Introduction to Shazam and the Need for PC Alternatives
Shazam has revolutionized how people identify music since its launch in 2002. The app uses audio fingerprinting technology to match short sound clips against a vast database of songs, providing details like artist, title, and album in seconds. Owned by Apple since 2018, Shazam integrates seamlessly with iOS devices and Siri, but its support for Windows has dwindled. The official Shazam desktop app was discontinued in 2017, leaving PC users searching for viable Shazam alternatives.
Why seek a Shazam alternative for PC? Many users work or stream music on desktops, where mobile apps aren’t practical. PC-based music recognition tools can analyze audio from speakers, microphones, browsers, or files directly. This is crucial for identifying tracks in videos, games, or background noise without switching devices. According to industry reports, music recognition queries have surged with streaming services like Spotify and YouTube, making desktop options more relevant than ever.
This guide explores top Shazam alternatives for PC, focusing on Windows users but noting cross-platform compatibility. We’ll cover how these tools work, their features, installation processes, and performance based on real-world testing and user feedback. By building topical authority around music identification, audio processing, and software comparisons, this article addresses search intents like finding free song identifiers, browser-based recognizers, and open-source options. Whether you’re a casual listener or a music professional, these Shazam alternatives ensure you never miss a track.
Understanding Music Recognition Technology
Music recognition relies on acoustic fingerprinting, a process where software extracts unique audio signatures—patterns of frequencies, tempos, and waveforms—from a sample. These fingerprints are compared to a database containing millions of tracks. Shazam pioneered this with its proprietary algorithm, but alternatives use similar methods, often powered by machine learning to handle noise, distortions, or partial clips.
Key components include:
- Audio Capture: Via microphone for live sounds or direct from system audio for streams.
- Database Matching: Large libraries from partners like Gracenote or ACRCloud.
- Additional Features: Lyrics display, playlist integration, or humming recognition.
Challenges on PC include system permissions for audio access and compatibility with various hardware. Unlike mobile apps, PC tools must navigate browser restrictions or require dedicated software. Semantic variations like “song finder for computer” or “audio identifier Windows” often lead users here, emphasizing the need for tools that bridge mobile-desktop gaps.
Why Choose a Shazam Alternative on PC?
Shazam’s mobile dominance doesn’t extend fully to desktops. While Apple offers Shazam integration in macOS via Control Center, Windows users face limitations. The Shazam Chrome extension exists but only works in browsers, not system-wide. A dedicated Shazam alternative provides broader functionality, such as offline capabilities or integration with media players.
Benefits include:
- Efficiency: Identify songs from desktop apps like iTunes or VLC without phone intervention.
- Accuracy in Noisy Environments: Advanced algorithms filter background noise better.
- Privacy: Some open-source options avoid data sharing with corporations like Apple.
User scenarios range from DJs tagging mixes to gamers identifying soundtracks. With global music streaming hitting 4 trillion streams in 2025, demand for PC-based Shazam alternatives grows. Factors like cost (free vs. premium), database size, and speed influence choices, as we’ll detail below.
Top Shazam Alternatives for PC
Based on aggregated data from tech reviews and user forums, here are the leading Shazam alternatives for PC. Each is evaluated for accuracy, ease of use, and unique features. We’ve prioritized tools compatible with Windows 10/11, with notes on Linux or macOS where applicable.
1. SoundHound: The Closest Match to Shazam with Humming Support
SoundHound stands out as a premier Shazam alternative, especially for its ability to recognize hummed or sung melodies—a feature Shazam lacks in its basic form. Launched in 2005, SoundHound uses a proprietary engine called Houndify, which processes natural language queries alongside audio.
On PC, SoundHound operates primarily through its web version or by pairing with the mobile app. For direct desktop use, install an Android emulator like BlueStacks to run the full app. Here’s how it works: The software captures audio via microphone, generates a fingerprint, and queries a database of over 300 million tracks. It excels in identifying remixes or live versions due to its robust pattern-matching.
Key features:
- Voice commands like “Hey SoundHound, what’s this song?”
- Real-time lyrics and artist bios.
- Integration with Spotify for instant playlists.
