Best Music Players for Mac in 2024

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Updated on: October 11, 2024
Time to read: 14 minutes
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If you’re an audiophile who values top-notch music quality and feels Apple Music doesn’t meet your needs, consider exploring alternative players. This article highlights the best solutions for listening to melodies and songs stored locally. We’ve assessed and selected them based on the audio file types they reproduce, sound quality, and the overall range of features. Additionally, you can review our software selection criteria and comparisons below. Read on to discover the best music player for Mac!

Table of Contents
Could I ask for the benefit of those who use MAC's to point in the right direction for an easy-to-use and decent player preferably free but would consider a small payment if it is worth it.
— Hifiwigwam

Elmedia Player [plays FLAC, MP3, etc.]

When choosing a music player, Mac users praise Elmedia Player for a number of reasons. First, it adheres to the highest audio playback standards in an audio player for Mac. Secondly, Elmedia Player supports an extensive list of formats, including M4A, MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, AC3, etc. It also handles Hi-Res audio formats and easily plays WAV, AIFF, and FLAC on Mac, which Apple Music (formerly iTunes) cannot open. Also, Elmedia is fully compatible with the latest macOS versions.

Elmedia offers a range of amazing features, such as built-in music volume controls and a 10-band graphic equalizer with presets. With its AC-3/DTS hardware passthrough and wireless connectivity via AirPlay, DLNA, and Chromecast, this superior Mac MP3 player lets you play music however you like, wherever you like. Give it a free trial to explore all the opportunities.

Note: According to MacSources, Elmedia is a powerful yet easy-to-use application. It is a multi-format player with lots of customizable features and a sleek modern interface. However, it is also highlighted that the user may be confused as the software can be found on four separate websites and product pages. To make it easier for users to find the right version of Elmedia Player, it is recommended to clean up websites and consolidate product options in the App Store. For more information, visit MacSources.

Price: free to use, PRO upgrade costs $19.99

Updated on: March 28, 2024

Pros

  • 10-band equalizer for minute adjustments
  • A playlist feature to organize your music library
  • Audio receiver functionality.
  • Easy-to-Use Interface
  • Native volume Control
  • Ability to connect to hardware and wireless speakers

Cons

  • Requires PRO version to unlock all the features

How to Play Lossless Music on Mac

1. Download  and install Elmedia on your Mac.

Installation will take you a couple of minutes.

2. Once the installation is complete, launch the software and add your audio files to it.

3. You can do this in several ways:

  • Drag and drop the file directly onto the player’s window or icon in the dock.
  • In the player window, go to “File” > “Open” and browse for the content you want to play.
  • Right-click the file and choose “Open With”. Next, select Elmedia Player from the list.
There are many ways to open files.

Lossless formats preserve audio quality without loss of data. Common examples include FLAC, ALAC, WAV (Waveform Audio File Format), and AIFF. These formats are ideal for high-fidelity sound.

VLC

Although VLC is primarily known as a video player, it also serves as a reliable option for audio playback. It supports a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, AAC, Vorbis, AC3, WMA, FLAC, and ALAC, all without the need for external codecs. VLC also handles various streaming protocols for versatile media playback.

Furthermore, there is an easy-to-use playlist manager that allows you to create, manage and sort media files according to your preferences. It is also worth highlighting some of the outstanding features offered by VLC, such as the ability to remove audio from video, play internet radio stations, and enhance functionality via add-ons.

VLC is a very reliable player for Mac OS.
Note: For those seeking a free audio player for Mac, this could be an easy choice. However, VLC Media Player does have some wrinkles. Most advanced controls are hidden behind menus, which is not very convenient and friendly. Also, the design seems quite outdated in 2022. For more information, visit Trustpilot.

Price: free

Updated on: October 6, 2024

Pros

  • Supports a broad variety of audio file formats
  • Media manager helps to maintain a clean library
  • Completely free to use and enjoy.

Cons

  • Tagging files may be finicky at times
  • Very basic and minimal set of features
  • Outdated design and UX.

IINA

IINA has become a popular media player recent years, largely due to its seamless integration with the Mac ecosystem and its intuitive UI and UX. You can rely on IINA to play any of your music files: M4A, MP3, AAC, M4A, etc. It integrates Apple’s native gesture controls, dark mode, Touch Bar, and mouse and trackpad controls to give you the most authentic macOS feel. Besides, Slant ranked IINA as the №1 best video player for Mac. IINA is a compelling choice for an open-source audio program for Mac.

IINA is a free and open-source media player software based on mpv.
Note: Thanks to the built-in audio equalizer, you can seamlessly adjust your sound, stream music from the web, and broadcast it to local devices. With the picture-in-picture mode supported it is possible to play music in the background while you browse or work.

