Ever faced the frustration of having a fantastic video concept but struggling to find the right soundtrack? It’s a common scenario for many content creators. Choosing the right copyright-free music is crucial—not only to avoid legal issues but also to ensure respect for artists’ work.
Using unauthorized music can lead to legal trouble and financial penalties, while opting for copyright-free tracks helps avoid these pitfalls and supports ethical content creation.
In this blog, discover the top 12 copyright-free music websites that offer a range of high-quality tracks suitable for any project. These platforms have been selected based on their quality, variety, and user-friendliness, providing you with a seamless way to find the perfect soundtrack and enhance your content.
What is Copyright Free Music?
Copyright-free music is music that’s not secured by copyright laws, so it can be utilised, shared, and modified without getting permission or paying eminences to the creator. This sort of music regularly enters the public space, either since the copyright has terminated or since the creator has intentionally made it available to the public. In addition, some music is made beneath licences like Creative Commons, which grants the creator to indicate certain rights whilst still permitting broad opportunities for use.
Using music that’s free from copyright restrictions is especially crucial for content makers like video makers, podcast producers, educational material developers, and sponsors, because it helps them dodge the legal dangers and challenges related with using copyrighted music.
It is fundamental to distinguish between “copyright-free” and “royalty-free” music, as the latter is still ensured by copyright but permits for certain uses without continuous royalty fees. Confirming that copyright-free music is genuinely free of copyright restrictions is imperative to anticipate possible legal results. This ensures the music is safe and legal for any project.
Tips for Choosing the Right Music Website
- Licence Type: Guarantee the website offers music with the suitable licence for your venture, whether it’s royalty-free, copyright-free, or Creative Commons.
- Music Variety: Seek for a location with a diverse range of sorts, moods, and styles to fit different project needs.
- Search Functionality: Select a website with a vigorous search tool that permits you to filter by sort, temperament, tempo, and duration.
- Quality of Tracks: Pick websites that give high-quality, professionally created tracks suitable for commercial use.
- Pricing Options: Assess the pricing structure, including membership plans, one-time purchases, and any free music offerings.
- User Reviews and Ratings: Check for client feedback to gauge the unwavering quality and quality of the website’s offerings.
- Legal Assurance: Guarantee the site provides clear, legally official documentation on the usage rights of the music you download.
Top 12 Copyright Free Music Websites
1. Artlist
Artlist is one of the biggest music licensing platforms permitting creators access to a tremendous collection of high-quality tracks and sound effects. It works on a subscription model where the client can download as numerous tracks as they need and can utilise the downloaded tracks forever.
Artlist is designed for filmmakers, YouTube content creators, and any other individuals who work with videos by providing a diverse choice of genres and moods, making it precise to get the right piece for the performance. This has some attractive elements such as a lifetime licence, which means that the music may be used after the subscription’s expiration. It has a clean layout and is updated more often than other options, so it is favoured by users.
Pros
- Unlimited downloads with a subscription: Access to a vast music library with no limits on the number of downloads.
- Lifetime usage rights: Tracks can be used indefinitely, even after the subscription ends, providing long-term value.
- High-quality tracks: Professional-grade music suitable for commercial projects ensures top-notch audio production.
Cons
- Expensive for casual users: The subscription cost may be prohibitive for those who only need occasional tracks.
- No free tier: Unlike some competitors, Artlist does not offer a free version, limiting access to budget-conscious users.
Pricing
- Music and SFX social: $9.99/month
- Music and SFX Pro: $16.58/month
- AI Voiceover: $11.99/month
- Footage and Templates: $29.99/month
- Artist Max: $39.99/month
2. Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound is a popular music licensing service that is integrated into YouTube, social media, and other digital media to offer producers and directors the best library of music and sound effects available. They provide a private licence and a business licence so that people can use music without having to think of the legal consequences.
The music selection of Epidemic Sound is often supplemented with new compositions, which means that there are many tracks of different genres and moods. The website functions as a subscription site where the users are free to download as many files as they wish as long as they renew their subscription. They like it especially as they can integrate it easily with YouTube and social media sites.
Pros
- Extensive, regularly updated library: Users have access to a constantly refreshed selection of tracks, ensuring relevance and variety.
- Tailored for social media creators: Integration with platforms like YouTube makes it easy to avoid copyright claims.
