Let me guess: You’re on a road trip, heading to your favorite vacation spot, but suddenly, your internet connection drops, and your playlist comes to a screeching halt. Or maybe you’re on a long flight, and your Wi-Fi is spotty at best. We’ve all been there. It’s incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re itching to hear your favorite tunes but can’t rely on data or the internet.
So, what do you do?
The answer: download your favorite music and enjoy it offline. The problem? Finding the right app to download music for free without sacrificing quality or functionality. Well, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
I’ve scoured through numerous apps to find the best ones that let you listen to music offline without burning a hole in your pocket. Keep reading to find the perfect companion for your offline music needs.
1. Spotify (Free Plan)
Do you want to explore the world of music at your fingertips? With Spotify, one of the most popular music streaming services out there, you get access to over 70 million tracks—yes, you read that right! From personalized playlists to curated radio stations, Spotify knows exactly what you want to listen to, even before you do. And the best part? You can start for free!
But wait… isn’t it too good to be true? Sure, you’ll get ads interrupting your listening journey. But don’t worry, the endless discovery of music might just make it worth the occasional ad.
Pros:
- Explore a vast library of music.
- Personalized playlists tailored to your tastes.
- Curated stations for every mood.
- Social sharing features to show your friends what you’re listening to.
Cons:
- Those pesky ads can be annoying.
- Shuffle-only mode unless you upgrade.
- Limited offline access without Premium.
Features:
- Discover new music with personalized recommendations.
- Curated playlists and smart suggestions like “Discover Weekly.”
- Seamless integration with social platforms.
- Access to podcasts and exclusive content.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and more. Pretty much every device you own can run it!
2. SoundCloud
Looking for fresh tracks that aren’t on every other platform? SoundCloud is a treasure trove of indie, underground, and emerging artists. Whether you’re into rap, electronic, or alternative music, SoundCloud has it all. And what’s even more exciting? You get to be part of a growing community of music lovers and creators.
But here’s the question: what if the next big artist you discover is still unsigned? SoundCloud gives you a front-row seat to this unique journey. The free plan lets you enjoy endless music with ads, and occasionally, you might even get to download tracks for offline listening. How cool is that?
Pros:
- Access to a vast range of emerging artists.
- Free music downloads for some tracks.
- High-quality audio for free users.
- Great for discovering underground music.
Cons:
- Ads can disrupt the experience.
- Limited mainstream music available.
- Cluttered user interface for some.
Features:
- Upload and share your own tracks.
- Discover niche and underground genres.
- Curated playlists and trending songs.
- Free track downloads (with limitations).
Rating: 4.2/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, and Web. You can listen anywhere.
3. YouTube Music
What if you could have your favorite music videos and tracks all in one place? YouTube Music does just that! Imagine accessing everything from official music videos to live performances with a tap of a button. It’s more than just a music streaming service—it’s a full-on multimedia experience.
But here’s the real twist: Have you ever found yourself searching for a song but couldn’t remember the name? No problem! You can now search using lyrics and let YouTube Music do the rest. It’s music discovery reimagined.
Pros:
- Enjoy official tracks and music videos.
- Seamless integration with YouTube content.
- Smart search lets you find songs even with just a lyric or two.
- Personalized recommendations based on your YouTube activity.
Cons:
- Ads, unless you upgrade.
- Limited offline access on the free plan.
- Sometimes, the music video selection can feel offbeat.
Features:
- Smart search powered by lyrics.
- Music video integration for a richer experience.
- Curated playlists based on your activity.
- Offline listening with YouTube Music Premium.
Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, and Web. Perfect for mobile music lovers.
4. Audiomack
What if you could discover the latest in hip-hop, rap, and R&B before everyone else? Audiomack is the ultimate platform for underground music lovers. It’s the place where fresh tracks from up-and-coming artists are uploaded daily. Imagine being ahead of the curve, finding the hottest new artists before they make it big!
Audiomack isn’t just about mainstream—it’s about digging deeper into the music scene. And guess what? You can even download tracks for offline listening!
Pros:
- Exclusive access to new and underground tracks.
- Free downloads for some tracks.
- High-quality audio.
- Curated playlists and trending songs.
Cons:
- Ads in the free version.
- Lacks mainstream music.
- User interface can be overwhelming at times.
Features:
- Discover the freshest underground artists.
- Free downloads available for some tracks.
- Curated playlists and trending music.
- Offline listening with Audiomack Premium.
Rating: 4.0/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, and Web. Take Audiomack anywhere!
5. Deezer (Free Plan)
Imagine having access to 73 million songs at the tap of a finger. That’s Deezer for you! With the free plan, you can dive into an ocean of music, discover new tracks, and enjoy personalized recommendations. But there’s a catch… ads will occasionally interrupt your listening experience. Still, for those who love vast libraries and endless discovery, Deezer is a great choice.
Do you love discovering new music? Deezer’s “Flow” feature makes it effortless. It’s like having your own personal DJ.
Pros:
- Massive music library with 73 million songs.
