While streaming services are becoming one of the most popular ways to play music, they aren't for everyone. If you have a collection of your favorite tracks on your hard drive, you'll need a decent music player.
If you're still using Windows Media Player or Winamp, you're missing out on a lot of the features that more advanced programs offer. They make it easier to group tracks, find them, and play them. So here's our guide to the best players for Windows computers. Blow the dust off those songs piling up on your hard drive!
MusicBee
MusicBee includes just about every feature you could possibly need, from volume normalization and CD ripping to Last.fm scrobbling and a built-in equalizer so you can customize the sound to your taste.
The program will quickly scan the files stored on your computer, import tracks from iTunes if needed, and provide a variety of file handling options. If you find the default interface a bit overwhelming, use the smart theater mode, a useful alternative layout.
With support for smart playlists, compatibility with several Winamp plugins, syncing with a range of devices, a choice of skins, and a community of users, MusicBee is ideal for those who are tired of iTunes.
AIMP
First version AIMP was introduced in 2006. The first two letters of the name are the initials of its creator, Russian programmer Artem Izmailov. Supports almost all popular formats. There is a built-in converter, alarm clock and sleep timer.
The player can do much more than play songs stored on the hard drive. The program has a nice and convenient interface that helps in organizing the library. It supports the creation of user and smart playlists, copying CDs, managing meta tags, changing skins.
If you are looking for a player with an equalizer, AIMP is definitely worth considering. It has a built-in 18-band equalizer with various sound effects. And here you can change the theme with one click of the mouse. The playlist panel is "removable" - it can be separated from the playback control window.
Plexamp
Plex's suite of tools has long been able to stream your collection of tracks to mobile apps and through a desktop browser, but it recently added new software to its roster. Plexamp.
With an obvious Winamp reference in its name, Plexamp focuses on making it as easy as possible to access your tracks, visualizing your playlists and albums through attractive covers and a lot of nice features.
It's still a bit buggy, and you'll need Plex Media Server to access the songs, but if simplicity is your top priority, it's worth checking out how the app uses search queries and auto-discovery tools instead of the standard track grid.
VLC Media Player
You may have heard of VLC Media Player or used to play individual files in virtually any video or audio format imaginable. Yes, that's 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 to try out. There are plenty of filters and equalizer effects to change the sound.
VLC isn't going to win any awards for interface design, but it includes everything you need. If you want more advanced features (such as file sharing over a local network), the player has those, too.
Dopamine
Dopamine — is a great open source alternative to Windows Media. Apparently, the application is built on the universal platform UWP. All the settings are placed here in such a way that users do not have to strain their eyes to find them. The application interface can be changed using special settings.
Dopamine supports a huge number of formats, including MP4, WMA, OGG, FLAC, M4A, AAC, WAV, APE, and OPUS. This app may seem a bit feature-poor to some users. However, there is still a lot of room for activity. You can use real-time text display, automatic meta tags, and many other features.
foobar2000
Existing since 2002 foobar2000 is well known to many music lovers. The modular design makes it easy to add new features and components. The player is available for all versions of Windows OS, and there is also an application for Android and iOS. There is a portable version.
When reviewing the interface, it is worth noting its minimalism in comparison with other programs. Some users may not like this, since in the 21st century not everyone wants to see a player stylized as Windows 98. But do not judge a book by its cover. Moreover, advanced users can change the appearance as soon as their heart desires.
The user can set up various key combinations for commands. Can play various formats, including MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, FLAC, WAV, Opus, Speex and others. Supports automatic import of metadata, copying CDs, unpacking ZIP, GZIP, 7z archives.