons
- Cannot be used on smartphones
- Limited features compared to other options
7. WinAmp
WinAmp is a classic and popular media player for Windows that supports numerous audio and video formats, such as MP3, WAV, AVI, and WMV. If you have been using Windows for a long time, such as Windows 98, then you must be familiar with WinAmp since it is one of the few options that have been available for decades now. It also has a media library, an equalizer, a playlist editor, and a graphical visualization of the media being played. On top of that, the new updates for WinAmp have enabled support for external plugins and skins, which lets you add new features and change the look of the player completely. It also can stream and download media from the Internet, such as SHOUTcast, AOL Radio, and Podcasts. Compared to other choices, WinAmp is a nostalgic and fun media player that can play and manage your media files with ease.
Best Features
- One of the classic music players for Windows
- A lot of features are added with new updates
- Smart playlist option
- Built-in equalizer and sound enhancement
Pros
- Familiar option for long-time users
- Very lightweight music player
- Available for free
Cons
- Official support has been discontinued
- Suitable only for Windows OS.
8. Spotify
Unlike most other choices provided in this guide, Spotify is more of a digital music service than a music player that gives you access to millions of songs and podcasts in an instant. You can listen to music online or offline, create and share playlists, discover new artists and genres, and enjoy personalized recommendations based on your listening history and preferences. Spotify is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, and is also available to use with a free account with occasional ads. Spotify also has a social and interactive aspect, as you can follow your friends and favorite artists, and see what they are listening to.
Best Features
- Significantly larger music library
- Personalized playlists based on your listening history
- Offline playback is supported
- Can be used on desktops, laptop, and even smartphones
Pros
- Social interaction is available for a collective listening experience
- Streaming quality is pretty good
- Can be integrated with 3rd party applications
Cons
- Premium subscription is necessary for offline listening
- Ads can be frustrating in the free version
9. Groove Music
Groove Music is a music player and audio library manager that comes with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8. It can play your local music files as well as stream music from various online services, such as Spotify and Microsoft Store. It also supports syncing your music with your smartphone or MP3 player and casting your music to other devices, such as Xbox or Bluetooth speakers. Groove Music also has a simple and sleek interface, and it can create automatic playlists based on your mood or activity.
Best Features
- Seamless integration with OneDrive
- Offline playback is available
- Music streaming from external sources
Pros
- OneDrive integration is helpful with cross-platform listening
- Simple user interface
- It can be used for locally stored tracks
Cons
- Third-party support is limited
- Groove music pass has been discontinued
10. Vox
Vox is one of the high-resolution audio players designed for Mac and iPhone that supports numerous lossy and lossless audio formats, including FLAC, APE, WAV, and DSD. But with the recently released Vox Music Universal for Windows, it has managed to secure a position on our guide today. It also allows you to manage your music easily, as you can control the player from various interfaces, such as the menu bar, the dock, the touch bar, and even the lock screen. You can also add music via smart drop zones, open dialog, and the Finder context menu. Vox offers a premium service called Vox Premium, which gives you unlimited cloud storage, advanced audio settings, and exclusive radio stations for listeners.
Best Features
- High-resolution audio playback supported
- VOX cloud synchronization
- Cross-platform usage is possible
- Built-in SoundCloud integration
Pros
- Premium design and UI
- Hi-res music playback
- Cloud synchronization is very useful
Cons
- Free features are very limited
- Subscription fees are a bit high compared to other alternatives
Music Players For Window Pc -FAQs
Ans: VLC can be used as a dedicated music player, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. VLC is a free and open-source media player that can play almost any audio and video format, including high-resolution audio formats like FLAC, MQA, and DSD. It also has features like streaming, subtitles, playlists, and various audio effects. However, VLC has a minimalist interface that may not appeal to some users who prefer a more modern and stylish design. VLC also lacks some features that other music players offer, such as tagging, syncing, podcasting, and web radio.
Ans: As of right now, there is no dedicated music player that comes pre-installed with Windows. However, different versions of Windows have different built-in media players that can be used for music. For example, Windows 11 has a new Media Player app that replaces the old Groove Music app in Windows 10. Windows 10 also has Windows Media Player, which is a classic and popular media player that supports numerous audio and video formats. If you want to use any of these players for audio, you can set the player as a default option for audio files.
Ans: The best music player for high-end headphones and audio gear depends on the personal preferences and needs of the user, as well as the specifications and features of the gear. But if you are looking forward to using some advanced audio plugins such as WASAPI without going through a tedious installation procedure, MusicBee will be the right choice for you. Alternatively, you can go with Foobar2000 and follow various installation tutorials provided by the community and get access to hundreds of advanced audio plugins that can utilize your audio gear up to their full potential.
Ans: Yes, free music players support even the older Windows versions. But, the compatibility for the same depends on the requirements of the music player. For example, some of the free music players that can work on older Windows versions are Winamp, VLC, Windows Media Player, Spotify, etc. But, you may miss out on some of these music players that may not have the latest features or updates that are designed for newer Windows versions.
Conclusion
The quest for the perfect music player on Windows involves considering various factors such as user interface design, customization options, supported audio formats, playback features, resource efficiency, and cross-platform compatibility. While Windows offers default options like Media Player and Movies & TV, they have some limitations in terms of format support and customization. So, we have covered the best alternatives that you can get right now for free for Windows and get access to all the advanced features. Each music player that we have covered in this guide is paired with some of their advantages as well as limitations. So, it can be easier for you to make an informed decision. You can also try out the trial versions of some premium options covered in this guide which might help you to consider them as a permanent replacement.
