Compare software

cmus vs ncmpcpp: catalog facts
cmus	ncmpcpp
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
macOS, Linux, Command line	macOS, Linux, Command line
Instant startup with large libraries Gapless playback and ReplayGain	Fast keyboard-driven interface for MPD Built-in tag editor and visualizer
Terminal only, no graphical interface Scrobbling needs an external status program	Requires a running Music Player Daemon In maintenance mode with no major new features planned
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-2.0-or-later	License: GPL-2.0
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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