- High-quality music and sound effects: Ideal for both personal and commercial projects, ensuring professional-grade audio.
Cons
- Subscription-based access: Requires an active subscription to access and use music, which can be costly over time.
- Tracks are unavailable if the subscription ends: Users lose access to music if they cancel their subscription, limiting long-term flexibility.
Pricing
- Personal: $6/month
- Commercial: $12/month
- Enterprise: Request a quote
3. Soundstripe
Soundstripe is a music licensing service which aims video creators to utilise and it works by charging a monthly subscription fee to allow users to download as many music and sound effects as they can. It has a very simple and intuitive work interface with many filter and search options to easily locate the right music for any tasks.
Soundstripe has a lot of music from different genres to help people select music depending on their desired style and mood. It also has provisions for licensing for commercial use so the users are assured of its applicability in professional settings. Due to its quality and simplicity in use, Soundstripe has become a go-to platform for many content designers.
Pros
- Unlimited downloads with subscription: Enjoy limitless access to a wide array of tracks and sound effects for consistent creative output.
- Commercial licensing included: Perfect for professionals, offering legal peace of mind for commercial projects and monetised content.
- User-friendly search and filtering: Advanced tools help users quickly locate the perfect track, enhancing workflow efficiency.
Cons
- No free option: Clients must subscribe to access the platform’s highlights, which may be a barrier for those on a tight budget.
- Subscription required for access: Content is locked behind a paywall, and access is lost in case the membership is cancelled.
Pricing
- Creator: $19.99/month
- Pro: $39.99/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
4. AudioJungle
AudioJungle is a stock music marketplace in the Envato Market and offers different royalty-free music, sound impacts, and sound logos. They have apps dedicated to music and movies, and are an invaluable source of content for independent artists.
AudioJungle stands out from other business models of subscription services and offers purchase of individual tracks. This makes it an attractive form of entertainment since the group has a set repertoire and one does not get listed out as easily.
It has a strong reputation for quality and range of tracks selected from a pool of artists. Specifically, those involved in video production, advertising, or any other digital content creation will find AudioJungle affordable and diverse in offerings.
Pros
- Pay-per-track pricing: Ideal for users who need specific tracks without the commitment of a subscription, offering flexibility and cost control.
- Diverse and extensive library: Access to a wide range of genres, making it easy to find music that suits any project.
- High-quality, curated content: Music is selected by a community of artists, ensuring professional standards and creative variety.
Cons
- Costs can accumulate: Purchasing multiple tracks can become expensive, especially for large projects requiring diverse music.
- No subscription option: Lack of an all-inclusive subscription model may limit access for frequent users seeking a more economical solution.
Pricing
Custom pricing
5. PremiumBeat
PremiumBeat is a music licensing website that offers high-quality music with the music being specially selected by professionals. It has a usage rights model, whereby users purchase songs for a single, lifetime use of the product. This platform is perfect for filmmakers, advertisers, and content creators searching for high-quality, refined music.
PremiumBeat is a catalogue that is a part of Shutterstock and includes as many genres as possible to provide an opportunity to download the track that will fit the tone of the specific project. Some platforms have music that fits commercial production well and have straightforward licensing procedures.
Pros
- High-quality, professionally curated music: Ensures top-notch audio production, perfect for commercial and professional use.
- One-time purchase with lifetime rights: Buy once and use the track indefinitely, providing long-term value without ongoing costs.
- Wide range of genres: Diverse music selection caters to various project types, from films to commercials.
Cons
- Expensive per-track pricing: The cost can be high for individual tracks, making it less accessible for smaller budgets.
- No subscription model: Frequent users may find the lack of a subscription option limiting, especially if they need multiple tracks.
Pricing
Unlimited: $9.99/month
6. Bensound
Bensound is a reliable source for free and paid royalty music, containing both free and paid tracks. To go even deeper, the platform is quite convenient since music can be searched by the genre and the mood of its creation. Free tracks have to be used with attribution where paid licences do not contain this clause and the downloaded tracks are of better quality.
Another plus point of using Bensound is that it offers pretty diverse tracks for use with videos, presentations, and other types of multimedia content. It has a reputation for having simplified licence options and reasonable charges, which makes it ideal for occasional and professional designers alike.
