Music Player Daemon

As much as some like the spontaneity and dynamics of radio stations, others prefer creating custom playlists that match their mood using their favorite songs, which is why on-demand streaming services have become ubiquitous in the modern, internet-ready age.

However, all the advantages of this type of subscription model are accompanied by certain limitations that, when piled up, turn into deal-breakers for many consumers, particularly enthusiasts, which is where alternatives such as Music Player Daemon, or MPD, come into play.

Once users go through the hurdles of the installation process, they have the opportunity of essentially creating their own audio streaming service similar to Plex or Jellyfin, featuring songs ripped from the original CDs utilizing the highest level of quality available.

Apart from the ability to avoid intrusive data collection practices, lower quality streaming tiers and increasingly higher fees, users also benefit from being able to listen to their purchased tracks without the fear of having them pulled from the database due to licensing issues or regional restrictions.

On top of that, users can choose from a variety of front-ends with features that cater to specific needs. Ranging from elegant apps equipped with Last.fm functionality and minimalist, terminal-styled utilities to mobile clients that rival the convenience of paid streaming services.