Hit the road and turn up the tunes! Long drives can be a slog, but you can easily make them more fun.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best free car streaming apps you could try. All these apps can be safely used in a car and they cater to various prefs as well.
These will turn your car into a hub for music, podcasts, and even audiobooks. We’ll guide you through the options and help you make a choice. Let’s dive in!
YouTube Music
Cruising down the highway, good tunes are a must. This app throws its hat in the ring for car audio, boasting a massive library of tracks that cater to everyone.
What Makes it Stand Out:
- Sing along superstar: See lyrics on-screen and belt out your favorites.
- Switch it up: Seamlessly jump between song and music video for a dynamic experience.
- Beyond the phone: Access YouTube Music on various car dashboards, smart speakers, and even your smartwatch.
- Voice control maestro: Use Google Assistant to play music hands-free. It keeps your focus on the road.
Pros:
- Massive music library and music videos
- Free tier with ads
- Personalized recs
- Seamless integration with various car systems
- Voice control with Google Assistant
- Download songs for offline listening (premium feature)
Cons:
- Can consume significant data while streaming
- A free tier includes ads
- Interface might take some getting used to
Who Will Love It:
- Budget-minded music lovers: Enjoy a vast free library with ads (subscription unlocks ad-free listening and background play).
- Variety seekers: Explore genres and discover new artists through personalized recs.
- Tech-savvy drivers: Appreciate seamless integration with various car systems and voice control capabilities.
You may also like: 11 Best FM Radio Apps Without WiFi
Spotify
Well, this app doesn’t need an introduction. It’s your on-demand music and podcast companion and works extremely well in the car. It lets you stream millions of songs, discover new faves, and enjoy captivating podcasts, all in one app.
What Makes it Stand Out:
- Music & Podcasts in one: Groove to endless music and delve into captivating podcasts, all within the same app.
- Massive library: Explore over 80 million songs and 4 million podcasts. Plus, the new additions constantly rolling in.
- Personalized recs: Discover fresh tunes and podcasts through Spotify’s smart recs based on your listening habits.
- Offline listening: You can download songs and podcasts for offline playback. It keeps you entertained even without internet access (premium feature).
Pros:
- Vast lib of music, podcasts, and audiobooks
- Personalized recs
- Offline listening (premium)
- Seamless integration with car systems
- Lyrics feature
- Multi-device accessibility
Cons:
- Can consume significant data while streaming
- Free tier includes ads
- Interface might feel cluttered for some users
Who Will Love It:
- Music and podcast enthusiasts: Immerse yourself in a vast library and discover new favorites through personalized recs.
- Data-conscious drivers: Download content for offline listening and avoid streaming data usage (premium feature).
- Multitaskers: You can switch seamlessly between music and podcasts. It will keep you entertained on long journeys.
LiveOne
Craving a free and diverse audio experience for your drives? That’s what this app is all about. It serves up a smorgasbord of music, podcasts, and even live streams.
What Makes it Stand Out:
- Free forever: Enjoy music, podcasts, and vids without paying a sub fee.
- Variety galore: Explore hundreds of curated stations across various genres. You can also add custom filters and controls.
- More than music: Dive into original shows, live streams, and over 400,000 hours of podcasts covering diverse topics.
- Offline listening: Download your favorites and enjoy them on the go. It’s a premium feature, though.
Pros:
- Free
- Tons of content
- Extensive podcast library
- Works offline
- Ability to create custom stations and playlists
Cons:
- A free tier might have lower audio quality and limited song control
- UI might feel cluttered for some users
Who Will Love It:
- Budget-conscious music lovers: Get your music fix absolutely free, perfect for those on a tight budget.
- Discovery enthusiasts: Explore a vast library of curated stations and personalize your listening experience to uncover new favorites.
- Podcast aficionados: Immerse yourself in a diverse podcast library, from true crime and comedy to reality TV and more.
Android Auto
This app lets you turn your phone into a safe and convenient driving companion. It brings your favorite music, navigation, and communication tools together with a distraction-minimizing interface. And all that is voice-controlled for a hands-free experience.
What Makes it Stand Out:
- Safety first: Simplified interface with large buttons and voice control features keep your eyes on the road.
