It's just embarrassing that Apple hasn't released a better alternative on Windows. In my testing, iTunes was clunky, slow, and didn't even render text well in some cases. As I wrote this review, I often popped open Cider and iTunes to double-check my comparison. Speaking of which, the biggest endorsement of Cider may be that it is not iTunes. You can also hover over the app in the Taskbar to control audio, but that's an option on just about any app, including iTunes. This is relatively standard on well-developed music apps but isn't an option on Apple's apps. Cider also makes it easier to find your favorite songs and other audio with a customized home page.Ī compact mode allows you to pop the music player into a tiny window with controls.

Apple Music has an extensive library of content, so it should be easy to find most artists and songs. The app has a home page and several sections for finding and browsing through music.

Songs from the Apple Music catalog cannot be burned to a CD.Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)Ĭider features an attractive interface that's easy to use and navigate.

iTunes-compatible CD or DVD recorder to create audio CDs, MP3 CDs, or backup CDs or DVDs.

Internet connection to use Apple Music, the iTunes Store, and iTunes Extras.

Screen resolution of 1024x768 or greater 1280x800 or greater is required to play an iTunes LP or iTunes Extras.

To play 1080p HD video, a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster processor, 2GB of RAM, and an Intel GMA X4500HD, ATI Radeon HD 2400, or NVIDIA GeForce 8300 GS or better is required.

To play 720p HD video, an iTunes LP, or iTunes Extras, a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or faster processor, 1GB of RAM, and an Intel GMA X3000, ATI Radeon X1300, or NVIDIA GeForce 6150 or better is required.

To play standard-definition video from the iTunes Store, an Intel Pentium D or faster processor, 512MB of RAM, and a DirectX 9.0–compatible video card is required.

PC with a 1GHz Intel or AMD processor with support for SSE2 and 512MB of RAM.

Microsoft store itunes