Unify local and online collections
Import local files and collections from hard drives, network storage, USB drives, Discogs, and connected playlists or libraries from YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Overview
Crates is a music app that brings local files and online collections into one searchable library. It is built for listeners who want to organize, play, and discover music without splitting their collection across separate services.
The app supports desktop use on macOS and Windows, with mobile apps and browser extensions mentioned on the site. It combines file playback, in-app streaming, metadata enrichment, playlist management, and community discovery in a single workflow.
Features
Listen from files and connected services
Play MP3, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, AAC, and similar files, then stream in-app from YouTube, Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and Apple Music.
Enrich and organize metadata
Automatically fetch artwork, release details, genres, label information, and other metadata, then calculate BPM, key, and waveforms for organized browsing.
Manage a searchable library
Tag, rate, search, and create playlists, with metadata that can be written back into files so the library stays usable outside Crates.
Capture music as you find it online
Use the browser extension or drag-and-drop supported links to save tracks while browsing, and keep them in a universal play queue.
Sync to mobile devices
Sync the same library structure to mobile, download converted files to save space, and preserve playlists and metadata on the phone.
Use Cases
Build one personal music library
Bring together files from your computer, drives, NAS, and USB storage with saved collections from services like Discogs, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music so everything is searchable in one place.
Play and browse across formats and services
Listen to local audio files or stream from connected sources inside the app while keeping playlists and collection structure intact across devices.
Capture discoveries from the web
Save tracks and releases while browsing Bandcamp, YouTube, or SoundCloud, then add them to a universal play queue for later listening.
Prepare DJ collections and exports
Use import actions to calculate BPM and key, rename files, move tracks, fetch metadata, and prepare USB exports for DJ hardware or other software.
Carry a synced mobile library
Sync a library to a phone for offline listening or Wi-Fi transfers, with converted files when you want to reduce storage use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brings local files and multiple online sources into one library.
- Supports common audio formats such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, and AAC.
- Can automatically pull artwork and release metadata from sources such as Discogs, Apple Catalog, MusicBrainz, and Bandcamp.
- Writes metadata back into files and supports export to USB for some workflows.
- Keeps the library stored locally rather than uploading it to Crates servers.
Cons
- The mobile app is limited to Supporter access in the current public beta.
- Spotify can be connected, but the site says it cannot be streamed inside Crates.
- The site presents some features as still evolving, with general release and additional features still to come.
FAQ
What is Crates?
Crates is a music app for people who want one place to manage local files and connected online collections. It combines library management, in-app streaming, customization, and community-driven discovery.
Is Crates free?
Crates offers a free Community version with core features and a paid Supporter version. The Supporter version is a one-time purchase of €39, currently discounted to €30, and includes mobile access and other extra features.
Does Crates replace my streaming subscriptions?
Crates is not a streaming service and does not host music itself. It connects to services such as YouTube, Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and Apple Music, while the source also notes that Spotify can be connected but not streamed inside Crates.
How do I get music into Crates?
You can import local files and connect online collections through the Library menu, or use drag-and-drop links, supported URLs, and the browser extension. The site mentions sources such as Bandcamp, Discogs, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.
Does Crates store my library in the cloud?
Crates says your library is stored locally on your devices and is not uploaded to Crates servers. The site states that the team cannot access, monitor, or collect your music or listening data.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Music library manager
- Platforms
- Desktop for macOS and Windows; mobile apps and browser extensions are mentioned
- Pricing model
- Free Community version plus one-time paid Supporter version
- Paid version
- €39 one-time, currently discounted to €30
- Primary users
- Dedicated listeners, collectors, and DJs
- Website
- crates.app
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