The Best Free Music Apps for iPhone

Having access to music wherever and whenever you go has become a standard in today’s world. Because of this, the music streaming industry's value is at nearly 20.9 billion dollars. It’s only expected to continue to grow.

We are in the golden age of music. It is so easy to stream artists, discover songs, or make playlists. From the new billboard bestsellers to your cousin's garage rock band, you have access to hearing it all. Here are the best free music apps for iPhone.

1. Spotify

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One of the best apps that offer free services is Spotify, with over 70 million tracks and 406 million subscribers. Its niche is providing curated playlists and podcasts that you can stream for free.

You can listen to your music unlimited with short advertising breaks, but you won't have access to your songs if your phone is offline. Spotify offers 6 skips each hour, so you can steer clear of the songs you don’t like.

One of the most-loved features of Spotify is the Spotify Top Stats. This is a list of statistics compiled by the app that shows you your top artists, songs, and genres. It updates every single day and gives you the ability to share with other users and over social media.

2. Pandora

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Pandora is one of the most personalized streaming services that plays music based on your ratings or suggestions. It compiles stations with similar artists, melody, lyrics, and other influencers. The more you listen, the more Pandora will play the music you like.

You can shuffle through multiple stations to get different genres or artists. One of its key features is the explicit content filter. This allows users to toggle off inappropriate music and is great for family or business settings.

If you pay for Pandora Premium, you will have access to higher audio quality, unlimited skips, and on-demand streaming so you can choose your songs. It’s best to stream this on WiFi because Pandora can take a lot of data and tends to buffer. While this is one of the top music apps for iPhone, it is only available in the United States due to licensing restrictions.

3. Datpiff

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This music platform was launched in 2005 and is great for hip-hop, R&B, and rap music lovers. With over 15 million users, this app features underground artists. If you love listening to mixtapes and want to listen to music without making an account this is the right service for you.

With no account, you can still download your favorite songs or content for free as long as the artist or label sponsored the site. Registering for an account will give you the freedom to access and download any number of mixtapes.

4. SoundCloud

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SoundCloud is great to upload your own music and find unique up-and-coming artists. This is great for music lovers who don’t prefer top 40 or overplayed songs.

People love to put their music on SoundCloud so others can access it for free. You can follow artists to keep up with their releases and interact with their songs by commenting on specific sections. One of the best things about Soundcloud is the ability to find artists that aren’t signed with a label.

Because of the variety of content created at home, streaming on SoundCloud can be improved with the right headphones. Make sure you have a pair if you choose this streaming service to play music.

5. Apple Music

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You can access your music library on Apple Music no matter where you are because you can fully download music to your device. Apple’s streaming service is built into your iPhone, but it’s available for Android users as well.

You also have access to videos, documentaries, and performances. Though this streaming service is subscription-based for $9.99 a month, you can try the three-month free trial membership.

If you listen to music in your car by Bluetooth, Apple Music has some cool features you might enjoy. Apple Music will start playing your latest song when your phone detects that it connects to a Bluetooth device, so you don’t have to worry about picking the next song or playlist when you're busy. You can also follow your friends on the app, browse for new music genres, or listen to Apple Radio.

6. YouTube Music

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You can use YouTube Music via the mobile app or web browser. Unless you purchase YouTube Premium, you will have the occasional advertisement between songs. It has a smart search engine that helps find songs and offers music that is similar to what you have played before.

YouTube offers live performances, concert footage, interviews, and other content. This is not common for other streaming services. You can build your own playlists and share them with your friends.

7. Deezer

This is a great streaming service for people who are looking for a simpler and more refined platform. With over 73 million songs, this app encourages finding new songs and artists with its Shuffle Mode.

With the free app, you are limited to the Flow feature of Deezer. This creates mixes tailored to your preference.

8. Shazam

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Though Shazam doesn’t actually stream music it is still worth noting as a music service app. Shazam is a great reverse audio search tool to find out song titles when you don’t recognize a song.

The app listens to the song and tells you the title. It also sends other information about the artist or release of the song. You can look back at what songs you’ve searched and follow the song to Youtube or Spotify for the full version.

9. Amazon Music

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If you are an Amazon Prime member, you have free access to Amazon Music. It offers unlimited skips, ad-free stations, and streaming from the cloud. You can train the amazon algorithm based on your likes for specific songs.

On your Amazon Music Player Account, you can even get 250 songs of free storage. The Amazon Music mobile app features Alexa, which means you can control the app with hands-free audio commands. This is great for someone who is listening to music while doing manual labor or working out.

10. TuneIn

It gives you the convenience of using your mobile device and still tuning in to local radio stations. TuneIn is great for those who travel often, follow sports, or listen to podcasts. You can search for a song and find all of the nearby radio stations that are known to play it.

If you subscribe to TuneIn Premium you can have commercial-free radio with fewer ads. This is common for most service platforms. Either way, enjoy tens of thousands of live radio stations at your disposal.

11. Tidal

Tidal is a music and video service. It uses lossless audio and high-definition music videos. Tidal is intended to have you listen to the music as the artist intended while using HiFi, MQA, and immersive sound like Dolby Atmos.  

One of its most popular features is social media sharing. Users have the ability to upload the music they are listening to on Snapchat stories. This is great for people who want to share the music they are listening to with friends and family.

Student Discounts

If you are a student there are music apps that offer cheaper rates that you should be taking advantage of. Everyone loves a good discount, especially students who can use it. Here is a list of the music streaming services that offer monthly discounts for students.

• •Amazon Music- One of the cheapest student discounts found at $0.99 per month
• •Apple Music- Discounted student price with add free listening is $4.99
• •Pandora- 50% off for students at a rate of $4.99 per month up to 4 years
• •YouTube Music- Eligible students get YouTube Premium for $6.99 a month
• •Tidal- 50% discount to both high school and college students
• •Spotify- $4.99 a month for up to 4 years
• •Deezer- Offers 50% off to full-time students

If you want to apply for a student discount all you have to do is enter your college email or student ID into the mobile app. You'll start streaming your favorite content with the best deals available.

Free Music Apps For iPhone: Pick Yours Today

With numerous apps at your disposal and a continual rise in streaming services, your options vary. Some music apps offer free services or in-app purchases, but most have a subscription fee. Trial memberships are great to help choose the best free music apps for iPhone that fit you.