If you’re searching for the best audio player for macOS in 2025, this guide narrows the field to the top Mac music players for local libraries, FLAC/ALAC, hi‑res audio, gapless playback, bit‑perfect output, tagging, and streaming. We combined hands‑on testing with feature and community reviews to recommend the right tool for different listeners from Apple ecosystem fans to audiophiles with external DACs. Below, you’ll find clear pros/cons and use‑case guidance so you can pick the best music player for your Mac with confidence.
Quick picks at a glance
- Best iTunes/Music app alternative for local libraries: Swinsian
- Best lightweight FLAC player: Colibri
- Best free all‑rounder: VLC
- Best modern, simple local player: Doppler
- Best for audiophiles (local + Qobuz/TIDAL): Audirvāna
- Best for whole‑home metadata and multiroom: Roon
- Best open‑source classic: foobar2000
- Best powerful open‑source library player: Strawberry
- Best minimal, free hi‑res playback: Pine Player
- Best open‑source media player for Mac: IINA
- Best for those staying in Apple’s ecosystem: Apple Music
1) Apple Music
Apple Music is the default macOS audio player and the smoothest choice if you live in Apple’s ecosystem. It covers everyday listening, Apple Music streaming, smart playlists, and library sync across devices. It supports Lossless and Hi‑Res Lossless with a compatible DAC, but it’s less flexible for FLAC libraries, deep tagging, or bit‑perfect control.
Why we like it
- Native to macOS with Spotlight, Siri, media keys, and AirPlay integration.
- Supports Apple Music Lossless and Hi‑Res Lossless with an external USB DAC.
- Solid smart playlists, lyrics, and device sync via iCloud Music Library/Sync Library.
Highlights
- Familiar, polished interface with excellent search and library views.
- Crossfade, Sound Check (volume leveling), and lyric‑synced playback.
- Works well with HomePod/AirPlay setups; great “it just works” experience.
Potential drawbacks
- No native FLAC import (convert to ALAC to add files).
- No true exclusive mode for bit‑perfect output; sample‑rate handling relies on system settings.
- Limited advanced tagging, metadata editing, and file‑centric workflows compared with dedicated library players.
Pricing
- Included with macOS. Apple Music streaming subscription is optional for cloud catalog access.
2) Swinsian
Swinsian is a fast, Mac‑native music player built for large local libraries and meticulous tagging. It supports a wide range of formats (FLAC/ALAC/MP3/Ogg/Opus/AIFF/WAV/DSF/APE, and more), watches folders for changes, and offers powerful tag editing with regex and a duplicate finder. Gapless playback, ReplayGain, automatic sample‑rate switching, and a customizable interface make it a strong iTunes/Music replacement for file‑based collectors.
Why we like it
- Handles big libraries smoothly; great performance with FLAC/ALAC collections.
- Advanced metadata tools (multi‑edit, regex find/replace) plus a robust duplicate finder.
- Broad codec support, gapless playback, ReplayGain, and automatic device sample‑rate changes.
Highlights
- Folder watching, smart playlists, regex search, and library stats.
- Flexible UI: art grid, column browser, track inspector, separate playlist windows.
- Handy integrations: Apple Music library import, AirPlay, Last.fm, global shortcuts.
Potential drawbacks
- No built‑in streaming services (Qobuz/TIDAL, etc.); focused on local files.
- Graphic EQ only; no parametric EQ or room‑correction tools.
- Not aimed at multiroom/library‑server use like Roon.
Pricing
- One‑time license with a free trial available.
Website: https://swinsian.com/
3) Colibri
Colibri is a lightweight, Mac‑native hi‑res audio player focused on bit‑perfect, gapless playback with minimal CPU/battery use. It supports a wide range of formats (FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, APE, WavPack, Ogg Vorbis, MP1/MP2/MP3, AAC/M4A), plus CUE sheets and network radio. Exclusive/Hog mode delivers bit‑perfect output, and its clean UI stays out of the way.
Why we like it
- Bit‑perfect playback with Exclusive/Hog mode and a true gapless engine.
- Very low resource usage; native Apple Silicon support; clean, focused interface.
- Broad format coverage for hi‑res local files and simple network streams.
Highlights
- CUE sheet handling for live/cue‑split albums.
- Simple playlists, menu‑bar controls, and Finder integration.
- Privacy‑minded: no ads, subscriptions, or analytics.
Potential drawbacks
- Playback‑centric: limited library management, tagging, and automation.
- No built‑in streaming services (Qobuz/TIDAL/Spotify); local files and radio only.
- Basic EQ; no advanced DSP or room correction.
Pricing
- One‑time purchase: US$19.99 on the [Mac App Store].
Website: https://colibri-lossless.com/
4) Pine Player
Pine Player is a fast, no‑frills Mac app that focuses on playing local files cleanly. It handles formats from MP3 and FLAC to DSD (DoP) and reads CUE sheets, all while staying light on system resources. You get gapless playback, crossfade, upsampling, and a 12‑band EQ. Ideal when you want to press play without managing a big library.
