[Five]

check if they support FLAC, SHN and APE

Helium looks better simply because they've got an excellent support forum for it. (also noticed that it supports FLAC, not certain about SHN/APE et al).

I don't have any idea what sets these apart from other progs with library functions such as WinAmp or even Windows Media Player. It looks like something my Mum would buy simply because she's not "in the loop". Like those gazillion cd ripping programs with no error correction or reason to exist for $40 each.

foobar is cutting edge because its made by audio enthusiasts, might be worth looking into more.