The Best Websites Where You Can Download Free Music Legally in 2024

In a world of monthly subscriptions and fees, it's harder than ever to enjoy music, utilize tracks in potential projects, or even create your own music without breaking the bank.

Young woman enjoying listening to music

websites allow you to discover new artists, find a track to suit your passion project, or get your music fix, completely free.

Here are 10 websites where you can legally download free music:

SoundCloud

Screenshot of SoundCloud Desktop Site
Image courtesy of SoundCloud’s website.

SoundCloud provides a space for both established and emerging artists to upload their songs, tracks, podcasts, and other audio recordings, making it a diverse and vibrant community for music enthusiasts. Users can create playlists, follow their favorite artists, and interact with each other through comments and likes. The site offers both free and paid subscription options, with additional features such as offline listening and ad-free streaming available to premium subscribers.

Bandcamp

Screenshot of Bandcamp Site
Image courtesy of Bandcamp’s website.

Bandcamp is an online platform that empowers musicians and other creators to sell and distribute their music, merchandise, and other digital content directly to their fans. Fans can discover new music, support their favorite artists by purchasing albums or tracks, and connect with a community of like-minded music lovers. It also offers features like streaming, digital downloads, and physical product sales, making it a versatile platform for independent musicians and labels. The site fosters a direct and transparent relationship between creators and their audience, prioritizing artistic integrity and sustainability in the digital age.

It’s important to note that artists can charge listeners in order to download their music, but many artists offer their music for free. 

Free Music Archive

Screenshot of Free Music Archive site
Image courtesy of Free Music Archive’s website

The Free Music Archive (FMA) is an online repository of royalty-free music that users can access and use for projects such as podcasts, videos, and more. The platform aims to support artists who share their work under Creative Commons licenses, allowing for the legal and free distribution of music. FMA offers a vast collection of music spanning various genres, styles, and moods, making it a valuable resource for content creators and music enthusiasts alike. 

Bensound

Screenshot of Bensound
Image courtesy of Bensound’s website.

Bensound is a website created by French composer and musician Benjamin Tissot, offering a wide range of royalty-free music for personal and commercial use. The website features an extensive library of high-quality tracks across various genres, including cinematic, corporate, acoustic, electronic, and more. Users can browse the collection, listen to previews, and download tracks for free with proper attribution or purchase a license for commercial use without attribution. It's a popular choice for content creators, filmmakers, YouTubers, and other professionals seeking affordable and accessible music for their projects. The website's user-friendly interface and diverse selection make it a go-to resource for royalty-free music needs.

Audio Library

Screenshot of Audio Library site
Image courtesy of Audio Library’s website

The Audio Library is a resource provided by YouTube for content creators to access a wide range of royalty-free music and sound effects to enhance their videos. It offers a diverse collection of tracks across various genres, including electronic, hip-hop, pop, and more, as well as sound effects like applause, footsteps, and ambient noises. The music and sound effects are free to use in YouTube videos without worrying about copyright issues, making it a valuable tool for creators looking to add professional-quality audio to their content. Users can search for specific tracks or browse by genre, mood, instrument, or duration to find the perfect sound for their videos.

Jamendo 

Screenshot of Jamendo site
Image courtesy of Jamendo’s website

Jamendo is an online platform that provides access to a vast library of music for personal and commercial use under various licensing agreements. It offers a diverse selection of music from independent artists and bands across multiple genres, including pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. Users can stream music for free or download tracks for personal use, while commercial use requires a subscription or purchase of a license. The website provides a straightforward licensing process, allowing content creators, filmmakers, and businesses to legally use music in their projects while supporting independent artists. It also offers features such as playlists, radio stations, and recommendations to help users discover new music tailored to their tastes. 

ReverbNation

Screenshot of ReverbNation Site
Image courtesy of ReverbNation’s website

ReverbNation is designed to help independent musicians and bands promote their music, grow their fan base, and advance their careers in the music industry. It offers a suite of tools and services like customizable artist profiles, music distribution, and promotional campaigns. Artists can upload their tracks, create press kits, and connect with fans through features like mailing lists and social media integration. For fans, the website offers a platform to discover new music, support emerging artists, and connect with their favorite bands. Users can explore music by genre, location, and popularity, as well as access exclusive content and updates from their favorite artists.

Chillhop 

Screenshot of Chillhop site
Image courtesy of Chillhop’s website

Chillhop is not just a website – it's an entire genre and culture centered around atmospheric music that blends elements of hip-hop, jazz, and lo-fi aesthetics. However, Chillhop does have a strong online presence through its website, which serves as a central hub for its community and content. The website features several artists and their work, as well as the ability to listen and stream on most platforms. If you’re looking for music to put on when you’re cleaning, studying, or just trying to relax, Chillhop is an excellent website to use!

Internet Archive

Screenshot of Internet Archive Site
Image courtesy of Internet Archive’s website

Internet Archive, while primarily known as a digital library offering access to a wide range of digital content, also serves as a valuable resource for discovering and downloading music. It hosts a vast collection of music recordings, ranging from rare and out-of-print albums to live concert recordings and independent releases. As a downloading tool, it provides users with access to an array of music across various genres and cultural backgrounds. Much of the music available on the platform are either in the public domain or shared under open licenses, allowing users to download and use the music for free, often with minimal restrictions.

SoundClick

Screenshot of SoundClick Site
Image courtesy of SoundClick’s website.

SoundClick is an online music community and platform that provides musicians, bands, and producers with tools to showcase and distribute their music. For artists, the website provides a platform to share their music and create customizable artist profiles. For listeners, the site offers a vast library of music across various genres, allowing users to discover new artists, stream tracks, and create personalized playlists. SoundClick also offers charts and rankings, which showcase the most popular tracks, albums, and artists on the platform. It allows users to easily discover new music and stay updated on the latest trends within their favorite genres.

With websites that allow you to download music for free, you can save money, stream your favorite artists and get creative on your own projects with royalty-free music.

Allison Radziwon

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