Strawberry Music PlayerLinux
vs
WinampWindows
Strawberry Music Player as a Linux alternative to Winamp
Updated
Our verdict
Strawberry is a strong replacement for Winamp users who prioritize audio quality and library management over visual customization. It handles common audio formats, playlists, and metadata editing effectively. However, it lacks Winamp’s deep plugin architecture and skinnable interface. If you relied on Winamp for specific plugins or custom skins, Strawberry will feel restrictive. It is best for audiophiles and collectors who want a solid, stable player with advanced output options, rather than a highly customizable media center.
- License
- GPL-3.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.2.31 (October 3, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports common audio formats and CD playback
- Playlist management and media library organization
- Built-in equalizer and audio visualization capabilities
- Tag editing and metadata retrieval from online databases
What is different
- No support for user-created skins or visual themes
- Lacks Winamp’s extensive plugin ecosystem for third-party extensions
- Focused on audio rather than general video playback
- Uses Qt interface instead of Winamp’s proprietary UI framework
Opening your Winamp files
Strawberry can import standard playlist formats like M3U and PLS, which Winamp also uses. It does not natively import Winamp’s proprietary configuration or skin files. If you have complex Winamp playlists with specific plugin references, those references will be ignored, but the track list should transfer correctly if saved in a standard format.
Switching from Winamp to Strawberry Music Player, step by step
- Export your Winamp playlists as M3U files
- Install Strawberry via your package manager or Flathub
- Import your music library into Strawberry’s collection
- Load the M3U playlists into Strawberry
- Configure audio output settings for your hardware
- Set up tag retrieval from MusicBrainz if needed
Key features of Strawberry Music Player
- Supports most popular audio formats and CD playback
- Edit tags and retrieve metadata from MusicBrainz
- Fetch album art from Last.fm, Discogs, and Spotify
- Advanced audio output configuration for bit-perfect playback
- Smart and dynamic playlist management
- Built-in equalizer and audio analyzer
- Scrobbling support for Last.fm and ListenBrainz
- Transfer music to USB players and iPods
How to install Strawberry Music Player on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.strawberrymusicplayer.strawberrysudo apt install strawberrysudo apt install strawberrysudo dnf install strawberrysudo pacman -S strawberrysudo zypper install strawberryFrequently asked questions
Can I use Winamp skins in Strawberry?
No, Strawberry does not support Winamp skins. It uses a standard Qt interface with limited theme customization.
Does Strawberry support video files?
Strawberry is primarily an audio player. While it uses GStreamer, it is not designed for general video playback like Winamp was.
Is there a plugin system in Strawberry?
No, Strawberry does not have a plugin system comparable to Winamp’s. It has built-in features for streaming and scrobbling, but no third-party plugin support.
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