How to Play Tidal for Linux : Ultimate Guide [2025 updated]  

Method 1: Stream Tidal for Linux via Web Player (Simplest)

After searching on the internet, you'll find out that you can't play Tidal on Linux since there is no option for Linux users. Even so, Web Player would be a nice way to help manage it among many selections. As we all know, the simplest way to solve your problem is to google it, so access to Tidal Music on Linux through a web browser will be the easiest way.

Most modern browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, support Tidal's web player. You can stream music directly from the Tidal website online. However, this way may have limited integration with the Linux desktop environment.

Here are the break-down steps to meet your needs:

Step 1. Open your Linux browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and visit Tidal's official website.

Step 2. Log into your Tidal account.

Step 3. Search and play any track, album, or playlist you love directly.

See also: Tidal Web Player Hot Review & Usage

Pros:

- No downloads or installations required.

- Supports HiFi/Master quality if your subscription includes it.

Cons:

- Requires a stable internet connection.

- No offline playback for Linux users.

- Limited by browser performance and DRM restrictions.

Method 2: Play Tidal for Linux via TIDAL Hi-Fi (Professional)

TIDAL Hi-Fi is an open-source project available on GitHub. It is created to allow users to stream music from TIDAL using a command-line interface (CLI). Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use TIDAL Hi-Fi from the GitHub repository.

🔑 FYI: GitHub TIDAL Hi-Fi README

Step 1: Before you can use TIDAL Hi-Fi, you'll need to install its dependencies. This application relies on several tools and libraries, so make sure you have them installed:

1. Node.js: You can download and install it from the official Node.js website.

2. npm: These are package managers for Node.js. npm comes bundled with Node.js.

3. Git: Ensure you have Git installed to clone the repository. You can get it from the official Git website.

Step 2: Open your terminal or command prompt and clone the TIDAL Hi-Fi repository from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/Mastermindzh/tidal-hifi.git

Step 3: Navigate to the cloned directory:

cd tidal-hifi

Step 4: In the project directory, install the required Node.js packages by running:

npm install

Step 5: After installing the dependencies, you can run the application with:

npm start

Step 6: Once the application is running, you can log into your Tidal on Linux and start playing music.

Pros:

- Supports Tidal Hi-Fi quality.

- Native Linux experience.

- For free.

Cons:

- Manual installation.

- Professional threshold.

- No download option.

- No offline listening.

Method 3: Use Tidal Music for Linux via Tidal's CLI (Obsolete)

In earlier years, Linux enthusiasts often relied on Tidal's CLI (Command Line Interface) client to manage playback via terminal commands. This lightweight solution provided a niche way to stream Tidal music directly on Linux systems. However, recent updates to Tidal's API have rendered the CLI tool obsolete, leaving users seeking modern alternatives.

Method 4: Play Tidal on Linux Offline with a Converter (Best Solutions)

To bridge this gap seamlessly, AudFree Tidal Music Converter emerges as a robust, future-proof solution. Unlike deprecated CLI methods, AudFree ensures uninterrupted access to Tidal's vast library while empowering Linux users to download tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, M4B, or AIFF formats for offline playback. Its intuitive design eliminates dependency on terminal workflows, making premium music streaming on Linux simpler than ever. Then you can sync the downloaded Tidal audio to Linux.

What's more, all the converted Tidal files are kept in lossless quality. And it can run at 37X speed in batch, which is really useful and convenient for users. Besides, the related information of the songs such as title, genre, album cover, group, composer, and so on are all preserved. Therefore, you can save them in different music groups as you want. The most important thing is that you don't have to subscribe to Tidal with monthly payments, which will save you a bunch of money.

AudFree Tidal Music Converter

• Losslessly download Tidal tracks and playlists for Linux.
• Convert Tidal music to MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4A, M4B for Linux.
• Save 100% original audio quality, and play Tidal on Linux offline.
• Work at 37X faster speed, and customize music output settings.

Download

Download

How to Export Tidal Playlists via the AudFree Tidal Music Downloader

If you feel enticed by what I said, the following might be helpful. Just need a few steps below to finish the conversion process.

But also keep it in mind, that before you convert the Tidal music via the AudFree Tidal Music Converter, there are some tools you need to prepare.

1. Your personal computer which runs Win or Mac system.

2. Download the AudFree Tidal Music Converter and buy a license.If you use the free version of this tool, the length of downloads is only the first 30 seconds. (Spring sale: 20% off now)

3. A USB flash drive.

Now follow the guide to play Tidal for Linux.

Step 1Install AudFree Tidal Music Converter and log into Tidal.

Install the downloaded AudFree Tidal Music Converter on your PC and launch it. An built-in window of Tidal will be shown to you. Find the song, playlist, or album you want to convert and click the bottom-right "+" logo. Select all or a specific song, and click the button "Add to list" to add the song to the conversion list.

Step 2Redefine Output Parameters for Tidal Playlists

For a perfect converted Tidal file for Linux, you are advised to set the related output parameters. Hit the "Menu > Preference > Conversion" icon. You can then pick your favorite format of Tidal. The AudFree Tidal Songs Downloader also allows you to customize the channel, bitrate and sample rate for a better quality of Tidal tracks. If you want to archive the output tracks by Artist or Album, just make the choice.

Step 3Convert Music from Tidal for Linux

Drop your mouse on the "Converted" button. The uploaded Tidal files will be converted at once. You can locate the transferred files in the output folder by clicking "Converted > Search". ID3 tags of Tidal tracks will also be kept.

Step 4Play Tidal on Linux via A USB Flash Drive

Now the converted Tidal tracks are in the output folder. Just copy and paste them to a USB flash drive. Then connect the USB flash drive with the Ubuntu computer. Then you can use some players like Miro, Kodi, VLC, etc. to play Tidal for Linux and keep Tidal music forever.

See also: How to Stream Tidal to VLC Media Player

Video GuideDownload Tidal Music for Linux via the Best Tidal Downloader

See how to use the best Tidal music downloader to get and use music from Tidal Music on Linux.

FAQs: Tidal for Linux Playback Solutions

Q1: Can I play Tidal in HiFi or Master quality on Linux?

A: Absolutely. Tools like AudFree retain Tidal's original HiFi/Master quality during conversion. You can download Tidal HiFi songs via the AudFree Tidal Music Converter on your Mac or Windows. Then use a USB stick to save and move downloads to Linux. By the way, Tidal announced it stopped Tidal MQA resources.

See also: How to Download Tidal to USB Drives for Free Use

Q2: How to Fix Tidal Playback Issues on Linux?

A: If you use a GitHub app to access Tidal and you meet some playback issues, you have to wait for fixing by the publisher. Actually, you don't know when they will fix the problem. Therefore, we recommend you use the AudFree Tidal Music Converter to help you get Tidal music for Linux.

Q3: What's the Best Method for Beginners to Use Tidal on Linux?

A: For beginners, the simplest method is to use the Tidal web player. But it may have some use issues as Tidal doesn't support Linux. Therefore, we suggest using AudFree Tidal Music Downloader to rip music and putting on Linux.

Q4: Does Tidal plan to launch a Linux app?

A: No official announcement exists yet. Until then, using the web player or a converter remains the best way to enjoy Tidal music on Linux.

Summary

Playing Tidal on Linux might require a bit of setup, but with the methods outlined above, you can find one that fits your needs. The software from GitHub is really difficult to set up and it may have some unpredictable factors. For convenient and safe listening, you can take the AudFree Tidal Music Converter into consideration. This tool supports exporting Tidal music to any device and platform for playback without the Tidal app and account.