21 Best Free Music Streaming Sites in 2024

Gone are the days when you had to download music files on your device or go to a store to purchase albums. Thanks to the rapid growth in the music streaming industry, countless platforms are available today that allow you to vibe to songs from your favorite artists. These sites house a vast library of music you can listen to on any device you like.

This post will explore the 21 best free music streaming sites, highlighting their unique features and pros and cons. We’ll also discuss how you can choose the best one for you.

The Best Sites to Stream Music – Quick List

Here’s a quick overview of the 21 best platforms that let you listen to exciting music for free in 2024:

How Can I Stream Music Using a VPN?

A VPN is an essential tool that allows you to bypass restrictions and enjoy your favorite sounds from any location worldwide. Imagine traveling to a country where your preferred music streaming service or beloved song is unavailable. A VPN becomes handy in this case.

When you connect to ExtremeVPN, it routes your data through a server from a different country. That way, the music streaming site can’t detect your actual location, letting you access your favorite albums in peace.

Furthermore, most sites and apps can detect your IP address once you launch them. But with ExtremeVPN, you can mask your IP address. Connect to any of ExtremeVPN’s 6500+ servers; you can listen to music anytime without revealing your location.

Follow these simple steps to start enjoying popular music hits on your device without restrictions:

Top 21 Music Streaming Platforms – Detailed List

1. YouTube Music

If you are a fan of the popular streaming giant YouTube, you must have heard of its music service. This site provides on-demand content, so you can play any music you wish to listen to, such as various songs, albums, artists, live performances, and podcasts on any niche of your choice.

YouTube Music is easy to navigate, ensuring that no one finds searching for their desired song or creating a playlist difficult. You can also subscribe to channels to get updates whenever a new song is released. The platform also lets you upload your own music so that you can listen to it anytime.

Moreover, users can create personalized playlists that suit a specific genre, activity, or mood. On the site’s homepage, you will find handy categories and personal mixes like Dance Moods, Energy Boosters, Feel Good, and many more.

You will indeed find a playlist that suits your mood, but you must bear with some unskippable ads. However, you can avoid them by upgrading to its premium version for $10.99 per month. It also offers a 2-month free trial for new users.

2. Spotify

As a music lover, you might have heard of this trending music site. Spotify is a go-to platform for many netizens who want to listen to the latest albums of their old songs or transport themselves down memory lane. It contains millions of songs across various genres, including Afro, Kpop, classical, Gospel, Hip-Hop, and lots more.

You can also listen to songs according to their ranks globally or within your country. Apart from music, you will also find podcasts and soundtracks from your favorite movies and TV series. The platform also lets you create playlists and share them with your friends. It has native apps that can be downloaded on your smartphone, tablet, or PC, or you can use its web browser.

However, its free version has limitations, including limited skips and ad interruptions. Upgrading to its premium version allows you to enjoy ad-free listening, access song lyrics, skip songs as you like, and enjoy higher audio quality. Its premium version also offers a 3-month free trial period, which allows you to enjoy the perks of a premium user without paying a fee. After that, it costs $5.99 per month.

3. Jango

Jango is a fantastic music streaming site that lets you listen to music free from your PC, tablet, or mobile phone. It advertises itself as an ads-free and customizable radio service. On this platform, you will find hundreds of ready-made stations that you can sort according to their genres.

This site also allows you to create custom radio stations by selecting your favorite singer or band. It has various settings that you can adjust to teach the site what to play for you. You will also find an edit button that you can use to add other artists to your station. Jango will play the songs of your selected artists and related artists.

4. LiveOne

LiveOne is another free music streaming site that lets you create custom radio stations based on certain songs, artists, or genres you enjoy. Once you select the type of music you enjoy listening to, the platform can recommend similar music mixed with your suggested songs.

Furthermore, you can browse through other stations, which allows you to discover new sounds and artists. You will also find music-related news, interviews, performances, and more. However, you can skip songs only six times per day.

Like most streaming sites mentioned above, you will need to upgrade to its premium plan before you can remove the ads on this website. Its premium version includes extra perks like offline listening, unlimited skips, and fast-forward abilities. The site also offers a 3-month free trial before you actually subscribe to it.

