31 Free Hi Res Audio Players [Windows Mac Linux Android iOS]

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 to reach your device's sound quality limit,
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FLAC, DSF, DFF, SACD ISO, mp3, m4a, CUE, CD...
 
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DFF/DSF to FLAC/WAV >

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Split CUE+FLAC/DSF/DFF >

Audio Basis - articles about audio

Read the definitive guide by audio software developer Yuri Korzunov about:
• free and commercial hi-res audio player software apps on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS and other [computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets],
• online streaming for audiophiles,
• Frequently Asked Questions,
• what is the best music player program,
• supported audio formats (WAV, FLAC, DSD [DSF, DFF, SACD ISO], MQA, m4a, ....) and others.

 

Table of content ∨

Free audio players

Free Hi-Res music

What's best player

Free audio converters

Free DSD music

F.A.Q.

• High-resolution audio player software
  • Audio players Windows, Mac, Linux
  • Audio players Android and iOS (mobile applications)
  • Online audio players (hi-resolution streaming services)
  • Online audio players (streaming services)
  • Digital Audio Players (DAP)
• What is the best hi-res audio player software
• Which media player has the best sound quality?
  • Playback modes
  • Gapless playback
  • Memory playback
  • ASIO
  • WASAPI
  • Native DSD
  • DSD to PCM
  • Functionality
• Frequently Asked Questions

 

High-resolution audio player software

Hi res music player software for audiophiles (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, online) for WAV, FLAC, DSD (DSF, DFF, SACD ISO, DoP), MQA, m4a, ....

WARNING: This table can contain errors. It is not an offer or advertising. We are not affiliated with the listed products. We guarantee nothing. If you found a wrong information, contact us, please. To get exact information, contact the software developers and/or vendors.
Supported sample rate and bit depth may depend on a file format.

Digital Audio Players (DAP) portable devices

Read more:

• FREE Hi Resolution audio converters >
• FREE DSD music downloads >
• About DACs >

What is the best audio player software?

Which high-resolution audio player has the best sound quality is your personal choice rather. Some music players are capable of playback sound files without altering binary content (bit-perfect). In general, you don't care, that player is used, but some nuances are there. How to make the choice is discussed below.

Which media player has the best sound quality?

Playback modes

An audio player may work in 2 base modes (depending on the software's abilities):

1. bit-perfect (transmitting data from an audio file to a DAC without altering);
2. processing mode (resampling, room correction, and others).

In bit-perfect mode, the sound quality is determined by DAC and the next audio devices.
This mode consumes minimum computing resources. It is desirable for computers with low computing power.

Processing's sound quality depends on the player and/or processing plug-in.
Higher-quality processing may consume more computing resources, and, sometimes, can't work on lower-performance computers.

more quality = more resources

Also, this mode consumes more electrical energy for calculations and cooling, than a bit-perfect one.
When fans work in intensive mode, they cause more noise.

Gapless playback

Some albums (operas, live concerts, etc.) should be played back as a continuous stream.

Some players can begin the next song without DAC re-initialization.
This ability is called Gapless playback.
It may be applied for as bit-perfect as processed modes (see "Playback modes").

Also played audio files back may be pre-converted in gapless mode too.
This mode has a sense when audio files are resampled or DSD files are processed.
Gapless conversion has sense, when the audio player works in gapless mode.

Memory playback

Some players support so-called memory playback. Audio files (or album) is loaded from hard disk to RAM and delivered to DAC faster than from the disk. At old computers, it can improve to some extent smoothness of transient to the next track. We should bear in mind here that the feature may not be required on modern disks, solid state especially.

ASIO

ASIO is a kind of audio driver by audio interface vendors, that provides low latency and uses specific properties of the audio interface. ASIO SDK (programming tools) is provided by Steingberg.

As rule, ASIO driver is provided together with a sound device. Specific functionality management is supported via a special software control panel.

There is a universal ASIO-driver ASIO4All. But, as rule, DAC-vendor driver is more recommended.

