Music Apps on Ubuntu-Based Linux
Practical music app choices for Ubuntu 24.04-based distros: Spotify for streaming, Rhythmbox for a simple library, and Strawberry for larger local collections.
What This Guide Achieves
| Goal | Status |
|---|---|
| Pick a sensible music app for your workflow | Done |
| Install the official Spotify client for Ubuntu-based systems | Done |
| Install solid local-library players from Ubuntu packages | Done |
| Avoid the unreliable parts of the old music guide | Done |
Prerequisites
- Any Ubuntu 24.04-based distro
- Internet connection
- Snap support for the Spotify option
- Before installing multiple media apps, review the clean installation and removal best practices
The Problem (Windows User Perspective)
On Windows, many people just install Spotify and stop thinking about it. On Linux, the music-app landscape is wider: some apps are for streaming, some are for local libraries, and some are lightweight players with almost no library features at all.
The old version of this guide focused on Spotube and Spicetify. Since those paths did not hold up well in real use, this replacement guide stays with the lower-friction options that make more sense for a general Ubuntu-based setup.
How to Choose
| If you want… | Use… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Official Spotify desktop app | Spotify | Best fit if Spotify is your main service |
| A familiar local music library app | Rhythmbox | Simple, stable, and well integrated on GNOME-style desktops |
| Better library management and tagging | Strawberry | Stronger for large local collections |
Guiding idea: choose one primary app first. Do not install four music apps on day one unless you already know why you need them.
Option 1: Spotify (Official Client)
If you mainly stream music through Spotify, this is the cleanest default.
sudo snap install spotifyWhen this option makes sense
- Spotify is your main music service
- You want the official desktop client, not a wrapper or unofficial frontend
- You care more about reliable access to your account than about deep Linux customization
Notes
- This guide now prefers the Snap install path because it is the clearest currently maintained official distribution path for Ubuntu-based desktops.
- If your distro flavor does not support Snap by default, use the Spotify web player or your distro’s supported packaging method instead of reviving old unofficial install instructions.
Option 2: Rhythmbox (Simple Local Library)
Rhythmbox is a good default if your music is stored locally and you want a straightforward library app.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install rhythmboxWhen this option makes sense
- You keep MP3, FLAC, or OGG files locally
- You want something simple and conventional
- You are already on a GNOME-style desktop and want an app that feels native there
Optional extras
sudo apt install rhythmbox-plugins rhythmbox-plugin-alternative-toolbarUse the optional packages only if you want more features or a different toolbar layout. The base app is enough for most people.
Option 3: Strawberry (Power User Library App)
Strawberry is a better fit when you have a larger library and care more about organization than desktop integration.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install strawberryWhen this option makes sense
- You have a big local music collection
- You care about tags, metadata, and library management
- You want a more feature-heavy player than Rhythmbox
Why it is here
This is one of the stronger Ubuntu-package choices for people who want a real local-music manager rather than just a streaming client.
Web Apps Still Count
If your real music workflow is browser-based, do not overcomplicate it.
- YouTube Music
- Apple Music
- SoundCloud
- Tidal web player
For those services, a browser tab or an installed web app can be more practical than chasing unofficial Linux clients.
What This Guide No Longer Covers
This guide intentionally drops:
- Spotube as a main recommendation
- Spicetify as a beginner path
Those tools can still interest advanced users, but they add extra moving parts such as API credentials, theme patching, or install-method constraints. That is not a good default for a general Ubuntu-based guide.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| App installs but you cannot find it in the menu | Desktop cache or launcher search lag | Log out and back in, then search again |
| Music app opens but there is no sound | Wrong output device or muted app stream | Check Settings → Sound and confirm the app is using the correct output |
| Local files do not appear in Rhythmbox or Strawberry | Library folder was not added or scanned | Point the app at your music folder and trigger a rescan |
| Spotify Snap is unavailable | Snap is disabled by the distro flavor | Use the web player or enable the distro’s supported Snap workflow first |
Complete Removal
sudo snap remove spotify
sudo apt remove --purge rhythmbox rhythmbox-plugins rhythmbox-plugin-alternative-toolbar strawberry
sudo apt autoremove --purgeRemove only the apps you actually installed.
Related Guides
- Software Recommendations — Broader Windows-to-Linux app mapping
- Package Management Basics — Clean apt, Snap, Flatpak, and uninstall practices
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