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10 Best Apple Music Players in 2025 - Tested & Ranked!
For daily music listeners, the official Apple Music app often falls short of expectations. For instance, its playlist customization features lack flexibility, the cross-device syncing experience is inconsistent, and advanced audio equalizer options are limited—functions that users frequently wish were enhanced.
Yet, since its launch, Apple Music has shown little inclination to address these pain points, leaving a gap in user experience. As dissatisfaction has grown, however, a surge of third-party players has emerged, seamlessly integrating with Apple Music. Could this be an unintended opportunity created by Apple’s open API ecosystem, effectively acting as a "backdoor" for innovation?
To help users navigate this landscape, we conducted comprehensive testing across all available players and identified 10 third-party solutions that fully support Apple Music. Whether for mobile or desktop users, beginners, or audiophiles, these tools cater to diverse needs. Ready for an upgrade?
💡 Make A Quick Choice:
# | Player Name | Compatibility | Key Features | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Marvis Pro | iOS/iPadOS | Customizable UI, Smart Filters, Last.fm scrobbling | Audiophiles & library organizers |
2 | Cs Music Pro | iOS/iPadOS | Lyrics support, Sleep timer, Chromecast/AirPlay | Casual listeners |
3 | Soor | iOS/iPadOS/macOS | Beautiful design, Playlist crafting, Mood-based playback | Music discovery |
4 | Musixmatch | iOS/Android/Desktop | Real-time lyrics, Karaoke mode, Lyrics translation | Sing-along lovers |
5 | Vox Music Player | iOS/iPadOS/watchOS | FLAC support, Cloud integration, Hi-Res audio | High-quality audio seekers |
6 | Offtrack (Mixonset) | iOS/iPadOS/macOS | AI-powered mixes, Smart transitions, DJ-style blending | Party/background music |
7 | Apple Music Electron | Web | Web player alternative, Lightweight, Cross-platform | Web browser users |
8 | Dtd Playlist | iOS/iPadOS/Android | Focus on playlists, Collaborative features | Playlist curators |
9 | Cider | Windows/macOS/Linux | Spatial Audio, Crossfade, Mini-player mode | Apple ecosystem users |
10 | MD Vinyl | iOS/iPadOS/visionOS | Vinyl-inspired UI, Analog sound effects | Vintage music lovers |
NO.1. Marvis Pro
Marvis Pro is a premium third-party Apple Music client by Aditya Rajveer, designed to boost the streaming experience with robust features and personalized design. It caters to both casual listeners and enthusiasts, offering tools that surpass the official app, like advanced search, 30-second previews for non-subscribers, and easy drag-and-drop for playlist curation. A key draw is its high customization: users can adjust the main interface (choosing list or grid styles, including Cover Flow), pick from 40 app icons, and add modules like “Most Played” or “Highest Rated.” It also supports gesture controls, Last.fm integration, and provides rich artist details, making it a top choice for those wanting a more intuitive, personalized Apple Music experience.
Download Here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/marvis-pro/id1447768809
🔍 Basic Information |
Availability: iOS App Store exclusive (One-time purchase) Price: $9.99 (14-day free trial available) • $5.99(In-App Purchases) Requirements: Apple Music subscription required |
✅ Compatibility |
iPhone: iOS 16.2 or later iPad: iPadOS 16.2 or later |
✨ Core Features |
Smart Organization: Rule-based smart playlists, advanced multi-criteria filtering, detailed playback analytics Customization: Custom themes and colors, adjustable home screen layout, intuitive gesture controls Pro Tools: Complete Last.fm scrobbling, enhanced metadata display, focus/content filters |
🎯 Ideal For | Power Users Music Collectors Audiophiles Last.fm Users |
How to Play Apple Music on Marvis Pro?
Step 1: Download Marvis Pro from the iOS App Store and open it.
Step 2: Go to "Settings" > "Music Account" and sign in with your Apple Music-enabled Apple ID.
Step 3: Wait for your library to sync, then navigate via the bottom menu (Library, Playlists, Browse).
Step 4: Tap any song/album to play (controls appear at the bottom); use the download icon for offline access.
Step 3: Customize in Settings (themes, gestures, etc.) or create smart playlists via "Add New Section".
NO.2. Cs Music Pro
Cs Music Pro is a $2.99 music app for iOS, designed especially for iPad. It reimagines the classic iOS music app, offering an ad-free experience. It integrates with Apple Music and features a familiar tabbed interface. With intuitive organization, users can browse by artists, albums, etc. It has advanced customization for large libraries, quick filters, and the ability to pin favorites. The dynamic player changes colors per album art, and it provides metadata and lyrics for a deeper music exploration.
