The Best Free Radio App for Android and iPhone

Thousands of radio apps for Android and iOS promise you the best listening experience and tons of features such as equalizer, sleep timer, alarm clock and more. There are lots of free radio apps among them, but it's not easy to find a good app with the best radio stations that does not contain ads. We'll help you to find your perfect radio player with a list of the best radio apps.

The best free radio apps for Android and iOS

Here is the list of the best free radio apps:

1. Audials Play

Audials Play is an easy-to-use, comprehensive radio and podcast app that grants access to over 100,000 radio stations worldwide, encompassing both national and international channels. Available on Android, iOS, and PC, it offers users a seamless experience across multiple platforms, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music, news, and talk shows wherever you are.

The app is free to download and use, though it contains ads to upgrade to the premium version. Users can opt for in-app purchases or a premium subscription. Audials Play allows you to stream content using Wi-Fi only, helping you manage data usage and avoid consuming mobile data when desired.

Enhancing usability, Audials Play includes both an alarm clock and a sleep timer, enabling you to wake up or fall asleep to your preferred stations. It supports Android Auto, Chromecast, AirPlay, and Apple CarPlay, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and making it convenient to use in your car or with home entertainment systems.

An equalizer is built into the app, allowing you to adjust sound settings to suit your preferences for an optimal listening experience. One of the standout features of Audials Play is its ability to record radio broadcasts. You can record live streams, schedule future recordings, and the app automatically splits songs and tags them with the appropriate metadata, such as artist and song title.

In addition to radio, Audials Play provides access to a vast library of podcasts, which can be streamed or downloaded for offline listening. This makes it easy to keep up with your favorite shows even when you're without an internet connection.

Special features that set Audials Play apart from comparable apps include:

• High-Quality Audio Recording: Capture radio streams in top audio quality.
• Automatic Song Recognition: The app identifies songs and provides detailed information.
• Cloud Storage Integration: Save your recordings directly to cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Personalized Playlists: Create custom playlists from your recorded Content on your PC.
• Automatic Song Splitting and Tagging: The app separates songs from radio streams and tags them automatically, saving you time and effort.
   

4. MyTuner

MyTuner grants access to over 50,000 radio stations across more than 200 countries, offering extensive national and international coverage. The app is available on Android and iOS, providing versatility in how you can listen.

Free to download with ads, myTuner Radio offers in-app purchases to remove ads and access additional features. It supports Android Auto, Chromecast, AirPlay, and Apple CarPlay, enhancing usability across devices. Both an alarm clock and a sleep timer are included for added functionality.

MyTuner Radio supports podcast streaming and downloads. While it does not include an equalizer, the app displays top charts for popular stations and songs and allows background listening while using other apps. You can configure the app for Wi-Fi-only playback to manage data consumption.
 

6. AccuRadio

AccuRadio offers over 1,000 customizable music channels, focusing on genre-based programming rather than specific radio stations. Available on Android, iOS, and web browsers, the app is free to use and contains ads, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy music.

While it does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay extensively, AccuRadio allows you to customize channels by rating songs and artists, providing a personalized listening experience. Unlimited skips are offered, giving you greater control over your music selection. While a sleep timer may be available, an alarm clock feature is not specified.

The app does not include an equalizer, radio recording, or podcast downloads, as it specializes in music streaming. You can configure Wi-Fi-only playback to manage data usage. AccuRadio's unique features include extensive customization options and a focus on music discovery, setting it apart from other apps.

Pros

• More than 1000 customizable music channels
• Free
• Great variety of genres and special channels
• Wi-Fi playback supported
• Radio app for Android, iOS and as a web browser

Cons 

• Plays ads when you start a channel
• Not a radio app, but a music platform
• No alarm clock, Android AUto ar Apple Carplay
• No equalizer

7. SiriusXM

SiriusXM offers over 150 channels, including exclusive content and live sports, primarily focusing on U.S.-based programming. Available on Android and iOS and integrated into many vehicles, the app provides a premium listening experience with high-quality audio.

The service requires a subscription, though trial periods are often available. SiriusXM supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, facilitating in-car listening. While the app does not include an equalizer or allow live radio recording, it offers on-demand access to shows and some podcasts.

Notably, SiriusXM provides exclusive content such as shows from Howard Stern and comprehensive coverage of live sports and talk radio. A sleep timer is available to enhance your listening experience, and you can set the app for Wi-Fi-only playback. The service is mostly ad-free, depending on the channel, enhancing uninterrupted enjoyment.
 

Pros

• 150 channels
• exclusive content and sports
• Listen to your favorite audio content no matter where you are 
• Radio app for iPhone and Android
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Sleep timer
• WiFi playback

Cons

• Paid subscription needed
• No equalizer
• No radio recording supported
• Contains ads

8. RadioApp

RadioApp mimics the experience of using a traditional radio with a tuning dial interface, allowing you to scroll through stations seamlessly. The app focuses on providing access to numerous local and national stations, bringing simplicity to your listening experience.

