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Cider vs Pear Desktop: catalog facts
Cider	Pear Desktop
Paid Sold as a paid app, and playback also requires an Apple Music subscription.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Apple Music on Windows and Linux desktops Discord and Last.fm integrations	Plugin system that adds features such as ad blocking Standalone desktop window for YouTube Music
Requires an Apple Music subscription macOS and Linux builds are Electron based	Unofficial client that depends on the YouTube Music website Electron app, heavier than a native player
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License: MIT
Account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.