Download Here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cs-music-pro/id924491991?platform=ipad
🔍 Basic Information |
Availability: iOS App Store exclusive (One-time purchase) Price: $2.99 • $1.99 / $2.99 / $4.99 (In-App Purchases) Requirements: Apple Music subscription required |
✅ Compatibility |
iPhone: iOS 16.0 or later iPad: iPadOS 16.0 or later |
✨ Core Features |
Audio Quality: Lossless & Spatial Audio support Playback: Gapless playback, crossfade, EQ presets Library Management: Smart playlists, metadata editor Connectivity: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DLNA support |
🎯 Ideal For | Audiophiles DJs Music Collectors Multi-room Users |
How to Play Apple Music on Cs Music Pro?
Step 1: Download and launch the Cs Music Pro app on your iPad or other compatible iOS devices.
Step 2: Cs Music Pro uses the built-in Music app library of your device. So, all the Apple Music content you added in the Music app can be found in Cs Music Pro.
Step 3: Use the intuitive interface of Cs Music Pro to browse by artists, albums, playlists, etc. You can also use the quick-filter features to find the music you want to play.
Step 4: Once you find the desired song, album or playlist, tap it, and Cs Music Pro will start playing the Apple Music content. You can use the in-app player controls to pause, play, skip tracks, etc.
NO.3. Soor
Soor is a remarkable premium music player crafted for iPhone, iPad and Mac by Tanmay Sonawane. It's the first third-party app with an array of capabilities for Apple Music. It integrates with Musixmatch for lyrics and supports auto-scrobbling to Last.fm. Additionally, it has widgets, offers Magic Mix and Release Alerts, and supports iPad split-screen and slide-over functions, as well as CarPlay. Notably, the name "Soor," pronounced "Sur" (Soar), is Hindi for melody or note. To use Soor, you need the Music app installed on your device as it works only with Apple Music or songs uploaded to the Music app, not supporting other music services.
Download Here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soor/id1439731526
🔍 Basic Information |
Availability: iOS App Store & Mac App Store (Paid app) Price: $6.99 (one-time purchase, no in-app purchases Requirements: Apple Music subscription required |
✅ Compatibility |
iPhone: iOS 16.0 or later iPad: iPadOS 16.0 or later Mac: macOS 13.0 or later |
✨ Core Features |
Smart Organization: AI-powered smart playlists, automatic album art matching, Recently Added/Played filters Customization: Accent color themes, adjustable grid/list views, widget support for home screen Pro Tools: Apple Music Live integration, lyrics display (with translation), AirPlay 2 support |
🎯 Ideal For | Minimalist Users Cross-Device Users Lyrics Enthusiasts Apple Ecosystem Users |
How to Play Apple Music on Soor?
Step 1: First, make sure you have an Apple Music subscription. Add the music you want to play from Apple Music to the built-in Music app library on your iOS device.
Step 2: Launch the Soor app on your iPhone or iPad. Since Soor is a third-party app that works with Apple Music, it will access the music library of the built-in Music app.
Step 3: Use the search function or browse by categories such as artists, albums, and playlists in the Soor app. You can also view Apple's curated content personalized to your listening taste in the app.
Step 4: Once you find the song, album, or playlist you want to play, tap it, and Soor will start playing the Apple Music content. You can use the in-app playback controls to pause, play, skip tracks, adjust volume, etc.
NO.4. Musixmatch
Musixmatch is a popular music player and lyrics app that allows users to access a vast database of song lyrics while listening to music. It integrates with various music streaming services, such as Spotify and Apple Music, enabling users to view synchronized lyrics in real-time as songs play. Musixmatch also offers features like translation of lyrics into multiple languages, the ability to identify songs, and a community-driven platform where users can contribute and edit lyrics.
Download Here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/musixmatch-lyrics-finder/id448278467
🔍 Basic Information |
Availability: iOS App Store & Android (Free with premium options) Price: Free or $1.59+/month (additional features) Requirements: Internet connection required for lyrics and song identification |
✅ Compatibility |
iPhone: iOS 14.0 or later iPad: iPadOS 14.0 or later Android: Android 8.0 or later Desktop: (Web Player) Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge |
✨ Core Features |
Lyrics Display: Real-time synchronized lyrics while listening to music Song Identification: Identify songs playing around you with a single tap Translation: Translate lyrics into multiple languages Music Player Integration: Works with popular music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music |
🎯 Ideal For | Lyrics Enthusiasts Music Lovers Multilingual Users Social Music Sharers |
How to Play Apple Music on Musixmatch?
