SongRec review
A free desktop recognizer with flexible audio inputs, history export, and CLI access.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
SongRec is an open-source desktop song identification client for Linux and Windows. It recognizes music from arbitrary audio files, microphones, and speakers, making it suitable for users who want more input options than a phone-only workflow. The application supports MP3, FLAC, WAV, and OGG files, and provides both graphical and command-line interfaces. Developers and open-source desktop users get a tool that can fit either a visual desktop workflow or a scripted one.
SongRec is free to use and open source, so its pricing model is straightforward: there are no paid tiers or feature gates described. Its recognition feature set is broad for a desktop client. Users can select audio input devices, run continuous microphone-based detection, and maintain a recognition history that can be exported to CSV. Distribution options include Flatpak, PPA, Arch Linux, and Snap for Linux, alongside Windows x64 builds. That combination gives Linux users several installation paths while preserving a conventional Windows option.
The main trade-off is the product’s narrow platform and service scope. SongRec covers Windows and Linux, but not other desktop platforms listed here, and identification is not processed entirely offline. Instead, it sends audio fingerprints to Shazam services for recognition. It is therefore a good fit for users who value open-source software, command-line access, flexible audio capture, and exportable history. Users who require fully offline identification, broader desktop coverage, or verified listening links should consider a different music identification app.
SongRec pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Recognizes songs from files, microphones, or speakers
- Offers both graphical and command-line interfaces
- Exports recognition history to CSV and supports continuous detection
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on Windows and Linux
- Identification is not entirely offline
- Audio fingerprints are sent to Shazam services
SongRec 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