CDex
CDex is a free Windows program for extracting digital audio from CDs and converting WAV files to and from compressed audio.
What CDex is
CDex is a free Windows program for extracting digital audio from CDs and converting WAV files to and from compressed audio. Listed encoders include MP3, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, AAC, MP2, and WAV; supported formats also include OGA, APE, VQF, and Musepack. CDex supports batch conversion and quality controls. During ripping, it can add ID3V1 and ID3V2 tags, read album details from a local or remote CD Database, and use multi-track recording, CD-Text when the drive supports it, and jitter correction. Other features include audio normalization, external WAV conversion, and M3U and PLS playlists. The site lists Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP support. Its download page offers CDex 2.24 for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, dates it 2020/08/12, and recommends the installer. A portable edition, version 1.77, is offered for use without installation, including from USB, flash, or cloud drives. CDex is licensed under GNU General Public License 3.
Good
- Free under GNU General Public License 3
- Supports batch audio conversion
- Can read album information from CDDB
- Portable edition is offered
Watch out
- Windows-only
- Listed CDex 2.24 release dates to 2020/08/12
- CD-Text requires a compatible drive
Who it suits
CDex suits Windows users who want to rip CDs, convert audio, and manage tags or album information. A portable edition is also available for use without installation.
Verdict
CDex combines CD ripping, audio conversion, metadata tagging, and playlist support in a free Windows program. Its listed 2.24 release is dated 2020/08/12, and the portable edition is version 1.77.
Plans and prices
From CDex's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | GPL-licensed CD ripping and audio conversion |
The facts
Each one read from CDex's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio conversion
- CDex can convert WAV files to compressed audio and vice versa.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Audio formats
- The listed encoders include MP3, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, AAC, MP2, and WAV.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Disc information
- CDex can read and store album information using a local or remote CD Database (CDDB).checked 3 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The download page lists CDex 2.24, dated 2020/08/12, and describes the installer as recommended.checked 3 Oct 2026
- License
- The site says CDex is licensed under GNU General Public License 3.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Other features
- CDex supports audio normalization, external WAV conversion, and M3U and PLS playlist files.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Portable edition
- The site offers CDex Portable 1.77 for use without installation, including from USB, flash, or cloud drives.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CDex extracts digital audio from CDs and can save it as WAV or compressed audio.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Ripping features
- The feature list includes multi-track recording, CD-Text support when the drive supports it, and jitter correction.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Source code
- The source page offers CDex 1.70 Beta 2 source code and describes a Subversion repository.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The support page directs users to the FAQ, help forum, bug tracking system, and other tracking systems.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Tags
- CDex supports ID3V1 and ID3V2 tags and can insert them during ripping.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Website privacy
- The privacy page says the site may use third-party advertising companies to serve ads and links to information about Google's use of site or app information.checked 3 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Windows support
- The features page lists Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP; the download page offers CDex 2.24 for Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP.checked 3 Oct 2026
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