Price: free

Updated on: June 1, 2024

Pros

  • Authentic macOS feel throughout the whole app
  • Robust audio equalizer and audio controls
  • Open-source app.

Cons

  • Some advanced users might find it overly basic
  • Is not stable and can crash from time to time.

Vox

Another music player for Mac users on our list is Vox. It offers a variety of functions, has a user-friendly design and supports all kinds of audio file formats. Vox also plays Hi-Res audio formats like ALAC, WAV, AIFF, ensuring an exceptional listening experience for audiophiles.

Users also get access to thousands of radio stations, playlist customization, and a rich audio-listening experience. As for the playlist feature, it is much easier to use and manage compared to VLC, but it does take longer to download files.

Although Vox is free-to-use, some features are locked behind a premium plan, which is quite expensive.

There are also versions of this player for online listening and for iPhone
Note: We have analyzed product reviews on MacUpdate and can note that users mostly complain about problems with use and purchase, as well as poor service.

Price: free, Premium version starts from $4.99/month

Updated on: April 25, 2024

Pros

  • A comprehensive app for music enthusiasts
  • Feature-rich, with support for all kinds of formats
  • Sync available between Mac and iOS devices (iPhone, iPad)
  • Unlimited cloud storage.

Cons

  • Has a subscription fee
  • Very CPU-intensive.

5KPlayer

5KPlayer is a free music player Mac solution that doubles as a video player and media streamer. It can download songs or playlists from online platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Dailymotion, Vimeo, Vevo, SoundCloud, and many more. It can also convert video files to audio MP3 and AAC formats. Another handy feature is the built-in radio player with a free selection of preset satellite radio channels. All in all, 5KPlayer is quite handy and serviceable as a music app.

5KPlayer is a multimedia player that can take on any file.
Note: It offers all the basic playback features that a music program should have, but that’s it. If you need some extra music playback options, it’s better to find an alternative. According to users’ reviews on Trustpilot, the app is difficult to uninstall, contains ads, and slows down your computer. For more information, visit Trustpilot.

Price: freeware

Updated on: Oct 26, 2021

Pros

  • Easily converts online movie video soundtracks to MP3
  • Wirelessly streams audio and video via AirPlay and DLNA
  • Build a media library by sorting files, creating new playlists, etc.

Cons

  • Learning curve for new users.

Swinsian

Swinsian is a sophisticated audio player known for its extensive support for various formats (FLAC, MP3, AAC, ALAC, Vorbis, WMA, WAV, Opus, AC3, AIFF, MusePack, and APE), folder monitoring, and advanced tag editing features. Swinsian lets you control playback using global shortcuts or the special mini window. Even with large music libraries, users can easily customize the interface.

Despite its simplicity, the app is not free. It is available for purchase on the official website for $24.95.

Application for more advanced users.
Note: Based on a review on mac.informer, Swinsian is a feature-rich audio software that provides useful benefits, is easy to use, and boasts flawless performance. Although you can easily find cheaper solutions, many audio players won’t offer what this player has. So, if you are looking for a multifunctional Macintosh music player, it’s definitely worth trying.

Price: free trial, the price is $24.95

Updated on: July 21, 2021

Pros

  • Support for global keyboard shortcuts
  • Ability to find duplicate tracks
  • Convenient playlist
  • Search and replace tags.

Cons

  • Sound is fairly standard
  • Requires time to learn how to use it.

Fidelia

Fidelia is designed for music professionals. The average user could use it but wouldn’t truly enjoy the app’s benefits. Taking full advantage of this app requires a good sound system. Fidelia provides the highest possible fidelity, fit for music connoisseurs.

The supported plug-ins and macOS’s system Audio Units let you, as the developers put it, “sculpt your sound”. The app’s omnivorous nature means it can read AIFF, WAV, CAF, MP3, AAC, ALAC, Ogg Vorbis, and FLAC.

Fidelia is a leading high-definition digital audio player.
Note: Fidelia constantly receives updates and also has an excellent support service. According to mac.informer’s review, it’s a good idea to consider cheaper options before buying Fidelia. Although these solutions may not play as many file formats as Fidelia, they are just as good.

Price: free trial, the app costs $29.99

Updated on: Mar 24, 2023

Pros

  • Connection of plugins in AU format
  • Support for iOS
  • Support for iZotope.

Cons

  • Pricy app
  • Sometimes glitches.

Colibri

Colibri offers a lot of features for quite an affordable price. This music player for Mac is aimed primarily at lovers of quality music and provides bit-perfect playback. That’s why the app supports almost all popular lossless audio file formats – FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, APE, TTA, and WavPack. It can also play other formats – from Ogg Vorbis to AAC/M4A (in lossy quality only). Furthermore, Colibri supports cue sheets, gapless playback, and more.

