21 Free Music Apps for Unlimited Listening
You know what’s funny? Almost every music app these days tries to push you into paying for “premium.”
Like, you just want to play some songs, but suddenly it’s skip limits, ads, paywalls everywhere.
And honestly… it gets annoying.
But here’s the thing—I’ve been digging around, and there are actually a bunch of apps that still let you listen for free.
Some are big names you already know, and some are the kind of hidden gems people don’t really talk about but totally should.
So instead of you wasting time downloading a million different apps and deleting half of them five minutes later, I made you a list.
21 free music apps that’ll keep the music going without costing you a dime. Grab your headphones—let’s go.
1. Spotify
If you only download one free music app, let it be Spotify.
Honestly, it’s the one everyone uses for a reason. Even on the free plan, you get access to millions of songs, playlists for literally every mood, and podcasts too.
Yeah, the ads can get a little annoying, and on mobile you’re stuck with shuffle mode most of the time—but for free? It’s more than worth it.
What I love about Spotify is how it actually “gets you.”
The app builds playlists based on what you listen to, so one day you’re vibing to your favorite artist, and the next you’re discovering someone completely new that somehow feels like your style.
If you’re in the U.S., it’s hands-down one of the easiest ways to keep the music flowing without paying a dime.
Also Read: 31 Best Offline Music Apps to Listen Without Wi-Fi
2. Pandora
Pandora is like that friend who always knows what song to play next.
Instead of making playlists yourself, you just type in an artist or a track you like, and Pandora builds a whole radio station around it.
The more you listen, the smarter it gets—thumbs up the songs you love, thumbs down the ones you don’t, and pretty soon it feels like it’s reading your mind.
The free version does come with ads, and you’ll hit skip limits, but honestly, that’s the trade-off for not paying.
The big thing to know is Pandora’s only available in the U.S., which actually makes it kind of special here.
If you just want music that plays in the background without having to think about what’s next, Pandora’s still one of the best free music apps you can grab.
Also Read: 25 Music Apps Spotify Doesn’t Want You to Know About
3. iHeartRadio
If you’re someone who still loves the vibe of real radio, iHeartRadio is gonna be your thing.
It’s basically a giant hub of live radio stations from all over the U.S.—pop, country, hip-hop, talk shows, even sports.
You can tune into your local favorites or jump into stations from another state just because you feel like it.
The free version also lets you create custom stations based on artists or songs you like, which feels a lot like Pandora but with more of that “radio energy.”
And since it also has podcasts built in, it’s kind of a two-in-one app if you like mixing music with talk content.
Sure, there are ads (just like regular radio), but you’re getting endless music and stations for free, and that’s hard to beat.
4. Amazon Music
Amazon sneaks under the radar when it comes to free music, but honestly, it’s not bad at all.
With the free version of Amazon Music, you get access to curated playlists and stations without paying anything.
You don’t need a Prime account for this either—it’s totally separate, which a lot of people don’t even realize.
The catch? You can’t play every single song on demand like with Spotify, and yeah, the ads are there.
But if you’re cool with just hitting play on a playlist or station and letting it run, it does the job.
Plus, the catalog is solid—it’s not some random collection of old tracks; it’s actual popular music you’d want to listen to.
If you already use Amazon for shopping or Alexa, it’s an easy one to add into your rotation.
5. YouTube Music
If there’s one app that has literally everything, it’s YouTube Music.
Think about it—every official track, every music video, every random live performance someone uploaded years ago… it’s all there.
The free version lets you stream as much as you want, which is huge, but there are two downsides: you’ll hear ads, and you can’t play music in the background with your screen off.
Still, for a free app, it’s tough to beat the sheer size of YouTube’s catalog.
Want a new album? It’s there. Want a super niche remix or a cover someone recorded in their bedroom? Also there.
It’s perfect if you’re the kind of person who loves going down music rabbit holes and finding stuff you won’t see on Spotify or Pandora.
6. SoundCloud
SoundCloud feels like stepping into a music universe where anything can happen.
It’s where you’ll find indie artists dropping their first tracks, DJs sharing remixes, and random songs you’ll never hear on the radio.
If you love discovering music that isn’t mainstream yet, this is the app for you.
The free version lets you stream millions of tracks without paying a cent.
Sure, there are ads, but it’s worth it for the variety—you’ll find everything from underground rap to lo-fi beats perfect for studying.
And because anyone can upload, you sometimes stumble across a hidden gem that later blows up big.
The only “downside” is that the quality can be hit or miss since it’s user-driven, but that’s also part of the fun.
7. Audiomack
Audiomack doesn’t get talked about as much as Spotify or YouTube Music, but honestly, it’s one of the best free music apps out there—especially if you’re into hip-hop, R&B, or Afrobeats.
What makes it stand out… Offline listening.
Yup, you can actually download songs and albums for free and listen without Wi-Fi, which is rare for a free app.
The interface is clean, the music loads fast, and the catalog is way bigger than you’d expect.
