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SPECIFICTION
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SongRec

github.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 7.3 #15 of 23 in Music Identification Apps

What it is

SongRec is an open-source Shazam client for recognizing songs from audio files, a microphone, or speakers. Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, it offers both a graphical interface and command-line use. In the GUI, users can keep microphone detection running and choose an input device; recognized songs are saved in a history that can be exported to CSV. The command line can output CSV or JSON, including for programmatic workflows. File support depends on FFmpeg: without it, the listed formats are MP3, FLAC, WAV, and OGG; with it, formats accepted by FFmpeg can be used. For lookups, SongRec sends audio fingerprints to Shazam servers rather than raw audio. The project says it collects no data and contacts no other servers. SongRec is free and licensed under GNU GPL v3. The project links Linux distribution and Windows x64 downloads and offers compilation instructions. macOS is not officially supported, despite compilation instructions. Flatpak filesystem sandboxing may leave some command-line features unusable, and identification requires an online connection.

Spec sheet

Purpose
SongRec is an open-source Shazam client for Linux, written in Rust.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Privacy
The project says SongRec collects no data, contacts no servers besides Shazam, and uploads fingerprints rather than raw audio.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The project asks users to report bugs and request features through GitHub Issues, and also lists a Matrix channel.Read 4 Oct 2026 · songrec.fossplant.re
License
The software is released under the GNU GPL v3 license.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Audio recognition
It recognizes songs from audio files, a microphone, or speakers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
CLI output
The command line can emit CSV or JSON output for programmatic use.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Continuous detection
The GUI supports continuous microphone detection and lets users choose an input device.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The project site links downloads for Linux distributions and Windows x64, and provides instructions to compile it yourself.Read 4 Oct 2026 · songrec.fossplant.re
File formats
Without FFmpeg, the README lists MP3, FLAC, WAV, and OGG support; with FFmpeg, it says formats supported by FFmpeg can be accepted.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
GUI and command line
SongRec can be used from both a graphical interface and the command line.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
History export
The GUI keeps a history of recognized songs that can be exported to CSV.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
macOS support
The README says macOS is not officially supported, though it includes compilation instructions for macOS.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Notable limitation
The README warns that Flatpak filesystem sandboxing may make some command-line features unusable.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Shazam service
SongRec sends audio fingerprints to Shazam servers for song lookup.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free Open-source Shazam client · Linux-focused desktop app Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every SongRec plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Recognizes audio files, microphone input, and speakers
  • GUI supports continuous detection and input selection
  • Recognition history can be exported to CSV
  • CLI offers CSV and JSON output
  • Free and licensed under GNU GPL v3

Limits

  • macOS is not officially supported
  • Flatpak sandboxing may limit CLI features
  • Offline identification is not available

Who it suits

SongRec suits people who want song recognition through a desktop GUI or command line, including users who need CSV or JSON output. Those choosing macOS should note that it is not officially supported.

Verdict

SongRec provides both graphical and command-line song recognition, with history export and script-friendly output. Its Shazam lookup uses uploaded fingerprints, and macOS support is unofficial.

Where Specifiction places it

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