LollypopLinux
vs
Winamp (Classic)Windows
Lollypop as a Linux alternative to Winamp (Classic)
Updated
Our verdict
Lollypop is a solid replacement for Winamp if you primarily use it for audio. It handles common formats, manages libraries, and offers ReplayGain, which Winamp lacked natively. However, it is not a drop-in swap for power users. Lollypop is GNOME-centric, lacks video playback, and has no plugin system for custom skins or visualizers. If your Winamp usage involved heavy skinning, scripting, or video, Lollypop will feel limiting. For basic music playback and organization on a modern Linux desktop, it is lightweight, stable, and sufficient.
- License
- GPL-3.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.4.48 (October 10, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Lightweight resource usage suitable for older hardware
- Support for common audio formats like MP3, FLAC, and OGG
- Playlist and media library management
- Online metadata fetching for artwork and lyrics
- Low memory footprint compared to heavier media centers
What is different
- No video playback support, unlike Winamp
- No plugin architecture for custom skins, visualizers, or scripts
- GNOME-specific UI design rather than a fully customizable interface
- Lacks built-in visualizers; requires external tools
- No support for exotic or legacy codecs that Winamp plugins handled
Opening your Winamp (Classic) files
Lollypop does not natively import Winamp .m3u playlist files directly through its UI, but you can manually open them if they use standard M3U syntax. Media files themselves are standard formats, so no conversion is needed. Exporting playlists to M3U is supported, allowing you to share them with other players. There is no direct migration tool for Winamp settings, skins, or plugin configurations.
Switching from Winamp (Classic) to Lollypop, step by step
- Install Lollypop from your distribution’s repository or Flathub.
- Point Lollypop to your existing music directory to scan the library.
- Manually open Winamp .m3u playlists if they contain relative paths that resolve correctly.
- Configure ReplayGain settings in Lollypop to match your preferred volume normalization.
- Install a separate visualizer application if you require audio visualization.
- Test playback of your most common file formats to ensure codec support.
Key features of Lollypop
- Lightweight GNOME‑centric UI
- Party mode auto‑selects party playlists
- Fullscreen couch mode for remote control
- Online fetching of lyrics, artwork, biography
- Native ReplayGain support
- Supports common audio formats (MP3, FLAC, OGG, AAC)
How to install Lollypop on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.gnome.Lollypopsudo apt install lollypopsudo apt install lollypopsudo dnf install lollypopsudo pacman -S lollypopsudo zypper install lollypopFrequently asked questions
Can Lollypop play video files?
No, Lollypop is an audio-only player. For video, use VLC or Totem.
Does Lollypop support custom skins?
No, it uses a standard GNOME theme. You cannot install Winamp skins or change the UI layout significantly.
Is Lollypop suitable for non-GNOME desktops?
It works on other desktops but is optimized for GNOME. The UI may feel out of place on KDE or XFCE.
5 other alternatives to Winamp (Classic)
Clementine Music PlayerClementine is a cross‑platform music player that plays local files, internet radio, and supports cloud…Open sourceFreeFlatpakClementine Music Player vs Winamp (Classic)
Strawberry Music PlayerStrawberry is a free, open-source Qt-based music player and collection organizer for Linux.Open sourceFreeFlatpakStrawberry Music Player vs Winamp (Classic)
AudaciousA lightweight, Winamp-style audio player for Linux that supports plugins, skins, and extensive audio formats.Open sourceFreeFlatpakAudacious vs Winamp (Classic)
RhythmboxRhythmbox is GNOME's default music player, designed to manage and play local and streaming audio with plugin…Open sourceFreeFlatpakRhythmbox vs Winamp (Classic)
VLCVLC is a free, open‑source multimedia player that handles virtually any audio or video format.Open sourceFreeFlatpakVLC vs Winamp (Classic)