What This App Does and Who It’s For
Poweramp is a local music player for Android built around audio quality and deep customization. It handles local files and radio streams in formats ranging from MP3 to Hi-Res, DSD, and Opus, with a full graphical and parametric equalizer, Bass/Treble controls, and a Direct Volume Control mode aimed at listeners who care about getting the most out of their headphones or car audio. This is not a casual streaming app; it’s built for people with large local libraries who want granular control over how their music sounds. The app is distributed as a 15-day full-featured trial, after which you need the separate Full Version Unlocker to keep using it.
Where the Audio Engine Actually Shines
The core reason people stick with Poweramp is sound quality. One reviewer described being ‘extremely impressed’ after starting a premium trial, saying it sounded like having subwoofers in their door panels, and went on to buy the monthly premium version. The equalizer, tone controls, and DVC mode are clearly the standout feature set here, and long-time users (some citing over a decade with the app) keep coming back specifically for this level of audio tuning that few other Android players offer.
The New UI Is a Real Sticking Point
Multiple reviewers are unhappy with the redesigned interface. One reviewer explicitly wished for a ‘Classic UI’ option, criticizing the new look as cluttered and disliking song info superimposed over album art. Another said navigation became ‘terrible’ after the UI change, noting that phone nav buttons now just close the app instead of navigating back through screens like they used to, and that moving between playlists and artist views is harder than before. If you were comfortable with the old layout, expect a real adjustment period.
Library and Playback Reliability Issues
Several complaints go beyond UI taste. One long-term user (12+ years) said updates repeatedly cause songs to go missing from playlists and the library, which is a serious problem for anyone with thousands of tracks. Another described the app randomly changing settings and replacing playlist songs with different tracks that merely share similar names. There’s also a reported bug where streamed track titles get cut off at the first dash, and a Bluetooth playback failure that only got fixed after a full uninstall and reinstall. A phone call interrupting stream playback and not resuming properly was also flagged.
Streaming and Connectivity Quirks
While Poweramp supports .m3u radio streams, one reviewer noted it ‘doesn’t play well with m3u links,’ and streaming metadata handling has clear rough edges as mentioned above. Bluetooth connectivity, including with Android Auto, has also been a source of frustration for at least one long-time user, though a reinstall resolved it in that case.
Verdict: Who Should Download Poweramp
Poweramp remains a strong choice for audiophiles and anyone managing a large local music collection who wants serious equalization control, gapless playback, and format flexibility. It’s less suited to people who want a simple, stable, install-and-forget player, given recurring reports of playlists breaking after updates and a UI overhaul that’s alienated longtime fans. Try the 15-day trial before buying the unlocker, and back up your playlists before any update.
