CDex
What it is
CDex is free Windows software for extracting audio from CDs and converting files between WAV and compressed formats. Listed encoders and supported formats include MP3, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, AAC, MP2, WAV, OGA, APE, VQF, and Musepack. It supports batch conversion and quality controls. During ripping, CDex can add ID3V1 and ID3V2 tags, retrieve album information through a local or remote CD Database, and use multi-track recording, CD-Text when the drive supports it, and jitter correction. Additional tools provide audio normalization, external WAV conversion, and M3U or PLS playlists. The site lists Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP support. Its download page offers version 2.24, dated 2020/08/12, and a portable 1.77 edition for use without installation, including from USB, flash, or cloud drives. CDex is licensed under GNU General Public License 3.
For and against
For
- Free GPL-licensed software
- Supports many audio formats
- CDDB album information lookup
- Batch conversion and quality controls
- Portable edition available
Against
- Windows-only platform
- No free trial listed
- Latest listed release dates to 2020
The verdict
CDex provides a broad set of CD-ripping, conversion, metadata, and playlist functions at no cost. Its Windows focus and dated listed release are important considerations for prospective users.
Who it suits
CDex suits Windows users who want free CD ripping, audio conversion, tagging, and playlist tools. Its portable edition also suits users who need to run it without installation.
Plans and prices
Free
GPL-licensed CD ripping and audio conversion
Read 3 Oct 2026 · cdex.mu
On the record
- Audio conversion
- CDex can convert WAV files to compressed audio and vice versa.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Audio formats
- The listed encoders include MP3, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, AAC, MP2, and WAV.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Disc information
- CDex can read and store album information using a local or remote CD Database (CDDB).cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The download page lists CDex 2.24, dated 2020/08/12, and describes the installer as recommended.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- License
- The site says CDex is licensed under GNU General Public License 3.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Other features
- CDex supports audio normalization, external WAV conversion, and M3U and PLS playlist files.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Portable edition
- The site offers CDex Portable 1.77 for use without installation, including from USB, flash, or cloud drives.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- CDex extracts digital audio from CDs and can save it as WAV or compressed audio.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Ripping features
- The feature list includes multi-track recording, CD-Text support when the drive supports it, and jitter correction.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Source code
- The source page offers CDex 1.70 Beta 2 source code and describes a Subversion repository.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The support page directs users to the FAQ, help forum, bug tracking system, and other tracking systems.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Tags
- CDex supports ID3V1 and ID3V2 tags and can insert them during ripping.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Website privacy
- The privacy page says the site may use third-party advertising companies to serve ads and links to information about Google's use of site or app information.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The features page lists Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP; the download page offers CDex 2.24 for Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP.cdex.mu · read 3 Oct 2026
