Head-to-head · Audio Player Software
Lollypop vs Audacious
Lollypop leads on 0 checks, Audacious 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 scoreLollypop · 8.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresLollypop · 2 of 4
Lollypop scores higher on our rubric for audio player software: 8.3 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Lollypop is the better fit for linux listeners who value a polished music collection. Audacious is the better fit for open-source players wanting flexible desktop playback.
- Lollypop fits best
Linux listeners who value a polished music collection
- Audacious fits best
Open-source players wanting flexible desktop playback
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Side by side
| Feature | Lollypop 8.3/10 Visit ↗ | Audacious 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.3 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #3 in Audio Player Software | #7 in Audio Player Software |
| Best for | Linux listeners who value a polished music collection | Open-source players wanting flexible desktop playback |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Lollypop 2/4 · Audacious 0/4 | ||
| Library management | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Playlist support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Tag editing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Gapless playback | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Linux desktop; Android device synchronization via MTP | Not checked yet |
| Audio formats | MP3/MP4, Ogg, FLAC | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Lollypop is a free desktop music player designed for the GNOME environment, aimed at Linux listeners who want to organize and browse a music collection alongside playback. It includes playlist support, a party mode that selects… Read the review → |
Audacious is a free, open-source desktop audio player for people who want control over music playback without a paid plan. It runs on Linux, BSD derivatives, macOS, and Windows, and handles local music, audio CDs, and internet streams. Its… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Lollypop — where it wins
- Organizes collections and supports party playlists and a full-screen view
- Plays MP3/MP4, Ogg, and FLAC with native ReplayGain support
- Fetches lyrics, artist biographies, and cover art; supports scrobbling
Where it doesn't
- Designed for Linux desktop rather than a range of operating systems
- Playback formats listed are limited to MP3/MP4, Ogg, and FLAC
- Android is a synchronization target via MTP, not a player platform
Audacious — where it wins
- Plays local music, audio CDs, and internet streams
- Offers library search, playlists, ReplayGain, and gapless playback
- Qt, GTK, and Winamp Classic interfaces with plugin-based support
Where it doesn't
- Focused on audio rather than video playback
- Desktop-only deployment
- Support is through community resources and documentation
- Lollypop8.3/10 · Free plan
A focused Linux desktop player with collection tools, ReplayGain, and scrobbling.
Visit LollypopFull verdict → - Audacious7.7/10 · Free plan
A free, flexible desktop player for local music, internet streams, and playlists.
Visit AudaciousFull verdict →
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All audio player software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update