AUDIO PLAYERS: Tested Freeware
CRITERIA
- Mustn't require the installation of any other software (i.e. .NET framework or JAVA) to run.
- Mustn't be promoting a commercial service or function as a marketing tool.
- No adware or spyware (obviously)
- Mustn't call home (after updates switched off) or attempt to connect to a third party when online or link in with any web based service (i.e. could we trust it).
- Must be able to play files at sample rates above 44100 HZ
- Must be able to play Wavs above 16 bit
- Must be able to play : ACC, OGG, MPC, MP3, FLAC, WavPack, Wav
- Sound quality (thought we'd mention it, but actually sound quality isn't an issue in software players, unless they are broken in some way. Most of the "differences" people "hear" are either due to placebo or some DSP being applied to one player but not another.
- Doesn't have to look great but mustn't be extraordinarily offensive to the eye (some are).
- Must be easy to use and intuitive.
- If setup and configuration are time consuming the time spent must be rewarded by excellent performance and utility.
FREEWARE TESTED
Latest versions as of September 2009
- 1by1
- AIMP Classic
- Aqualung
- AudioPlayer
- Billy
- Destroy MediaPlay
- DéKiBulle
- Evil Player
- Flookey
- foobar2000
- FreeAmp
- JetAudio Basic
- Juke
- Media Player Classic
- MoodAmp
- MusicBee
- musikCube
- MXPLAY
- n.player
- Passion Audio Player
- Quintessential Player
- Quintessential Player Development Build
- RainbowPlayer
- Softe Audio Player
- soprano
- Spider Player
- TPlayer
- TrayPlay
- UltraPlayer
- VLC Player
- VUPlayer
- Winamp
- Windows Media Player
- X Media Player
- Xion Audio Player
- XMPlay
- yPlay
- Zinf Audio Player
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