5. LITT Live

Formerly called Dash Radio, LITT Live is an online radio site where you can stream music for free without encountering ads. This ads-free platform also offers a link where you can read the lyrics of the song you are currently listening to and provides songs that came out decades ago.

This website includes music across several genres, such as pop, hip-hop, Latin, classical, jazz, and country. It also has apps you can download on various platforms, including Android or iOS.

6. Freefy

Freefy is an amazing free music streaming website you can use without creating an account. This platform is unique because it lets you play songs from YouTube, similar to YouTube Music.

However, Freefy offers extra perks. For instance, on YouTube Music, you can only see the list of songs you recently played, but Freefy allows you to not only see the list but also search for a particular piece of content on it. The platform also lets you play any item available in your listening history.

Similar to YouTube Music, you can see recent releases and what’s trending among music lovers. Freefy also allows you to create playlists that you can make public or even share with a friend. It provides mobile apps that are compatible with Android and iOS.

7. iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio is a popular service that offers users custom music and live radio streaming. Using this platform, you can listen to live radio stations by selecting the genre or city you prefer. You will see a list of stations that align with your interests. You can even create custom stations that include your favorite songs or artists.

Its app has impressive features, such as a sleep timer and alarm that plays your favorite station anytime you set it to start playing. However, if you want to play a specific song, listen offline, create multiple playlists, or get unlimited skips, you must upgrade to its paid version. The platform also offers a 30-day free trial that you can get to test its features. After that, you’ll have to pay $4.99 per month.

8. AccuRadio

AccuRadio is another online radio platform that allows you to browse for stations according to music genre. You can even decide to pick any random station if you don’t know what to listen to. It will also show you popular songs so that you can find out what other people are enjoying.

AccuRadio also offers mobile apps that are compatible with your Android phone or iPhone. You should create a user account if you encounter fewer ads using this platform. However, you don’t need to pay any subscription fee once you make this account, and if you are lucky, you may get rid of the ads.

On your AccuRadio account, you can customize channels to suit your music taste and save your preferred channel as a favorite. You can even ban an artist or song you don’t want to hear again.

9. TuneIn

TuneIn is a one-stop destination for listening to any live radio station available online. You can stream the local stations available in your area and can browse hundreds of thousands of stations from different countries worldwide.

Users can also sort the stations according to their genres. Many different genres are available on this platform, ranging from rock and religious songs to business news and travel podcasts. You can even check the trending radio stations to understand what others are listening to.

Depending on your preference, you can use TuneIn on your web browser or download its software on your PC or smartphone. Users can also try the TuneIn Premium version with a 30-day free trial without paying to eliminate the disruptive ads.

10. Pandora

Pandora is a treasure box filled with exciting albums from various global artists. If you want to discover new music, this is a perfect option to explore. Once you search for a genre, composer, or artist, this service will create a radio station that aligns with your searches.

Pandora allows you to create multiple custom stations that fit your music tastes. But if you don’t know what songs to listen to, you can go through its Top Stations or Genre page, and you will surely find something to enjoy. The platform also offers a 14-day free trial for new users where you can test out its premium features for free.

11. Mixcloud

MixCloud offers music produced by radio presenters and DJs from around the globe. So you will surely hear sounds that you may have never heard before. You can sort these mixes, podcasts, and radio stations according to the mood or genre. There are also searchable tags that you can use to organize your library.

For instance, if you want to open a classical music show, you can add a chillout and ambient tag so that you will get a well-customized station that plays songs that suit that mood. MixCloud also provides apps suitable for any smartphone, tablet, and even your Apple TV. Unlike most music streaming sites, MixCloud doesn’t offer a free trial for its premium plan.

12. SoundCloud

SoundCloud is an ideal option to explore if you are always in the mood to discover something new. This platform lets up-and-coming artists upload their songs for free so that you will find never-heard-before sounds on this platform.

You can get what’s trending and browse through genres such as disco, country, electronic, pop, and more here. It also provides a search tool that makes it easy for you to find artists, tracks, or podcasts without any stress. You can also follow artists so that you will be notified anytime they upload new music.

SoundCloud’s premium plans let you use the platform without ads interrupting you. SoundCloud Go costs you around $4.99 per month, with a 7-day free trial. On the other hand, SoundCloud’s Go+ lets you enjoy a 30-day free trial, after which you have to pay $10.99/month.

