RhythmboxLinux
vs
Apple MusicWindows
Rhythmbox as a Linux alternative to Apple Music
Updated
Our verdict
Rhythmbox is a solid local music manager but a poor replacement for Apple Music if you rely on streaming. It handles local files, podcasts, and radio well, fitting the free/open-source requirement. However, it lacks native Apple Music integration, meaning you lose access to your curated cloud library and playlists. It suits users who primarily play local files and want a simple GNOME-native player. If your workflow depends heavily on Apple’s streaming ecosystem, Rhythmbox will feel incomplete without third-party workarounds or a separate streaming client.
- License
- GPL-2.0+ and GFDL-1.3
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.5.1 (August 24, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Manages local music libraries and playlists
- Supports podcast and internet radio streams
- Provides desktop notifications for track changes
- Allows organization of audio files by artist, album, and genre
What is different
- Lacks native Apple Music streaming or account integration
- Does not sync cloud-based libraries or playlists across devices
- No built-in access to Apple’s curated radio stations or editorial content
- Interface is utilitarian compared to Apple Music’s polished design
Opening your Apple Music files
Rhythmbox plays standard local audio formats like MP3, FLAC, and OGG. If you have downloaded Apple Music files, they are likely DRM-protected and will not play in Rhythmbox. You can import your local, unprotected music files directly. There is no direct export tool for Apple Music playlists, but you can manually recreate them or use third-party scripts to convert M3U8 files if you have access to the stream URLs.
Switching from Apple Music to Rhythmbox, step by step
- Install Rhythmbox from your distribution’s package manager or Flathub
- Copy your local, non-DRM music files to a directory on your Linux system
- Open Rhythmbox and use the 'Import' function to add your local music directory
- Manually recreate essential playlists in Rhythmbox
- Configure podcast and radio stream URLs in the respective sections
- Set up Last.fm integration if you want scrobbling features
Key features of Rhythmbox
- Plays local audio files (MP3, FLAC, OGG, etc.)
- Imports and organizes music from your filesystem
- Supports podcasts and internet radio streams
- Syncs with portable devices including Android
- Integrates with Last.fm for scrobbling
- Extensible via Python and C plugins
- Supports CD ripping and Magnatune integration
- Runs on major Linux distributions via native packages
How to install Rhythmbox on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.gnome.Rhythmbox3sudo apt install rhythmboxsudo apt install rhythmboxsudo dnf install rhythmboxsudo pacman -S rhythmboxsudo zypper install rhythmboxFrequently asked questions
Can I stream Apple Music directly in Rhythmbox?
No. Rhythmbox does not have native support for Apple Music. You would need to use a separate client or web browser for streaming, while using Rhythmbox for local files.
Does Rhythmbox sync with my phone?
Yes, it supports syncing with portable devices, including Android phones, allowing you to transfer local music files directly.
Is Rhythmbox free?
Yes, it is free and open-source software licensed under GPL-2.0+ and GFDL-1.3, with no subscription fees.
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