You’ll find rising independent artists right alongside big names, which makes it feel fresh and less repetitive than other apps.
Sure, there are ads, but it’s nowhere near as in-your-face as some other platforms.
If you want a free music app that feels modern and gives you offline tracks without paying, Audiomack is a must-have.
8. Musi
Musi is kind of like the sneaky little secret of free music apps.
Technically, it pulls music straight from YouTube, but it packages it in a way that feels like a proper music player—playlists, favorites, background play, the whole deal.
It’s insanely popular on iPhone, and once you try it, you’ll get why.
Now, here’s the thing: because it uses YouTube as its source, you’re not going to get the polished “official” streaming vibe of Spotify.
But if you’re cool with that, Musi gives you access to almost anything you want to hear.
It even lets you save tracks to playlists and stream in the background, which YouTube Music doesn’t allow for free.
The ads are there, but compared to what you’re getting, it’s a pretty sweet trade-off.
9. Jango
Jango feels a little old-school, but in a good way.
It’s a free internet radio app where you can create stations based on artists or genres, and then just let the music roll.
Unlike some of the bigger names, Jango’s vibe is super simple—no overcomplicated menus, no feeling like you’re being pushed to upgrade every two seconds.
One of the best parts? It’s totally free, and the ads are surprisingly minimal compared to apps like Spotify Free or Pandora.
You’ll find popular tracks mixed with lesser-known artists, and it’s easy to stumble across new music without even trying.
It’s not the flashiest app on the list, but if you just want to press play and chill without being bombarded, Jango does exactly that.
10. Bandcamp
Bandcamp is where music feels personal again.
It’s built for independent artists, which means you’re not just streaming music—you’re supporting real people putting their work out into the world.
A lot of artists let you listen to full albums for free, and some even allow free downloads.
The cool part is you can stream directly in the app without needing a subscription.
The vibe here is totally different from mainstream apps.
Instead of big-label hits, you’ll find niche genres, underground scenes, and experimental stuff you won’t hear anywhere else. It’s perfect if you love digging for music that feels unique and undiscovered.
Sure, it doesn’t have the massive library of Spotify or YouTube Music, but that’s not the point.
Bandcamp is about discovering artists before they blow up—and that makes listening way more fun.
11. Deezer
Deezer is one of those apps that doesn’t get as much hype in the U.S., but worldwide, it’s a big deal.
The free version gives you access to a massive library—over 90 million tracks—so pretty much any artist or song you think of is on there.
On mobile, you’re limited to shuffle play and you’ll hear ads, but honestly, it’s still solid for casual listening.
What makes Deezer stand out is its “Flow” feature, which builds a never-ending mix based on your listening habits.
It feels like having your own personal radio that actually pays attention to what you like. Plus, they sprinkle in cool extras like lyrics so you can sing along.
If you want something a little different than the usual Spotify/YouTube combo, Deezer’s free tier is definitely worth a try.
12. TuneIn Radio
TuneIn is perfect if you’re the kind of person who likes flipping through radio stations but wants them all in one place.
With the free version, you get access to thousands of live stations from around the world—music, news, sports, talk shows, you name it.
One minute you’re listening to a local pop station in New York, and the next you’re streaming jazz from Paris.
It’s less about building playlists and more about exploring.
And honestly, that’s what makes it fun—you never know what you’ll stumble on.
The free plan does come with ads, and some premium stations are locked behind a paywall, but there’s still more than enough free content to keep you busy.
If you miss the “real radio” vibe but want it on your phone, TuneIn’s the app you need.
13. BBC Sounds
BBC Sounds isn’t just a music app—it’s kind of like a whole media hub packed into one.
You get free access to tons of live radio stations, curated playlists, and even podcasts.
The music side is really strong if you’re into discovering new artists or want playlists that aren’t just the same recycled hits.
What I like about it is the variety. One day you can be listening to a live BBC Radio 1 show, and the next you’re diving into a chill playlist built around a mood or genre.
And since it’s the BBC, the quality is top-notch—you don’t get the messy, random uploads you sometimes see on other free apps.
The only catch… It’s more UK-focused, but you can still access it from the U.S. with no problem. Totally free, totally worth it.
14. Trebel
Trebel is one of those apps that makes you go, “Wait… this is actually free?”
The big selling point here is offline listening—you can download songs to your phone without paying a cent.
That’s huge, because most free apps lock offline mode behind a premium plan. With Trebel, you just watch a few ads and boom, the track is yours to play anytime.
The library is pretty solid, with popular artists and albums you’d actually want to listen to.
The app is ad-supported, so yeah, you’ll run into some interruptions, but it’s nowhere near as painful as you might expect.
It feels kind of like the old days of having music saved on your phone, but it’s all legal and free.
If offline listening is your top priority, Trebel should be high on your list.
15. Musify
Musify is one of those apps that people sleep on, but it’s actually a gem if you want free music without all the usual limits.
