Cider alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Cider: requires an Apple Music subscription on top of the app price, and unofficial, so it depends on Apple's services. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Cider, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Apple Music currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 4 alternativesThe best Cider alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Cider alternative for a free option
StrawberryFree open-source player if you'd rather play your own files.
Best Cider alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
SpotifyOfficial native desktop apps on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Best Cider alternative for open source
StrawberryFree open-source player if you'd rather play your own files.
Best Cider alternative for Linux
StrawberryFree open-source player if you'd rather play your own files.
Best Cider alternative for iPhone and Android
Apple MusicThe official apps, with the newest features first.
Best Cider alternative for working in the browser
Apple MusicThe official apps, with the newest features first.
Cider alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Cider?
Apple Music ranks first right now. The official apps, with the newest features first. Spotify and Strawberry follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Cider?
Yes. Spotify (free plan + paid) and Strawberry (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Cider?
Yes: Strawberry.
Which Cider alternatives work on Linux?
Strawberry runs on Linux.
Why do people switch from Cider?
The complaints we hear most: requires an Apple Music subscription on top of the app price; unofficial, so it depends on Apple's services; some Apple Music features may be missing.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Cider, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.