13. Apple Music

Apple Music is a paid music streaming site created by Apple. It hosts up to 100 million songs in its content library. Apart from these songs, you will find numerous radio stations and videos.

However, you can’t access it for free. The platform has subscription plans ranging from $4.99 to $16.99 monthly. However, you can still use its free trial period to explore the site for 30 days. You can extend this 30-day free period to six months if you purchase eligible Apple products like Beats, MacBooks, HomePod mini, or AirPods.

Apple Music boasts an impressive user interface, high-quality sounds, and an extensive content library. It is a solid option, primarily for users of Apple devices.

14. Amazon Music

Amazon Music is another excellent choice for streaming music. It lets you access thousands of stations and top playlists without charging a fee. On your Android or iOS smartphone, you can listen to many on-demand songs on the go.

The only downside of this site is that you can only listen to music on shuffle mode. That means you won’t be able to play a specific song from an artist, album, or playlist. Amazon Music will choose a song once you select the playlist or album you want to listen to.

However, if you are already an Amazon Prime member, you can enjoy an experience with millions of songs and top podcasts at no extra cost. The premium version also lets you enjoy your favorite ultra HD quality sound. You will also notice a collection of songs with Spatial Audio mastered in 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos that can be accessed on the app on many devices. You can also try out the platform’s premium features with its 3-month free trial.

15. Deezer

Deezer is an amazing music streaming site with a library containing over 90 million songs, 32,000 radio stations, and 160,000 podcast sessions. This platform also lets you create playlists that you can access on any device.

As a free streaming site, it has intrusive ads, and you will need to turn on your network connection before you can stream music here. However, this is an excellent choice if you are looking for a platform that houses a wide range of songs, including both indie and mainstream sounds. The service also offers a one-month free trial for new users to enjoy its premium features.

16. Tidal

Tidal is a digital video and music streaming service founded in 2014. It offers top-notch sound quality, meaning you can stream your beloved songs in CD-quality sound or even better. On this platform, you can find music videos, editorial articles, and exclusive content covering music and culture.

One feature that makes Tidal stand out is its dedication to ensuring its users always find high-quality audio on its site. The platform uses lossless audio codecs like FLAC, ensuring the audio files get compressed without affecting their original quality. That way, you can enjoy a detailed and immersive experience while listening to various songs.

Tidal offers curated playlists, live events, and exclusive music releases that may not be found on other platforms. The service strongly partners with high-profile labels and musicians like Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Prince. You can access this service through its website or download the app on your mobile phone.

Tidal offers limited features in its free plan. However, you can enjoy the perks of this platform’s premium features with its 30-day free trial period.

17. Qobuz

This music streaming platform has a primary focus to provide high-quality sounds to its listeners. This French-based service houses many high-quality recordings similar to the original studio production. It has convinced labels and suppliers always to provide it with high-quality sounds, so you will surely have a wonderful listening experience on this platform.

Qobuz focuses on high sound quality and hosts a diverse collection of songs across several genres, including jazz, pop, rock, classical, and more. You can also stream and download songs for offline listening on this platform. Although you can’t use this platform for free, you can explore its library by taking advantage of the 30-day free trial.

18. Napster

Napster hosts over 100 million songs, making it one of the biggest online music streaming sites. This platform offers a diverse song collection spanning various languages and genres. That means this site can cater to your music preference, whether you like to listen to Indian songs or punk rock.

The platform not free; you must pay to continue using it. However, it offers a one-month free trial that new users can get advantage of. It has a user-friendly interface that provides easy access to its library on multiple devices.

Formerly known as a peer-to-peer platform that allowed netizens to download and share music for free, it was shut down in 2001 for copyright infringement. In 2003, the service was reintroduced as a legal subscription service and has continually expanded its library since then.

19. JioSaavn

JioSaavn is a platform built by the combined effort of Saavn and JioMusic, two top music streaming platforms in India. Launched in 2018, JioSaavn houses a wide selection of songs in several languages and genres.

On the platform, you will find an extensive music library containing millions of songs in multiple languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and English. The service also offers curated playlists suitable for a particular audience according to different charts. That way, you can find new music to listen to anytime.

