Animation

1. Blender

Suitable for professional use, Blender is a 3D animation suite that offers modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and game creation capabilities. It also features a customizable interface, and it can import and export from a wide variety of file formats. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

2. Art of Illusion

Replaces: AutoDesk Maya

Art of Illusion isn’t quite as polished as Blender, but its developers claim the latest version (released September 2013) “is both stable and powerful enough to be used for serious, high-end animation work.” Impressive examples of artwork created with the tool can be found in the website’s online art galleryOperating System: OS Independent.

3. K-3D

Replaces: AutoDesk Maya

A good option for amateur artists, K-3D boasts an easy-to-use interface and extensive documentation. According to the project website, it “excels at polygonal modeling, and includes basic tools for NURBS, patches, curves and animation.” Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

4. Pencil

Replaces: ToonBoom Software

If you prefer traditional 2D cartoons to the fancy 3D stuff, Pencil might be right for you. It’s not meant as an alternative to professional vector graphics tool like Flash; instead, it’s aimed at those who enjoy playing around with 2D animation as a hobby. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

5. Synfig Studio

Replaces: ToonBoom Software

Unlike Pencil, Synfig Studio does strive to meet the needs of professionals, billing itself as an “industrial-strength solution for creating film-quality animation.” It helps users save time and money by eliminating the need to animate content on a frame-by-frame basis. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Audio Players

6. Amarok

Replaces: iTunes

This full-featured music player integrates with a wide variety of Web audio services. The latest release adds an updated interface, a new visualization tool, smooth fade-out when pausing music, enhanced MusicBrainz tagging and improved power management. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, iOS.

7. Clementine

Replaces: iTunes

A fork of Amarok, Clementine boasts a fast and easy-to-use interface. It plays audio CDs, locally stored music, streaming Internet radio and podcasts. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android.

8. Aqualung

Replaces: iTunes

Aqualung’s claim to fame is gapless playback, in other words, no awkward pauses between adjacent tracks. It supports most audio formats and plays CDs. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

9.aTunes

Replaces: iTunes

This Java-based music player and manager displays complete information—including lyrics—for the song currently playing. It’s a good option for users with particularly large music collections. Operating System: OS Independent.

10. Audacious

Replaces: iTunes

Audacious is very light on system resources, making it possible to play music and do intensive computing tasks without sacrificing performance. The interface is basic and very easy to use. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

11. Jajuk

Replaces: iTunes

Popular with reviewers, Jajuk makes it easy to sort, search and view large audio libraries. It combines an intuitive interface with advanced features, making it suitable for both light users and power users. Operating System: OS Independent.

12. Jukes

Replaces: iTunes

Designed for DJs and “serious music lovers,” Jukes began life as a Windows application called “Put Up Your Jukes.” It’s since been re-written and released for multiple platforms, but it hasn’t been updated in a while. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

13. Rhythmbox

Replaces: Windows Media Player, iTunes

Inspired by iTunes, Rhythmbox is a music management system designed for the Gnome desktop. Key features include easy search and sort, visualizations, Internet radio, CD playing and burning, playlists and more. Operating System: Linux.

14. CoolPlayer

Replaces: Windows Media Player

Designed to be super fast, CoolPlayer is extremely light on system resources. It doesn’t have all the advanced music management features in many other applications, but it does play most audio formats. Operating System: Windows.

15. Bluemindo

Replaces: Windows Media Player

Bluemindo “aims to provide a very simple audio player.” It’s customizable, Web-oriented and available in multiple languages. Operating System: Linux.

16. Decibel

Replaces: Windows Media Player

Similar to Bluemindo, Decibel is a simple audio player without other features like content tags and CD burning. Its modular structure makes it easy to disable any unwanted features to free up resources. Operating System: Linux.

17. Zinf

Replaces: Windows Media Player

Zinf offers a simple audio player with powerful capabilities. It supports a wide variety of file formats, and a number of different interface themes are available. Operating System: Windows, Linux.

18. Moosic

Replaces: iTunes

This music player caters to those who prefer to operate from the command line and does not have a GUI. It’s a client-server application that plays most common audio formats. Operating System: Linux/Unix.

19. DeaDBeeF

Replaces: Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, QuickTime

Named for a magic number used in debugging, DeaDBeeF aims to be the “ultimate music player for GNU/Linux.” It also now comes in an Android version. Operating System: Linux, Unix, Android.

20. Qmmp

Replaces: Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, QuickTime

This simple, skinnable audio player supports dozens of audio formats. Its name stands for “Qt-based multimedia player.” Operating System: Windows, Linux

Audio Recorders and Editors

21. Ardour

Replaces: Sonar X3, Adobe Audition, Sony ACID

Ardour is an advanced, professional-grade digital recording, editing and mixing tool. It supports most hardware and offers features like flexible recording, unlimited multi-channel tracks, unlimited undo/redo, easy import and export, tools for creating video soundtracks and more. Operating System: Linux, OS X.

