Max
Max is free macOS software for creating audio files from CDs and converting existing audio.
What Max is
Max is free macOS software for creating audio files from CDs and converting existing audio. It reads and writes more than 20 formats at almost all sample rates and most sample sizes, including MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WavPack, Speex, AIFF, and WAVE. For pristine discs, users can choose a high-speed ripper without error correction; for damaged discs, they can use a comparison ripper or cdparanoia error correction. A cue sheet can split a single audio file into multiple tracks. Max can retrieve CD details through MusicBrainz and write metadata to supported output formats. For many popular formats, artist and album details transfer between source and converted files. Encoded files can be added to a user-selected iTunes playlist, and users can choose output locations and filenames. Advanced controls cover encoding thread count, extraction error correction, and encoder parameters. Max is released under the GNU General Public License and requires macOS 10.7 or greater. The project points users to its forums for common questions and its GitHub issue tracker for bug reports.
Good
- Free software released under the GNU General Public License.
- Reads and writes more than 20 audio formats.
- Offers different ripping options for pristine and damaged discs.
- Can retrieve CD information through MusicBrainz.
Watch out
- Requires macOS 10.7 or greater.
- No free trial is listed.
- Cloud conversion is not included.
Who it suits
Max suits Mac users who want to rip CDs, convert audio, or organize output with metadata and encoding controls. It is aimed at systems running macOS 10.7 or greater.
Verdict
Max offers CD ripping, format conversion, metadata handling, and configurable output in a free macOS app. Its format and platform requirements are the key points to check before using it.
Plans and prices
From Max's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Max | Free | Free software released under the GNU General Public License (GPL) |
The facts
Each one read from Max's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Advanced controls
- Advanced users can configure encoding threads, audio extraction error correction, and encoder parameters.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Audio conversion
- Max can read and write over 20 audio formats at almost all sample rates and most sample sizes.checked 8 Oct 2026
- CD ripping
- For pristine discs, Max offers a high-speed ripper with no error correction; for damaged discs, it offers a comparison ripper or cdparanoia error correction.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Cue sheets
- Max can split a single audio file into multiple tracks using a cue sheet.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Encoder controls
- Advanced users can control encoding thread count, audio extraction error correction, and encoder parameters.checked 8 Oct 2026
- File conversion
- Max reads and writes over 20 audio formats at almost all sample rates and most sample sizes.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Integration
- Max integrates with MusicBrainz to retrieve compact disc information and write metadata to supported output formats.checked 8 Oct 2026
- iTunes
- Max can add encoded files to an iTunes library in a playlist the user chooses.checked 8 Oct 2026
- iTunes integration
- Max can add encoded files to an iTunes library playlist selected by the user.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- Max is free software released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).checked 8 Oct 2026
- Metadata integration
- Max integrates with MusicBrainz to retrieve CD information automatically.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Metadata transfer
- For many popular formats, artist and album metadata transfers between the source and converted files.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Metadata writing
- Max writes retrieved metadata to MP3, FLAC, Ogg FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, Monkey's Audio, WavPack, AAC, and Apple Lossless output files.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Max is free software released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).checked 8 Oct 2026
- Output formats
- Max can create audio in over 20 compressed and uncompressed formats, including MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, WavPack, Speex, AIFF, and WAVE.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Output organization
- Users can control where output files are placed and what they are named.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Max creates audio files from compact discs or existing audio files.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project points users to its forums for common questions and its GitHub issue tracker for bug reports.checked 8 Oct 2026
- System requirement
- The project lists macOS 10.7 or greater as a requirement.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform requirement
- The stated requirement is macOS 10.7 or greater.checked 8 Oct 2026
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