Overview

Founded in Paris in 2011, Audirvāna plays local music and supports network playback across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Its format range—from FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and MP3 to DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, and MQA—makes it a credible option for a mixed or specialized library. The important distinction is that streaming services belong to Studio, while Origin is for local-library playback.

Key features

Library and format support: Audirvāna supports FLAC, Ogg FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, APE, WavPack, AAC, MP3, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, and MQA. That breadth helps when a collection includes both everyday files and formats less commonly supported by players.
Network and device connections: Playback can use USB connections to DACs, or wireless UPnP/DLNA and Chromecast. Network playback gives listeners more ways to route audio than a local-only setup.
Studio browsing and streaming: Studio brings local and streaming tracks together in playlists and favorites, with filtering, sorting, and search across sources. This is the more suitable choice for listeners who want one place to browse a personal library and streaming content.
Playback processing: Audirvāna offers upsampling algorithms and Audio Scan for checking file resolution. Studio adds a 10-band parametric EQ, convolution engine, adjustable crossfeed intended for stereo audio, and output balance. These controls suit listeners who want to shape playback; they add less for someone who only needs straightforward library playback.
Remote control: The free iOS and Android Remote app controls the computer’s Core Player. Processing runs on the computer, not the phone, so the app is a controller rather than a mobile playback-processing environment.
Certified equipment: Plāys with Audirvāna certifies audio equipment for interoperability over supported modes such as UPnP, USB, and Chromecast.

Pricing

There is no free plan. A 30-day trial requires no payment information, includes all features, and is capped at 30 AudioScan analyses. It is a useful way to assess the full feature set, though the scan quota matters if file analysis is central to a large evaluation.

Studio Classic — 7.99 USD per month: Monthly subscription with full Studio features, integrated streaming content services, and the free smartphone Remote app. With no time commitment, it suits listeners who want streaming and flexibility rather than an annual commitment.
Studio Access — 79.99 USD per year: Yearly subscription with 12 months commitment, full Studio features, integrated streaming content services, the Remote app, and an extended free trial for Qobuz. Choose it if a year-long commitment and Qobuz trial extension fit your plans; the trade-off is less flexibility than monthly billing.
Origin — 149.99 USD per once: A license without a time limit for local music library playback, with no library size limitation and the Remote app. It suits listeners who do not need an integrated streaming service and prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription.
Signal Processing Suite — custom pricing: Includes 10-band EQ, convolution engine, crossfeed, and output balance with gain and delay. It is for listeners seeking those processing tools rather than an alternative streaming plan.
Bundle Offer — 219.99 USD per once: One-time purchase of Origin with the Signal Processing Suite. This combines local playback and processing tools, but does not include Studio’s integrated streaming services.
License Origin — 14999.00 USD per once: One-time license for local library playback with no library size limitation, multiple installs with non-simultaneous use, and a minimum of two years of OS compatibility updates. Its stated install and update terms make it a distinct option for buyers needing those license conditions.

Platforms

Audirvāna supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The Remote app is available for iOS and Android, while its Core Player runs on a computer.

Who it's for

Audirvāna is best suited to listeners with substantial or varied local collections who value format breadth, network playback, and playback processing. Studio fits those who also want integrated streaming services and unified browsing. Origin is the clearer match for local-library listeners who want a lasting license and do not need streaming integration. It is a weaker fit for anyone looking for a no-cost player or phone-native processing.

Pros and cons

Pro: Broad support from common formats through DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, and MQA accommodates diverse collections.
Pro: USB, UPnP/DLNA, and Chromecast connection options give listeners several routes to compatible audio equipment.
Pro: Studio combines streaming and local browsing with substantial processing controls.
Con: Integrated streaming services require a Studio subscription; Origin is limited to local-library playback.
Con: There is no free plan, and the trial limits AudioScan to 30 analyses.
Con: The Remote app controls the computer’s Core Player rather than moving processing to the mobile device.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Audio Player Software or Media Player Software.

foobar2000 is a free option across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows for readers who prioritize avoiding a subscription or purchase.
AIMP is freeware for Android, Linux, and Windows, making it an option for those platforms who want a free player.
Audacious is a free choice for Linux, macOS, and Windows users.
Music Player Daemon is free and supports Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
JRiver Media Center is a paid alternative for Linux, macOS, and Windows; consider it if you want to compare another paid player on those desktop platforms.
BBC Sounds is free for UK listeners on Android, iOS, and web, and is a better fit for that audience seeking a free service rather than a local-library player.
Apple Music Playlist Playground is a paid Android and iOS option with a free trial; consider it if you are comparing paid mobile music options.
Winamp for Artists has a free plan and web, iOS, and Android support; it is an alternative to consider when those platform and pricing terms suit your needs.

Verdict

Choose Audirvāna if your priority is playing a varied local collection with network options and, on Studio, integrated streaming and processing tools. Its strongest case is the combination of format breadth and playback control; the main reason to look elsewhere is the paid-only model or the absence of streaming services in the one-time Origin license.

	Audirvāna	Kaku
Free plan	No
Free trial	Yes
Paid from	$6.67/mo
Platforms	Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	No
Supported platforms	windows, macos, linux, ios, android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Network playback	Yes	Yes
Format support	FLAC, Ogg FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, APE, WavPack, AAC, MP3, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, MQA
License model	subscription	free

Audirvāna vs Kaku

Audirvāna

Kaku