22. Audacity

Replaces: Sonar X3, Adobe Audition, Sony ACID

A perennial favorite among Linux users, Audacity makes it easy to record and edit multi-track audio. It’s ideal for hobbyists who want an intuitive product that also includes some of the high-tech features you would find in an application designed for professionals. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

23. Frinika

Replaces: Sonar X3, Adobe Audition, Sony ACID

Java-based Frinika calls itself a “complete music workstation software containing sequencer, midi support, soft synthesizers, audio recorder, piano roll/tracker/notation editing and more.” It’s another good option for home users. Operating System: OS Independent.

24. WaveShop

Replaces: Sonar X3, Adobe Audition, Sony ACID

Lightweight WaveShop boasts “bit-perfect” performance, meaning that samples aren’t changed unless necessary. Noteworthy features include unlimited undo, normalizing, fading, sample rate conversion, audio generation, plug-ins and peak, RMS and spectral analysis. Operating System: Windows.

Audio Ripping and Conversion

25. CDex

Replaces: Direct Audio Converter and CD Ripper, Exact Audio Copy, Audio Convertor Studio

Downloaded more than 45 million times, CDex is a very popular tool for extracting the digital data from audio CDs and converting it to an MP3 or other compressed formats. It supports many different encoders and multiple languages. Operating System: Windows.

26. Free:ac

Replaces: Direct Audio Converter and CD Ripper, Exact Audio Copy, Audio Convertor Studio

Its name is short for “free audio converter,” and free:ac can transform CDs or digital audio files into MP3, MP4/M4A, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, WAV and Bonk formats. It’s optimized for multi-core systems, making it particularly fast, and it also runs from a thumb drive. Operating System: Windows.

Audio Mixing/DJ Tools

27. Mixxx

Replaces: Traktor Scratch, Scratch Live

Designed for DJs performing live, Mixx boasts a powerful mixing engine that supports most popular audio file formats. Other key features include iTunes integration, BPM detection and sync, and support for more than 30 different MIDI controllers. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

28. Mixere

Replaces: Traktor Scratch, Scratch Live

An older project that hasn’t been updated in a while, Mixere boasts a simple, spreadsheet-style interface. It offers similar capabilities as Mixx, but it isn’t quite as advanced. Operating System: Windows.

29. xwax

Replaces: Traktor Scratch, Scratch Live

This app is a vinyl emulator that allows DJs to “scratch” digital tracks as if they were on vinyl records. Supported features include needle drops, pitch changes, scratching, spinbacks and rewinds. Operating System: Linux.

CD/DVD Burning

30. AVStoDVD

Replaces: Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator

Need to burn a DVD? AVStoDVD can convert a wide variety of audio and video media files and simplify the process of creating a DVD. Operating System: Windows.

31. Burn

Replaces: Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator

This Mac-only tool aims to keep the process of burning a disc simple while still providing lots of options. It supports multiple audio and video formats. Operating System: OS X.

32. InfraRecorder

Replaces: Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator

For Windows only, InfraRecorder can create audio, video, data or mixed-use CDs and DVDs. It can also erase re-recordable discs and copy discs even if you have only one optical drive. Operating System: Windows.

33. DVDStyler

Replaces: Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator

If you’re looking to create a more professional-looking DVD, this tool lets you set up attractive menu screens that will work on most standard DVD players. It also supports the creation of digital slide shows. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

34. Cdrtools

Replaces: Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator

For those who are comfortable working from the command line, CDRtools is a collection of apps for converting and recording CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray. Under development since 1996, this is a mature tool that has been around a long time. Operating System: Linux.

35. cdrtfe

Replaces: Nero Burning ROM, Roxio Creator

This utility can burn data discs, audio CDs, XCDs, (S)VCDs and video DVDs. It provides the same functionality as CDRtools, but runs on Windows. Operating System: Windows.

File Sharing

36. eMule/eMule Plus

Replaces: BearShare, BitTorrent, iMesh

One of the more popular file sharing clients, eMule (and eMule Plus) boasts an easy-to-use interface, fast performance and good search capabilities. The latest version supports Windows 7 and 8. Operating System: Windows.

37. Ares

Replaces: BearShare, BitTorrent, iMesh

This file sharing client includes a chat functionality that makes it easy to meet and interact with other Ares users. Other key features include fast downloads, a built-in media player and a helpful library management tool. Operating System: Windows.

38. Shareaza P2P

Replaces: BearShare, BitTorrent, iMesh

Calling itself the “ultimate P2P client,” Shareaza supports the EDonkey2000, Gnutella, BitTorrent and Gnutella2 networks. It also has multiple-source downloads, sophisticated file hashing, global search, customization capabilities, preview filters and more. Operating System: Windows.