Pros
- Free tracks available with attribution: Great for budget-conscious users, offering access to quality music without upfront costs.
- Simple and affordable licensing: Paid options provide higher-quality downloads without breaking the bank, ideal for small projects.
- Easy-to-navigate site: User-friendly interface allows for quick and efficient track selection, enhancing productivity.
Cons
- Attribution required for free tracks: Users must credit Bensound when using free music, which may not be ideal for all projects.
- Limited selection compared to larger platforms: Smaller library means fewer options, potentially limiting creative choices.
Pricing
- Standard: $12/month
- Extended: $22/month
- Premium: $44/month
7. YouTube Audio Library
The YouTube Audio Library is an online resource that provides access to a vast array of songs and sound designs, which are primarily intended for reuse on the YouTube platform with its viewers. The library is easily downloadable and conveniently used within the YouTube interface, which is a benefit for YouTubers.
It offers a variety of songs by genre and energy, with numerous songs allowed to be used freely. This library is most advantageous for those new to animation and small companies that should opt for low-cost video production. However, the variety of books and other sources offered in the library is not too great compared to paid resources.
Pros
- Completely free to use: Ideal for creators on a tight budget, providing access to a wide range of music without cost.
- Integrated with YouTube: Easy to access and use within the YouTube platform, streamlining the content creation process.
- No attribution needed for many tracks: Simplifies usage by reducing the need for crediting, enhancing creative freedom.
Cons
- Limited selection compared to paid services: While extensive, the library may not cover all genres or moods, potentially limiting choices.
- Quality may vary: Some tracks may not meet professional standards, making them less suitable for high-end projects.
Pricing
Free to use
8. Pixabay Music
Pixabay Music includes a variety of royalty-free music which you’ll download for your personal and non-commercial uses without charge. It is a part of a gigantic community of Pixabay that’s famous for offering individuals millions of free pictures and videos.
Pixabay Music can be utilised to permit tracks for your project without having to allude back and give recognition to the artists for their work, which can be very helpful for numerous users. One cannot say that the library lacks a variety of genres and moods for the authors to fit their creative inspiration into.
Compared to some other services that offer more options, Pixabay Music is a great option for all those in need of free, high-quality music.
Pros
- Completely free and no attribution required: Offers a hassle-free solution for creators needing music without any legal or financial obligations.
- Simple and user-friendly platform: Easy to navigate and download tracks, saving time and effort during the content creation process.
- Variety of genres available: Despite being free, it provides a decent range of music to suit various projects.
Cons
- Smaller library compared to paid options: The range of available music is more limited, potentially making it harder to find specific or niche tracks.
- Quality inconsistency: While many tracks are of good quality, the overall library may lack the professional polish found on premium platforms.
Pricing
Custom based pricing
9. Free Music Archive (FMA)
Free Music Archive or FMA is an established site that boasts a diverse catalogue of free music files. It is a cooperative venture that enables artists and musicians to stream their music files under Creative Commons licences to users, enabling both its personal and commercial use.
The FMA is widely used by independent musicians, teachers, and podcasts to get a big choice of free and legal music. It dispenses with musical genres from the classical to the modern, with the added advantage that the current licensing terms are already clear.
Although it is one of the most comprehensive sources of royalty-free tracks for indie artists and hobbyists, the rights of its users require that they respect the particular usage rights of each track.
Pros
- Completely free with Creative Commons licensing: Offers a wide range of music with clear licensing terms, perfect for budget-conscious creators.
- Diverse music genres available: The platform provides access to a broad spectrum of music, making it versatile for different types of projects.
- Support for independent artists: Users can discover and use music from emerging artists, supporting creative communities.
Cons
- Complex licensing: Clients must carefully read the licensing terms, as a few tracks have restrictions on utilisation, which can be confusing.
- Quality varies widely: As it’s a community-driven platform, the quality of the music can be conflicting, with a few tracks being less polished.
Pricing
Free to use
10. Jamendo
Jamendo is a music licence with independent music for licensing and download and stream. It acts as a platform for content creators to acquire music licences for their projects while also being a platform where fans can find new artists.
Jamendo licensing is the platform of Jamendo targeting new business, artists, small businesses, advertisers and targeting everyone with a wide range of tracks of different genres. The buying model is per-track or through subscription services which makes it versatile depending on the needs of a specific project.
