We’re well into the streaming generation of music consumption, and music downloads are starting to feel a bit like DVDs in the age of Netflix. There’s just something reassuring about having your music right on your device, without having to worry about the vagaries of bad Internet connections. Take a look through these recommendations for music download apps for Android and iOS to get your favorite music directly on your device.
Good to know: learn how to share Apple Music with your family.
1. Audiomack
Available on: Android, iOS, Web
If you want to know that the music you’re downloading isn’t going to be infringing on any copyright laws, and are open to checking out emerging talent in the Hip-Hop, Electronic, and Reggae genres, give Audiomack a try.
This app gives a platform to artists without official distribution outlets, but you can also find some established names on there. Audiomack has a content-filtering system to make sure it’s good quality. This project has already propelled hip-hop stars like T-Wayne, Fetty Wap, and Migos to record label deals, allowing you the chance to help find the next big star. Note, however, that not all tracks are available to download for free. To have access, you may need to sign up for the free seven-day trial.
Audiomack also doubles as a music player. If you’re an artist, you can download a companion app, and upload your own music to the app (after the verification process is complete). You can also follow your favorite artists on the app, and get notified when new songs become available.
2. Fildo
Available on: Android
Fildo is not available through traditional means, such as the Google Play Store. You can only get it via the official site in APK form.
The app is quite simple to use. Browse through the top hits and albums via the app’s main screen. Alternatively, use the search function to look for specific songs or albums. Once you’ve found something of interest, tap on the album artwork to open it. To download a song, press on the three-dot icon next to it, and select Download.
The app also allows you to create playlists and lets you import your Spotify playlists. The songs you download will be saved to your device’s internal storage so that you can access them even without the app. Fildo also offers a chat section that allows you to interact with other app users, but you’ll need to sign up with an account. Fildo is that it’s riddled with ads, so if you’re not comfortable with that, we suggest that you consider the other free music download apps listed here.
Tip: don’t want to use Spotify anymore? Check out some great alternatives.
3. Audials Play
Available on: Android, iOS, Windows, Web
Audials Play takes a different approach when it comes to downloading music to your device. The app is an aggregate of radio stations that allow you to download your favorite radio shows. It also has a podcast section.
With Audials Play, you can record entire broadcasts, and the app will save the stream with automatic song separation. If you want to listen to a particular artist, the app has a handy search feature that quickly identifies stations that are currently playing songs by that artist, then allows you to record the tune easily.
Audials Play also lets you import your own music so that you can listen to it without having to exit the app. In addition, there is access to an equalizer function to improve the sound of tracks.
4. SpotiFlyer
Available on: Android, Linux, Mac, Windows
SpotiFlyer is another app you’ll have to download in APK form, as it’s not available through official channels. Once installed, it lets you download songs and videos in audio format.
One notable highlight is that you can download songs from Spotify. While the official Spotify app has the option to “download” songs, they won’t actually be on your device. Instead, you can listen to them from the Spotify app offline. .
SpotiFlyer helps you save your favorite songs to your device. You’ll need to paste the link to the song, but on mobile, you’ll need to first open it in your browser (after you’ve copied it from within the app). Paste in the SpotiFlyer app, and press the Search button. Press Download on the next screen, and your song will appear in your internal storage. SpotiFlyer also lets you download from SoundCloud, Youtube and JioSaavn.
5. YMusic
Available on: Android
YMusic is a music downloader app that lets you play any YouTube video as an audio file, even letting you run it in the background on your phone.
The kicker is that you can also download videos as audio files. There is an option to download them in the M4A and MP3 formats, and it has a great library UI that subsequently lets you manage your music files just as you would in a music player app.
Downloaded songs are saved to your phone so that you can easily access them via your favorite music player. Since the app also acts as a music player, there is access to an equalizer function for improved audio.
FYI: enhance your music-playing experience in Chrome with these extensions.
6. NewPipe
Available on: Android
NewPipe is another app that allows you to download music. It’s open source and constantly being improved. It features support for SoundCloud, MediaCCC, Bandcamp, and FramaTube downloads, so you can use it to search these apps. It’s not limited to YouTube.
By default, the app opens as a YouTube frontend. Find the video you want to have on your device, click the download icon located underneath the clip, and choose whether you want it downloaded it as video or audio. NewPipe also gives you access to a bunch of settings for Downloads. For instance, it allows you to limit the download queue and choose where to download every song.
If you want to change over to SoundCloud or Bandcamp, tap the menu icon in the top-left corner, then the NewPipe icon at the top, and select the desired service from the drop-down menu.
Tip: check out the best methods to record audio on Android.
7. MP3 Downloader
Available on: Android
MP3 Downloader is an app that offers an extensive library of tracks that can be downloaded for free. It also packs additional features that you may find useful.
Explore the Download library, where music is categorized based on genre. Since the MP3 Downloader app also doubles as a music player, you’ll be able to listen to the song(s) before pressing the download button to save the song to your internal storage. It will also be accessible within the app from the Offline section.
You can use MP3 Downloader for browsing YouTube videos, checking song lyrics, identifying songs, setting a music alarm, and more. The app also has an embedded equalizer function.
Tip: if you’re looking for royalty-free music to use in your next project, try these websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
I just downloaded a song but can't find it on my Android device. What should I do?
Finding downloaded files on your phone is not always straightforward. If you’re having trouble, check out our guide to find downloaded files on any Android device. Whether you’re trying to find the song you just downloaded or an APK file, this guide
should help.
Is it safe to install APK files on my Android device?
Installing these types of files on your system comes with some security threats. Your phone will alert you when you’re about to install an APK file, and you need to grant express permission to install the app. If your device outright blocks you from installing an APK, there are ways to get around it. To avoid any issues on your phone, make sure you use one of these websites to download APK files safely.
Are these services legal to use?
The answer is a mixed bag. According to copyright law, obtaining or distributing a copyrighted work (such as an MP3 file) without the express permission of the copyright holder is against the law. Yet, some music files are copyrighted, while others are not. Even if some music files are copyrighted, the artists can freely give them away and put the songs up for download on the Internet. When you stumble upon songs and albums from well-known artists on some of the apps listed above, keep in mind that they are most likely copyrighted work, so the safest thing is to abstain from downloading them. Even so, you’re still left with access to a lot of content that won’t give you any issues.
Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
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