39. BitTornado

Replaces: BearShare, BitTorrent, iMesh

BitTornado is an alternative front-end for accessing the BitTorrent file-sharing network. Be warned that it’s not particularly user-friendly for those who are new to file sharing. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

40. ABC (Yet Another BitTorrent Client)

Replaces: BearShare, BitTorrent, iMesh

Forked from BitTornado, ABC also supports the BitTorrent network. Features include multiple downloads in a single window, a prioritized queuing system, customizable interface and more. Operating System: Windows.

41. FrostWire

Note: as of September 2018 FrostWire is no longer supported. Here is a list of alternatives.

Replaces: BearShare, BitTorrent, iMesh

FrostWire is a BitTorrent client with a built-in media player. It also plays Internet radio and sends downloaded files to iTunes. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

42. DC++

Highly rated DC++ has been downloaded more than 50 million times. It has a basic interface with no ads, and it offers plenty of help for newbie users. Operating System: Windows.

43. ANts P2P

Replaces: BearShare, BitTorrent, iMesh

Designed to protect users from tracking, ANts P2P promises excellent security. It encrypts all traffic and hides your IP address. Operating System: OS Independent.

44. Mute

Replaces: BearShare, BitTorrent, iMesh

Like ANtS, Mute focuses on security and privacy protection. Its routing mechanism is based on research into how ants forage for food. Operating System: OS Independent.

Multimedia File Conversion

45. DVDx

Replaces: Movavi Video Converter

This tool allows users to copy DVDs, convert videos to other formats, convert DVD audio to digital audio formats, merge and split files and more. It supports most popular file types. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

46. DVD Flick

Replaces: Movavi Video Converter

DVD Flick makes it easy to incorporate video files on your system into a playable DVD. It includes the ability to add a custom soundtrack, subtitles and a menu. Operating System: Windows.

47. HandBrake

Replaces: Movavi Video Converter

HandBrake aims to be able to convert video from nearly any file format. Basic operation is simple and fast, but it also includes a lot of options for those with more complicated needs. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

48. Media Converter

Replaces: Movavi Video Converter

For Macs only, this tool leverages code from ffmpeg, Burn and several other open source tools to convert video files among various formats. It offers a simple drag-and-drop interface and batch processing capabilities. Operating System: OS X.

49. SoX

Replaces: Movavi Video Converter

The “Swiss Army knife of sound processing programs,” SoX can convert audio files to and from most file formats and add special effects. It’s a command line program, so you’ll need to be comfortable working without a GUI to use it. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

50. TEncoder

Replaces: Movavi Video Converter

Based on FFMpeg, MEncoder and MPlayer, TEncoder is a multi-threaded multimedia converter that supports most file formats. It can run up to eight processes simultaneously and can run two passes to improve quality on converted files. Operating System: Windows.

51. xVideoServiceThief

Replaces: Movavi Video Converter

This tool makes it easy to download videos from Internet sites like Yahoo, Vimeo, and many others and convert them to any file format you like. It’s very popular and has won numerous awards. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

Multimedia Players

52. VLC Media Player

Replaces: Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes

Extremely popular, VLC can play DVDs, CDs, streaming files and most digital audio and video formats. It can also convert files from one format to another. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, others.

53. JuceVLC

Replaces: Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes

This VLC fork offers a streamlined, full-screen interface with large font sizes. It’s also portable and can be run from a thumb drive or portable hard drive. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, others.

54. FFmpeg

Replaces: Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes

This tool not only plays multimedia files, it can also record, convert and stream audio or video. It’s a full suite of tools and libraries for end users and developers working on similar projects. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

55. Miro

Replaces: Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes

While many media players place a premium on features, Miro aims to be beautiful as well as functional. It imports files from iTunes and other media management systems, and it syncs with your mobile devices. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android, iOS.

56. Banshee

Replaces: Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes

Banshee describes itself as “Simple enough to enjoy. Powerful enough to thrill.” It’s a full-featured multi-media player and management system with the ability to sync with smartphones and tablets. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X, Android, iOS.

57. Bino

Replaces: Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes

Most of the video players on this list support traditional 2D playback, but Bino supports 3D and multi-display video, such as powerwalls and virtual reality interfaces. Key features include dual camera support, scriptability and support for high precision color. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

58. UMPlayer

Replaces: Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes

With a huge library of codecs, UMPlayer aims to play anything. Key features include skinnable interface, built-in subtitles search, audio/subtitles sync, enhanced filter rendering, and YouTube playback and recording. Operating System: Windows, Linux, OS X.

59. MPlayer

Replaces: Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes

Award-winning MPlayer is a favorite among Linux users. It comes in both command-line and GUI-based versions. Operating system: Linux.

60. SMPlayer

Replaces: Windows Media Player, QuickTime, iTunes

SMPlayer is based on the code from MPlayer, but it adds an intuitive graphic interface. When you play a file, it remembers your settings—in other words, if you turn off a movie before it is finished, it will start at the same place when you return. Operating system: Linux.