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Music is a universal language that connects people across cultures and borders, and with the rise of music streaming services, it’s never been easier to access your favorite songs. But as convenient as streaming is, it’s important to make sure we’re supporting the artists who create the music we love by using legal platforms. That’s why finding free, legal music download sites is the best way to enjoy music guilt-free while also respecting the rights of musicians.
No matter what you’re into—whether it’s pop, rock, jazz, classical, or any of the thousands of subgenres out there—there are plenty of platforms offering free, legal music downloads. You just need to know where to look. Below is a list of some of the top sites that give you access to a wide range of musical treasures, all without breaking the law.
Now, while these sites may not feature big names like Taylor Swift or Beyoncé that you typically find on mainstream platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal, they still offer a solid mix of well-known artists and lesser-known gems across various genres. So why not dive in and explore the world of free, legal music available at your fingertips?
The best free music download sites that are legal
Free Music Archive (FMA)
The Free Music Archive (FMA) started in 2009 as a project by New Jersey’s WFMU Radio, aiming to provide free access to contemporary music from all genres. Since then, it has grown into a massive collection of tracks curated by partner radio stations and users alike. Whether you’re into browsing by genre, curator, or just using its search feature, FMA has something for everyone. It even features live recordings from big-name acts posted by renowned radio stations like Seattle’s KEXP.
In 2019, FMA was acquired by Tribe of Noise, a company that specializes in providing royalty-free music for creators and businesses. This only broadened its offerings, making FMA an even richer source of high-quality, free music.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is well-known as a platform where independent artists share their music, but it also offers plenty of free tracks, including from some Billboard-charting artists. While not every track on the site is free, you can find plenty of gems if you’re willing to navigate through different categories like artist, genre, or even what’s trending. SoundCloud also has a section dedicated to tracks released under Creative Commons licenses, which are free to download and remix.
ReverbNation
ReverbNation is more than just a music-sharing platform—it’s a full ecosystem designed to help independent artists grow their careers. Known for launching acts like Imagine Dragons and Alabama Shakes, ReverbNation offers free downloads across genres, though it leans toward pop, alternative, and hip-hop. With tools to help artists promote their work and reach new fans, it’s a great place to find music from up-and-coming musicians.
Audiomack
Audiomack is a haven for emerging artists, especially in genres like hip-hop, reggae, and Afrobeats. What sets Audiomack apart is its commitment to empowering artists by giving them tools to upload and promote their work for free. For listeners, it’s a treasure trove of fresh music from artists on the verge of breaking out.
Live Music Archive
A collaboration between the Internet Archive and etree.org, the Live Music Archive is a goldmine for concert lovers. It focuses on high-quality, lossless recordings of live performances, featuring everything from jam bands like the Grateful Dead to more mainstream acts like The Smashing Pumpkins. If you’re a fan of live music, this site offers both streaming and downloads of full concert sets.
Jamendo
Jamendo is all about open-content licensing, allowing artists to share their work freely under Creative Commons. It’s a great spot for both casual listeners looking for new music and professionals in need of royalty-free tracks for commercial projects. Jamendo offers a wide variety of genres, and its licensing service makes it easy for creators to find music for YouTube videos, podcasts, or even café background music.
Musopen
For classical music fans, Musopen is a dream come true. As a nonprofit organization, it provides access to a vast library of classical compositions that are in the public domain, so you can download them without worrying about copyright. Musopen also offers sheet music, making it a valuable resource for musicians looking to learn new pieces.
Last.fm
Originally an internet radio station, Last.fm now offers a section dedicated to free music downloads. While the library may not be as large as some other sites, it’s a great place to find free tracks from artists like Sufjan Stevens and The Glitch Mob. Plus, its music recommendation system helps you discover new artists based on your listening habits.
SoundClick
SoundClick is one of the longest-running music platforms, offering a vast library of free, independent music across genres like hip-hop, jazz, and country. While some of the content may be hit-or-miss, it’s worth exploring if you want to find hidden gems from amateur artists.
Bandcamp
Popular among independent musicians, Bandcamp lets artists sell their music directly to fans. However, many artists also offer free tracks, making it a great platform for discovering new music without spending a dime. You can even choose to pay what you want for some albums, allowing you to support artists while enjoying their work.
Pixabay
While primarily known for free images, Pixabay also offers over 60,000 royalty-free music tracks. With curated playlists designed to match different moods or activities, Pixabay is a great resource for finding background music or soundtracks for personal or commercial projects.
Whether you’re looking to expand your music library, support up-and-coming artists, or find tunes for a creative project, these sites offer an incredible variety of free and legal downloads. So why not explore them and discover your next favorite song today?