More and more of us are using our devices, whether desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone, to listen to music every day. However, the breadth of the programs we use to do this is very small; with many people choosing to use the iTunes software bundled with their iPod or iPhone. But what if you fancy an alternative to Apple? Here are some of the best alternatives…
Ecoute
One of the most popular alternative music players around today, Ecoute is a Mac program which looks to provide a simpler, stripped-down version of iTunes. After installing, Ecoute automatically detects and syncs with your iTunes library, allowing you to transport over all your files, and can also connect to your Last.fm, Twitter and Facebook accounts.
The program also comes with a pop-out widget that stays on your desktop when music is playing, which you can use to easily access play controls, and will also display notifications in the corner of your screen to signal when a new song is starting.
Sonora
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Sonora features a smooth, streamlined layout that allows users to view their music library via album covers with a priority on visual layout. You can browse your files and build a play queue in different areas of the program, with easy editing and moving of songs. Similar to Ecoute, it will also connect to your Last.fm account to let you access more tracks.
Tomahawk
Offering one of the most complete services around, Tomahawk is able to sync with all of your current online accounts, including Spotify, Soundcloud, Grooveshark and Last.fm to pull together a complete music library, including all information about related artists and new releases. Once fully synced, if you search for a particular song, Tomahawk will track down and play the best version across these accounts, meaning you should always be able to access the best sound quality possible.
Tomahawk can also connect to Google, Twitter and Jabber so that you can see your friends’ collections and boast about your own, and will also save your searches and offers info on your listening history, along with an option for private listening.
Fidelia
Featuring an interface that resembles a high-end stereo, Fidelia is one for true audiophiles, favouring high-quality sound above all else, including FLAC formats (which is currently unsupported by iTunes). The eye-catching player includes a selection of adjustable audio options, including a range of special effects, as well as displaying visual information such as the waveform of the current song.
Swinsian
Similar in looks to iTunes, Swinsian is a near OS X app which will sync with your iTunes library and can also be connected to your Last.fm account. The app features a clear layout with playlists and metadata on all your songs displayed in separate sidebars which are easy to access and edit. The app will also automatically detect other AirPlay ports, meaning you can hook it up to your laptop or an exterior sound system.
