Recommended Free Tools
ncmpcpp is a keyboard-driven, ncurses interface for controlling Music Player Daemon (MPD). It is an MPD client, not a standalone music player: MPD handles playback, while ncmpcpp lets you browse and manage music and control playback from a terminal. You need a reachable MPD server before the client can do its job.
What ncmpcpp does—and what it does not
ncmpcpp describes itself as a featureful ncurses-based MPD client inspired by ncmpc. ncurses lets it present an interactive text interface in a terminal. MPD is the server that manages playback; ncmpcpp connects to that server and sends controls. The project’s README and manual document the client/server distinction.
This division matters during setup: installing ncmpcpp alone does not create a music library or start playback. You also need MPD configured with access to your music, and ncmpcpp must be able to connect to it.
What you can do in ncmpcpp
The project documents several screens and music-library tools. Which optional functions are available can depend on how the program was built or packaged.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Control and edit playlists: use the playlist and playlist-editor screens to work with queued music.
- Find and browse music: search the collection or navigate the media library.
- Edit tags: use the tag editor; the project lists TagLib as an optional dependency for this function.
- View a visualizer: the visualizer screen can display audio visualization when the required build support and server-side data feed are configured. FFTW is listed as an optional dependency.
- Explore artist information: the documented feature set includes Last.fm artist information.
- Use alternative views: the project lists a new display mode and an alternative user interface, alongside screens such as outputs and clock.
- Work with files outside the MPD music directory: the project lists browsing and adding such files as a feature.
For a comparison with ncmpc, the project that inspired ncmpcpp, focus on which documented features and interface suit your workflow. The available project descriptions do not establish that one is faster or easier to use for everyone. The ncmpc project describes ncmpc as a curses client for MPD.
What you need before connecting
The ncmpcpp manual gives localhost and port 6600 as connection defaults. These defaults are useful when MPD runs on the same computer and accepts its standard connection there; they are not a guarantee that a particular MPD installation is running or reachable. For another host, a Unix socket, or an authenticated server, configure the connection to match MPD.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Host and port: specify the MPD host and port when they differ from the manual’s defaults.
- Unix socket: the manual treats a host value beginning with
/as a socket path. - Authentication: configure the MPD password if the server requires one.
- Music directory: set
mpd_music_dirfor tag-editor and file operations that need it.
The manual says MPD_HOST and MPD_PORT environment variables override the corresponding configuration values. See the ncmpcpp manual for the options supported by your installed version.
Configure the connection and choose a screen
ncmpcpp looks for configuration at $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/ncmpcpp/config and $HOME/.ncmpcpp/config. If neither configuration is present, it uses defaults. The manual also documents command-line options for choosing a host, port, configuration file, and key-bindings file.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Make sure MPD is configured and running. Confirm its host, port or socket, authentication requirements, and music directory.
- Install ncmpcpp. A distribution package may be convenient; check its version and enabled features, since package availability and build options vary.
- Set up a configuration file if defaults do not match. Use the documented configuration locations, and set connection details and any needed password or music-directory value.
- Start ncmpcpp and open the screen you need. The manual documents screens for help, playlist, browser, search engine, media library, playlist editor, tag editor, outputs, visualizer, and clock. Consult the installed manual for the exact key bindings and options.
Building from source
The project README’s source-install outline is to run autoreconf -fiv, then ./configure, make, and make install. It gives ./configure --enable-visualizer as an example of enabling an optional feature. The README lists Boost, ncurses, readline, and curl as dependencies; FFTW and TagLib are optional for visualizer and tag-editing functionality. These are project-stated dependencies, not a promise that every packaged build contains every optional feature. Follow the README and your operating system’s packaging guidance for the version you are installing.
Set up the visualizer’s audio feed
Selecting the visualizer screen is not enough by itself: ncmpcpp needs audio data supplied by MPD or a compatible setup. The project’s example configuration illustrates an MPD FIFO audio output and a Mopidy configuration that sends audio data to a UDP sink. These are configuration examples, not universal defaults; the server-side output and ncmpcpp settings must match.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The FIFO example gives 44100:16:1 for mono or 44100:16:2 for stereo. Treat those values as example format settings, not settings that automatically fit every server. Check the example configuration and ensure the selected output, data format, and visualizer configuration agree.
Project status and installation expectations
The official repository identifies ncmpcpp as being in maintenance mode. Its maintainer describes the project as feature-complete for their use and says substantial new features should not be expected from them; serious bugs or dependency changes that break compilation may still be addressed. This is the project’s own status statement, not an independent assessment of release activity. Check the current repository and the version offered by your distribution before installing, especially if you need a recent feature or compatibility fix.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
