Best Alternatives to iTunes

The iTunes software from Apple Computers is one of the best iPod management applications. It can do many things such as playing audio and video files, syncing photos and other files to iPods and iPhones, offering the user access to iTunes online store, just to name a few. Though there are benefits of this software, there are some users who might find its operation very confusing and difficult. In a such situation, one might want to consider some iTunes alternatives.

Best iTunes Alternatives

Amarok
This is probably the best music management software that is favored by iPod users. It supports music management of a wide range of portable entertainment devices such as iPod, iriver, Creative MP3 players, and USB MP3 players. A good thing of Amarok is that it's absolutely free. It has an interface much similar to that of Apple iTunes.

SharePod
SharePod is a digital music management application which does much of the work of iTunes. You can use it right from the iPod, which makes it easy to access. You can add or delete files to and from the iPod, and even back up the iPod data easily. This is one good software as a substitute to iTunes which comes for free.

CopyTrans Manager
This iTunes alternative is believed to be a fast and simple to use program. It deals with the management of audio and video files, podcasts, audio books, and even TV shows. The drag-drop functions makes it all the more simpler to use. Besides, this free application does not even require installation on the hard drive.

Froddle Pod
This is a decent iPod file manager that offers some interesting features. Along with traditional features from other music management applications, it also has an option to format the device. Other features include music normalization, audio ripping, wave to MP3 converter, and data backup and restore. Note that it only runs on the Windows platform.

Banshee
This application has a functional support for a variety of devices such as iPods, Android gadgets, and Creative ZEN range of media players. It is currently available for Mac OS X and Linux only. Some of its features are streaming radio and podcasting.

Songbird
Songbird is compatible with versions of Windows and Mac OS. It offers a wide range of add-ons for the user to enjoy customizations. Its features include Last.fm radio support, full system scan for audio data, and so on. It can even give an option to play audio files present on web pages. Due to its impressive features, it is shipped along with Philips MP3 devices.

aTunes
aTunes has an interface very identical to that of iTunes. It has a variety of features for almost all portable devices; such as multiple playlist management, drag-drop function, CD ripping, tag editing, equalizer and karaoke, file normalization, file statistics, and Internet radio. Color themes also make the interface change its appearance.

These are just a few of the best alternatives to iTunes. Note that the primary task of all these applications is to play, manage, and transfer music files to and from the iPod and computer. There are many other alternatives such as YamiPod, Mediamonkey, DoubleTwist, Rhythmbox, gtkpod, etc. Remember that features and specifications regarding iPod model compatibility may differ in the above mentioned software. Therefore, it is suggested to go through detailed specifications and reviews of these applications.