Pros: High accuracy (up to 95% in tests), free basic version, supports international languages. Cons: No native Windows app, relies on internet for matching. To install, download the emulator from bluestacks.com, search for SoundHound in its Play Store, and grant mic access. In 2026 benchmarks, SoundHound identified obscure indie tracks faster than competitors.
5 best Shazam alternatives for PC (2025) to identify songs fast
2. Midomi: Web-Based Recognition with Community Input
Midomi, powered by SoundHound, is a browser-based Shazam alternative ideal for quick PC use without downloads. Accessed at midomi.com, it lets users sing, hum, or play audio into the microphone for identification. The tool’s community aspect allows uploading recordings for crowd-sourced help on tough tracks.
Technically, Midomi uses spectral analysis to break down audio into components like pitch and rhythm, matching against a user-contributed database. This makes it strong for niche genres or unsigned artists.
Features include:
- Humming search for forgotten tunes.
- Song previews and purchase links.
- Social sharing of discoveries.
Pros: No installation required, free, works on any browser (Chrome recommended for best mic access). Cons: Accuracy dips with poor singing; requires quiet environments. Setup is simple: Visit the site, click “Sing or Hum,” and allow mic permissions. It’s particularly useful for “identify song by humming on computer” queries.
3. Musixmatch: Lyrics-Focused Alternative with Recognition
Musixmatch combines music identification with synchronized lyrics, making it a multifaceted Shazam alternative for PC. Available as a Windows app from the Microsoft Store or Chrome extension, it scans audio from streams or mic input.
The app employs fingerprinting similar to Shazam but ties results to a lyrics database of 14 million songs. It explains sync issues by analyzing tempo variations, ensuring lyrics match playback speed.
Features:
- Real-time lyric scrolling.
- Translations in 60+ languages.
- Integration with YouTube and Spotify web players.
Pros: Enhances listening experience beyond identification; lightweight (under 50MB install). Cons: Less accurate for non-mainstream tracks; ad-supported free tier. Install via store.microsoft.com, link your music accounts, and use the floating lyrics window. It’s excellent for educational use, like learning foreign songs.
I tested the 5 best Shazam alternatives for PC music discovery
4. AHA Music: Browser Extension for Seamless Integration
AHA Music is a Chrome/Edge extension serving as a lightweight Shazam alternative, perfect for web-centric users. It identifies songs from browser tabs, like YouTube videos or Spotify web, using the AudD engine for fast matching.
How it functions: The extension captures tab audio, creates a hash-based fingerprint, and queries a cloud database. It supports file uploads for offline clips.
Features:
- One-click identification.
- History of recognized tracks.
- Links to streaming services.
Pros: Quick install from chromewebstore.google.com; free with 10 daily uses. Cons: Browser-only; no mic for live audio. Enable it in extensions, play audio, and click the icon—results appear in seconds. Ideal for “song identifier chrome extension” searches.
5. Audiggle: Dedicated Desktop App for Audio Analysis
Audiggle is a classic Shazam alternative, a free Windows desktop program that listens to system audio or mic input. Developed in the early 2010s, it uses a compact database for core recognition but shines in analyzing diverse sources like radio or games.
The tool works by sampling audio at 44.1kHz, extracting features, and matching via server query. It’s straightforward for beginners.
Features:
- Supports multiple audio inputs.
- Basic track info display.
- Export to playlists.
Pros: No browser dependency; works offline after initial setup. Cons: Smaller database misses new releases; no updates since 2020. Download from audiggle.com (if available) or archives, install, and select input source. It’s reliable for legacy systems.
6. Tunatic: Simple Free Tool for Basic Needs
Tunatic is an open-source-inspired Shazam alternative, a free Windows app that identifies songs via mic or line-in. It sends samples to its server for matching against a community database.
Mechanism: Audio is digitized, fingerprinted with perceptual hashing, and compared remotely. It’s basic but effective for popular tracks.
Features:
- Instant results for hits.
- Links to lyrics sites.
- Minimal interface.
Pros: Completely free; tiny footprint (1MB). Cons: Outdated database; compatibility issues on Windows 11. Install from tunatic.en.softonic.com, connect mic, and click “Search.” Good for low-spec PCs.
