Do you have a passion for Chinese tunes? Well, you’re in for a treat!
We’ve rounded up the best Chinese music apps for Android & iOS you could try. These let you enjoy all kinds of music, from hot releases to traditional tunes.
Our list caters to a variety of prefs and listeners. Whether you crave the spontaneity of live radio or an on-demand collection, there’s smth for you here. Let’s get started!
QQMusic
It’s a giant in the music streaming world, boasting over 2.2 million monthly users. The app covers both Chinese and international music, so it’s a gem if you’re into new releases. It lets you share your findings on socials and has a decent lib of international songs as well.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Merged Muscle: It is the result of a merger between KuGou and QQ Music. It combines their strengths and offers a wider range of music and features.
- Global Groove: It caters to international tastes as well. It lets you rock out to Linkin Park alongside your fave Chinese artists.
- Seamless Syncing: Your playlists seamlessly sync across all your devices.
Pros:
- Strong focus on Chinese music
- Seamless device syncing
- Music discovery features
- Social sharing integration
Cons:
- Data privacy concerns due to Tencent ownership
- Limited features on the free tier
Who Should Think Twice:
- Users outside of China: Some features and content might be geo-restricted, requiring a VPN for full access.
- Free tier limitations: The free tier comes with ads and limited song skips.
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Spotify
Well, it was impossible not to include this one. It’s a go-to music source for millions of users, and it works for those into Chinese music as well. Just don’t expect wonders from it, the selection is not that wide and it’s mostly traditional ones. It’s a small window in the world of Chinese music, not the gate.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Global Music Library: Dive into millions of songs and podcasts from various corners of the world. There are even some options in Mandarin.
- User-Curated Playlists: Discover Chinese music through playlists and albums created by other users who share your passion.
- Freemium Model: Enjoy basic features like ad-supported streaming and access to millions of songs for free.
- Multilingual Interface: Navigate the app comfortably in multiple languages, including Mandarin.
Pros:
- Vast lib
- Curated playlists
- Freemium model
- Multilingual UI
Cons:
- A limited selection of Chinese music
- Not ideal for an in-depth exploration of Chinese music
- Ads
Who Should Think Twice:
- Devoted Chinese Music Fans: The selection pales in comparison to dedicated platforms.
- Seekers of Deep Dives: If you’re serious about exploring the rich tapestry of Chinese music, Spotify might not be the most comprehensive resource.
- Ad-Averse Listeners: The free tier comes with ads that can disrupt your listening exp. Upgrading to premium removes ads and unlocks additional perks.
YouTube Music
It isn’t just about tunes. It’s a gateway to visual and musical discovery, especially for Chinese music buffs. This app also covers music vids with subs (most have English versions) for you to enjoy. It’s still not perfect for modern discovery, but it’s worth a try.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Music Vids: It offers music videos alongside audio tracks. That adds a visual dimension to your musical journey.
- Multilingual Subs: Learn Mandarin while you listen with readily available subs in both English and Chinese.
- Personalized Recs: The app curates personalized playlists and mixes based on your listening habits. It helps you discover new Chinese music.
- Freemium Model: Enjoy basic features like ad-supported streaming for free,
Pros:
- Decent Chinese options
- Music vids with subs
- Personalized recs
- Curated playlists
- Freemium model
Cons:
- Data usage concerns when streaming videos
- Not ideal those interested in audio quality
- Sub pack
Who Should Think Twice:
- Budget-Conscious Listeners: Ads on the free tier can disrupt your listening experience. You’ll have to pay to get rid of it.
- Die-Hard Chinese Music Fans: The selection is not as extensive as dedicated platforms.
NetEase Cloud Music
It’s a haven for music explorers seeking unique sounds and fostering connections. While featuring established artists, it shines a spotlight on up-and-coming talents. It’s also great if you enjoy personalized recs.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Indie Champion: Embrace the spirit of discovery with a focus on promoting rising stars. It lets you find hidden gems beyond the mainstream.
- Social Interaction: Connect with artists directly through their profiles and share your love for music with other users.
- Personalized Features: Curate your listening experience with features like Run FM, which tailors songs to your chosen tempo (perfect for workouts!).