The free version is quite limited.
Note: 

With the release of the new version, the application received many internal improvements. It was also announced the development of Colibri for iOS, iPadOS and tvOS. More information can be found at Colibri Devblog.

Having read reviews on MacUpdate, we can summarize that, in general, users are satisfied with the app and its performance, and also note the high-quality work of the customer support. All in all, with its native macOS feel, Colibri would be a good fit for those looking for a native Mac experience.

Price: free, PRO version costs $9.99

Updated on: May 4, 2024

Pros

  • Plays music by album, artist, playlist
  • Can create your own playlist
  • Ability to load cover art for FLAC files
  • Correctly displays information about playing songs.

Cons

  • Requires the purchase of the PRO pack to unlock enhanced features.

Audirvana

Audirvana quickly established itself as the best music app for Mac owners who wish to steer away from iTunes, while enjoying the optimal sound quality. However, this dedication to pristine sound and advanced settings comes at a steep price. The app supports the most popular audio formats, especially high-res: FLAC, WAV, AIFF.

Audirvana offers two main versions of its software: Audirvana Studio and Audirvana Origin. While both are designed to deliver high-quality audio playback, they cater to slightly different user needs. 

Audirvana Studio supports both local music libraries and streaming services (Tidal, Qobuz), while Audirvana Origin is focused solely on local files. Studio operates on a subscription model, offering advanced features and frequent updates, while Origin is a one-time purchase with a streamlined feature set for offline music management.

The high resolution digital audio player.
Note: In 2020, with the release of an update, cross-platform optimization was added to Audirvana. You can find more information about updates here. For a detailed review, visit Headfonia.

Price: free trial, Audirvana Studio costs $6.99/month and $69.99/year, Audirvana Origin is a one-time purchase for $149.99.

Updated on: 20 Apr, 2023

Pros

  • Support for track and album browsing
  • Ability to search by track, albums, artist, or playlist
  • HRA Streaming integration
  • Modern UI.

Cons

  • Freezes while managing media library
  • Remote function doesn’t work correctly
  • High price.

Musique

Unlike previous audio players for Mac which imply that you create your own playlists, Musique is closer to the standard “Music”. It scans your saved audio recordings within the selected directory and categorizes them by artist and album. To create a playlist, just click on artists, albums, or individual tracks to add them to the collection. Supported formats include FLAC, OGG Vorbis, APE, MPC, WV, TTA, and more. The latest version also introduces a dark mode for the interface.

Musique a finely crafted music player.
Note: Be sure to read user reviews before choosing. You can read reviews, pros, and cons of Musique here.

Price: free

Updated on: August 24, 2024

Pros

  • Support album covers
  • Ability to show song’s lyrics

Cons

  • Limited functionality.

Comparing of the Music Players for Macs

Top features Elmedia Player JustPlay VLC IINA Vox 5KPlayer Swinsian Fidelia Colibri Audirvana Musique
Audio equalizer
Supports local file streaming to TV (PRO) 
Playlist creation and editing
Subtitle support
Trial version

How to Choose the Best Music App

Here we have gathered top criteria you should take into account when choosing the best music player. Besides that, we have made our list of the best music player for Mac based on our recommendations. So what features should a music app have?

  • An impressive set of audio formats.
  • Playlist creation and personalization.
  • Customizable audio playback.
  • Local network streaming, i.e. to Smart TV.
  • Audio fine-tuning.
  • Built-in audio equalizer.
  • High-fidelity audio playback.
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Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of music players for Macs. Each of the apps described above is worth trying, still, we can outline Elmedia Player among the rest. The application perfectly combines a user-friendly interface and a set of advanced features. Besides that, while using Elmedia you won’t face any issues with playing unusual formats such as WMA on Mac. Take a look at our list, decide for yourself and enjoy listening to your favorite playlists.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have reviewed several apps in the article above. You can use any of the players we described here. However, our choice and the title of the best music player goes to Elmedia Player.

Elmedia is a universal media player, so it’s great for MP3s and other audio formats, even the lossy ones! It has lots of sound-related features, and things like audio visualization.

In this article, we have reviewed several best free music players for Mac among which are Elmedia Player, VLC, Pine Player, and 5KPlayer. Each player offers unique features, allowing you to choose the one that best meets your needs. If you’re specifically searching for a versatile and free M4A player, Elmedia Player is the top recommendation. With its wide format support and user-friendly interface, it’s the perfect choice for high-quality media playback.

You guessed it – Elmedia Player. It has a 10-band equalizer with different presets.

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