However, if you use an Android device, or another mp3 player, and have no real interest in getting your music from the iTunes Store, then Winamp may be the media player for you. Several technical tricks are required to transfer media – a solution easily solved by simply using iTunes. As an alternative to iTunes, Winamp leaves something to be desired in terms of compatibility, too: since iPods are not usually displayed as removable media, you cannot sync the media player directly to the device. It should be noted, however, that Winamp does feature an option to change the “skin” of the design. However, there is a counter-argument against the media player’s design – one person’s nostalgic is another’s outdated. Thanks to these additional features, Winamp is more than just a nostalgic product, and belongs in every selection of the best alternatives to iTunes. There are plenty of plugins available, including a plugin which shows the lyrics of a song as it plays, or provides information about concert tickets for your favorite bands. Using the appropriate plugin, you can also listen to iTunes alternative radio, or run TV streams. It also scores well with a database that is simple and easy to navigate and manage. The Winamp player supports numerous file formats, plays DVDs, and has a built-in burner.

Longer training period is required for the program.

Remembers users’ musical preferences and creates coordinated playlists.

Automatically adds missing information to media files.

Quickly processes a large media library.

This makes MediaMonkey one of the best alternatives to iTunes. For the one-time fee of $49.95, users can get the gold version, with a lifetime license available on all upgrades. However, for the one-time fee of $24.95, users can opt for the gold version which has additional features. The basic version is free and supports most features. The program is more extensive than iTunes, but also requires a training period. Another limitation of the program is that you can only download MediaMonkey for Windows – as of yet, there is no Mac version.

As a result, there is a certain amount of adjustment and training time required when it comes to using MediaMonkey, making it more suitable for users who use their music databases regularly. The player instead relies on complex functions (like iTunes), rather than an intuitive and stylish design. One of MediaMonkey’s weaker aspects is its user interface. The media player also contains a ‘party mode’: if this mode is activated, no files can be moved or deleted, meaning you can entrust your media library to your party gusts. Another important feature is that MediaMonkey is also compatible with iPods and iPhones. This iTunes alternative is also one of the few that automatically pulls missing file information from the web and adds it to the system – unlike iTunes. Additionally, the program includes a CD ripper and a burning program which can be used to create CD’s or DVD’s directly from the database. MediaMonkey has an impressive range of functions: you can download podcasts, create ID3 tags (metadata to audio files) and even convert file formats with the program. Here we list the best media players available, give an overview of features, and explain the key differences to iTunes. Whether you are a music specialist, an occasional user, or a social media fan, there is a decent iTunes alternative for everyone. The good news is that there are plenty of great alternatives to iTunes. A single player is rarely going to satisfy all users anyway – after all, each user has different requirements for what they consider to be a good media player. The media player seems to be moving further and further away from its main function of providing users with a comprehensive, easy-to-use music program. However, iTunes can sometimes irritate users with unwanted updates, which often encourage you to visit the iTunes store or try to collect more user data. iOS is also compatible with some other players other than iTunes. Additionally, iTunes is perfectly compatible with iPods and iPhones, which are among the most popular portable music devices.

Apple’s free software features a clear user interface, while still offering a considerable range of functions. ITunes is an undisputed classic among media players.

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