- Diverse Content: Explore a variety of genres beyond the mainstream.
Pros:
- Strong focus on indie and upcoming artists
- Curated playlists
- Run FM
- Ability to interact with artists
Cons:
- Limited appeal for strictly mainstream music fans
- Primarily Mandarin interface
- Free tier limitations
Who Should Think Twice:
- Mainstream Music Fans: If your go-to is solely established artists and chart-topping hits, you might find NetEase Cloud Music’s focus on indie artists less appealing.
- Limited English Interface: While the app offers some English functionality, be aware that the primary interface is in Mandarin.
- Free Tier Limitations: The free tier has limitations on song skips and downloads.
Check also: 11 Best Apps for Classical Music Radi
KuWo
Here’s an immersive experience blending music, karaoke (KTV), and social features. It lets you participate in virtual KTV contests and keep your finger on the pulse of trending tunes. Of course, it has a vast scope of Chinese music as well.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- KTV Integration: Belt out your favorite tunes with KuWo’s integrated KTV features, participate in contests, and potentially win real cash prizes.
- Trending Charts: Stay updated on the latest trends with the app’s leaderboard showcasing popular artists and songs, helping you discover new favorites.
- Diverse Content: Explore a wide variety of music categories, from upbeat dance tracks to heartfelt ballads, alongside full music videos, catering to various moods and prefs.
- Social Features: Share you passions with others.
Pros:
- KTV integration with contests and live shows
- Curated playlists
- Tending charts
- Music video lib
- Mixed genre selection
Cons:
- Not ideal for solely audio-focused listeners
- Potential data privacy concerns
- Primarily Mandarin interface
Who Should Think Twice:
- Audiophiles: The focus on KTV and social features might not prioritize audio quality for pure listening experiences.
- Limited English Interface: The primary interface is in Mandarin, which could be a barrier for users unfamiliar with the language.
Radio Chinese Plus+
This app is a portal to live Chinese radio broadcasts. It transports you to the airwaves of popular stations. And it’s a true gem if you’d like a mix of modern and traditional Chinese music, news, and talk shows.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Live Radio Experience: Tune in to live broadcasts from various Chinese radio stations, offering a dynamic and interactive listening experience.
- Diverse Content: Explore a variety of genres and content, including music, news, and talk shows, catering to different interests.
- Language Learning Aid: Enhance your Mandarin or Cantonese listening comprehension.
- Cultural Connection: Gain deeper insights into Chinese culture and current events.
Pros:
- Immersive live radio exp
- Diverse channels
- Language learning benefits
- Culturally enriching exp
Cons:
- Limited control
- Live streaming can consume more data
- Not for those who prefer on-demand listening
Who Should Think Twice:
- On-Demand Listeners: If you prefer on-demand music streaming and choosing specific songs or artists, Radio Chinese Plus might not be ideal as it focuses on live broadcasts.
- Potential Audio Quality: Be aware that radio broadcasts may have lower audio quality.
- Limited Control: You don’t have individual song selection or replay options.
Radio China FM Online
Here’s your portal to a vast universe of live Chinese radio stations. Dive into over 1,200 channels of news, sports, music, and more. You’ll get to bookmark your fave stations for easy access, which is a major perk.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Unmatched Selection: Explore an unparalleled variety of over 1,200 Chinese radio stations,
- Live Radio Experience: Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of live radio, offering a unique alternative to on-demand music streaming.
- Multitasking Features: Listen to your favorite stations while using other apps or even in sleep mode.
- Convenient Functionality: Enjoy features like alarm clocks, sleep timers, and the ability to save faves.
Pros:
- Over 1,2K Chinese radio stations
- Live radio experience
- Multitasking capabilities
- Friendly UI
Cons:
- Limited control over content
- Live streaming can consume more data
- Not for those who like on-demand music
Who Should Think Twice:
- On-Demand Listeners: If you prefer to control what you listen to, it’s not for you.
- Limited Control: You have limited control over the content compared to music apps, as it’s live radio.