Why we like it
- Wide format support including DSD (DoP) and CUE sheets.
- Hi‑res tools: upsampling, gapless/crossfade, 12‑band EQ.
- Minimal footprint and instant start.
Highlights
- Mac‑only; focused on local files and simple playlists.
- Lightweight and responsive even on large folders.
Potential drawbacks
- Minimal library management and tagging.
- No streaming service integration.
Pricing
Website: https://www.pine-player.com/
5) Audirvāna
Audirvāna is a hi‑fi player built for sound quality on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It takes exclusive control of your DAC, reduces system interference, and offers extensive DSP (including upsampling and plugin support). Choose Studio for integrated streaming (Qobuz/TIDAL and internet radio) or Origin for a one‑time, local‑library setup. Control everything from the free Remote app.
Why we like it
- Focus on fidelity: exclusive DAC access and system optimizations.
- Studio (streaming) or Origin (local‑only) to fit how you listen.
- DSP flexibility with upsampling/filters and plugin support.
Highlights
- Cross‑platform apps plus a headless Linux Core for NAS/server use.
- Free Remote app on iOS and Android.
Potential drawbacks
- Streaming features require the Studio subscription; Origin is local‑only.
- More setup and tuning than a basic player.
Pricing
- Studio is subscription; Origin is a one‑time license. Free Remote included.
Website: https://audirvana.com/
6) Roon
Roon turns your music into a richly linked, whole‑home experience on macOS and beyond. It blends local files with Qobuz/TIDAL, adds deep credits and discovery, and plays to many rooms at once with rock‑solid sync. Powerful DSP tailors each zone, and Roon ARC lets you take your library on the road. You’ll need a Core running somewhere in your home.
Why we like it
- Unmatched metadata linking (performers, compositions, versions).
- RAAT protocol for high‑quality multiroom; powerful DSP (PEQ, headroom, upsampling).
- Integrates Qobuz and TIDAL; handles local libraries elegantly.
Highlights
- Runs as Core + Control + Output; a Mac can serve any role.
- Great for large collections and audiophile setups.
Potential drawbacks
- Requires a Core (always‑on recommended).
- Subscription pricing; overkill for simple needs.
Pricing
- Subscription (monthly/yearly) or lifetime. Free trial available.
Website: https://roon.app/
7) foobar2000
A lightweight, highly customizable macOS audio player. Plays most formats with gapless playback, strong tagging/ReplayGain, and a component ecosystem for extras like streaming, DSPs, and visuals.
Why we like it
- Fast, stable, and tiny.
- Flexible DSP/ReplayGain and powerful tagging.
- Large component ecosystem (more extensive on Windows).
Highlights
- Customizable UI; great keyboard control.
- Format conversion tools built in.
- Internet radio and many add‑on components.
Potential drawbacks
- Setup can take tweaking; many features need components.
- Fewer third‑party add‑ons on macOS.
- No built‑in subscription streaming services.
Pricing
Website: https://www.foobar2000.org/mac
8) Strawberry Music Player
A cross‑platform, open‑source player and library manager for music collectors and audiophiles. It plays and organizes local files, streams internet radio, and supports Subsonic‑compatible servers and TIDAL, with rich metadata tools.
Why we like it
- Excellent library management and tag editing with automatic metadata from MusicBrainz.
- Strong metadata fetchers: cover art (Last.fm/MusicBrainz/Discogs/etc.) and lyrics; Last.fm/Libre.fm/ListenBrainz scrobbling.
- Audiophile features: advanced output/device config for bit‑perfect playback on Linux, plus analyzer/equalizer.
Highlights
- Smart/dynamic playlists and multi‑format playlist support.
- Internet radio, Subsonic‑compatible servers, and TIDAL search/streaming.
- Device sync to USB/MTP/iPod and Audio CD playback (not available on Windows).
Potential drawbacks
- macOS and Windows builds are currently gated to sponsors.
- Audio CD and device support are not available on Windows.
- Limited native support for major subscription services beyond TIDAL/Subsonic.
Pricing
- Free and open source (GPL). macOS/Windows releases currently require sponsorship (about US$7/month).
Website: https://www.strawberrymusicplayer.org/
A ubiquitous, open‑source macOS media player that reliably handles almost any audio or video format and network stream. Great as a “just works” option for odd files and quick playback.
Why we like it
- Decodes virtually every audio codec, including rare and legacy formats.
- Great for internet radio, network streams, and cue‑based albums.
Highlights
- Free, open source, and constantly updated.
- Scriptable and handy for quick playback tasks.
Potential drawbacks
- Library management is basic.
- UI is video‑centric; gapless and audiophile niceties are limited.
Pricing
Website: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/
10) IINA
A modern, Mac‑native, open‑source player built on mpv’s engine, blending a polished UI with powerful playback control. Excellent for audio playlists and network streams on macOS; also a strong general media player.
Why we like it
- Modern macOS UI on top of mpv’s powerful engine.
- Excellent for playlists, network streams, and advanced playback control.
Highlights
- Gesture support, picture‑in‑picture (video), and strong subtitle/network features.
