How to Play Amazon Music on Linux in 2025

Part 1. Can Amazon Music Be Used on Linux?

Amazon Music doesn't offer an official desktop application for Linux. However, this doesn't mean that Linux users are entirely excluded from enjoying the service. In fact, with a bit of workaround, you can still stream music from Amazon Music on Linux systems using your web browser.

Linux users can access Amazon Music's streaming services - including Free, Prime, and Unlimited - through the Amazon Music Web Player. This makes using Amazon Music on Linux possible without installing additional software. While the experience may not be as seamless as on Windows or macOS. Browser access still provides essential functions, such as browsing playlists, streaming albums, and managing your music library.

That said, using Amazon Music on Linux has some limitations, especially for users who demand high-resolution audio or expect the features of a native app. In the next part, we'll explore what it's like to stream Amazon Music on Linux through Chrome or Firefox, and what trade-offs to expect.

Part 2. Stream Amazon Music on Linux via Web Browser

One of the easiest ways to listen to Amazon Music on Linux is through your web browser. Both Chrome and Firefox are generally supported, and the web player is feature-rich enough for casual listening. However, there are a few important limitations and technical considerations that every Linux user should be aware of.

How to Stream Amazon Music on Linux:

Before diving into the technical limitations, let's first understand how you can get started with browser-based streaming on Linux.

Step 1. Open your preferred browser: Recommended browsers include Firefox and Chrome for best performance on Linux.

Step 2. Go to the Amazon Music Web Player: Visit https://music.amazon.com.

Step 3. Log in with your Amazon account: Ensure you're logged into the account linked to your Amazon Music plan.

Step 4. Start browsing and playing music: You can search songs, access playlists, and listen to your full library right from the browser.

Note: Ensure your browser is up to date to avoid playback issues.

Four Limitations of Playing Amazon Music on Linux via Web Player

While this process is simple, there are several significant limitations when using Amazon Music on Linux browsers:

Limitation 1. No Native Desktop Application

Amazon does not offer a dedicated desktop app for Linux. This is the most obvious and critical limitation compared to platforms like Windows or macOS. Without a native app, Linux users are limited to the browser, which:

• Lacks advanced playback controls
• Cannot run in the background as smoothly
• Doesn't support system-level audio enhancements or shortcuts

Unlike Spotify (which has a Linux client), Amazon Music for Linux depends entirely on the web interface, which is less optimized for performance and user experience.

Limitation 2. No Ultra HD Streaming Support

If you're an audiophile hoping to stream Ultra HD (24-bit/96kHz or higher) music on Linux, the browser-based player will disappoint you. Across all platforms, Amazon's web player limits audio quality to HD (16-bit/44.1kHz or 48kHz) - commonly referred to as CD-quality.

To enjoy Amazon Music's Ultra HD audio, you need to use the official desktop app or certified devices, neither of which is available on Linux. This means Linux users are capped at HD audio at best, even if they have an Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.

Limitation 3. DRM and Compatibility Issues

Amazon Music streams are protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management), and playback relies on your browser's support for Widevine CDM.

While both Chrome and Firefox support DRM:

• Some users may encounter error messages like "unsupported browser" even on up-to-date versions.
• Songs may appear to buffer indefinitely without playing.
• Playback may fail silently due to misconfigured or missing DRM components.

How to Fix Playback Issues When Using Amazon Music on Linux

• In Firefox: Go to Preferences > Privacy & Security > Enable 'Play DRM-controlled content'.
• In Chrome: Ensure Widevine is enabled and up to date. Try disabling extensions or using Incognito mode if issues persist.

Limitation 4. No Support for Spatial Audio

Spatial audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio are not supported in the Amazon Music web player - on any platform. These formats require dedicated decoding support via the desktop app or compatible hardware.

So even if your Linux setup includes high-end headphones or audio equipment, you won't be able to experience immersive audio formats through a browser on Linux.

