Poweramp vs Shazam: Music Player vs Song Identifier – Which App Wins?

Poweramp Music Player is designed for audiophiles who want to play local music files with high-res audio support and extensive equalizer controls. Shazam, on the other hand, is for anyone who wants to instantly identify songs playing around them or discover new music and concerts. Poweramp excels at offline playback and customization, while Shazam shines in music discovery and identification. Choose based on whether you need a powerful local player or a song recognition tool.

Poweramp Music Player Android app icon

Poweramp Music Player

Rating
★ 4.10
Downloads
50,000,000+
Developer
Poweramp Software Design (Max MP)
View on Play Store
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app icon

Shazam: Find Music & Concerts

Recommended
Rating
★ 4.84
Downloads
500,000,000+
Developer
Apple Inc.
View on Play Store

Poweramp plays local music files and radio streams in various formats, including Hi-Res, with powerful Bass/Treble and Equalization controls. Features === • Audio engine: • supports hi-res output • custom DSP, including updated Equalizer/Tone/Stereo expand, and the Reverb/T…

Pros

  • Hi-res audio output support for high-quality playback
  • Powerful 10-band equalizer with presets and custom DSP
  • Direct Volume Control (DVC) for precise tone adjustments
  • Plays a wide variety of local audio formats
  • No ads and fully offline functionality

Cons

  • No music identification or streaming integration
  • Outdated user interface design
  • Limited to local files only; no cloud or online music

What's that song? Shazam will instantly identify music playing around you or in apps like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube & Snapchat. Discover concerts near you, song lyrics, videos & more. With tens of millions of daily users, Shazam is trusted by music lovers worldwide. Shazam has t…

Pros

  • Instant and accurate song identification from any source
  • Integration with streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify
  • Discover concerts and events near you
  • Provides lyrics, videos, and artist info
  • Works offline with cached tags for identified songs

Cons

  • Requires internet connection for most features
  • Contains ads in free version
  • No local music player functionality

Final Verdict

Our pick: Shazam: Find Music & Concerts

For most users, Shazam is the winner due to its massive install base, high rating, and unique song identification feature that no other app replicates as seamlessly. Poweramp is excellent for audiophiles with local music collections, but its niche appeal limits its daily use. Shazam’s integration with streaming services and concert discovery makes it more versatile. If you primarily listen to local files and crave audio control, go with Poweramp. Otherwise, Shazam is the clear choice for music discovery and identification.

Poweramp Music Player Android app icon

Poweramp Music Player Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 1
Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 1
Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 2
Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 2
Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 3
Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 3
Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 4
Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 4
Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 5
Poweramp Music Player Android app screenshot 5
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app icon

Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Screenshots

Official app screenshots from the Google Play Store.

Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 1
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 1
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 2
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 2
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 3
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 3
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 4
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 4
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 5
Shazam: Find Music & Concerts Android app screenshot 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app has a better rating?

Shazam has a higher rating (4.84) compared to Poweramp (4.10), based on Google Play data.

Can I use either app offline?

Poweramp works fully offline for local music playback. Shazam can identify songs offline only if you have previously cached tags, but most features require internet.

Do these apps have ads?

Poweramp is ad-free. Shazam has ads in its free version, but you can remove them via subscription.

What are the device requirements?

Both apps require Android 5.0 or higher. Poweramp needs storage access for local files; Shazam needs microphone and internet permissions.

Which app should I choose?

Choose Poweramp if you have a large local music collection and want advanced audio controls. Choose Shazam if you want to identify songs and discover new music easily.