Head-to-head · Audio CD Burning Software
cdrtfe vs dBpoweramp CD Writer
cdrtfe 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 scorecdrtfe · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
cdrtfe scores higher on our rubric for audio cd burning software: 9.0 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
cdrtfe is the better fit for free Windows users needing gapless audio CDs. dBpoweramp CD Writer is the better fit for free Windows users focused on gapless mixes.
- cdrtfe fits best
Free Windows users needing gapless audio CDs
- dBpoweramp CD Writer fits best
Free Windows users focused on gapless mixes
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Side by side
| Feature | cdrtfe 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | dBpoweramp CD Writer 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #3 in Audio CD Burning Software | #7 in Audio CD Burning Software |
| Best for | Free Windows users needing gapless audio CDs | Free Windows users focused on gapless mixes |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features cdrtfe 1/4 · dBpoweramp CD Writer 1/4 | ||
| Gapless burning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Windows | Windows |
| Audio formats | wav, mp3, flac, ogg | MP3, WMA |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | cdrtfe is a free, open-source optical-disc burning application for Microsoft Windows. It is aimed at solo users and small teams that need to create audio CDs, data discs or disc images from a desktop. Audio projects can use WAV, MP3, FLAC… 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
cdrtfe — where it wins
- Creates gapless audio CDs from WAV, MP3, FLAC and OGG
- Burns CD, DVD and BD data discs, ISO images and BIN/CUE projects
- Supports multisession discs and simultaneous burning to multiple writers
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only coverage limits cross-platform use
- Desktop deployment does not suit mobile workflows
- Latest listed release dates to 25 October 2021
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
- cdrtfe9.0/10 · Free plan
A free Windows burner with broad disc support and gapless audio CD creation.
Visit cdrtfeFull 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