As music lovers, we all know how important it is to have access to great music. However, buying every album or song can be costly. Fortunately, there are plenty of websites out there that offer free, legal music downloads. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 15 best free music download sites that you can use to download music legally.
1. Jamendo
Jamendo is a website that provides a platform for independent artists to showcase their music to a global audience. It allows music enthusiasts to discover new music while supporting emerging artists.
Pros:
- Large and diverse library of music from independent artists across the globe.
- Music available for free and under Creative Commons licenses.
- User-friendly interface.
- Allows for direct communication between artists and fans.
- Offers affordable licensing options for businesses and other organizations to use music in their projects.
Cons:
- Limited selection of popular music.
- Music quality can vary depending on the quality of the original upload.
- Limited features for free users, such as limited access to certain tracks and playlists.
2. Last.fm
Last.fm is a website that offers a unique music discovery experience for users. It uses an intelligent recommendation system to suggest new artists and songs based on the user’s listening history.
Pros:
- Intelligent recommendation system that suggests new music based on user preferences.
- Provides a wide range of information about artists, including biographies, discographies, and concert listings.
- Offers a social aspect where users can connect with friends and share their music tastes.
- Scrobbles your music across multiple devices, allowing for a seamless listening experience.
Cons:
- Limited features for free users, such as limited access to certain tracks and playlists.
- Some users find the interface to be cluttered and difficult to navigate.
- Limited selection of popular music.
3. Free Music Archive
Free Music Archive is a website that offers a vast collection of music that is available for free and legal download. It provides a platform for artists to share their music with a wider audience while allowing music enthusiasts to discover new music.
Pros:
- Offers a large selection of music.
- All music available on the website is legal and free to download.
- Easy to navigate and find music through search filters and curated playlists.
- Provides a platform for non-commercial use of music in podcasts, videos, and other creative projects.
Cons:
- Limited selection of popular music.
- Limited features for free users, such as limited access to certain tracks and playlists.
- Music quality can vary depending on the quality of the original upload.
4. ReverbNation
ReverbNation is a website that provides a platform for independent artists to connect with music industry professionals, fans, and other artists. It offers a range of promotional tools to help artists grow their fan base and advance their careers.
Pros:
- Provides a platform for independent artists to showcase their music and connect with industry professionals.
- Offers detailed analytics on fan engagement and artist performance.
- Provides a sense of community among independent artists and fans.
Cons:
- Limited selection of popular music.
- Some users find the interface to be cluttered and difficult to navigate.
- Limited features for free users, such as limited access to certain tools and features.
5. Youtube Audio Library
Youtube Audio Library is a website that offers a wide selection of free, high-quality music and sound effects that can be used in videos and other creative projects. It provides a platform for creators to enhance their content and add professional-grade audio without the need for expensive licensing or royalties.
Pros:
- Offers a large selection of high-quality music and sound effects that can be used for free in creative projects.
- Easy to navigate and find music through search filters and curated playlists.
- Provides detailed information on the music and sound effects, including the artist, genre, and length.
- No licensing fees or royalties required for using the music and sound effects.
Cons:
- Limited selection of music and sound effects.
- Can be difficult to find music that fits specific genres or moods.
- No customization options for the music or sound effects.
- Users may encounter copyright issues if the music is used inappropriately.
6. NoiseTrade
NoiseTrade is a website that offers free music downloads from a range of independent and emerging artists. It provides a platform for artists to share their music with a wider audience while allowing music enthusiasts to discover new music.
Pros:
- Offers a large selection of free music downloads from independent and emerging artists.
- Allows users to download full albums or individual tracks for free.
- Easy to navigate and find music through search filters and curated playlists.
Cons:
- Limited selection of popular music.
- Some users find the interface to be cluttered and difficult to navigate.
- Music quality can vary depending on the quality of the original upload.
7. Musopen
Musopen is a website that offers a large collection of public domain music recordings, sheet music, and educational resources. It provides a platform for music enthusiasts, students, and teachers to access classical music recordings and sheet music for free.
Pros:
- Offers a large collection of public domain music recordings and sheet music.
- Provides a platform for music enthusiasts, students, and teachers to access classical music recordings and sheet music for free.
- Easy to navigate and find music through search filters and curated playlists.
- Offers educational resources and tools for music students and teachers.
Cons:
- Limited selection of music outside of classical genres.
- Music quality can vary depending on the quality of the original recording.
- Some users find the interface to be outdated and difficult to navigate.
- Limited features for free users, such as limited access to certain sheet music or educational resources.
8. BeatStars
BeatStars is a website that offers a platform for music producers and artists to buy and sell beats, collaborate, and connect with industry professionals. It provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their music and build their careers.
Pros:
- Offers a wide selection of high-quality beats for sale from producers around the world.
- Provides detailed analytics on beat sales and artist performance.
Cons:
- Limited selection of popular music.
- Some users find the interface to be cluttered and difficult to navigate.
- Limited features for free users, such as limited access to certain tools and features.
9. Amazon Music
Amazon Music is a streaming service that offers a large selection of music, podcasts, and radio stations. It provides a platform for music enthusiasts to discover and stream music from a range of genres and artists.
Pros:
- Offers a large selection of music, including popular and emerging artists across various genres.
- Easy to navigate and find music through search filters and curated playlists.