The latest MacOS versions use their built-in drivers (Core Audio) instead ASIO. So, you do not need special drivers to work with a DAC. However, audio device vendors may provide Mac's ASIO drivers for some devices.

Read more:

• How to configure foobar2000 for DSD playback >

WASAPI

WASAPI is a built-in Windows driver to direct access to an audio interface without operating system processing. May be used instead of ASIO.

WASAPI may use exclusive access to an audio interface to render sound stream directly to the DAC's audio buffer without mixing audio streams from several applications. So, no operating system's audio processing is there.

Native DSD

Native DSD is sending DSD audio stream from audio file to DSD DAC without conversion to PCM.

ASIO drivers under Windows may support it. Under the latest  MacOS version, DSD audio stream should be packed in DoP format. The packing is lossless. Also, DoP format may be used on Windows.

Read more:

• How to configure foobar2000 for DSD playback >

DSD to PCM

DSD audio stream may not be played on PCM DAC. Before sending the stream to the DAC, this stream should be converted to PCM.

It consumes processing resources. In the general case, better sound quality depends on amount of computing resources.

Some computers may not have enough computing power for real-time DSD to PCM conversion. It may be solved via offline DSD to PCM conversion. Also, it saves free space on hard disk (HDD) of an audio player. It allows putting more songs on the disk. It may be very useful for portable/mobile devices.

Read more:

• {SACD} ISO to PCM (.flac, .wav, .aiff, .mp3, etc) >
• DSF/DFF (DSD files) to PCM (.flac, .wav, .aiff, .mp3, others) >

Functionality

The widespread demands to players are:

• album artwork displaying;
• text metadata displaying;
• search in song database;
• web radio/streaming playback.

Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q. play audio

How can I play high resolution audio on my computer? How can I listen to hi-res music on my computer? How can I play high-resolution audio on my computer?

To play high-resolution audio on computer you can use player software...

Do audio players have different sound quality? Which music player has the best sound quality for Windows 10? What music player has the best sound quality? Which music player has the best sound quality? What is the best music player for Windows 10 2022? What's the best free music player for Windows 10?

It depends on the mode of playback. In bit-perfect mode, a music player app just transports audio data from a sound file to DAC without audio processing.

When audio player software process audio data (resample, alter bit depth, apply dithering, EQ, etc.), it causes different distortion levels. If considering psychoacoustics, distortions may have a different character, which also impacts the final perception of the distortions. Also, the interaction of the distortions with a playback system (DAC, amplifier, speakers) is a matter.

General recommendation:

• Do a sound check of different players in various modes and audio resolutions on your music equipment. Read details...

How can I listen to hi-res audio on my computer?

You can listen to hi-res audio on your computer with built-in playback software.

You can also install other players...

What is the best music player audiophile?

An audiophile music player should provide hi-fi sound quality (low distortions). In instance, in bit-perfect mode, an audio player doesn't process sound-file content and delivery it directly into a DAC.

Read also: How to improve sound quality...

Gapless playback is needed for playback albums like operas, live concerts, etc.

Memory playback necessity is disputable due to given computer performance.

Read more...

How can I listen to high quality music on my computer?

To listen to high-quality music on computer, you are need to install audio player software on the computer.

See more...

What supports hi-res audio?

Hi-res audio is supported by:

• mobile phones;
• Digital Audio Players (DAP);
• car stereo;
• computers.

How can I play hi-res music on my computer?

To play music on your computer, you can use music player software...

How do I play lossless music on my computer?

You can play lossless music on your computer with audio player

F.A.Q. Windows play audio

Does Windows 10 support hi-res audio? Does Windows 11 support hi-res audio? Can Windows play hi-res audio? Can Windows 10 play hi-res audio?

Yes. Windows supports high-resolution audio.

There are 3 options of audio driver software (program player connection to DAC):

• native;
• ASIO;
• WASAPI.

DSD is played back natively via AISO drivers, that are provided with a DSD DAC.