Step 1: Download and install Musixmatch from App Store or Google Play, and open it.
Step 2: When prompted, select "Apple Music" as the music-streaming platform you want to connect, and click "Allow Access" to grant Musixmatch permission to access your Apple Music account. You can skip the paid-subscription prompt if it appears.
Step 3: Open the Apple Music app, and select the song, album or playlist you want to play, and start playing the music.
Step 4: Switch back to the Musixmatch app. A music controller for the currently playing song will appear at the bottom of the screen. Click it, and you can view the synchronized lyrics.
NO.5. Vox Music Player
Vox Music Player is a music-playing app developed by Coppertino Inc.. It supports various audio formats, including lossless formats like FLAC and WAV, as well as common lossy formats. It can integrate multiple music sources, such as iTunes, Qobuz and SoundCloud. With advanced audio features and convenient music management functions, it is popular among audiophiles and music lovers.
Download Here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vox-mp3-flac-music-player/id916215494
🔍 Basic Information |
Availability: iOS App Store (Free with premium options) Price: Free (basic features); Vox Premium starts at $4.99/month Requirements: Internet for streaming; offline playback for downloaded files |
✅ Compatibility |
iPhone: iOS 12.0 or later iPad: iPadOS 12.0 or later Apple Watch: watchOS 4.0 or later |
✨ Core Features |
High-Res Playback: Supports FLAC, ALAC, WAV, MP3, AAC, etc. Multi-Source Integration: Apple Music, iTunes, SoundCloud, Qobuz, and local files Audio Tools: 30-band equalizer, bass booster, gapless playback Cloud Storage: Vox Cloud (unlimited storage for premium users) |
🎯 Ideal For | Lossless Music Fans Audiophiles Multi-Source Users Cross-Device Users |
How to Play Apple Music on Musixmatch?
Step 1: Download and install Musixmatch from App Store or Google Play, and open it.
Step 2: When prompted, select "Apple Music" as the music-streaming platform you want to connect, and click "Allow Access" to grant Musixmatch permission to access your Apple Music account. You can skip the paid - subscription prompt if it appears.
Step 3: Open the Apple Music app, and select the song, album or playlist you want to play, and start playing the music.
Step 4: Switch back to the Musixmatch app. A music controller for the currently playing song will appear at the bottom of the screen. Click it, and you can view the synchronized lyrics.
NO.6. Offtrack (Formerly Mixonset)
Offtrack (formerly Mixonset) is an AI-powered DJ app that automates music mixing for seamless transitions between songs. Originally launched as Mixonset, it rebranded to Offtrack to reflect its focus on helping users stay "on track" with smooth, intelligent playlists. The app uses machine learning to analyze tracks' BPM, key, and mood, creating dynamic mixes tailored to user preferences. It integrates with streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, offering features like Smart Flow for continuous playback and AI Cuepoints for perfect transitions.
Download Here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/offtrack-ai-mix-music-clips/id1477282813
🔍 Basic Information |
Availability: iOS App Store (Free with premium options) Price: Free (basic mixing); Pro version at $4.99/month or $39.99/year Requirements: Apple Music subscription for full integration |
✅ Compatibility |
iPhone: iOS 14.0 or later iPad: iPadOS 14.0 or later Mac: macOS 11.0.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later |
✨ Core Features |
AI Mixing: Automatically blends tracks using BPM/key analysis Smart Flow: Continuous playback with dynamic transitions DJ Tools: Manual override for cue points, loops, and effects Cross-Platform Sync: Seamless integration with streaming libraries |
🎯 Ideal For | Aspiring DJs Party Hosts Music Enthusiasts Workout Playlist Curators |
How to Play Apple Music on Offtrack?
Step 1: Download and install the Offtrack app from its official website or App Store.
Step 2: Open the Offtrack app on your iOS device or Mac. Select Apple Music from the list of available services. Follow the on-screen prompts to authorize Offtrack to access your Apple Music library.
Step 3: After syncing, you can browse your Apple Music library in Offtrack. You can choose to create a new mix using Apple Music songs or select an existing playlist.
Step 4: Once you have selected the songs or playlists, you can use Offtrack's Smart Mix feature. Tap the "Smart Mix" button, and the app will automatically pick the best fade-in and fade-out points, and create a seamless transition between tracks.
Step 5: After the mix is created, you can start playing it. You can also adjust the order of songs in the queue, or use other DJ-like features in Offtrack, such as BPM matching and cross-fading, according to your needs.
