Music soothes the spirit. The only thing that could make hearing tunes better is getting them for free. Good news: we’ve combed the web and uncovered several ways to enjoy free music online without downloading files or spending a cent. Dust off your dancing shoes — it’s time to move.
What to Expect From Free Music Services
Before we dive in and press play, it’s helpful to know what to expect from a free music streaming platform.
Most free options come with caveats or are supported by intermittent audio commercials. That means your listening might be interrupted occasionally by companies pitching their wares.
Additionally, you may face a more limited catalog or, as is common with the services below, you won’t be able to listen offline with a free account.
Many of the streaming platforms we’ll cover offer both free and paid tiers, so you can opt to upgrade and remove those limitations. Free music with ads and restrictions, or a paid subscription with full access — the decision is yours.
Spotify
The ubiquitous green platform Spotify needs little introduction among music fans. The Swedish firm has been streaming tunes worldwide for well over a decade. If you want a reliable free streaming option and don’t want to try many services, Spotify is an excellent starting point.
Listeners can use Spotify’s free plan without spending anything. Access music through the downloadable app or in your browser. The free tier includes occasional ads and limited on-demand playback, which means you may be forced to play playlists in shuffle mode. Offline listening is not available on the free plan.
Deezer
The French streaming platform Deezer has been around nearly as long as Spotify, although it might be less familiar to U.S. listeners. The key point about Deezer is that it provides a free subscription so you can enjoy music without reaching for your wallet.
New listeners can visit Deezer’s site or download one of its apps. The free Deezer tier gives you access to songs, podcasts, radio and personalized suggestions. Like Spotify, you’ll need Deezer Premium to eliminate ads, download music for offline listening and play any track on demand.
Amazon Music
Our next recommended free streaming option isn’t strictly free; it requires an Amazon Prime membership. With many households already subscribed to Prime, however, it’s worth a mention. Stream via your browser or the Amazon Music app.
The Amazon Music tier included with Prime has some restrictions, including ads and the inability to pick specific tracks — you’ll often be limited to shuffle mode, similar to Spotify’s free plan. If you like the service, you can upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited to remove restrictions for a fee.
YouTube Music
The ever-popular video platform YouTube also offers a music-first option with YouTube Music. Visit the YouTube Music website or install the app to enjoy a focused music experience, save favorite tracks and albums, and build playlists.
Listeners have long used YouTube’s main site to watch music videos and listen to songs, so the dedicated YouTube Music product is a natural extension. The free tier includes limitations such as ads and the inability to play audio on mobile with the screen off.
TuneIn
If you prefer a radio-like listening experience, check out TuneIn. Think of TuneIn as a vast online radio hub that lets you stream music for free without downloading anything. If you like, you can also install the app for a smoother experience.
TuneIn offers a wide variety of channels, so there’s likely something for everyone. The free version is supported by ads and won’t include live sports broadcasts. You can upgrade to TuneIn Premium to remove these limits if desired.
iHeartRadio
Another solid pick for radio-style listeners is iHeartRadio. In addition to live radio, iHeartRadio’s website and apps provide podcasts, news and curated playlists. If you want to stream local stations to your phone or computer, iHeartRadio is a strong choice.
The free tier offers much of iHeartRadio’s content but includes ads and restricted skipping. iHeartRadio also sells Plus and All Access plans for listeners who want an upgraded, ad-free experience.
Pandora
Founded in 2000, Pandora will be familiar to anyone who’s been online since the early days. Pandora continues to operate decades later, helping listeners discover music using its Music Genome Project.
Pandora often uses a radio-style approach, creating endless streams and custom stations. The free version lets you search and play music, though you may be required to watch or hear an ad first. Pandora also offers ad-free Plus and Premium plans.
Jango
One standout free streaming option is Jango. It’s one of the rare services with unlimited listening and no commercials. Jango follows a customizable radio model like TuneIn and Pandora, so you can influence what plays but can’t make on-demand song selections.
For instance, if you want Taylor Swift, you won’t be able to pick a specific song or album. Instead you’ll get a station centered on Swift, mixed with similar artists Jango selects. Jango has no paid tier — the free experience is the full offering for all listeners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you’re searching for the best free way to stream music online without downloading anything, consider visiting Spotify. You can sign up for a free Spotify account and access a vast library of songs. If you’d rather have a radio-like setup, Jango is worth a look.
There are several music apps you can use at no cost, but most include some limitations or ads. Our favorite free music streaming services include:
- Spotify
- Deezer
- Amazon Music
- YouTube Music
- TuneIn
- iHeartRadio
- Pandora
- Deezer
Yes — you can use Spotify without installing software on your computer. Visit the Spotify website, log in or create an account, and start listening for free.
Jordan Whitaker is a senior writer specializing in technology with Savinly.
