Audex
Audex: A free, open-source Linux ripper with broad format support and MusicBrainz lookup. Ranked #5 of 31 in Audio CD Ripping Software by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users wanting metadata-rich CD ripping.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users wanting metadata-rich CD ripping
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Facts checked4 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Looks up metadata through CDDB and MusicBrainz, with cover art integration
- Encodes to FLAC, MP3, Opus, Ogg Vorbis, and AAC
- Offers cue-sheet output, offset correction, and custom encoder profiles
Where it doesn't
- Linux only; no Windows or macOS support
- Secure ripping is not specified
- No explicit batch-ripping support
Our verdict on Audex
Audex is a free, open-source desktop application for extracting audio from CDs, aimed at Linux users who want metadata and format choices in one ripper. It can retrieve disc information from CDDB and MusicBrainz, integrate cover art, and encode audio as FLAC, MP3, Opus, Ogg Vorbis, or AAC. Manual metadata editing and configurable output folders and file-naming schemes also help tailor the resulting library. Its scope is focused on CD extraction rather than a broader music-management workflow.
Format and rip configuration are its strongest practical advantages. Audex supports custom encoder profiles, offset correction, and single-file ripping with cue-sheet writing, which can suit listeners who want to preserve a disc as one file alongside track information. The mix of FLAC and lossy formats lets users choose an output approach for different listening needs. The listed sources are CDDB and MusicBrainz, so buyers looking for metadata retrieval have two named services to work with. Audex is distributed for Linux through app stores or distribution package managers, making platform fit central to the choice.
Audex is a sensible fit for solo Linux users seeking a free tool with substantial metadata and encoder options. It is less suitable for people who need a Windows or macOS application, or for workflows that depend on verified secure ripping or explicit batch-ripping support. KDE provides documentation and community support, rather than a commercial support channel. Choose Audex when CD ripping, metadata lookup, and configurable output are the priorities; consider another option if cross-platform availability or a clearly specified verification workflow is essential.
Your product? Our editors can test Audex in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →
Audex pricing
Audex fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Secure ripping | Not verified |
| Lossless formats | FLAC |
| Metadata sources | CDDB, MusicBrainz |
| Batch ripping | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Linux |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: CDDB, MusicBrainz |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | apps.kde.org |
| Facts checked | 4 Oct 2026 |
Audex integrations
Audex lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- CDDB
- MusicBrainz
Alternatives to Audex
- Exact Audio CopyA free Windows ripper for users who want error checks and control over extraction.9.4
- CUERipperA free Windows ripper focused on secure extraction and verification against ripping databases.9.0
- dBpoweramp CD RipperA paid desktop ripper for collectors who want verification and control over output.8.9
Audex vs the competition
- Audex vs Exact Audio Copy
- Audex vs CUERipper
- Audex vs dBpoweramp CD Ripper
- Audex vs CDex
- Audex vs Asunder
- Audex vs Express Rip
Compare Audex with any tool side by side →
Used Audex? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Audex for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Audex is listed in our Audio CD Ripping Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/audex/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/audex.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update