Music is free all over the internet if you know where to look. You don’t have to spend a dime nor worry about breaking copyright laws. There are plenty of legal ways to build your personal music library without paying anything. Here’s where you can find free music downloads you can trust.
Where to Download Music for Free (Legally)
Looking for music you can actually own and not just stream? These sites offer you just that. They cover different genres and tastes, all for free.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a top choice for independent artists. Many tracks are available for free download. Some artists allow free downloads directly from their track pages, while others link to an external site.
- Search for music tagged as “downloadable.”
- Sign up for a free account to access more download options.
Artists like Chance the Rapper started on SoundCloud. You might discover your next favorite musician here.
Bandcamp
Bandcamp supports independent musicians. Artists set their own policies. Some offer downloads for free or for a name-your-price model.
- Look for “Free Download” tags on albums and tracks.
- Pay $0 at checkout when available for free.
Even if not free, many downloads cost just a few dollars, directly supporting the artist.
Jamendo
Jamendo has music under Creative Commons licenses. That means you can download and use the music for personal purposes legally.
- Discover new artists from around the world.
- Use the search filters to find free downloads easily.
This site is great for eclectic tastes and international sounds.
NoiseTrade
NoiseTrade provides albums and EPs for free in exchange for an email address and postal code. It’s a fair trade to build your music collection.
- Music spans a variety of genres like indie, folk, and pop.
- Authors sometimes offer free books here too.
Use your email wisely and create a filter if you want to manage incoming messages from artists.
Amazon Music Free Section
Amazon’s music store offers a free music section you might not know about. The selection includes songs from popular and independent artists.
- Use the search filter to only show free MP3 downloads.
- Download tracks straight to your device.
Though not as vast as paid options, you can still grab solid tracks without spending anything.
Internet Archive’s Audio Archive
Internet Archive is a massive online library, and it’s not just for old books. Their Audio Archive is packed with free music, audiobooks, podcasts, and even live concerts.
- Find music from artists like the Grateful Dead and local bands.
- Discover genres you didn’t even know you liked.
Downloads are straightforward, with no logins needed.
Free Music Archive (FMA)
FMA was created by independent radio station WFMU. It offers music curated by a community of artists, radio stations, and listeners.
- Music here is free and under Creative Commons licenses.
- Search by genre, curator picks, or charts.
It’s a strong pick if you’re tired of mainstream hits and want something different.
YouTube Audio Library
If you create videos or need background tunes, YouTube’s Audio Library is a hidden gem. It’s officially for video creators, but you can download and listen to the music personally too.
- Separate sections for sound effects and free music tracks.
- No copyright claims if you stick to free-use licenses.
Save playlists, albums, or niches that catch your ear for later use.
DatPiff
If you like hip-hop and mixtapes, DatPiff is the go-to site. Many unsigned and signed artists drop free mixtapes there.
- Artists like Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa have posted here.
- Many mixtapes are free; no account needed to listen or download.
Registered users sometimes get early access to downloads, making signup worth it for big fans.
ReverbNation
ReverbNation is best known for giving artists tools to grow their careers. They also offer downloadable music to listeners and fans.
- Independent artists post thousands of tracks.
- Simple download buttons make grabbing tracks quick.
Explore artists before they hit mainstream media. You might find bragging rights in discovering someone early.
Last.fm
Last.fm tracks your music habits and gives good recommendations. Tucked within the site, you can find free downloads from emerging and niche artists.
- Look under the “Free Music Downloads” section.
- Use Last.fm’s radio stations to explore before downloading.
Pair downloads with Last.fm’s listening tracking for an even richer experience.
Library Websites
Many local libraries offer free music downloads through services like Freegal. Freegal partners with public libraries to offer music you can keep forever without fees.
- Library membership gives you a set number of free downloads per week.
- Music comes from major labels, not just indie acts.
Check with your local library to see if they partner with Freegal or similar services.
Tips When Downloading Free Music
Getting music free sounds simple, but you want to do it smartly. Here are some key tips:
- Always check licensing: Just because it’s free doesn’t mean you can use it commercially.
- Use SECURE sites: Stick to well-known platforms. Downloading from shady sites risks malware.
- Support artists: If you enjoy their free offerings, consider going to a concert or buying merchandise.
- Organize your hard drive: Large collections can get messy quickly. Use folders and backups.
Why Download Instead of Stream?
Streaming is convenient but downloading gives you ownership. Once you download, you don’t need ongoing internet access. Your collection is yours for keeps.
Also, platforms sometimes remove tracks due to licensing or other reasons. Downloaded music stays with you no matter what changes on streaming platforms.
Alternatives to Downloading Free Music
Think beyond downloads. Here are alternatives you might prefer:
- Streaming free: Use ad-supported versions of Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Music.
- Offline playlists: Some services let you save music locally without full ownership.
- Radio apps: TuneIn and iHeartRadio offer radio streaming free of charge.
Each choice depends on whether you need offline access, permanent files, or just casual listening.
Is Free Music Downloading Still Worth It?
Short answer: Yes, if ownership matters to you and you want to avoid subscription fees. Downloading builds a permanent, free music library you control.
Streaming works well too, but you are always at the mercy of platforms changing their rules, catalogs, or subscription models. Downloads let you escape all that.
Plus, owning rare tracks or indie releases gives you something personal and unique in an increasingly streamed world.