Read details...

What is the best FLAC player for Windows 10?

What is the best player is a matter of personal choice. In the bit-perfect mode all players should playback with same sound quality.

If audio processing is applied, player sound may be different. The author recommends comparing different players to verify them personally...

What is the best music player for Windows 10?

As rule, it's a personal choice. You can read opinions of other people. But, if you want the best music player just for you:

• Read common recommendations how to choose the best audio player...
• Try demo and free players and choose your own player...

What the best hi-res audio player for Windows? What is the best Windows music player? Which audio player is best for PC?

In general case, the author recommends to listen to free demo versions of the players or free ones to choose the best software for you...

Which Windows music player has the best sound quality?

The best sound quality is a playback unprocessed audio file (bit-perfect mode). However, changing if sample rate and bit depth may open audio-quality abilities of your DAC. The processing may be done inside the player or before playing file back with audio conversion software.

Most of audio players (see list) have free or demo versions and you can try them before buying.

Read more...

Can PC play hi-res audio?

PC is capable to play hi-res audio with sound card that provides sampling rates and bit depths above 48 kHz and 16 bit, respectively.

See to PC audio player software list...

Can Windows play FLAC files?

Windows can play FLAC files via player software...

Can Windows 10 play DSD?

Windows 10 is capable to play DSD with audio player software...

Alternatively, you can convert DSD files to PCM ones...

How can I listen to hi-res lossless?

You can listen to hi-res lossless music via digital audio player device. For computer and mobile phone, you can use player software...

F.A.Q. sound quality

Does hi-res audio sound better? Is hi-res audio better than CD?

Hi res audio allowing solve some issues of analog filters of ADC or DAC. But actual result is a matter of implementation of audio equipment and software. Read the definitive guide...

Read more:

• DSD (issues and myths) >
• PCM (issues and myths) >

Is 24bit audio worth it?

In general, 24-bit is recommended for playback at home audio. It may solve some issues of 16-bit resolution. However, 24-bit doesn't guarantee better sound than 16-bit.

Read more...

Does playback memory improve audio quality?

Memory playback doesn't improve "transparency". But the mode can get rid of pauses if:

• file is played from slow/overload network or
• album player works in gapless mode.

Do gapless playback is helpful?

If an audio player re-initialize DAC, it can cause quiet clicks.

When files played back without re-initializing, there is no kind of clicks.

What is the best FLAC player?

Player causes no distortions in the bit-perfect mode. If the player applies gain control, some distortions may be there.

FLAC decoding, as rule, implemented via standard library. Thus, for FLAC no difference from player to player.

If resampling or other processsing is appllied, player difference is the same other lossless format.

If you are need the best result, download a player or its demo version and check sound.

Do computer digital hardware interface (HDMI, USB, SPDIF, etc.), its cables impact sound quality?

Digital audio interfaces don't impact sound quality, which may be defined as "sound transparency".

Also, digital interfaces have sample rate and bit depth limitations.

Operating system built-in driver can additionally process sound and impact to sound quality.

But pauses, clicks, serial interruptions are possible when an audio interface doesn't work properly (poor cables, grounding, shielding; hardware issues, etc.).

General recommendations:

• Buy thick cables in the mid or higher price range. It is fairly for longer cables especially.
• Ferrite rings/barrels can give some advantages. But it's recommended, that measurement tools are used.

Read more:

• Power conditioning - issues and myths >
• Jitter audio - issues and myths >
• Loudspeakers and acoustic cables - issues and myths >

Do analog audio cables impact to sound quality?

Analog inter-module cables (linear inputs and outputs) can impact the noise floor, crosstalk and frequency response.

General recommendation:

• If you hear the hum at 50 Hz or multiple frequencies (power high voltage network), try to use other analog cables or use digital inter-module connection instead.

Is jitter a real issue for audio playback?

DAC clock source can impact to analog output jitter of a digital-to-analog converter . But all other factors, including memory playback, cables and interfaces - no. Read details...

