CUETools
CUETools: A free, open-source choice for verified lossless conversion and archival workflows. Ranked #4 of 36 in Audio Converter Software by our editors (9.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for verified lossless archival workflows.
At a glance
- Editor score9.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forVerified lossless archival workflows
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Batch conversionYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Batch conversion preserves CUE-sheet structure, gaps, and track information.
- AccurateRip and CUETools Database support verification and repair workflows.
- Includes CD ripping, metadata editing, and command-line utilities.
Where it doesn't
- Linux use through Mono or Wine has limitations.
- Focused on lossless audio and CUE-sheet workflows rather than cloud conversion.
- The broad format and verification options may require a technical workflow.
Our verdict on CUETools
CUETools is a free, open-source desktop application for converting lossless audio files and CD album images while preserving CUE-sheet structure, gaps, and track information. It is designed for archivists, collectors, and audio users who need batch processing, verification, metadata editing, or repair tools rather than a cloud-based converter. Supported formats include WAV, FLAC, APE, lossyWAV, ALAC, TTA, and WavPack, with conversion available between image and separate-track layouts.
Its strongest area is control over archival workflows. CUETools can process folders and multiple inputs, correct offsets, edit metadata and CUE-sheet filenames, and repair some damaged rips. The bundled CUERipper application adds CD extraction, while AccurateRip and CUETools Database verification provide checks for ripping and conversion workflows. Command-line utilities extend the software beyond its desktop interface. Because the product is free and open source, there are no paid tiers to compare; the full feature set is available within the application and its bundled tools.
Platform fit is the main consideration. Windows is the supported desktop platform, while Linux use is described through Mono or Wine and carries limitations under Mono. CUETools also focuses on local processing, with no cloud conversion feature. Choose it when lossless format handling, CUE-sheet preservation, batch work, verification, and repair matter more than a simple file-conversion interface. Users who need a cloud-based workflow or a broadly supported native Linux application may prefer an alternative built around those requirements.
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CUETools pricing
CUETools fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Batch conversion | Yes |
| Supported formats | WAV, FLAC, APE, lossyWAV, ALAC, TTA, WavPack |
| Quality controls | Yes |
| Metadata editing | Yes |
| CD ripping | Yes |
| Cloud conversion | No |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: AccurateRip, CUETools Database |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | cue.tools |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
CUETools integrations
CUETools lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- AccurateRip
- CUETools Database
Alternatives to CUETools
- fre:acA capable free desktop converter for cross-platform library management and CD ripping.9.4
- MediaHuman Audio ConverterA capable free converter for batch jobs, metadata handling, and everyday library exports.9.2
- X Lossless DecoderA free macOS tool for accurate lossless conversion, ripping, tagging, and batch processing.9.1
See all CUETools alternatives →
CUETools vs the competition
- CUETools vs fre:ac
- CUETools vs MediaHuman Audio Converter
- CUETools vs X Lossless Decoder
- CUETools vs dBpoweramp Music Converter
- CUETools vs XRECODE3
- CUETools vs EZ CD Audio Converter
Compare CUETools with any tool side by side →
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Featured on iTechGuides
CUETools is listed in our Audio Converter Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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