RhythmboxLinux
vs
DeliPlayerWindows
Rhythmbox as a Linux alternative to DeliPlayer
Updated
Our verdict
Rhythmbox is a solid replacement for general audio needs but falls short for dedicated tracker module users. It handles MP3s and playlists well, fitting the low-resource requirement if you don't enable heavy plugins. However, it lacks native, first-class support for MOD, XM, and S3M files. While GStreamer can often decode these formats, the experience is not as specialized or reliable as DeliPlayer. Choose Rhythmbox if you primarily listen to standard audio formats and want a full-featured library manager. If your library is mostly tracker modules, look for a dedicated module player instead.
- License
- GPL-2.0+ and GFDL-1.3
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.5.1 (August 24, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Plays MP3 files natively
- Supports playlist management
- Lightweight enough for basic desktop use
- Organizes local audio files
What is different
- Lacks native, dedicated support for MOD, XM, and S3M tracker formats
- Includes extensive features like podcasting, Last.fm scrobbling, and device sync that DeliPlayer lacks
- Designed as a full music manager rather than a focused audio player
- Depends on GStreamer plugins for any non-standard format support
Opening your DeliPlayer files
Rhythmbox does not use DeliPlayer-specific file formats. Your audio files (MP3, MOD, XM, S3M) are standard media files that Rhythmbox can access directly from the filesystem. If DeliPlayer uses proprietary playlist formats, you will likely need to export them to M3U or CSV formats to import them into Rhythmbox. Rhythmbox supports standard M3U playlists natively.
Switching from DeliPlayer to Rhythmbox, step by step
- Install Rhythmbox via your distribution's package manager or Flathub
- Export your DeliPlayer playlists to M3U format
- Import the M3U files into Rhythmbox via the File menu
- Add your music directories to Rhythmbox's source list
- Test playback of MP3s and any tracker modules to verify GStreamer support
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 Rhythmbox play MOD files?
It may, depending on your GStreamer plugin configuration, but it is not a primary focus. For reliable tracker playback, a dedicated module player is recommended.
Is Rhythmbox lightweight?
It is lighter than a full media center but heavier than a minimal player like DeliPlayer due to its music management features.
Does Rhythmbox support S3M and XM files?
Similar to MOD, support relies on GStreamer plugins. It is not guaranteed to work out-of-the-box on all systems without additional plugin installation.
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