1by1 2.14
1by1 is a directory-based audio player for Windows that weighs just 211KB and plays your music straight from folders - no playlists required, no library databases to manage, no waiting around.
If you're tired of media players that take forever to load, scan your entire drive on first launch, or eat hundreds of megabytes of RAM just to play MP3 files, 1by1 does the opposite.
It opens instantly, points at a folder, and plays. That's it.
Tiny Footprint, Serious Playback
The entire application is 211KB. For comparison, most modern audio players like AIMP or MusicBee offer rich library management and visualizations but require significantly more resources.
1by1 strips all of that away and focuses purely on playback.
It launches instantly on any Windows system - including older hardware where heavier players struggle.
Despite the tiny size, 1by1 handles all common audio formats without codec issues.
If you run into unsupported formats, installing the K-Lite Codec Pack adds system-wide DirectShow support that extends compatibility for virtually any audio file you encounter.
Folder-Based Listening Without the Overhead
Instead of importing tracks into a database, 1by1 reads directly from your folders. Navigate to any directory - local or network - and playback starts immediately.
This approach works well for users who already organize music into folders by artist or album, and pairs naturally with tag editors like Mp3tag that keep your file metadata clean without requiring a dedicated library manager.
Network folder support means you can stream music from a NAS or shared drive without copying files locally. For users with large collections spread across devices, this eliminates the need to sync libraries.
Built for Keyboard-Driven Workflows
1by1 supports global hotkey commands for full playback control without switching windows - ideal if you're working, coding, or gaming and want to skip tracks or adjust volume without reaching for the mouse.
Crossfading with adjustable fade curves creates smooth transitions between tracks, and a larger play buffer keeps audio seamless even on systems under load.
You can connect up to three external applications for tasks like lyrics lookup or metadata editing. Pair it with foobar2000 when you need advanced features like ReplayGain analysis, or use the foobar2000 Free Encoder Pack to convert files between formats before playback.
When 1by1 Makes Sense - and When It Doesn't
1by1 is perfect for quick listening sessions, background music while working, and systems where every megabyte matters. It's not designed to replace full library managers.
If you need album art displays, smart playlists, or audio conversion built in, foobar2000 offers deep customization at a slightly larger footprint, while AIMP provides a polished interface with a built-in equalizer and format converter.
For users building a complete audio workflow on Windows, 1by1 handles the playback side while dedicated tools handle everything else. Rip CDs with CDex, encode to MP3 using LameXP or winLAME, tag your files with Mp3tag, and let 1by1 play the results.
Need to extract audio from a video file quickly? The Video to MP3 converter handles that directly in your browser - no install needed.
For trimming tracks down to specific sections before playback, the online MP3 cutter lets you clip and save without touching desktop software.
Want something similarly minimal but for video too? Minimalist Media Player takes the same less-is-more approach for both audio and video playback.
What's New in Version 2.14
- Enhanced fade curves for smoother audio transitions
- Playlist management with confirmation dialogs to prevent accidental deletions
- Improved remote control functionality
- Better network folder handling
Download 1by1 Free
Installation takes seconds. No bloatware, no trial period, no registration. Just a 211KB download that does exactly what it promises.
System Requirements: Windows XP through Windows 11 (32-bit and 64-bit) File Size: 211KB License: Freeware
Offers choices of playback, modes.
It is definately, a Keeper!
Some would say, that it is vocal, and music, to ones ears.
