The internet has changed how we do a lot in the 21st Century and one of those effected areas is how we listen to our music. Traditional AM/FM stations are the way of yesteryear and it is now getting substituted and replaced all together by music listeners with apps like Pandora. Though Pandora is the first juggernaut in legal music streaming services it isn’t alone anymore and there are several new kids on the block coming for their title of the best streaming service. So here are 10 of the best apps like Pandora available on the market today.
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Spotify
Spotify has been the main contender for the top streaming service spot for a few years now as highlighted by Digital Trends’s article Best Music Apps for iPhone and Android. With a simple user interface and user interactive options like creating playlists, Spotify provides a sense of community along with access to all the music you want. 3rd party integration with Facebook allows you to see what friends are listening to and gives you immediate, free, no hassle signup to use the service. The app can be downloaded onto your mobile devices from their respective stores or you can download a player onto your PC or Mac. A premium subscription will get you access to full albums (sometimes a track or two is left inaccessible at the free membership level), downloads for offline listening, removal of ads, and better sound resolution. Download for iOS or Android. Prefer it on your computer? You can download for PC or Mac as well.
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Google Play Music
Google Play Music was once known as Songza before being bought out but Google did a great job transitioning the app into their properties without losing what made the app great in the first place. Just like with Spotify, users were allowed to make playlists, but unlike Spotify you can make much longer playlists. Now Google Play allows users to upload as many as 50,000 songs to their internal cloud service and has a new feature written about here, Google Play Newest Feature: The Family Library. With easy navigation between genres and artists it is also very easy to learn about new music through its powerful suggestions based off data analysis which led Android Authority to consider it a top choice in their article 10 Best Free Music Apps for Android. Download for iOS or Android.
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Soundcloud
Soundcloud is pretty unique because it gives leverage to independent artists. The website has always been a free (paid options) online community where artists and producers alike can upload their music for anyone to hear and/or download. The independent artist also gets their copyright protections which is a plus in an age of illegal downloading and infringement of intellectual properties. The site is so popular now that well established artists use it to post teaser tracks or old demos to engage with fans. You can also pick up some great information from stations like NPR who will upload interviews and other content. Download for iOS orAndroid. If you like the original way to interact you can still stream at www.soundcloud.com.
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Bandcamp
Here’s another key website and app for independent artists and the music listeners that want to find them. Get connected with and support your favorite local bands or score vinyl and gear from established artists and labels. Users of all experience can set up pages to not only sell their music but merchandise too. Sign-up for newsletters, follow blogs, get updates about tours and more in addition to some smooth listening. Download for iOS or Android, the website is still a great way to stream and download at www.bandcamp.com.
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Shazam
Ever in line at a store and notice the PA system playing a great song that you wish you knew? Well Shazam is a great app to have. Simply “capture” a snippet of the song and it will detect what it is in a matter of moments providing you with purchase options and ways to stream once a song is recognized. Definitely a life saver. Download foriOS or Android.
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Apple Music
After years of having the preeminent music library system with their iTunes software, Apple has finally entered into the streaming services with Apple Music. This app is the motherload for people who like to have complete discographies at their disposal because you get access to the full Apple Music Library. Like many of the other services, users can make playlists to share, but the biggest draw by far is their catalog – it just doesn’t seem to end. Apple also made the app available for Android users which is a huge step in lessening the exclusivity mentality the company has notoriously held onto. Download for both iOS and Android.
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TIDAL
Tidal has become a popular option for many and with Jay-Z as the owner it was bound to be successful. The service was noted for providing major label artists with better royalty options, which appeased their supporters, and was noted for aquiring the legendary Prince’s full catalog shortly after his passing streaming some albums that had long been out of print. Access interviews, music videos and tailor-made suggestions from its powerful algorithm. Download for iOS or Android.
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iHeartRadio
For those that still like to listen to their favorite stations iHeartRadio is a great app to have. Unlike most of the other streaming services mentioned you don’t have to pay to get bonus features. Users can still make playlists and listen to full songs. Getting live, current programming is what sets this site apart and it is nice to hear from local stations when you’re away or maybe recently moved. This places the app in direct competition with the other giants which is why it made another list 10 Best Apps Like Spotify. Download for iOS or Android.
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YouTube Music
Finally! YouTube has been notorious for years as the one place where streaming music was impossible. Once you closed the app you got a nice fade-away back into silence. The new app is definitely geared towards people who appreciate music videos but now your device’s display can be off and you still can vibe without interruption. Of course the catch is you have to have their premium service which gives you YouTube Red. You can learn more about Red’s features in this article on our site called New Arrivals With YouTube Red. Download on iOS or Android.
Any of these options would be great for the music lover on the go. Whether you want access to massive libraries, the ability to create your own playlists to show off, or simple stream radio, you can do it with any of these apps. With a few quick downloads from your Google or Apple stores you can make your mobile device the ultimate music player. Try a combination to give yourself an even wider variety to discover new music too.