- Useful “generalist” if you also watch video.
Potential drawbacks
- Not a dedicated music library manager.
- Fewer audiophile‑specific features compared to Audirvāna/Roon.
Pricing
Website: https://iina.io/
11) Vox
A sleek, minimalist macOS audio player with easy FLAC playback and a clean interface. Optional cloud add‑ons extend it for syncing and extras.
Why we like it
- Attractive interface and easy FLAC playback.
- Simple playlists and a minimal footprint.
Highlights
- Optional cloud/storage subscription for syncing library across devices.
- Handy menu‑bar controls.
Potential drawbacks
- Advanced features (and sometimes even gapless behaviors) can vary by version.
- Cloud features are paid; local‑only users may outgrow it.
Pricing
- Free core app; optional paid cloud/premium services.
Website: https://vox.rocks/
12) Doppler
A simple, modern macOS music player focused on owning your files. Fast imports, clean metadata and artwork, and smooth iPhone syncing make it ideal for Bandcamp and store‑bought downloads.
Why we like it
- Beautiful, fast interface designed for local libraries (FLAC, ALAC, MP3).
- Great for listeners who buy from Bandcamp and want clean metadata and artwork.
Highlights
- Easy import, tagging, and playlist management.
- Focus on owning files; no streaming bloat.
Potential drawbacks
- No built‑in streaming service integration.
- Fewer pro‑grade DSP/audiophile options.
Pricing
- One‑time purchase with free trial.
Website: https://brushedtype.co/doppler/
How to choose the right macOS audio player
- Your library type: If you own files (FLAC/ALAC), prioritize strong tagging and gapless (Swinsian, Strawberry, Doppler). If you stream, consider Apple Music, Audirvāna Studio, or Roon.
- Audiophile needs: For bit‑perfect output, device control, upsampling/DSD, and DSP, choose Audirvāna or Roon. Minimalists may prefer Colibri or Pine Player.
- Library size and management: Huge local libraries benefit from Swinsian’s speed and tools. Strawberry offers an open‑source alternative with smart playlists and ReplayGain.
- Ecosystem and multiroom: Apple users who want “it just works” can stay with Apple Music. For multiroom and rich metadata, Roon shines.
- Budget and ownership: Prefer one‑time licenses? Swinsian, Colibri, Doppler, and Audirvāna Origin fit. Subscriptions: Roon and Audirvāna Studio.
- Interface style: If you want a native Mac feel and simplicity, Doppler and Swinsian are great. If you’re power‑user oriented, foobar2000 and Strawberry offer control.
FAQ
Q: What’s the best FLAC player for Mac?
A: For simplicity and performance, Colibri and Pine Player are great. For full library management with FLAC, Swinsian and Strawberry are top picks. Apple Music doesn’t import FLAC natively; convert to ALAC if you must stay in the Apple ecosystem.
Q: Which Mac players support true gapless playback?
A: Swinsian, Audirvāna, Roon, foobar2000, Strawberry, Colibri, Pine Player, and Doppler are reliable for gapless. VLC and Vox may vary by version and configuration.
Q: How do I get bit‑perfect playback on macOS?
A: Use a player that can take exclusive control of your audio device and set the sample rate appropriately (e.g., Audirvāna or Roon). Ensure macOS Audio MIDI matches the file sample rate when not using exclusive mode. An external USB DAC is recommended for hi‑res.
Q: Can I play DSD on a Mac?
A: Audirvāna supports DSD (including DoP). Roon also handles DSD with appropriate output devices. Lightweight players may downconvert to PCM; check each app’s specs.
Q: What’s the best iTunes (Music app) alternative?
A: Swinsian is the leading paid alternative for file‑based collectors. Strawberry and foobar2000 are excellent free/open‑source options if you’re comfortable with a less Mac‑native UI.
Q: Which players work best with Qobuz/TIDAL?
A: Audirvāna Studio and Roon integrate both. Apple Music only supports Apple’s own service.
Q: Do these players support Apple Silicon (M‑series) Macs?
A: Yes—actively maintained apps listed here are Apple Silicon compatible. For niche or older apps, verify on the developer’s site.
Q: What about ReplayGain and volume leveling?
A: Strawberry, foobar2000, Roon, and Audirvāna offer ReplayGain or leveling features. Apple Music provides Sound Check (Apple’s implementation), which differs from ReplayGain.
Q: Can I stream to AirPlay or network players?
A: Apple Music and Swinsian support AirPlay output. Audirvāna supports UPnP/DLNA to networked streamers; Roon uses its own RAAT protocol.
Conclusion
There’s no single “best audio player for macOS”—it depends on how you listen. If you own a large local library and value tagging and speed, Swinsian is a superb iTunes replacement. For minimalist, bit‑focused listening, Colibri and Pine Player are hard to beat. Audiophiles who want device control, DSD, and streaming integration should look at Audirvāna; for whole‑home, metadata‑driven listening, Roon is in a class of its own. Casual listeners who stream in Apple’s ecosystem can confidently stick with the Apple Music app.
