Head-to-head · Audio CD Burning Software
Burn vs dBpoweramp CD Writer
Burn leads on 0 checks, dBpoweramp CD Writer on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBurn · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
Burn scores higher on our rubric for audio cd burning software: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.
On supported operating systems, Burn gives you Macos where dBpoweramp CD Writer offers Windows.
Burn is the better fit for mac users seeking a free audio-disc burner. dBpoweramp CD Writer is the better fit for free Windows users focused on gapless mixes.
- Burn fits best
Mac users seeking a free audio-disc burner
- dBpoweramp CD Writer fits best
Free Windows users focused on gapless mixes
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Side by side
| Feature | Burn 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | dBpoweramp CD Writer 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #4 in Audio CD Burning Software | #7 in Audio CD Burning Software |
| Best for | Mac users seeking a free audio-disc burner | Free Windows users focused on gapless mixes |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | Windows |
| Support | Email, Community, Tickets | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Burn 1/4 · dBpoweramp CD Writer 1/4 | ||
| Gapless burning | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Crossfade controls | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| CD-Text support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Disc label design | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported operating systems | Macos | Windows |
| Audio formats | MP3 | MP3, WMA |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Burn is a free, open-source macOS desktop application for creating audio, data and video optical discs. It targets Mac users who need standard Audio CDs, MP3 discs or DVD-Audio discs without a paid license. The application also handles… 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
Burn — where it wins
- Creates Audio CDs, MP3 discs and DVD-Audio discs
- Converts files and edits CD-Text and MP3 tags
- Copies discs and recreates them from disk images
Where it doesn't
- macOS-only deployment excludes Windows and Linux users
- Requires macOS 10.9 or later
- Desktop-only workflow offers no mobile deployment
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
- Burn8.9/10 · Free plan
A capable free Mac burner for audio, data and video discs.
Visit BurnFull 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