Well, Jamendo has specified independent music, and through this platform, independent music artists get exclusive music that is different from commercial songs.
Pros
- Supports independent artists: Users can access unique, independent music, helping artists gain exposure while finding distinctive tracks.
- Flexible licensing options: Offers both track-by-track purchases and subscription models, catering to different budget levels and needs.
- Wide variety of music genres: The platform provides a rich and diverse selection of music, suitable for various types of content.
Cons
- Quality can vary: The focus on independent artists means some tracks may not meet the professional standards expected for high-end projects.
- Licensing can be confusing: Different tracks come with varying licensing options, which might complicate the selection process for some users.
Pricing
- Monthly: $29/month
- Yearly: $19/month
11. FreeStockMusic
FreeStockMusic is basically a site that boasts a collection of royalty-free music which is more suitable for content creators in search of some tracks for their videos. It also offers music by genre and is ideal because all the music it offers is free for download. The library may not be as large compared to some of the most popular sites, but FreeStockMusic is set to be a home to high-quality music suitable for commercial use.
The platform works on the basis of a type of licensing system whereby the users are free to use the music in their projects without fear of getting on the wrong side of the law. As a free source of good quality music for individuals in search of music for small to medium-scale uses, it is highly recommended.
Pros
- Completely free to use: Ideal for creators who need quality music without spending money, making it accessible for all.
- Simple licensing terms: Music is easy to download and use in projects without complex legal considerations, providing convenience.
- Decent quality tracks available: Despite being free, the site offers a selection of well-produced music suitable for various content types.
Cons
- Limited music library: The selection is smaller compared to paid platforms, potentially limiting creative options.
- Less frequent updates: The library is not updated as regularly as others, which may result in a lack of fresh content.
Pricing
- One time payment
- $39.95/music tract
- $2.95/sound effect
- Monthly Payment
Unlimited Music & SFX downloads: $19/month
12. Silverman Sound Studios
Silverman Studios is an online platform owned by Royalty Free Music Limited that offers instrumental music and sound effects for videos and companies. The platform also has a paid version in the form of a monthly or yearly subscription for access to a selected catalogue of high-quality music tracks.
The firm is most famous for its high-quality service that provides voice overs in film, commercial, and corporate productions. This is fully clickable, users may search their preferred music or sound for a specific project in a quick and natural way.
It may not be as big or as popular as some other platforms, but for those who need to regularly access good quality audio, then Silverman Sound Studios is a pretty good bet.
Pros
- High-quality, professional audio content: Offers a curated selection of music and sound effects that meet industry standards, ideal for professional projects.
- Unlimited downloads with subscription: Provides consistent access to music and sound effects, supporting ongoing creative work without additional costs.
- User-friendly search and filtering: The intuitive interface makes it simple to discover the perfect track or sound impact, sparing time and effort.
Cons
- Subscription required for access: Clients must subscribe to utilise the platform’s features, which could be a barrier for those with constrained budgets.
- Smaller library compared to larger platforms: The selection may not be as extensive as some competitors, potentially limiting choices for niche projects.
Pricing
- Creative Commons: free
- Pro License: $25/track
- Patreon Subscription: starts from $10
Ending Note
When choosing the best copyright free music websites, it’s fundamental to adjust quality, licensing options, and budget. Platforms like Artlist and Epidemic Sound offer broad, high-quality libraries with user-friendly licensing, perfect for professional creators. For those on a budget, Free Music Archive and Bensound provide accessible options with clear licensing terms, though the selection may be more limited. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, whether it’s consistent access to fresh tracks, support for independent artists, or simply cost-effective solutions for smaller projects. Select the platform that aligns with your creative and financial goals.
FAQs
What is a copyright-free music website?
Copyright-free music websites offer tracks that can be used without the traditional copyright restrictions, allowing creators to legally use music in various projects without paying royalties.
Are copyright-free music websites free to use?
Some copyright-free music websites offer free tracks, but many premium sites require a subscription or purchase for higher-quality, professional-grade music suitable for commercial projects.
What should I consider when choosing a copyright-free music website?
Consider the quality of tracks, licensing terms, library size, and whether the site offers free or paid options to meet your specific project needs.
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