Head-to-head · Audio CD Burning Software
Brasero vs dBpoweramp CD Writer
Brasero leads on 0 checks, dBpoweramp CD Writer on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBrasero · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresdBpoweramp CD Writer · 1 of 4
Brasero scores higher on our rubric for audio cd burning software: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.
Brasero is the better fit for linux users wanting straightforward audio burning. dBpoweramp CD Writer is the better fit for free Windows users focused on gapless mixes.
- Brasero fits best
Linux users wanting straightforward audio burning
- dBpoweramp CD Writer fits best
Free Windows users focused on gapless mixes
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Side by side
| Feature | Brasero 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | dBpoweramp CD Writer 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #5 in Audio CD Burning Software | #7 in Audio CD Burning Software |
| Best for | Linux users wanting straightforward audio burning | Free Windows users focused on gapless mixes |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Brasero 0/4 · dBpoweramp CD Writer 1/4 | ||
| Gapless burning | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Crossfade controls | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| CD-Text support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Disc label design | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported operating systems | Not checked yet | Windows |
| Audio formats | Not checked yet | MP3, WMA |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Brasero is an open-source Linux desktop application for authoring and burning CDs and DVDs. It suits solo users and small teams that need a straightforward way to create audio CDs, produce video DVDs or SVCDs, burn supported disc images,… Read the review → |
dBpoweramp CD Writer is a free Windows desktop utility for people who need straightforward audio-disc creation. It burns standard audio CDs, creates gapless “Mix” CDs, and writes MP3 or WMA data CDs. Audio files can be turned into playable… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Brasero — where it wins
- Creates audio CDs and video DVDs or SVCDs
- Burns ISO, TOC, and CUE images and copies discs
- Supports multisession media, verification, and rewritable-disc erasure
Where it doesn't
- Runs only on Linux desktop systems
- Unmaintained since 2019
- Offers limited audio controls compared with broader tools
dBpoweramp CD Writer — where it wins
- Creates standard and gapless “Mix” audio CDs
- Burns MP3 and WMA data CDs
- Supports 74-, 80-, and 90-minute discs
Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop only
- Effectively unsupported with community support only
- Requires 32-bit dBpoweramp and not the 64-bit version
- Brasero8.8/10 · Free plan
A free Linux burner for audio CDs, disc images, copies, and multisession media.
Visit BraseroFull verdict → - dBpoweramp CD Writer8.6/10 · Free plan
A free Windows burner for standard discs, gapless mixes, and MP3/WMA data CDs.
Visit dBpowerampFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update