JioSaavn also offers exclusive original content, such as podcasts, artist interviews, and radio shows. You can also receive personalized recommendations based on your listening history. The site also offers a 7-day free trial.

20. Gaana

Gaana is a leading music streaming site based in India. Its catalog hosts thousands of songs in over 21 Indian languages. Plus, you can find an exciting soundtrack from a Bollywood movie.

You will find categories like Featured Artists, Top Charts, Gaana Originals, Editor’s Picks, Gaana Specials, and Gaana Videos. To eliminate the ads present, you must upgrade to its premium version, which costs around $1.20 per month. Although the platform doesn’t offer a free trial, it lets its new users enjoy premium features for a short time with paid promotions and some limited-time offers.

21. ReverbNation

ReverbNation is another free music streaming site that lets you listen to thousands of artists and tracks without spending a dime. While it allows you to stream all the songs available in its library, you can only download a few. If you are an artist, you can join the platform for free and share your songs or albums with a global audience.

Although the free plan is great, it has many limitations. To enjoy extra features like enhanced analytics, limited ads, and an exclusive music library, you can subscribe to its premium plan.

On this platform, you will find a list of upcoming music shows taking place at different locations worldwide. This is a perfect spot for music lovers to explore curated playlists and vibe to their favorite artists and songs.

How to Choose the Best Music Streaming Services

Regardless of whether you are searching for a platform that offers an expensive music library or ads-free listening, there are several factors to consider before you get a perfect pick.

Here’s a list of things you should look out for when choosing a music streaming platform:

1. Music Library

The first question you should ask is: Does this site contain the kind of music or artists you listen to? As there are many different platforms available, it’s unsurprising that each offers a unique selection of music tailored to diverse audiences. While some offer music titles that range from obscure indie gems to the latest hits, others distribute sounds in specific genres.

Before picking a platform, check if it contains songs from your favorite artists or genres. If you love discovering new sounds, you will also need a website that hosts a vast and varied music selection.

2. User Interface

It can be frustrating to pick a platform that is difficult to navigate. Hence, you should always consider a platform that offers a clean and intuitive interface so that you won’t find it hard to discover new albums.

You should ensure that you can use the platform’s features with ease. For instance, if you choose a platform that lets you create personalized playlists, you shouldn’t have to break a sweat before you can create one. If you like to listen to music on different devices, confirm that the streaming service has a consistent user experience on all its platforms.

3. Sound Quality

This is another essential factor you should consider. Most free music streaming sites offer a standard audio quality that requires less data, which is okay if you are a casual listener.

However, if you love listening to high-fidelity sounds, you should choose a platform that offers high-resolution streams. You can sample this by listening to a song on the platform and checking the settings page to see if you can choose your preferred sound quality.

4. Device Compatibility

Before you choose a service, check if it is compatible with the devices you primarily use to listen to music. Regardless of if it’s your smartphone, PC, tablet, or smart speaker, you’ll want a service that can work seamlessly across all your gadgets.

These services also provide dedicated gaming consoles and smart TV apps. At the same time, not all streaming services can work across several devices, so you should confirm that your selection can work on your preferred devices.

5. Offline Listening

Most free streaming platforms let you listen to music only when you have your internet connection, and some allow offline listening only when you upgrade to their premium plan. If you frequently travel or have a limited data bundle, offline listening is a game-changer.

So, search for a platform that lets you download your favorite songs, playlists, or albums for offline access.

6. Ad Frequency and Interruption

As a free service, you are expected to encounter audio ads from time to time as you use its platform. Yet, that doesn’t mean the ads should come up every second; it can make your listening time unenjoyable.

Ad frequency and duration vary from one service to another. So, if ads will disrupt your music time, consider a service that offers minimal interruptions or opt for a premium plan that offers an ad-free experience.

7. Additional Features

This is the selling point of whichever platform you decide to start using. Some free music streaming platforms allow you to create personalized playlists and have built-in algorithms to suggest new songs, artists, or playlists based on your listening habits.

So, if you love to discover new sounds, this is a feature you should consider when looking for a platform.

Also, if you love sharing what you are listening to with your friends, you should check if the platform provides a social sharing feature. Some platforms even offer extra perks like live radio, exclusive artist content, and podcasts. Regardless, you should ensure that your selected platform has the features you are looking for.

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