Unlike some big-name apps that force shuffle or block downloads, Musify lets you stream and download songs for offline listening without paying. That alone makes it stand out.
The catalog pulls from multiple sources, so you’ll find a good mix of popular tracks, remixes, and even stuff you might not see on mainstream platforms.
The interface is simple—nothing flashy—but it gets the job done. Think of it as a “no-frills, all-features” kind of app.
You’re not bombarded with upgrade pop-ups, and you can just enjoy your music.
If you hate feeling boxed in by the rules of free plans, Musify gives you a lot more freedom.
16. Pulsar
Pulsar isn’t some big flashy streaming service—it’s more like a clean, lightweight music player that just works.
If you’ve got your own music files saved on your phone, Pulsar organizes everything beautifully, and the design feels way smoother than most “free” players out there.
It doesn’t nag you with constant ads or push you toward a premium upgrade, which is honestly refreshing.
It’s also got extras you don’t always see in free apps, like built-in lyrics, smart playlists, and even Chromecast support.
The vibe here is simple: if you like having control over your own library instead of relying on shuffle-only streaming, Pulsar gives you a no-nonsense way to enjoy your music.
It’s not about discovering the newest artist in the world—it’s about making the most of what you already love.
17. Freefy
Freefy isn’t the most famous app on this list, but once you try it, you’ll see why people swear by it.
The big thing… No audio ads.
Seriously—while most free apps blast commercials every few tracks, Freefy keeps the music flowing without breaking your vibe.
You get unlimited streaming, playlists, and access to a library that’s surprisingly huge for something totally free.
The design feels a lot like the big-name streaming apps, so it won’t take you long to figure it out.
You can search by artist, genre, or mood and just let it play. It’s not perfect—sometimes you’ll find that a few newer releases are missing—but for a no-cost, ad-free option, it’s pretty impressive.
If you want something simple that doesn’t constantly push you to upgrade, Freefy is a breath of fresh air.
18. VLC Media Player
Okay, so VLC might not be the first app that comes to mind when you think “music,” but hear me out—it’s one of the most versatile free apps you can have.
Most people know it as a video player, but it also doubles as a killer music player.
You can load up your own files, stream from online sources, or even hook into internet radio links.
The best part… It plays everything. MP3s, FLAC, obscure file types you’ve never even heard of—VLC doesn’t care, it just works.
And it’s completely free, no ads, no premium version waiting to upsell you.
It’s more old-school in the sense that you need to already have music or links to stream, but if you like having total control over your library, VLC is a must-have.
19. Radio Garden
Radio Garden is one of the coolest free music apps because it doesn’t just give you stations—it gives you the whole world.
The app shows you a globe, and you can literally spin it, zoom in on any city, and tap to listen to live radio there.
Want to hear what’s playing in New York? Easy. Curious about what’s on in Tokyo or Paris right now? Just click and you’re in.
It feels less like a “music app” and more like a global adventure.
You’ll stumble onto stations you’d never find otherwise, and sometimes you’ll discover songs that aren’t even available on Spotify yet.
No sign-ups, no subscriptions—just endless radio, everywhere, for free. It’s kind of addictive once you start exploring.
20. LiveOne (Slacker Radio)
LiveOne, which used to be called Slacker Radio, is one of those apps that’s been around forever but still delivers.
The free version gives you tons of curated stations across different genres—pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM, you name it.
They also feature live performances and exclusive artist events, which is something you don’t get with most free apps.
The vibe here is more “sit back and listen” than “build your perfect playlist.”
You pick a station and let it play, and if you want, you can customize it by liking or skipping songs (though skips are limited on free).
Yeah, there are ads, but that’s expected.
If you like the idea of radio stations with a modern twist—and sometimes catching live events—LiveOne is worth a spot on your phone.
21. DatPiff
DatPiff is a classic if you’re into hip-hop and mixtapes.
It’s been around forever, and the best part is most of the content is completely free to stream and even download.
You’ll find everything from underground rappers dropping their first tapes to big names releasing exclusive projects you won’t hear on Spotify or Apple Music.
The app itself is simple—you can browse trending mixtapes, check out new releases, or dig into old classics.
It’s definitely more niche compared to mainstream music apps, but if you’re into rap culture, DatPiff feels like home.
Ads are there, but nothing crazy, and considering the amount of free music you’re getting, it’s worth it.
For hip-hop fans, this is one of those “must-have” apps that keeps the mixtape scene alive.
My Final Take
At the end of the day, you don’t need to drop money every month just to keep music in your life.
Between Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, and hidden gems like Trebel or Audiomack, there are plenty of apps that let you listen for free.
Sure, the trade-off is usually ads or shuffle-only modes, but if you’re okay with that, you can basically soundtrack your whole day without spending a dime.
My advice? Don’t just stick to one. Download a couple, try them out, and see which ones feel right for your vibe.
Some apps are better for discovering new music, some are perfect for offline listening, and some are just fun to explore when you’re bored.
The best part—it’s all free, so you really can’t lose.
