Streamripper for Mac: the modern alternative with a GUI.
Streamripper is a classic: the open-source tool records internet radio and splits songs using the stream metadata. Its last release (1.64.6), however, dates from March 2009 – it has not been developed since. On a Mac it is mostly run via Homebrew in Terminal, with no station directory and no album artwork. StreamWriter Studio turns the same basic idea into a modern Mac app: find stations with a click, record several at once and get finished songs with tags and real artwork.
Streamripper vs. StreamWriter Studio
| Feature | Streamripper | StreamWriter Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Use on a Mac | command line (Terminal) | native Mac app with a GUI |
| Development | discontinued, last release 2009 | actively developed (2026) |
| Track splitting via stream metadata | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tags + real album artwork automatically | only titles from the stream | ✓ |
| Built-in station directory | ✗ | ✓ tens of thousands of stations + 3D globe |
| Waveform editor for trimming | ✗ | ✓ |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS (Homebrew), older Windows | Mac & Windows 10/11 |
| Price | free (open source) | $59.99 one-time · 1 device |
Streamripper is a free open-source project. All information to the best of our knowledge, as of October 2026.
Which tool when?
Choose Streamripper if you want to record via scripts on a server and are comfortable in Terminal – it is free and lightweight.
Choose StreamWriter Studio if you simply want to collect radio on a Mac or on Windows: search stations, start recording, finished songs with artwork in your library. Explained step by step in Record internet radio on a Mac.
One-time purchase · license by email · macOS 14.6 or Windows 10/11
Frequently asked questions
Does Streamripper still work on a Mac?
It can be installed via Homebrew and used in Terminal. It has not been developed since 2009, though, and offers no GUI, station directory or album artwork.
What is the difference to StreamWriter Studio?
Both split songs using the stream metadata. StreamWriter Studio is also a complete app: station directory with a globe, several recordings at once, tags with real artwork and a waveform editor.
Is StreamWriter Studio available for Windows too?
Yes, for Windows 10 and 11. One license covers one device – Mac or Windows.