- Provides a range of options for streaming, including on-demand streaming, radio stations, and podcasts.
- Compatible with a range of devices, including smartphones, smart speakers, and streaming devices.
- Provides exclusive access to certain albums and music releases for Amazon Prime members.
Cons:
- Limited access to certain music and features for non-Prime members.
- Audio quality can vary depending on the quality of the original recording and the user’s internet connection.
- Some users may find the selection of music to be limited compared to other streaming services.
10. Internet Archive’s Audio Archive
The Internet Archive’s Audio Archive is a website that offers a vast collection of public domain music, live concerts, radio shows, podcasts, and other audio recordings. It provides a platform for music enthusiasts, researchers, and historians to access a diverse range of audio recordings from various time periods and genres.
Pros:
- Offers a vast collection of public domain music, live concerts, radio shows, podcasts, and other audio recordings.
- Provides a platform for music enthusiasts, researchers, and historians to access a diverse range of audio recordings from various time periods and genres.
- Easy to navigate and find music through search filters and curated collections.
- Provides high-quality audio recordings, with options for streaming or downloading.
- Offers a range of resources for music lovers, such as album artwork, liner notes, and artist biographies.
Cons:
- Limited selection of contemporary and popular music.
- Some users may experience difficulty finding specific recordings due to the vastness of the archive.
- Audio quality can vary depending on the quality of the original recording.
- Some recordings may contain low-quality sound due to age or recording equipment.
11. SoundClick
SoundClick is a website that offers a platform for music enthusiasts to discover, stream, and download music from independent artists. It provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their music and build their fanbase.
Pros:
- Offers a wide selection of independent music across various genres.
- Offers a sense of community among music lovers and artists.
Cons:
- Limited selection of popular music.
- Some users may find the website interface to be outdated and difficult to navigate.
- Some users may experience difficulty with the audio quality of some recordings.
12. CCTrax
CCTrax is a website that offers a platform for music enthusiasts to discover and download music from independent artists under Creative Commons licenses. It provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their music and reach a wider audience.
Pros:
- Offers a vast collection of music under Creative Commons licenses, meaning it can be downloaded and shared for free.
- Provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their music and reach a wider audience.
- Easy to navigate and find music through search filters and curated collections.
- Provides high-quality audio recordings, with options for streaming or downloading.
- Offers a range of resources for music lovers, such as album artwork, liner notes, and artist biographies.
Cons:
- Limited selection of popular and mainstream music.
- Some users may experience difficulty finding specific recordings due to the vastness of the archive.
- Audio quality can vary depending on the quality of the original recording.
- Some users may find the website interface to be outdated and difficult to navigate.
13. Musify
Musify Music Downloader is a software tool that allows users to download and convert music from various online sources such as YouTube, SoundCloud, and Spotify. With Musify, users can download music in high quality and in different formats such as MP3, FLAC, and WAV.
Pros:
- Easy to use interface with simple and straightforward instructions.
- Provides high-quality audio downloads from various sources.
- Supports batch downloads, allowing users to download multiple tracks simultaneously.
- Offers a built-in audio converter, allowing users to convert audio formats easily.
- Supports various platforms, including Windows and Mac.
Cons:
- The free version has limited functionality and places a watermark on downloaded tracks.
- The software can be resource-intensive, requiring a high-performance computer for large downloads.
- The legality of downloading copyrighted material from online sources may be questionable in some jurisdictions.
14. BandCamp
Bandcamp is an online music marketplace that allows artists to sell and distribute their music directly to their fans. The platform also allows users to discover new music, purchase albums, and support their favorite artists.
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of music genres, including niche and experimental genres not commonly found on mainstream platforms.
- Users can stream music for free before purchasing or downloading.
- Offers high-quality audio downloads in various formats such as FLAC, MP3, and more.
- Offers a “pay-what-you-want” option, allowing users to support artists with the amount they choose to pay.
Cons:
- The platform is primarily focused on independent and lesser-known artists, so popular and mainstream music may not be available.
- Some users have reported issues with downloads, such as slow download speeds and incomplete downloads.
- The platform charges a commission fee on sales, which may affect the pricing of the music.
15. AudioMack
AudioMack is a popular music streaming and discovery platform that allows users to discover, stream, and download music from a wide range of genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music.
Pros:
- Offers a large and diverse collection of music from both independent and mainstream artists.
- Provides an easy-to-use interface with simple navigation and search functions.
- Offers both free and premium membership options with additional benefits such as ad-free streaming and unlimited downloads.
- Supports social media integration, allowing users to share and promote music on various social media platforms.
- Offers a unique “Trending” section that highlights new and emerging artists and music.
Cons:
- The platform primarily focuses on hip-hop and R&B genres, so other genres may be less represented.
- Some users may find the advertisements on the free version to be intrusive and disruptive to the listening experience.
- The platform’s download quality may be limited, with some tracks only available in lower-quality formats.
- The platform’s premium membership is more expensive than other similar platforms.
- The platform’s user-generated content may sometimes contain copyrighted material, raising legal concerns.
There are plenty of websites out there that offer free and legal music downloads. However, it is essential to be cautious when downloading music from the internet. Always ensure that you are downloading music from a reputable source to avoid any legal issues. We hope that our list of the 15 best free music download sites has helped you find the music you love legally.
