Asunder review
A focused Linux CD ripper with wide format support and simultaneous encoding.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Asunder is an open-source Linux desktop application for ripping audio CDs and encoding tracks into multiple audio formats. It is suited to solo users and small teams that want a graphical CD workflow with control over output formats, track metadata, and playlists. The application does not require a specific desktop environment, which gives it flexibility across Linux desktop setups.
Its main strength is the combination of format breadth and concurrent processing. Asunder supports WAV, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, Opus, WavPack, Musepack, AAC, and Monkey’s Audio. It can rip and encode at the same time, encode to multiple formats in one session, assign artists per track, and create M3U playlists. CDDB-based naming and tagging reduce manual metadata entry when preparing a collection, while the open-source model makes the software a natural fit for users who prefer Linux-native tools.
The trade-off is its narrow focus. Asunder is designed around audio CD ripping, so users looking for a broader file-conversion workspace should choose software built for general audio conversion instead. It is also limited to Linux desktop deployment, which rules it out for users working primarily on other operating systems. Support is available by email, making it more appropriate for individuals and small teams comfortable with a focused open-source utility than for organizations seeking a wider platform ecosystem or a broader support structure.
Asunder pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Encodes to nine formats, including FLAC, Opus, AAC, and Monkey's Audio
- Rips and encodes simultaneously, including multiple formats in one session
- Uses CDDB for track naming and tagging, with M3U playlist creation
- Where it doesn't
- Runs on Linux desktop systems only
- Focused on CD ripping rather than general-purpose file conversion
- Support is provided through email
Asunder fact sheet, pricing and score →
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