CDex

Free plan Windows

What CDex is

CDex is a free Windows program for extracting digital audio from CDs and converting WAV files to and from compressed audio. Listed encoders include MP3, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, AAC, MP2, and WAV; supported formats also include OGA, APE, VQF, and Musepack. CDex supports batch conversion and quality controls. During ripping, it can add ID3V1 and ID3V2 tags, read album information from a local or remote CD Database, and use multi-track recording, CD-Text when the drive supports it, and jitter correction. Other features include audio normalization, external WAV conversion, and M3U and PLS playlist files. The site lists support for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. Its download page offers CDex 2.24 for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, dates it 2020/08/12, and recommends the installer. A portable edition, version 1.77, is offered for use without installation, including from USB, flash, or cloud drives. CDex is licensed under GNU General Public License 3.

Who it suits

CDex suits Windows users who want to rip CDs, manage track tags, or convert audio between WAV and compressed formats. The portable edition is available for use without installation.

What it does well

Free and licensed under GNU General Public License 3
Supports multiple audio formats and batch conversion
Can read album details from a CD Database
Portable edition can run without installation

What to know first

Windows is the only listed platform
Latest listed release is dated 2020/08/12
CD-Text depends on drive support

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Free	GPL-licensed CD ripping and audio conversion	Free

As cdex.mu lists them, read 3 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit the CDex website.
Choose the installer for CDex 2.24 or the portable CDex 1.77 edition.
Use the installer on a listed Windows version, or run the portable edition without installation.
Insert a CD to extract its audio, or select WAV files for conversion.
Choose a listed audio format and use available tagging, CD Database, or quality controls as needed.

Verdict

CDex offers CD ripping, tagging, and audio conversion at no listed cost. Consider its Windows-only availability and the age of the latest listed release when deciding whether it fits your setup.

Questions

Is CDex free?

Yes. Its Free plan is listed as free, and the program is licensed under GNU General Public License 3.

Which platforms does CDex support?

Windows is the listed platform. The site names Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

What audio formats does it support?

Supported formats include WAV, MP3, FLAC, AAC, WMA, OGG, OGA, APE, MP2, VQF, and Musepack.

Can CDex rip CDs and edit metadata?

Yes. It extracts CD audio, supports ID3V1 and ID3V2 tags, and can insert tags during ripping.

Is there a portable version?

Yes. CDex Portable 1.77 is offered for use without installation, including from USB, flash, or cloud drives.

Can I get the source code?

The site offers CDex 1.70 Beta 2 source code and describes a Subversion repository.

Facts from CDex's own pages

Audio conversion: CDex can convert WAV files to compressed audio and vice versa. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Audio formats: The listed encoders include MP3, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, AAC, MP2, and WAV. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Disc information: CDex can read and store album information using a local or remote CD Database (CDDB). · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Latest listed release: The download page lists CDex 2.24, dated 2020/08/12, and describes the installer as recommended. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
License: The site says CDex is licensed under GNU General Public License 3. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Other features: CDex supports audio normalization, external WAV conversion, and M3U and PLS playlist files. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Portable edition: The site offers CDex Portable 1.77 for use without installation, including from USB, flash, or cloud drives. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Purpose: CDex extracts digital audio from CDs and can save it as WAV or compressed audio. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Ripping features: The feature list includes multi-track recording, CD-Text support when the drive supports it, and jitter correction. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Source code: The source page offers CDex 1.70 Beta 2 source code and describes a Subversion repository. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Support: The support page directs users to the FAQ, help forum, bug tracking system, and other tracking systems. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Tags: CDex supports ID3V1 and ID3V2 tags and can insert them during ripping. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Website privacy: The privacy page says the site may use third-party advertising companies to serve ads and links to information about Google's use of site or app information. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026
Windows support: The features page lists Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP; the download page offers CDex 2.24 for Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP. · cdex.mu, 3 Oct 2026

Where CDex stands on Freedom251

Audio CD Ripping Software#3 of 29
Audio Converter Software#14 of 36