How to Play FLAC Files (and the Best FLAC Players)
FLAC isn't as universal as MP3, but playing it is easy. Here are the best free FLAC players for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android — and what to do when FLAC won't play.
Device won't play FLAC? Convert FLAC → ALAC for Apple, or FLAC → MP3 for anything — free, no account.
Convert FLAC to ALAC →The Quick Version
FLAC isn't as universally supported as MP3, but playing it is easy: install a free player that supports FLAC (VLC is the safe pick everywhere), or convert the FLAC to a format your device already plays. Here's the per-platform rundown plus the best FLAC players.
Best Free FLAC Players
| Player | Platforms | Why |
|---|---|---|
| VLC | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Plays virtually anything; the universal safe choice |
| foobar2000 | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Audiophile favorite; light, powerful, great for big libraries |
| MusicBee | Windows | Excellent library management + FLAC/hi-res support |
| Vox / Doppler | iOS, Mac | Native-feeling FLAC playback on Apple devices |
| Poweramp | Android | Top-tier Android player with hi-res FLAC support |
Play FLAC on Windows
- VLC, foobar2000, or MusicBee all play FLAC natively — install one and double-click.
- Windows Media Player / the Media Player app support FLAC on Windows 10/11, so double-clicking often just works.
Play FLAC on Mac
- VLC or foobar2000 play FLAC directly.
- Apple Music / the Music app: modern macOS can play FLAC, but for a tidy library many people convert FLAC → ALAC (Apple Lossless, same quality) so it imports and syncs cleanly.
Play FLAC on iPhone / iPad
- The Files app plays FLAC on modern iOS. For a music-library experience, use VLC for Mobile, Vox, or Doppler.
- To add FLAC to your Apple Music library, convert it to ALAC first — same lossless quality, native Apple support.
Play FLAC on Android
- Many Android phones play FLAC out of the box. If not, install VLC, Poweramp, or Musicolet.
- Android has strong native hi-res FLAC support on many devices.
The Universal Fix: VLC
If a FLAC won't play anywhere, VLC (free, every platform) is the answer — it supports FLAC including hi-res and unusual sample rates, and ignores a wrong file extension to read the real format.
When Converting Is the Easier Fix
If your device or app just won't cooperate — an older car stereo, a basic MP3 player, or an app locked to Apple formats — convert the FLAC:
- FLAC → ALAC for Apple Music/iTunes (lossless, native).
- FLAC → MP3 for universal playback anywhere (small, lossy but transparent at 320kbps).
- FLAC → M4A for Apple devices when you want smaller lossy files.
If a FLAC Still Won't Play
- Unsupported player — install VLC or convert the file.
- Hi-res sample rate the device can't handle — convert to standard 16-bit/44.1kHz or to MP3.
- Corrupted/incomplete download — re-download it.
- Mislabeled file — VLC reads the true format regardless of extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plays FLAC files?
VLC, foobar2000, MusicBee, Poweramp, and modern Windows/Mac/Android systems. VLC is the most reliable across all platforms.
How do I play FLAC on an iPhone?
Use the Files app, VLC for Mobile, Vox, or Doppler. To add FLAC to Apple Music, convert it to ALAC (same lossless quality) first.
Does iTunes/Apple Music play FLAC?
Modern Apple software can play FLAC, but iTunes/Apple Music libraries prefer ALAC. Converting FLAC to ALAC gives native, friction-free playback.
Why won't my FLAC file play?
Usually an app that doesn't support FLAC, a hi-res sample rate the device can't handle, or a corrupted file. Use VLC or convert the FLAC.
What's the best free FLAC player?
VLC for universal compatibility; foobar2000 or MusicBee for serious library management on desktop; Poweramp on Android.
How do I open a FLAC file on Windows?
Double-click it (Windows 10/11 supports FLAC), or open it in VLC, foobar2000, or MusicBee.