- Seamless integration: Works with various car dashboards and infotainment systems.
- Voice control powerhouse: Use Google Assistant for hands-free navigation, calls, messages, and more.
- Extensive app compatibility: Access music streaming services, podcasts, audiobooks, and more, all within the Android Auto interface.
- Customization options: Set up a do-not-disturb message while driving and personalize your experience.
Pros:
- Prioritizes safety with hands-free features
- Integrates with various car systems
- Powerful voice control
- Supports multiple music streaming services
- Offers customization options
Cons:
- Not compatible with all car models
- Relies on web connection
Who Will Love It:
- Safety-conscious drivers: Prioritizes safety with its hands-free features and intuitive interface.
- Multitasking masters: Manage calls, messages, and navigation all through voice commands.
Check also: 11 Best Free Car Insurance Calculators
Pandora
This app has pioneered algorithm-based radio stations. Seed a station with your favorite artist or song, and Pandora weaves a tapestry of similar tunes. Yeah, it’s as simple as that.
What Makes it Stand Out:
- Station master: Craft custom radio stations based on your musical preferences, letting Pandora curate a personalized listening experience.
- Discovery engine: Explore different facets of your chosen genre with Pandora Modes, like “Deep Cuts” for hidden gems and “Newly Released” for the latest tracks.
- Simple and safe: The intuitive interface minimizes distractions, making it perfect for safe and focused driving.
Pros:
- Personalized radio stations
- Diverse modes
- Simple and intuitive UI
- Safe for driving
- Widespread compatibility with car systems
- Free
Cons:
- Limited song control in the free tier
- Lower audio quality
Who Will Love It:
- Discovery enthusiasts: Enjoy the thrill of uncovering new music through Pandora’s personalized stations and diverse modes.
- Safety-conscious drivers: Appreciate the app’s focus on a simple and distraction-free interface.
TuneIn Radio
This app lets you hit the road with the world in your ears. You can tune into local stations and explore radio broadcasts from over 190 countries. And if that’s not the vibe, dive into a vast lib of sports, news, music, and podcasts.
Makes it Stand Out:
- Global radio explorer: Access tens of thousands of radio stations, from local favorites to international broadcasts, offering a diverse listening experience.
- Content powerhouse: Explore sports, news, music, and podcasts, all within one app.
- Dedicated driving mode: Enjoy a simplified interface with large buttons for easy access to favorites, voice search, and recs, keeping your focus on the road.
- Live stream news: Stay updated on the latest happenings with live streams of news channels.
Pros:
- Access to tens of thousands of radio stations worldwide
- Diverse content including sports, news, music, and podcasts
- Dedicated driving mode for safe and easy control
- Live stream news channels
Cons:
- Cluttered app interface
- Ads in the free tier
Who Will Love It:
- Global wanderlusters: Immerse yourself in the local radio scene, no matter where your travels take you.
- News junkies: Stay informed on the go with live news streams and podcasts.
iHeart
It’s more like a digital radio tuner. It lets you access thousands of live radio stations from around the world. The app works nicely in you wanna listen in the car hands-free, too.
What Makes it Stand Out:
- Live radio everywhere: It focuses on live radio stations, bringing the familiar format of local DJs and commercials to your phone.
- Massive variety: With thousands of stations covering music, news, sports, talk shows, and more, there’s something for everyone.
- Simple and familiar: The app is incredibly user-friendly, mimicking the experience of a traditional radio.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Tons of live stations
- Simple UI
- Access to live news, sports, and talk shows
- Curated stations for music
Cons:
- No on-demand music selection
- Relies on data connection
- Includes commercial breaks
- Limited control over listening exp
Who Will Love It:
- Radio fans: If you miss the local radio scene or enjoy the unpredictable nature of live broadcasts, iHeartRadio is a great way to stay connected.
- News junkies: With access to live news stations, you can stay updated on local and global happenings while on the go.
- Sports fanatics: Tune in to live sports broadcasts and discussions with your favorite sports radio personalities.
- Those on a budget: It is completely free.
Have a look at: 11 Best Offline Navigation Apps
Google Podcasts
Here’s a captivating way to spend your commute or add some entertainment to your errands. It doesn’t focus on music, but rather on the ever-expanding world of podcasts – episodic audio shows covering every topic imaginable.
