SongRec

SongRec is a free, open-source desktop music recognizer for people who want to identify tracks from files or live audio. It is especially suited to Linux users who value a graphical app alongside scriptable command-line tools. Its flexible inputs and exports are useful, but recognition relies on Shazam’s online service.

Overview

SongRec recognizes music from audio files, a microphone, or speakers, giving it more range than a tool limited to one listening method. Its GNU GPL v3 license and free price make it a straightforward option for Linux desktop users, though its desktop focus is less compelling for people who want a mobile-first music app.

For identification, SongRec sends audio fingerprints to Shazam servers. The project says it collects no data, contacts no other servers, and uploads fingerprints rather than raw audio. That is a narrower form of sharing than sending recordings, but it does not make recognition private or offline: each lookup still depends on Shazam’s service.

Key features

Live listening and file recognition

The graphical interface can continuously detect music through a microphone, and lets users select an input device. That suits a desktop left listening to a sound source or a setup with multiple inputs. SongRec also accepts audio files, so users can identify a saved clip without playing it aloud.

File formats and history

Without FFmpeg, supported formats include MP3, FLAC, WAV, and OGG. With FFmpeg installed, SongRec can accept formats FFmpeg supports, widening its usefulness for mixed audio libraries. The GUI keeps a history of recognized songs and can export it to CSV, a practical benefit for anyone who wants a record beyond a single lookup.

Command-line workflows

SongRec’s command-line interface can emit CSV or JSON, making it a better fit than a GUI-only recognizer for scripts and other programmatic workflows. That flexibility comes with a Linux-specific caveat: Flatpak filesystem sandboxing may leave some command-line features unusable, so users who depend on those features should account for the packaging environment.

Pricing

SongRec is free, with no trial or paid tier. The Free plan costs nothing and includes an open-source Shazam client focused on Linux desktop use. There are no paid features to unlock, but the free software does not remove the service dependency: identification still requires Shazam servers. The GNU GPL v3 license also makes the project’s open-source status clear.

Platforms

SongRec is cross-platform in scope, with the project providing downloads for Linux distributions and Windows x64, as well as instructions for compiling it yourself. Linux is its clearest fit: the project describes it as Linux-focused. macOS is not officially supported, although compilation instructions are provided, so Mac users should expect a less certain path than Linux or Windows users.

Who it's for

SongRec is a strong choice for Linux users who want file and live-audio recognition, a selectable microphone input, and a searchable-by-export history in CSV. Its command-line CSV and JSON output also suits technically comfortable users automating lookups. It is a weaker choice for anyone who needs offline identification, an officially supported macOS app, or a primarily mobile experience.

For help, the project directs users to GitHub Issues for bug reports and feature requests, and lists a Matrix channel. That gives users a route to discuss problems and requests, though it is a project-support model rather than a commercial support offering.

Pros and cons

• Multiple input paths: Recognition from files, microphones, and speakers accommodates both saved clips and live listening.
• Useful exports: GUI history can be saved as CSV, while command-line output supports CSV or JSON for further processing.
• Open and free: The GNU GPL v3 release and free price avoid subscription costs and proprietary licensing.
• Online dependency: Fingerprints go to Shazam servers, so SongRec cannot identify tracks offline.
• Uneven platform support: Linux is the focus, and macOS has compilation instructions but no official support.
• Flatpak constraint: Filesystem sandboxing may interfere with some command-line features.

Alternatives

Music Identification Apps is a useful starting point for comparing options across the category. Choose AHA Music instead if you want a broader set of platforms, including Android, iOS, and web, and accept an ad-supported free plan capped at five recognitions per day with no history or playlists. WhoSampled is a better fit for people who want text search, track ID, and Spotify or Apple Music library scanning on Android, iOS, or web.

Annie suits mobile users on Android or iOS who want free music identification and universal links without a subscription. Choose SoundHound if you prefer a mobile app and are willing to pay $6.99, paid once for an ad-free experience; its free plan is ad-supported. AirScrobble is an iOS alternative for people seeking music discovery with Last.fm integration, auto scrobbling, and Apple Music integration.

Kooha is another free Linux desktop app to consider. Audile is a free Android option for mobile identification, with AudD and ACRCloud potentially requiring their own API account or token. AudioTag is worth considering for web or API use instead of a desktop app.

Verdict

Choose SongRec if you want a free Linux-focused desktop recognizer that handles files and live audio, keeps an exportable history, and can feed results into scripts. Its main advantage is that combination of flexible inputs and GUI or command-line use without a fee. Look elsewhere if you need offline recognition, officially supported macOS software, or a mobile-first service.