What is an APE File and How to Open APE Files?

APE files, also known as Monkey's Audio files, are a lossless audio compression format that offers high-quality audio playback. However, due to their specialized nature, APE files often encounter compatibility issues, making it challenging to play them on all devices and media players. This article aims to provide solutions for playing APE files, highlighting specialized players and converters that can handle this format. We'll also introduce HitPaw Video Converter as a powerful tool for converting APE files to more widely supported formats.

Part 1: What is an APE File?

APE file sometimes refers to a type of audio file used for Monkey's Audio Lossless Audio. It is a lossless audio compression format that retains the original audio quality without any loss of data. It offers a great balance of space savings and sound quality, making it the top choice for music enthusiasts. However, due to their unique encoding, APE files often face compatibility issues when trying to play them on different devices or media players. So far, there are several programs that can open an APE audio file without playback issues, even just installing the relevant plugin for your media player.

Part 2: Using A Specialized APE Player to Open APE Files

There are several software options available that can natively play APE files, each with its own set of pros and cons. From specialized APE players to popular media players with plugins, we'll explore the best options for playing APE files.

1. APE Player

APE Player is a specialized software designed to natively play both MP3 and Advanced Physics Extension (APE) audio files. Its main advantage lies in its ability to decode and playback APE files without the need for additional codecs or plugins. This ensures high-quality audio playback for users who prefer the APE format.

2. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player, formerly known as the VideoLAN Client, is a free and open-source media player for various audio and video formats, including APE, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MP3, and OGG, as well as for DVDs, and VCDs. Meanwhile, it can convert and save APE files to other audio formats like FLAC, MP3, and Opus. VLC stands out as a versatile and powerful tool, providing a comprehensive solution for users who want an all-in-one media center.

3. Windows Media Player (with plugin)

Windows Media Player is a pre-installed software in the Microsoft Windows operating system. It supports many media file formats, such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, OGG, WMV, etc. However, you need to install a plugin to read the APE metadata correctly, so Windows Media Player can play your APE audio files.

4. Winamp (with plugin)

Winamp is a free multimedia player that supports numerous audio and video formats, such as MP3, AAC, FLAC, CD, OGG, and more. It has thousands of skins and plug-ins that allow you to change the look and feel of the player, as well as add new features. This player also allows APE playback with Monkey's Audio codec installed.

5. foobar2000 (with plugin)

foobar2000 is an advanced free audio player for Windows, iOS, Android, and MacOS platforms. This player is extremely lightweight as an APE player. You can use the Foobar 2000 to playback all the audio files due to its powerful codec packs. Although it supports many audio formats like MP3, MP4, Opus, FLAC, etc. it still needs the Monkey's Audio codec to play APE files.

Part 3: Bonus tips: Convert APE to FLAC with HitPaw Video Converter

HitPaw Video Converter is a powerful tool that can convert APE files to various audio formats, such as FLAC, MP3, M4A, WAV, Opus, OGG, and more. In addition, it also supports batch downloading music from over 10000+ websites with high quality. With its intuitive interface and advanced features, the HitPaw Video Converter is the perfect solution for converting APE to FLAC. We'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to use HitPaw Video Converter to convert APE files, along with a video tutorial for more details.

Watch the following video to learn more details

Main features of HitPaw Video Converter

• support converting files between 1000+ formats
• support downloading video and audio files from over 10000 websites
• up to 120X faster audio conversion speed
• decode and encode the music without compressing quality
• support cutting or merging the converting audio with built-in video audio editor

Guide to converting APE to FLAC with HitPaw Video Converter

• Step 1: Download and install the HitPaw Video Converter on your computer.

  
  

• Step 2: Open the software and click 'Add Files' to import the APE file.

  

• Step 3: Click the inverted triangle to select an output format. Or choose 'Convert all to' for a unified output format. Customize format parameters if needed.

  

• Step 4: After choosing the FLAC format, you can click 'Convert All' to start conversion.

  

• Step 5: Once the conversion is completed, you can find the converted APE audio file in the 'Converted' list. Then download this file to enjoy your music.

  

Part 4: FAQ about APE File and APE Players

Conclusion

In summary, APE files offer high-quality audio playback, but their compatibility issues can be frustrating. By using specialized players or converters like HitPaw Video Converter, you can easily play or convert APE files for a more enjoyable audio experience. Don't let APE files limit your audio playback options; try out HitPaw Video Converter today and enjoy your music in any format you choose.