Tauon Music Box review
A playlist-focused local player with broad format support and music-server imports.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Tauon Music Box is a free, GPLv3-licensed desktop music player for people who organize and listen to local music collections. Its playlist-oriented library uses folder-based album organization, with search, playback controls, metadata editing and playlist import and export. Builds are available for Linux, Windows and macOS; an iOS companion app is also offered in public beta. The desktop product is the central focus, making Tauon a closer fit for listeners who want to manage a local library than for people seeking a mobile-first player.
Format and library handling are notable strengths. Tauon plays MP3, FLAC, OGG, OPUS, AAC, WavPack, APE and TTA, as well as MOD and SPC files. CUE sheet parsing supports gapless playback, and smart playlists can use configurable generators. Users can edit metadata tags, with optional write-back to audio files, and import or export playlists in XSPF or M3U. Milkdrop visualisations and MPRIS2 desktop integration round out the desktop feature set. This breadth suits collections that include varied audio formats or tracker music, while the playlist and folder approach may be less compelling for listeners who want a different library-management model.
For collections spread across media servers, Tauon can play or import music from Plex, Jellyfin, Airsonic and Navidrome; Nextcloud Music is also listed among its integrations. The iOS companion should be treated as a beta rather than a settled part of the experience: its public-beta status means it may change or be removed. Documentation is the listed support channel. Choose Tauon for free desktop playback with playlists, format range and server connections; consider another option if a stable iOS companion or support beyond documentation is central to your decision.
Tauon Music Box pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Plays common formats plus MOD and SPC files
- Supports smart playlists, CUE sheets and gapless playback
- Imports music from Plex, Jellyfin, Airsonic and Navidrome
- Where it doesn't
- The primary product is desktop software
- The iOS companion app is in public beta and may change or be removed
- Documentation is the listed support channel
Tauon Music Box fact sheet, pricing and score →
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