NO.7. Apple Music Electron
Apple Music Electron is an unofficial desktop client for Apple Music, built using the Electron framework to bring streaming to Windows, Linux, and macOS. Unlike the official app, it provides a lightweight, ad-free alternative with a customizable interface, mini-player mode, and media key support. It essentially wraps Apple Music’s web player into a standalone app, improving usability.
Download Here: https://github.com/ciderapp/Apple-Music-Electron
🔍 Basic Information |
Availability: Windows, macOS, Linux (Unofficial) Price: Free (Open-Source) Requirements: Apple Music subscription; Electron runtime |
✅ Compatibility |
Windows: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) macOS: macOS 10.10+ (Intel/M1) Linux: Most distributions (AppImage/Deb) |
✨ Core Features |
Ad-Free Web Player: Wrapped in a standalone app Cross-platform Support: Use it on any desktop or laptop with these systems Mini Player: Compact mode for minimal UI Discord Integration: Shows currently playing tracks on Discord via Rich Presence Custom Themes: Personalize the app's look with multiple theme options |
🎯 Ideal For | Windows/Linux Users Minimalist Listeners Ad-Free Streamers Keyboard Control Fans |
How to Play Apple Music on Apple Music Electron?
Step 1: Download and install Apple Music Electron, and open it. Log into your Apple Music account with your Apple ID to access Apple Music library.
Step 2: After logging in, directly enter your personal Apple Music library. You can browse saved songs, albums, playlists, or search for target content via the top search bar.
Step 3: Find the music you want to play (single track, album, or playlist) and click the play button to start streaming.
Step 4: Use the bottom playback bar to pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, etc. Customize themes, enable Discord status sync, and more in the settings.
Step 5: For songs needing offline playback, click the download button to cache them locally, allowing playback without an internet connection.
NO.8. Dtd Playlist
A DTD (Date-To-Delete) playlist is a dynamic music playlist system where tracks are automatically removed after a predetermined expiration date, ensuring content stays fresh and engaging. This innovative approach uses algorithmic curation to blend user preferences with trending or recommended songs, preventing playlist stagnation while maintaining relevance. Commonly adopted by streaming platforms like Spotify (e.g., "Release Radar") and Apple Music’s personalized mixes, DTD playlists are ideal for radio stations, gyms, or brands seeking evergreen content.
Download Here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dtd-playlist-daily-mood-music/id1631654360
🔍 Basic Information |
Availability: Integrated with major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) Price: Free (Platform-dependent) Requirements: Supported music streaming service subscription |
✅ Compatibility |
iPhone: iOS 15.0 or later iPad: iPadOS 15.0 or later Android: Not mentioned |
✨ Core Features |
Auto-Expiring Tracks: Songs automatically removed after set period Smart Curation: Blends personal taste with trending music Fresh Content: Continuously updated playlist experience Platform Integration: Works within existing streaming apps Customizable Expiry: Set removal timeframe (7/14/30 days) |
🎯 Ideal For | Music Discoverers Radio Stations Gym Playlist Curators Brands & Businesses |
How to Play Apple Music on Dtd Playlist?
Step 1: Download the Dtd Playlist app from the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2: Open the Dtd Playlist app and follow the prompts to connect to Apple Music.
Step 3: After successful connection, you can browse various playlists in Dtd Playlist. The app will provide playlists classified by different emotions and scenarios. If you have liked songs in Apple Music before, you can also find and play them in Dtd Playlist.
Step 4: Use the bottom playback bar to pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, etc. Customize themes, enable Discord status sync, and more in the settings.
Step 5: Tap the play button on your chosen song, album, or playlist to start streaming Apple Music. Use the app’s playback controls to pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and more.
NO.9. Cider
Cider is a free, open-source music player designed for Apple Music and local libraries, offering a sleek, customizable alternative to the official app. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it supports streaming, iTunes integration, and offline playback. Key features include Lossless/Spatial Audio, lyrics display, themes, and a Discord-rich presence. Unlike Apple’s app, Cider is community-driven, with frequent updates and tweaks for better performance.
Download Here: https://github.com/ciderapp/Cider
🔍 Basic Information |
Type: Open-source Apple Music client Price: Free (Premium features optional) Requirements: Apple Music subscription for full features |
✅ Compatibility |
Windows: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) macOS: macOS 10.15 Catalina or later Linux: Most modern distributions |
✨ Core Features |
Lossless Audio: Supports high-quality streaming Custom UI: Themes and layout customization Local Files: Plays your existing music library Lyrics Support: Real-time synchronized lyrics Cross-Platform: Unified experience across OSes |
🎯 Ideal For | Apple Music Subscribers Linux Users UI Customization Fans Open-Source Enthusiasts |
How to Play Apple Music on Cider?
