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SongRec
What it is
SongRec is a free, open-source Shazam client written in Rust, focused on Linux desktop use. It identifies songs from audio files, a microphone or speakers, and offers both a graphical interface and command-line operation. The GUI can continuously listen through a user-selected input device and keeps a history of recognized tracks that can be exported to CSV. The command line can return CSV or JSON output for programmatic use. Without FFmpeg, the listed file formats are MP3, FLAC, WAV and OGG; with FFmpeg, formats supported by FFmpeg can be accepted. For lookups, SongRec sends audio fingerprints to Shazam servers rather than raw audio. The project says it collects no data and contacts no servers besides Shazam. The software is licensed under GNU GPL v3, with downloads linked for Linux distributions and Windows x64, plus instructions to compile it. macOS is not officially supported, although compilation instructions are included. The README cautions that Flatpak filesystem sandboxing may interfere with some command-line features. SongRec does not provide offline identification.
For and against
For
- Recognizes songs from files, microphones or speakers.
- Offers GUI and command-line use.
- Exports history to CSV.
- Sends fingerprints rather than raw audio.
Against
- No offline identification.
- macOS is not officially supported.
- Flatpak sandboxing may limit command-line features.
The verdict
SongRec offers several ways to identify tracks and export results, with audio fingerprints sent to Shazam for lookup. Consider its platform support, online lookup requirement and Flatpak limitation before choosing it.
Who it suits
SongRec suits Linux users who want song recognition through a desktop interface or command line. It may also suit Windows users, while macOS users should note that the project does not officially support that platform.
Plans and prices
Free
Open-source Shazam client · Linux-focused desktop app
Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Audio recognition
- It recognizes songs from audio files, a microphone, or speakers.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- CLI output
- The command line can emit CSV or JSON output for programmatic use.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Continuous detection
- The GUI supports continuous microphone detection and lets users choose an input device.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The project site links downloads for Linux distributions and Windows x64, and provides instructions to compile it yourself.songrec.fossplant.re · read 4 Oct 2026
- File formats
- Without FFmpeg, the README lists MP3, FLAC, WAV, and OGG support; with FFmpeg, it says formats supported by FFmpeg can be accepted.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- GUI and command line
- SongRec can be used from both a graphical interface and the command line.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- History export
- The GUI keeps a history of recognized songs that can be exported to CSV.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The software is released under the GNU GPL v3 license.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- macOS support
- The README says macOS is not officially supported, though it includes compilation instructions for macOS.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Notable limitation
- The README warns that Flatpak filesystem sandboxing may make some command-line features unusable.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The project says SongRec collects no data, contacts no servers besides Shazam, and uploads fingerprints rather than raw audio.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SongRec is an open-source Shazam client for Linux, written in Rust.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Shazam service
- SongRec sends audio fingerprints to Shazam servers for song lookup.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project asks users to report bugs and request features through GitHub Issues, and also lists a Matrix channel.songrec.fossplant.re · read 4 Oct 2026
