AmarokLinux
vs
Foobar2000Windows
Amarok as a Linux alternative to Foobar2000
Updated
Our verdict
Amarok can serve as a Foobar2000 replacement for users who want a full‑featured music library on Linux. It handles the common codecs, offers robust tagging, smart playlists and device sync, and stays light on resources. However, power users who rely heavily on Foobar’s ultra‑minimal UI, extensive DSP plugin ecosystem, or Windows‑only extensions may find Amarok’s interface and plugin selection less flexible. For most listeners seeking a stable player with good library management on Linux, Amarok is a solid choice; for those needing the extreme customisation and low‑overhead footprint of Foobar, it will feel heavier.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.3.3 (June 17, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports MP3, FLAC, AAC and other common formats
- Library management with tagging and rating
- Playlist creation with gapless playback
- Low CPU and memory usage suitable for older hardware
What is different
- Foobar’s plugin system is more extensive for DSP and visualisers
- Amarok includes built‑in online service integration (last.fm, Magnatune) which Foobar lacks
- Foobar offers a highly minimal UI; Amarok’s interface is more feature‑rich and may feel heavier
- Amarok provides device sync for iPod/MTP, which Foobar only supports via third‑party plugins
Opening your Foobar2000 files
Amarok can read standard audio files and their metadata directly, so any MP3, FLAC, AAC, etc., you have in Foobar2000 can be opened without conversion. Exported playlists in M3U or XSPF format are also readable. There is no proprietary Foobar2000 database to import, so library reconstruction will rely on rescanning your folders.
Switching from Foobar2000 to Amarok, step by step
- Install Amarok from your distribution’s repository or via Flathub
- Copy your music folders to the new system or mount the existing library location
- Open Amarok and let it scan the music directory to build the collection
- Import existing M3U/XSPF playlists via Amarok’s playlist manager
- Configure tag editing preferences and enable ReplayGain if needed
Key features of Amarok
- Dynamic playlists with customizable rules
- Music library management with ratings and labels
- Support for iPod, MTP, and UMS devices
- Integrated last.fm, Magnatune, and Ampache
- Scripting for custom features and automation
- Automatic cover art and lyric fetching
- ReplayGain support for volume normalization
- Tag editing and batch processing
How to install Amarok on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.kde.amaroksudo apt install amaroksudo dnf install amaroksudo pacman -S amaroksudo zypper install amarokFrequently asked questions
Can I use Foobar2000 skins in Amarok?
No, Amarok uses its own Qt‑based UI and does not support Foobar2000 skin files.
Does Amarok support DSP plugins like Foobar’s equalizer?
Amarok includes a basic equalizer and supports LADSPA/FFmpeg filters, but its plugin ecosystem is not as extensive as Foobar’s dedicated DSP plugins.
Will my existing Foobar2000 library ratings transfer automatically?
Ratings stored in the audio file tags will be read by Amarok, but Foobar’s internal rating database will not import; you’ll need to re‑rate within Amarok if you used Foobar’s internal system.
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