Best Shazam Alternatives for PC: Identify Any Song in Seconds

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head or playing on your computer and wondered, “What’s the name of this track?” Shazam is the go-to music recognition app for many, but it isn’t the only option, especially if you’re on a PC.

Whether you’re streaming music, watching YouTube, playing games, or listening to background tracks in a movie, these Shazam alternatives can help you identify songs instantly. From browser extensions to standalone tools, here are the best ways to identify music on your Windows or macOS computer.

1. Musixmatch – Best for Lyrics Lovers

Musixmatch goes beyond basic song recognition. It not only identifies music but also displays real-time, synced lyrics—sometimes even with translations. This makes it perfect for international music fans who want to understand every line.

It integrates seamlessly with Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and more. You can use it via its desktop app or lightweight Chrome extension.

Pros

• Real-time, accurate lyrics with translations
• Integrates with major platforms (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music)
• Clean Chrome extension for quick recognition
• Great for discovering meanings behind songs

Cons

• No direct microphone or system-wide detection
• Desktop version is limited compared to mobile
• Occasional lyric sync issues

2. AHA Music – Best Browser-Based Option

If you want something lightweight, AHA Music is a great choice. It’s a Chrome and Edge extension powered by the AudD recognition engine. Just play music in your browser tab—whether it’s YouTube, Spotify Web, or an online radio—and it identifies the song within seconds.

Pros

• No installation needed—just a browser extension
• Quick, accurate recognition via AudD engine
• Works with YouTube, Spotify Web, Deezer, and more
• Simple, distraction-free interface

Cons

• Limited to browser tabs (no system-wide detection)
• No lyrics or translations like Musixmatch
• Requires internet connection

AHA music is best for users who stream music in their browser and want instant recognition without extra software.

3. AudioTag – Best for Uploaded Audio

AudioTag is a web-based tool that lets you upload an audio file or paste a link, and it quickly tells you the song name and artist. It’s especially useful if you have offline recordings, mixes, or personal files you want to identify.

Pros

• Works with uploaded files or pasted URLs
• No installation—completely web-based
• Supports multiple audio formats and long clips
• Fast and reliable results

Cons

• Outdated, basic interface
• No real-time or system audio detection
• Limited to just identification (no extras like lyrics)

Audio tag is best for users with recorded or saved audio files who need quick song identification.

4. SoundHound – Best for Voice & Humming Recognition

SoundHound is one of the most established music recognition apps. On PC, it works mainly through the browser or when linked with your mobile app. Its standout feature is the ability to detect songs via humming, singing, or even voice commands with “Hey SoundHound.”

Pros

• Detects live audio, humming, or singing
• Voice-activated recognition for hands-free use
• Large database with lyrics included
• Fast and accurate detection

Cons

• Browser version less powerful than mobile
• Some features require premium subscription
• Not as seamless on PC as on smartphones

SoundHound is best for users who want voice/humming recognition or hands-free song identification.

5. Midomi – Best for Singing & Whistling

Midomi (from SoundHound) is a fun way to identify songs by humming, singing, or whistling the tune. It uses your computer’s microphone to analyze the melody, making it perfect if you don’t know the lyrics but remember the sound.

Pros

• Recognizes melodies from humming, singing, or whistling
• Detects songs via microphone playback
• Powered by SoundHound’s engine
• Unique and playful way to rediscover forgotten songs

Cons

• Accuracy depends on how well you hum or sing
• Needs microphone access
• No direct integration with streaming services

Midomi is best for People who remember tunes but not lyrics.

6. Tunatic – Best for Old-School Simplicity

Tunatic is one of the earliest PC music recognition tools. It listens through a microphone or line-in and identifies songs by sending audio to its server. While it’s outdated and hasn’t been updated since 2010, it can still recognize many older tracks.

Pros

• Free and lightweight
• Works with microphone or direct line-in
• Simple, no-frills design
• Still identifies many popular songs

Cons

• Outdated database—may miss newer tracks
• No updates or modern UI
• Limited features beyond identification

Tunatic is best for Retro users curious about vintage recognition tools.

FAQs About Shazam Alternatives on PC

1. Can I use Shazam on my PC?

Shazam doesn’t have a dedicated Windows app, but you can use it via the web browser on Shazam.com or sync with the mobile app.

2. Which option is best for offline music?

AudioTag is ideal if you want to upload files for recognition.

3. Which option works best with streaming services?

Musixmatch and AHA Music are the most reliable for YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.

4. Which is best for humming or singing?

Midomi and SoundHound are your best bets.