Cassette review
A focused open-source player for Subsonic and OpenSubsonic libraries.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Cassette is an open-source music client for people who maintain their own music library through a Subsonic- or OpenSubsonic-compatible server. It runs on iOS and macOS, allowing listeners to stream or download albums and playlists from a personal server. The app does not require accounts, ads, or telemetry, and its free plan fits users who want a focused client rather than a catalog-based streaming service.
Its main strength is offline access across more than downloaded tracks. Cassette supports offline browsing of the library, search, queue, and favorites, while FLAC and lossless audio support preserves the quality of compatible files. AirPlay, lock-screen and Now Playing controls, queue management, and pinned albums cover everyday playback needs. On Mac, keyboard shortcuts and a persistent mini-player make the desktop experience more practical for regular listening.
The trade-off is its narrow ecosystem fit. Cassette depends on a compatible self-hosted server, so it is suited to listeners who already operate or plan to operate one; it is not a replacement for a service that supplies its own music catalog. Platform coverage is also limited to iOS and macOS. Choose Cassette for open-source playback of a personal Subsonic or OpenSubsonic library, offline listening, and lossless audio. Choose another product if you need Android, Windows, web access, or a streaming catalog without managing a compatible server.
Cassette pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports Subsonic and OpenSubsonic-compatible servers
- Offline downloads include albums, playlists, search, queues, and favorites
- FLAC, lossless audio, AirPlay, and native Mac controls
- Where it doesn't
- Requires a compatible self-hosted music server
- Available only on iOS and macOS
- Does not provide a built-in catalog of streaming music
Cassette fact sheet, pricing and score →
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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update