- Curated playlists and personalized recommendations.
- “Flow” feature for personalized music streams.
- Available across various devices.
Cons:
- Ads interrupt the experience.
- Limited offline access without Premium.
- The free version has fewer features than competitors.
Features:
- Personalized music recommendations via “Flow.”
- Curated playlists for every occasion.
- High-quality audio for free users.
- Cross-device synchronization.
Rating: 4.1/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, Web, and more. Deezer is everywhere you want it to be.
6. Pandora
Do you enjoy discovering music without the hassle of creating playlists? Pandora makes it easy by offering personalized radio stations. All you need to do is pick an artist or song, and Pandora will create a station based on your choice. The free plan gives you access to these personalized stations with ads.
But here’s a thought: What if you could skip ads and enjoy endless music with no interruptions? Pandora Premium gives you that luxury.
Pros:
- Personalized radio stations based on your favorite artists.
- Simple, user-friendly interface.
- Great for discovering new music.
- Curated stations for every mood.
Cons:
- Ads in the free version.
- Limited skips without Premium.
- No offline listening with the free plan.
Features:
- Custom radio stations.
- Personalized recommendations.
- Limited skips on free accounts.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
Rating: 4.2/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, Web, and smart speakers. Perfect for in-car listening!
7. Shazam
Ever heard a song you love but couldn’t quite place it? With Shazam, you can identify that track in seconds. Simply tap the Shazam button and let the app work its magic. You’ll get all the details—song title, artist, and even links to stream the song. Imagine having a pocket-sized music detective right in your phone!
Shazam doesn’t just stop at identification. You can also save your discoveries for later listening.
Pros:
- Instantly identify any song around you.
- Connects with major streaming services.
- Save and share your discoveries with friends.
- Works offline after you’ve identified a song.
Cons:
- Doesn’t directly play music (requires streaming apps).
- Limited music discovery features compared to other platforms.
- No full music streaming experience.
Features:
- Quick and accurate song identification.
- Integration with streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
- Offline listening after identifying a track.
- Share songs with friends.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, and smartwatches. Always there when you need it.
8. Apple Music
Ready for high-quality, lossless music? Apple Music offers 70 million songs, curated playlists, and high-fidelity sound that audiophiles rave about. Imagine having access to exclusive content from your favorite artists, music videos, and more—all in one place. And the best part? It integrates seamlessly with your Apple devices.
But here’s the kicker: Do you crave a platform that gives you both mainstream hits and underground gems? Apple Music does both—and does it well.
Pros:
- 70 million tracks with lossless audio quality.
- Exclusive content and early releases.
- Seamless integration with iTunes and Apple devices.
- Curated playlists for every mood.
Cons:
- No free tier for offline listening.
- More expensive than other platforms.
- Music discovery can be harder than on Spotify.
Features:
- Lossless and spatial audio options.
- Access to exclusive tracks and early releases.
- Integration with iTunes and Apple devices.
- Curated playlists and radio stations.
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and more.
9. Amazon Music (Free Plan)
Are you an Amazon Prime member? If yes, Amazon Music gives you even more reasons to love your membership! With a free version offering access to curated playlists and stations, Amazon Music is ideal for discovering new tracks and enjoying familiar favorites. You can even control your music with Alexa, making it an awesome experience for Amazon device users.
But here’s the question: do you crave a larger music library and better features? With Amazon Music Unlimited, you can get just that!
Pros:
- Great for Prime members with extra perks.
- Alexa integration for easy voice control.
- Curated playlists and stations.
- Personalized music recommendations.
Cons:
- Ads interrupt free listening.
- Smaller catalog in the free version.
- No offline listening without a subscription.
Features:
- Access to curated playlists and stations.
- Voice control with Alexa.
- Free access to a large selection of music for Prime members.
- Offline listening with Amazon Music Unlimited.
Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, Amazon Echo, and more.
10. Tidal
For audiophiles, Tidal is a dream come true. Offering HiFi and lossless audio streaming, it’s perfect for those who want to experience music in its highest quality. Tidal also brings exclusive content, live concert streams, and curated playlists to the table.
But do you need that level of quality, or are you happy with something more mainstream? Tidal caters to both, so you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Pros:
- Lossless HiFi audio quality for audiophiles.
- Exclusive content and early releases.
- Curated playlists from music experts.
- Live concert streams.
Cons:
- Premium pricing.
- No free offline listening.
- Smaller library than some competitors.
Features:
- HiFi and lossless audio streaming.
- Exclusive content and live concert streams.
- Curated playlists and expert recommendations.
- Integration with other music apps and devices.
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
Compatibility:
Available on iOS, Android, Web, and more.
Conclusion
With the right app, you can enjoy uninterrupted music offline—even when you’re on the go, far from Wi-Fi or mobile data. From well-known platforms like Spotify and Deezer to free and emerging apps like Audiomack, there’s no shortage of options for offline music lovers.
Which app do you use to listen offline? Do you have any favorites we didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the best music apps for offline listening!