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China Radio+
This app brings you a vast selection of Chinese radio stations, catering to diverse interests beyond just music. Tune in to news, talk shows, C-pop, and more with one tap. You can use it while doing other activities thanks to the app’s background play.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Broad Selection: Explore a diverse range of radio stations, going beyond music to include news, talk shows, and other programs in Chinese, appealing to a wider audience.
- Background Play: Listen to your favorite stations while browsing the web or using other apps on your phone, adding flexibility to your listening experience.
- Multiple Genres: Discover various music genres like C-pop, alongside other Asian and even classical music stations.
Pros:
- Tons of stations
- Background play functionality for multitasking
- Multiple genres
Cons:
- Limited control
- Occasional connection issues reported by some users
Who Should Think Twice:
- On-Demand Listeners: It’s not for control and predictability of on-demand music.
- Occasional Skips and Blank Spots: Be aware that some users report occasional skips and periods of silence due to station server resets or slow internet connections.
Classic Chinese Songs
Calling all fans of classic Mandopop! This app will transport you back to the golden era of Chinese music, from the 1970s and 1980s. Use it to relive nostalgia and rediscover iconic singers and timeless hits.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Nostalgia Trip: Immerse yourself in a curated collection of classic Chinese songs that have endured the test of time.
- Offline Listening: Enjoy your favorite tunes even without a web connection.
- Sing Along: Belt out your heart with included Chinese lyrics displayed for each song. Perfect for karaoke buffs or language learners.
- Friendly UI: Has basic playback controls like play/pause, skip, and loop.
Pros:
- Dedicated to classic Mandopop hits
- Offline playback
- Includes Chinese lyrics
- Completely free
- Friendly UI
Cons:
- Limited appeal for fans of modern music
- Potential copyright concerns
- Limited control over song selection
Who Should Think Twice:
- Modern Music Fans: If your taste leans towards contemporary Chinese music or other genres, this app might not cater to your preference.
- Limited Control: Be aware that the app focuses on pre-curated playlists of classic songs.
Radio FM China
This app gives you a dose of Chinese music and news delivered the classic way. It’s a no-cost way to access Chinese music, news, and other programs. And the English interface can be beneficial for those learning Mandarin.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Simple and Free: Enjoy a user-friendly interface and completely free access to a vast selection of Chinese radio stations, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
- Minimal Ads: Compared to other apps, Radio FM China promises a less ad-intrusive experience, allowing you to focus on the music and content.
- Favorite Stations: Personalize your listening experience by saving your favorite stations for easy access, ensuring you can quickly tune in to your preferred channels.
Pros:
- Simple UI
- Free
- Minimal ads
- Ability to save favorite stations
- Relatively accessible for language learners
Cons:
- Limited control over content
- Primarily in Mandarin
Who Should Think Twice:
- Limited Language Support: The primary interface is in Mandarin, which could be a barrier for some.
- Narrow Feature Set: It’s a basic radio experience with fewer functionalities.
- Limited Station Infor: The app might not provide detailed info about stations or programs playing.
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MYin Music
It goes beyond just playing songs; it offers a visually captivating experience for Chinese music lovers. The thing is, it adds a visually captivating element. So you can immerse yourself in the beauty of blooming flowers that dance in rhythm to the music.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Visual Flourish: It incorporates stunning visuals of blooming flowers that change dynamically with the music.
- Offline Listening: Enjoy your favorite Chinese songs even without a web connection.
- Driving Mode: Stay focused and entertained on the road with a dedicated driving mode. It allows you to easily play your favorite songs without distractions.
- Customization Options: Choose from a variety of beautiful flower visuals and personalize your music player.
- High-Quality Audio: The app boasts CD-quality sound effects.
Pros:
- Cool visuals
- Customizable flower
- Works offline
- Driving mode
- High-quality CD audio
Cons:
- May be visually overwhelming
- Limited music library
- Limited language support
Who Should Think Twice:
- Minimalists: If you prefer a simple and streamlined music experience without visual distractions, the animated flowers might be overwhelming.
- Limited Music Library: It has a smaller library compared to other platforms.
- Limited Language Support: The app’s primary interface is in Mandarin.