General recommendations:

• Don't bother about jitter, when DAC is clocked by its internal source.
• Don't use synchronization by SPDIF digital audio input.

What is the best audio format for sound quality?

To achieve maximal sound quality, lossless audio file formats are recommended: FLAC, WAV, AIFF, DSF, DFF, SACD ISO. Read details...

What is 24 bit / 192 kHz audio?

It is resolution audio with sample rate 192 kHz and bit depth 24 bit in PCM format (modulation). Read details...

Is 320kbps good sound quality?

Lossy audio formats, that works on 320-kbps bitrate, provides good sound quality. As rule, it's very similar to lossless music. Read details...

Is WAV better than FLAC?

In audio resolution 384 kHz/32 bit and lesser, there is no difference between FLAC and WAV by the sound quality. Watch video...

If you need a higher resolution, WAV can provide it. When file size is more 4 GB, WAV RF64 format may be applied.

Read details about:

• WAV;
• FLAC.

Is DSD better than FLAC?

Both DSD and FLAC are high-resolution formats, that try solve issues of 44.1 kHz / 16 bit. But, actual result depend on implemengtation of your audio system. Read details...

Is CD quality 16 or 24 bit?

CD quality means 16 bit / 44.1 kHz. Read about high resolution audio...

What is the best format for audio quality?

Lossless formats (WAV, FLAC, DSF, AIFF. ALAC, etc.) keep full sound qulity of their sources.

Higher sampling rates and bit depths cause lesser distortions than lesser ones, theoretically.
Practically, there is not the direct dependency. Your musical equipment can make difference.

Read more what the best audio formats...

Is FLAC or WAV better?

Both FLAC and WAV are the identical by their lossless sound quality. However, there are some discussion...

Is FLAC better than MP3?

FLAC is lossless format. mp3 is lossy one. FLAC is better mp3 technically. On high mp3-bitrates at 16 bit / 44.1 kHz, difference may be subtle.

Read more...

Is FLAC the best audio format?

FLAC is audiophile lossless format. However, it has alternatives in excess of it.

Read details...

F.A.Q. hi-res music downloads

Where can I buy high resolution music?

See list of sites with high-resolution audio...

Where can I get hi-res audio for free?

Look at free high-res audio downloads:

• music samples (FLAC, DSF)...
• website list...

F.A.Q. MQA

How do I play an MQA file?

You can play MQA files on an audio player that is MQA compatible.

How do I listen to MQA on Tidal?

You can listen to MQA on Tidal. How to do it...

What is passthrough MQA on Tidal?

You can listen to MQA by Tidal on MQA DAC. "Passthrough MQA" turn off software MQA decoding to do it into the DAC.

Is MQA better than FLAC? Is FLAC better than MQA?

MQA is high qualitative lossy format, as the author know. FLAC is lossless format, providing output sound quality absolutely identical source. MQA provides better file-size comression ratio. Read details...

F.A.Q. players

Can Windows Media Player play high-resolution audio?

Yes. Windows Media player is capable to play high resolution audio files. If your file iss not played back, you can try other players...

Can Windows Media Player play MQA?

Windows Media Player can play MQA files in compability mode without full decoding.

Can Windows Media Player play hi-res?

Windows Media Player can play hi-res audio files.

Can VLC play hi-res audio?

Yes, VLC can play hi-res audio. However, as the author know, VLC don't support DSD formats.

Does VLC play hi-res audio?
Can VLC play high res audio?

VLC is capable to play hi-res audio.

Can VLC play lossless?

VLC is capable to play lossless files. In instance, FLAC.

Does Vox work on Windows?

At moment of the answer writting, Vox provides experimental version for Windows...

Is Hysolid free?

At moment of the answer writting, Hysolid is free audio player.

Is Groove Music any good?

It's personal taste matter. Groove Music may cover your requirements. But, the author would recommend comparing it with alternative software...

January 12, 2023 updated | since December 7, 2018