Step 1: Download, install and open the Cider application.
Step 2: After opening Cider, enter your Apple ID and password to complete the login.
Step 3: Once logged in, you can browse various songs, albums and playlists in Cider, just like in the official Apple Music client. Find the music you want to listen to and click the play button to start playing.
Step 4: You can use the "Audio Lab" function in the app to adjust the audio according to psychology and improve your listening experience.
NO.10. MD Vinyl
MD Vinyl is a music-related application developed by Miidii Tech. It can transform iPhone and iPad into virtual turntables, enabling users to experience the ritual of listening to physical records in the digital age. It supports music streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. Users can add dynamic music-playing widgets to the desktop, with vinyl records rotating, and can also customize widget styles. Designed to appeal to both tech enthusiasts and collectors, MD Vinyl offered portability like MiniDiscs but with the tangible charm of vinyl records.
Download Here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/md-vinyl-for-music-app/id1606306441
🔍 Basic Information |
Type: Hybrid music format (MiniDisc + Vinyl elements) Price: Free (Premium features optional) Media Requirement: Physical MiniDisc + Vinyl-style packaging |
✅ Compatibility |
iPhone: iOS 16.0 or later iPad: iPadOS 16.0 or later Apple Vision: visionOS 1.0 or later |
✨ Core Features |
Hybrid Design: MiniDisc (2.5" magneto-optical disc) in 12" vinyl-style packaging Audio Technology: ATRAC Compression • 292kbps bitrate (near-CD quality) Desktop Widget Customization: Provides customizable desktop widgets in multiple styles, such as 2×2, 2×4, 4×4, etc. Intelligent Song Recommendation: The "time-space recommendation" algorithm provides three daily personalized playlists |
🎯 Perfect For | Audiophiles Nostalgia Enthusiasts Limited-Edition Hunters |
How to Play Apple Music on MD Vinyl?
Step 1: Open the MD Vinyl app on your device.
Step 2: In the app, select the "Apple Music" connection option from the available music library sources.
Step 3: Log in to your Apple Music account using your credentials to authorize access.
Step 4: Once connected, browse your Apple Music library within MD Vinyl to find the desired songs or playlists.
Step 5: Select the music to play; it will run on MD Vinyl’s virtual turntable with its signature vinyl effects.
⚡ Bonus Tips: How to Make Your Apple Music Work With Any Music Player
If you cannot find a suitable option from the selections above, don't worry—this section provides methods that are suitable for all music player seekers. There are many excellent music players available on the market, but most of them are not directly compatible with Apple Music and can only play local files. Even if you have an Apple Music subscription and have downloaded music, you cannot use those tracks on other players because Apple Music files are protected.
However, you can resolve this issue by converting Apple Music into local files. By using NoteCable Apple Music Converter, you can easily convert Apple Music songs into common audio formats such as MP3, AAC, and WAV. This not only allows you to enjoy your favorite tracks on various music players but also enables playback on other devices like smartphones, tablets, and more, ensuring a seamless listening experience across all platforms.
How to Download Apple Music to Your Local Computer:
Step 1: Download and install the latest version of NoteCable Apple Music Converter from the official website, then launch it on your computer. The embedded Apple Music application or Web Player will automatically open, requiring no additional installation. After that, log into your account to get started.
Step 2:Go to Settings, and set the output format as MP3/WAV/AAC/FLAC/AIFF/ALAC. Also, you can customize the bitrate, sample rate and storage location
Step 3Simply click the blue Add button on the main interface to add songs from Apple Music to NoteCable.
Step 4After completing the song selection, click the Convert button and the download will begin.
This process may take some time, please be patient.
Step 5Once all is done, you can view the downloaded songs in the "History". If you want to find the specific location, just hit the folder icon on the right side of the title.
Now that the Apple Music files have been successfully saved to your computer, you can add the converted track to any player you like for a seamless experience.
Summary
Have you found the perfect Apple Music player yet? Remember, these players require an active Apple Music subscription to ensure a seamless playback experience. If you prefer not to subscribe or want to stream Apple Music on players that are not compatible, why not give NoteCable Apple Music Converter a try? With it, you can easily download your favorite songs—even without a subscription! After that, your Apple Music library will feel like it's truly yours! So, what are you waiting for?