What Makes it Stand Out:
- Curated recs: It suggests shows based on your listening habits, helping you discover new favorites.
- Seamless listening across devices: Switch between your phone, laptop, or even smart speaker without ever missing a beat.
- Offline listening: Download episodes for on-the-go listening, perfect for areas with limited internet access.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Personalized recs
- Diverse podcast lib
- Works offline
- Works across devices
Cons:
- No music streaming
- Relies on a data connection for streaming
- Its lib might feel overwhelming
Who Will Love It:
- Life-long learners: Dive deep into specific topics with educational and informative podcasts on science, history, and more.
- Commuters: Escape the monotony of your daily drive with engaging stories, insightful interviews, and even comedic commentary.
- Multitaskers: Podcasts are perfect companions for chores, workouts, or any activity that allows you to listen while you do.
SoundCloud
It sets itself apart from typical streaming services by offering a unique blend of established artists and up-and-coming voices. Think of it as a platform where you can discover hidden gems alongside your favorite hits.
What Makes it Stand Out:
- Independent music hub: It shines with its vast collection of independent artists and niche genres.
- Discovery engine: Their personalized recs and curated playlists help you unearth music you might not find anywhere else.
- Direct artist connection: It fosters a unique connection between listeners and artists. So you can follow your fave creators and interact with their work directly.
Pros:
- Unmatched selection of independent music
- Personalized discovery tools
- Direct connection with artists
- Free to use with limited ads
Cons:
- Limited mainstream selection
- No shuffle for playlists
- The free version lacks full offline listening
Who Will Love It:
- Music explorers: If you’re tired of the same old songs and crave something fresh and unique, it’s a true gem.
- Supporting independent artists: Want to support the next big thing? It lets you do just that.
- Open-minded listeners: It caters to those who enjoy exploring genres.
Audible
If you’re bored with music and radio, this app is for you. That’s an audiobook and podcast powerhouse with a vast lib of pro narrated stories for a subscription fee. It deserves mention for those seeking captivating audio entertainment on the go.
Makes it Stand Out:
- Massive audiobook library: Dive into an ocean of fiction, non-fiction, classics, and bestsellers, all narrated by professional actors.
- Original content: Audible produces exclusive podcasts and audio series unavailable elsewhere, expanding your listening options.
- Offline listening: Download books and podcasts for uninterrupted enjoyment, even without an internet connection.
- Customization and control: Adjust narration speed, create playlists, and utilize sleep timers.
Pros:
- Tons of audiobooks and podcasts
- Exclusive Audible Originals
- Offline functionality
- Adjustable speeds and playlists
Cons:
- Requires a paid pack
- No free tier with limited content access
- No music
Who Will Love It:
- Audiobook enthusiasts: If you devour books but struggle to find reading time, Audible brings stories to life through engaging narration.
- Long-distance commuters: Escape the monotony of your daily drive by getting lost in a captivating audiobook or podcast series.
- Multitaskers: Listen while doing chores, exercising, or relaxing, maximizing your time spent “reading.”
You may also check: 11 Free Road Trip Apps
LibriVox
Here’s a free way to fill your car rides with captivating stories. While it might lack the features of some paid apps, it’s a budget-friendly option for book lovers on the go.
Makes it Stand Out:
- Free audiobooks galore: Access a vast collection of audiobooks, from classic literature to contemporary titles, all without spending a dime.
- Focus on the classics: LibriVox specializes in public domain works, meaning you’ll find a treasure trove of timeless stories by renowned authors.
- Simple and user-friendly: It lets you navigate and control playback easily while driving.
Pros:
- Tons of free audiobooks
- Focus on classic literature
- Simple UI
- Ideal for car rides and multitasking
Cons:
- Quality might vary due to volunteer narrators
- Limited selection of new releases
- No easy way to rewind short snippets
Who Will Love It:
- Budget-conscious bookworms: If you love audiobooks but don’t want to break the bank, LibriVox offers a fantastic solution.
- Classic literature enthusiasts: Dive into a world of timeless tales with their extensive collection of public domain classics.
- Commuters: Turn your daily commute into an enjoyable experience by getting lost in a captivating audiobook.
