PromyLOPh/pianobar
FreeConsole-based pandora.com player
FreeFree tier
Inputs: textOutputs: audio
About PromyLOPh/pianobar
Pianobar is a free and open-source, console-based client for the personalized online radio service Pandora. It allows users to play and manage Pandora stations directly from a terminal or command-line interface, without requiring a graphical web browser. The tool is designed for users who prefer lightweight, keyboard-driven interaction and can be integrated into scripts or remote control setups. Pianobar is available for Linux, macOS (via Homebrew), *BSD, and has a native Windows port, with community packages for many distributions. The repository has been archived and is read-only as of May 2026, with the project moving to codeberg.org.
Key Features
Console-based Pandora client for terminal use
Station management: create, rename, add music, delete stations
Song rating and explanation of song selection
Display upcoming songs and song history
Customizable keybindings and text output via configuration
Remote control and eventcmd interface (e.g., for last.fm scrobbling)
Proxy support for listeners outside the USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source software
- Lightweight and runs entirely in the terminal
- Customizable keybindings and output formatting
- Supports proxy for listeners outside the USA
- Available on multiple platforms (Linux, macOS, Windows, *BSD)
Cons
- Requires a Pandora account (free or paid) to function
- No graphical interface; all interaction is keyboard-based
- Repository is archived and read-only; future development may be limited
- Depends on Pandora's API, which may change or restrict access
- Setup may require compilation or package installation
Best For
Listening to Pandora radio from a terminal or SSH sessionAutomating Pandora playback in scripts or headless serversIntegrating Pandora with other tools via eventcmd interface (e.g., last.fm scrobbling)Using Pandora on systems without a graphical desktop environmentRemote control of Pandora playback over a network
FAQ
Is pianobar completely free?
Pianobar itself is free and open-source software. However, it requires a Pandora account, which may have its own free or subscription tiers. Users should verify Pandora's current pricing and terms.
Can I use pianobar without a Pandora account?
No, pianobar is a client for Pandora's service and requires a valid Pandora account to stream music.
Does pianobar work outside the USA?
Pianobar includes proxy support, which may help listeners outside the USA access Pandora. However, users should verify compliance with Pandora's terms of service.
How do I install pianobar?
Community packages are available for many Linux distributions, macOS (via Homebrew), and *BSD. A native Windows port also exists. Alternatively, it can be compiled from source. The latest release is 2024.12.21.
Can I control pianobar remotely?
Yes, pianobar offers a remote control interface and an eventcmd interface that can be used to integrate with other applications or scripts.
Is pianobar still maintained?
The GitHub repository was archived and made read-only on May 24, 2026. The project has moved to codeberg.org, where further development may continue.