Head-to-head · Audio CD Burning Software
Burn vs K3b
Burn leads on 0 checks, K3b 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 scoreBurn · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresBurn · 1 of 4
Burn scores higher on our rubric for audio cd burning software: 8.9 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.
Burn is the better fit for mac users seeking a free audio-disc burner. K3b is the better fit for linux users needing broad optical-media projects.
- Burn fits best
Mac users seeking a free audio-disc burner
- K3b fits best
Linux users needing broad optical-media projects
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Side by side
| Feature | Burn 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | K3b 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #4 in Audio CD Burning Software | #6 in Audio CD Burning Software |
| Best for | Mac users seeking a free audio-disc burner | Linux users needing broad optical-media projects |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Tickets | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Burn 1/4 · K3b 0/4 | ||
| Gapless burning | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| 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 | Not checked yet |
| Audio formats | MP3 | Not checked yet |
| 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 → |
K3b is a free, open-source Linux desktop application for creating and managing optical-disc projects. It suits solo users and small teams that need one tool for audio CDs, data discs, video projects, multisession media, mixed-mode… 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
K3b — where it wins
- Handles CD, DVD, and Blu-ray burning
- Supports audio, data, video, mixed-mode, and multisession projects
- Creates images, rips audio CDs, and verifies written data
Where it doesn't
- Runs only on Linux desktops
- Audio controls are less detailed than specialist burners
- Support is provided through community channels and documentation
- Burn8.9/10 · Free plan
A capable free Mac burner for audio, data and video discs.
Visit BurnFull verdict → - K3b8.7/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Linux burner covering audio, data, video, and disc images.
Visit K3bFull verdict →
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All audio CD burning software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update