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

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