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ncspot vs Cider: catalog facts
ncspot	Cider
Free Free and open source; you need your own Spotify account.	Paid Sold as a paid app, and playback also requires an Apple Music subscription.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line	Windows, macOS, Linux
Lightweight terminal interface Keyboard-driven, in the style of ncmpc	Apple Music on Windows and Linux desktops Discord and Last.fm integrations
Requires a Spotify account Only plays Spotify, not local files	Requires an Apple Music subscription macOS and Linux builds are Electron based
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	Account needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it 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.