Legal ways to download music for free

You can download music legally without paying through several services that offer free tiers, ad-supported libraries, or music released under open licenses. The most straightforward options are YouTube Music (with ads), Spotify Free (with restrictions), and platforms built around Creative Commons music like Free Music Archive and ccMixter. Some artists and labels also distribute free downloads directly from their own websites or Bandcamp, where you can often choose to pay or download at no cost.

The catch with free services is usually one of three things: ads play between or during songs, your listening is limited to a certain number of hours per month, or you cannot choose exactly which song to play — the service picks songs for you. Downloaded files also may expire or stop working if you stop using the service, depending on the platform's terms.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube Music and Spotify Free let you stream and download music with ads, though Spotify Free limits skips and requires shuffle mode on mobile.
  • Creative Commons platforms like Free Music Archive and ccMixter host millions of songs released by artists who allow free download and sharing.
  • Bandcamp lets artists set their own price, and many choose to offer downloads free or "pay what you want," including zero dollars.
  • Your library or school may offer free access to music services through their membership, which is worth checking before signing up elsewhere.
  • Downloaded files from ad-supported services may stop working if you cancel your account, so read the terms before assuming you own what you download.

Streaming services with free download options

Spotify Free lets you download songs to your phone or computer, but only if you have a Spotify Premium subscription. The free tier streams only, with ads and limited skips. If you want downloads without paying, Spotify is not the answer.

YouTube Music offers a free tier with ads. You can download videos and music to your device for offline listening, though the downloads expire after 30 days if you do not open the app. The free version plays ads and does not let you pick exact songs on mobile — it plays a radio station based on your choice instead.

Amazon Music has a free tier that includes a limited catalog (roughly 100 million songs, but not all of them). You cannot download on the free plan; streaming only. The paid tier unlocks downloads.

Creative Commons and artist-released music

Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org) hosts over 400,000 songs uploaded by artists who chose to release them under Creative Commons licenses. You can download MP3 files directly. Most require you to credit the artist if you share or use the music publicly, but personal listening has no restrictions. The site lets you filter by genre, mood, and license type.

ccMixter (ccmixter.org) focuses on remixes and original music under Creative Commons. Downloads are free and come in multiple formats (MP3, FLAC, WAV). Like Free Music Archive, credit requirements depend on the specific license the artist chose.

Bandcamp (bandcamp.com) is a platform where independent artists upload and sell music. Many artists set their price to zero or "name your price" (meaning you can pay nothing). You download files directly to your computer — they do not expire or require an app. Search by genre or artist name, then check the price before downloading.

SoundCloud lets some artists offer free downloads of their tracks. Look for a download button on the track page; if it is there, the artist has allowed it. Not all tracks have this option.

Library and school access

Public libraries in the United States often offer free access to music streaming services as part of your library card. Services vary by library system, but common options include Hoopla (which includes music), Naxos Music Library, and sometimes Spotify or Apple Music partnerships. Check your library's website or ask a librarian what music services are included.

College and university students may have access through their school's subscription. Check your school's library website or IT help desk for details on what music services are available to students.

What happens to downloaded files

Downloaded music behaves differently depending on where it came from. Files from Creative Commons sites, Bandcamp, and artist websites are yours to keep — they stay on your device even if the service shuts down or you stop paying. Files from Spotify, YouTube Music, and similar services are tied to your account. If you cancel your subscription or the service removes the song from its catalog, your downloaded copy may stop playing.

Check the service's terms before downloading if you plan to keep the music long-term. Some services use digital rights management (DRM), which means the file only plays within that app or on devices where you are logged in. Others give you plain MP3 files with no restrictions.

Risks and legal issues

Downloading from unauthorized sources — sites that offer pirated music, torrents of copyrighted albums, or services that do not have licenses from record labels — is illegal in most countries. These sources also carry risks of malware, viruses, and poor audio quality.

Sticking to the services listed above keeps you on the legal side. If a download is free and the site is legitimate (a known platform, a real artist's website, or a licensed service), you are safe. If you are unsure whether a site is legitimate, search the artist's name plus "official" or check their social media to see where they direct people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download music from YouTube for free?

YouTube Music's free tier lets you download songs for offline listening, but downloads expire after 30 days. If you want permanent downloads, you need YouTube Music Premium. You can also use third-party tools to extract audio from YouTube videos, but this violates YouTube's terms of service and may break copyright law depending on the video's license.

Is it legal to download music from SoundCloud?

Yes, if the artist has enabled the download button on their track. If there is no download button, the artist has not permitted downloads, and downloading anyway would violate their rights. Always check for the button before downloading.

Do I own music I download from Spotify or YouTube Music?

No. Downloaded files from these services are licensed to you as long as you have an active subscription. If you cancel or the service removes the song, your downloaded copy stops working. Files from Bandcamp, Creative Commons sites, and artist websites are yours to keep permanently.

What is Creative Commons music?

Creative Commons is a set of free licenses that artists can apply to their work. It lets creators share their music while keeping some control — for example, requiring credit or preventing commercial use. Most Creative Commons music is free to download and use personally, though terms vary by license.

Will downloading free music give me a virus?

Reputable platforms like Bandcamp, Free Music Archive, ccMixter, and official artist websites are safe. Unauthorized file-sharing sites and torrent services carry real malware risks. Stick to known platforms and you avoid the problem.