I tested the 5 best Shazam alternatives for PC music discovery
7. AudioTag: Web Tool for File-Based Recognition
AudioTag is a no-frills web Shazam alternative for uploading audio files or URLs. It analyzes 10-30 second clips using acoustic fingerprints.
Process: Upload MP3/WAV, server processes, returns matches from extensive library.
Features:
- Supports various formats.
- Batch processing option.
- Free basic use.
Pros: No software install; accurate for clear recordings. Cons: No live mic; slow for large files. Visit audiotag.info, upload, and wait—perfect for archived clips.
8. Cortana: Built-In Windows Option
Cortana, Microsoft’s assistant, serves as a Shazam alternative on Windows PCs. Ask “What song is this?” to identify via mic.
It leverages Bing’s music database for matching.
Features:
- Voice-activated.
- Integrates with Groove Music.
- Free with Windows.
Pros: No extra install; hands-free. Cons: Discontinued updates; lower accuracy. Enable in settings, speak command—simple for integrated use.
9. MRA – Music Identifier: Microsoft Store App
MRA is a modern Shazam alternative from the Microsoft Store, focusing on desktop sound capture.
It identifies title, artist, album from mic or system audio.
Features:
- Detailed track info.
- History log.
- Free.
Pros: Easy Store install; reliable for Windows. Cons: Limited database. Search “MRA” in Store, install, grant permissions.
10. SongRec: Open-Source Linux/Windows Option
SongRec is an open-source Shazam alternative using Shazam’s API indirectly. Compile or download binaries for Windows.
It recognizes via mic with high accuracy.
Features:
- Offline mode possible.
- Export to CSV.
- Free and customizable.
Pros: Privacy-focused; no ads. Cons: Setup requires tech knowledge. From github.com, build and run—great for developers.
Need a Shazam alternative on pc? These are the 6 best …
Browser Extensions as Shazam Alternatives
For web-focused users, extensions like Shazam’s own or AHA Music provide quick access. Shazam’s extension identifies tab audio but lacks mic support. Install from chromewebstore, pin it, and use on sites like YouTube. These bridge gaps but aren’t full replacements.
Open-Source Shazam Alternatives for PC
Options like SongRec, Music Radar, and Mousai offer transparency. They use APIs like AudD for matching, avoiding proprietary lock-in. Benefits include customizability; drawbacks are smaller communities. Ideal for Linux users seeking ethical software.
How to Choose the Best Shazam Alternative for Your PC
Consider factors like:
- Use Case: Humming? Go SoundHound. Files? AudioTag.
- Platform: Windows-native vs. web.
- Cost: Most free, but premiums add features.
- Accuracy: Test with diverse tracks.
Compare via table:
| Tool | Accuracy | Free? | Humming Support | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoundHound | High | Yes | Yes | Emulator |
| Midomi | Medium | Yes | Yes | Web |
| Musixmatch | High | Yes | No | App/Extension |
| AHA Music | High | Limited | No | Extension |
| Audiggle | Medium | Yes | No | Desktop |
Benchmark tests show SoundHound leading in speed (under 5 seconds average).
People Also Ask: Common Questions About Shazam Alternatives
Is There a Shazam for PC?
No official app, but alternatives like SoundHound fill the void. Shazam’s extension works in browsers.
What Is the Best Free Shazam Alternative?
SoundHound or Midomi for versatility; AHA for browsers.
Can I Identify Songs by Humming on PC?
Yes, via Midomi or SoundHound—hum into the mic for matches.
How Accurate Are These Alternatives Compared to Shazam?
Most match 90%+ for popular songs, but Shazam edges on Apple’s ecosystem. Alternatives like ACRCloud use advanced ML for parity.
Are There Offline Shazam Alternatives for PC?
Limited; SongKong tags local files offline, but live recognition needs internet.
What’s the Difference Between Shazam and SoundHound?
SoundHound supports humming; Shazam has better Apple integration.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Shazam Alternative
In 2026, PC users have robust Shazam alternatives spanning web tools, apps, and extensions. SoundHound emerges as the top pick for its features and accuracy, but choices depend on needs. By leveraging these, you build a seamless music discovery workflow. Stay updated, as databases evolve with new releases. For more on audio tech, explore related topics like voice assistants or streaming optimization.
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