Summary of Streaming Amazon Music for Linux via Browser:

Feature	Basic Streaming	HD Audio (16-bit)	Ultra HD (24-bit)	Spatial Audio (Dolby/360)	Native Desktop App	DRM Stability
Supported on Linux Web Browser?	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌	⚠️ Limited / Browser-dependent

✅ Pros

• No installation required
• Instant access to your Amazon Music library

❌ Cons

• Requires constant internet connection
• Limited control over audio output and caching
• No offline playback support

In short, you can stream Amazon Music on Linux using Chrome or Firefox, but with noticeable trade-offs. If you need Ultra HD or Spatial Audio, or seek tighter system integration, the browser-based approach won't fully meet your needs. In the following, there will be some workarounds to help you.

Possible Workarounds to Get Ultra HD Tracks from Amazon Music for Linux (With Limitations)

Given these limitations, some users might seek alternative approaches to achieve a better playback experience on Linux. Here are a few potential workarounds worth considering:

Way 1. Using Wine or Bottles:

Some tech-savvy users have successfully installed the Windows version of the Amazon Music app on Linux using Wine or tools like Bottles. While this can restore some missing features like Ultra HD playback, it comes with trade-offs:

• Setup can be complex
• Performance may be inconsistent
• Not officially supported by Amazon
• DRM functionality may break, causing crashes or playback errors

Way 2. Downloading Purchased MP3s:

You can download MP3s of any tracks you've purchased from Amazon and play them using local Linux players like Rhythmbox, VLC, or Audacious. This only applies to purchased music, not songs from the Unlimited or Prime streaming catalog.

See also: How to Download Purchased Music from Amazon to Phone/Computer

For those scenarios, local playback through a downloader or a virtualized Windows environment is your best bet - which we'll cover in Part 3.

Part 3. Best Tool to Play Amazon Music on Linux Offline

While streaming is convenient, many Linux users prefer having local access to their music. Whether you're commuting or working in a low-bandwidth environment, downloading Amazon Music tracks is ideal. Since Amazon does not offer native downloads for Linux systems, using a third-party Amazon Music converter is the best workaround.

AudFree Amazon Music Converter is a powerful solution that helps users download and convert Amazon Music to local files like MP3, FLAC, or WAV. Although it is primarily designed for Windows and macOS, you can convert Amazon tracks to common formats via it and transfer them to your Linux. No matter exporting Amazon Music playlist or album, you can access them easily.

Steps to Download Amazon Music for Linux:

Follow these steps to know how AudFree Amazon Music Converter works smartly to convert and download Amazon Music locally so that you can transfer to Linux for playback.

Step 1Download and Launch AudFree Amazon Music Converter

Visit the official AudFree website, and install the tool inside your Windows or macOS. Once launched, sign in to access your music library within the program.

Step 2Customize output format and quality settings

Click the "Preference" > "Conversion" to adjust your output format. MP3 (320kbps) or FLAC for lossless playback is recommended. You can also change any settings such as bit rate, sample rate, channel, etc. as you need.

See also: How to Convert Amazon Music to MP3 on All Devices

Step 3Select tracks or playlists to convert

Use the built-in search to add desired tracks, simply click the "+" to add playlist directly from the Amazon Music interface.

Step 4Convert Amazon Music for Linux

Click "Convert" to download the Amazon Music for your Linux. The tool will save your music locally to a specified folder.

You can now easily access Amazon Music Linux after the conversion process. Just find these converted Amazon Music songs on local computer. Choose the music you wish to listen to in Linux and transfer them through a USB cable to a Linux device. Once loaded into the player, hit the "Play" button to enjoy your music offline. It is fairly simple, isn't it?

In Summary

Using Amazon Music on Linux is not as limited as it may seem. For casual streaming, the web player works flawlessly in any modern browser. But if you're looking for offline access or enhanced control over your music, a dedicated tool like AudFree Amazon Music Converter is the best way to unlock Amazon Music for Linux.

Whether you're running Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, or any other distribution, with a few extra steps, you can fully enjoy Amazon Music like any Windows or Mac user. No matter your listening preference, you now have all the tools to make your Linux system a music hub.