How to Listen to Internet Radio on Linux

Internet radio offers a vast array of music, news, and talk stations from around the world. In this guide, we will show you how to listen to internet radio on Linux using various methods, including graphical applications and command-line tools.

Using Rhythmbox

Rhythmbox is a free, open-source music player and library organizer for Linux and other Unix-like systems. It is the default music player in many GNOME-based Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu and Fedora. Rhythmbox is designed to provide a simple and easy-to-use interface for managing and playing music, as well as support for internet radio and podcasts.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard or by searching for it in the applications menu.

Step 2: Install Rhythmbox

If Rhythmbox is not already installed on your system, install it using your distribution’s package manager. For example:

On Debian/Ubuntu-based distros, run:

sudo apt install rhythmbox

On Fedora/RPM-based distros, run:

sudo dnf install rhythmbox

On Arch-based distros, run:

sudo pacman -S rhythmbox

Step 3: Launch Rhythmbox

Open the application menu and search for Rhythmbox. Click on the Rhythmbox icon to launch the application.

Step 4: Access Internet Radio

In the left sidebar of Rhythmbox, click on Radio to access a list of preloaded internet radio stations. To start listening to a radio station, simply click on the station’s name in the list.

Step 5: (Optional) Add Radio Station

To add a new internet radio station, click on the Add button at the bottom of the radio station list. A dialog box will appear where you can enter the radio station’s name and URL. Click Add to save the station.

Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player (originally named VideoLAN Client) is a free, open-source, and highly versatile multimedia player and framework that supports a wide range of audio and video formats, as well as streaming protocols, and various input devices. 

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard or by searching for it in the applications menu.

Step 2: Install VLC

If VLC is not already installed on your system, install it using your distribution’s package manager. For example:

On Debian/Ubuntu-based distros, run:

sudo apt install vlc

On Fedora/RPM-based distros, run:

sudo dnf install vlc

On Arch-based distros, run:

sudo pacman -S vlc

Step 3: Launch VLC

Open the application menu and search for VLC. Click on the VLC icon to launch the application.

Step 4: Access Internet Radio

In VLC, click on Media in the menu bar and select Open Network Stream or press Ctrl + N. A dialog box will appear. In the Network tab of the dialog box, enter the internet radio station’s URL in the Please enter a network URL field, and click Play to start listening to the radio station.

Using MPlayer

MPlayer is a powerful, open-source, cross-platform media player. Known for its versatility and wide range of supported media formats, MPlayer can play various audio and video files, as well as streaming media, including internet radio stations.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard or by searching for it in the applications menu.

Step 2: Install MPlayer

If MPlayer is not already installed on your system, install it using your distribution’s package manager. For example:

On Debian/Ubuntu-based distros, run:

sudo apt install mplayer

On Fedora/RPM-based distros, run:

sudo dnf install mplayer

On Arch-based distros, run:

sudo pacman -S mplayer

Step 3: Access Internet Radio

To play an internet radio station, run:

mplayer radio_station_url

Replace radio_station_url with the URL of the internet radio station you want to listen to.

Conclusion

With these methods, you can easily listen to your favorite internet radio stations on Linux, whether you prefer using a graphical application like Rhythmbox or VLC, or a command-line tool like MPlayer. Explore different stations, discover new music, and enjoy internet radio on your Linux system.