Available on iOS, RadioApp is free to download with ads and offers in-app purchases for additional features. It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhancing usability in vehicles and making it convenient for on-the-go listening. Both an alarm clock and a sleep timer are included, allowing you to schedule your listening times according to your routine.

While the app does not feature an equalizer, radio recording, or podcast downloads, it emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. You can configure Wi-Fi-only playback to manage data consumption and avoid unnecessary charges. RadioApp is ideal for users who appreciate a straightforward, nostalgic radio experience without the complexity of modern apps.

9. Audacy

Audacy focuses on providing access to hundreds of radio stations, emphasizing U.S. local and national content. Available on Android, iOS, and web browsers, the app offers free listening with ads, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The app supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, facilitating listening in vehicles. A sleep timer is included to help manage your listening time, although the availability of an alarm clock feature may vary. While Audacy does not offer an equalizer or radio recording, it provides access to podcasts that can be streamed and downloaded.

Special features include exclusive stations not available on other platforms and a strong emphasis on local news and music. You can set the app to use Wi-Fi only to manage data consumption and avoid using mobile data.
 

10. RADIO.NET

Radio.net provides access to over 60,000 radio stations, including both national and international channels. The app is available on Android, iOS, and via web browsers, offering flexibility in how you can listen.

Free to download and use, Radio.net includes ads in the free version, with a premium option available to remove them. The app supports Chromecast, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, facilitating listening in various settings. Both an alarm clock and a sleep timer are included for your convenience.

While it does not feature an equalizer or radio recording, Radio.net allows you to stream and download podcasts. The app offers personalized recommendations based on your listening habits and includes user reviews and ratings to help discover popular stations. Wi-Fi-only playback can be enabled to manage data usage effectively.

11. iHeart

iHeart offers access to thousands of radio stations, primarily focusing on U.S. channels but also including Radios from Australia and New Zealand. Available on Android, iOS, PC, smart speakers, and more, the app provides a wide range of listening possibilities.

The app is free to use with ads, and premium subscription tiers offer additional features such as custom playlists and offline listening. iHeartRadio supports Android Auto, Chromecast, AirPlay, and Apple CarPlay, ensuring compatibility with various devices. It includes a sleep timer, though the availability of an alarm clock feature may vary.

While it does not support radio recording or include an equalizer, iHeartRadio allows you to stream and download podcasts. The app emphasizes live events and concerts, offering access to exclusive performances. You can opt for Wi-Fi-only playback to control data usage.
 

12. Pandora

Pandora offers a personalized listening experience by creating custom stations based on your preferences. Available in the U.S. with limited international availability, the app can be accessed on Android, iOS, PC, and various smart devices.

The app is free to use with ads, with premium subscription options offering additional features like offline listening and higher audio quality. Pandora supports Android Auto, Chromecast, AirPlay, and Apple CarPlay, making it accessible across many devices. A sleep timer is included to manage playback duration.

While Pandora does not support radio recording or include an equalizer, it allows you to stream and download podcasts. Its Music Genome Project provides advanced algorithms for personalized music recommendations, tailoring stations to your tastes. You can configure the app to use Wi-Fi only, helping manage data usage effectively.
 

Pros

• Pandora's recommendation system learns your taste and continually refines your music selection.
• Users can choose from thousands of curated stations or create their own.
• Pandora offers offline listening for premium users, which is great for saving data.
• Android Auto, Chromecastm AirPlay, Apple CarPlay
• Play and download podcasts
• Sleep timer

Cons

• The free version is supported by ads, which can interrupt the listening experience.
• Free users can only skip a certain number of songs per hour.
• Compared to other streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, Pandora's on-demand library is more limited.
• Available in US only
• No recording feature
• No equalizer
• Contains ads

13. Radio Garden

Radio Garden offers a unique way to explore radio stations worldwide through an interactive 3D globe interface. Users can spin the globe and tap on different locations to listen to local radio stations from around the world, making it a fascinating tool for cultural exploration.

Available on Android, iOS, and web browsers, Radio Garden is free to use with minimal ads. While it does not include an alarm clock, sleep timer, equalizer, or support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, its distinctive interface provides a novel listening experience.

The app does not support radio recording or podcast downloads, focusing instead on live streaming of global radio stations. You can set it to use Wi-Fi only, helping to manage data usage effectively. Radio Garden is ideal for those interested in discovering new cultures and music from remote locations worldwide.

Pros

• Radio app as an interactive globe to select radios
• Avaialble on Android, iOS and as a web app
• Wi-Fionly playback is supported

Cons

• No alarm clock, sleep timer, equalizer
• No recording or podacst downloading possible

The Best Radio Apps that are Available for Free

Here is an overview of the radio apps presented here: 

Summary: Audials Play is the best free radio app

What makes Audials Play so special is that it offers you everything for enjoying music: Tons of local, national and international radio stations, radio recording, equalizer, sleep timer, favoring radio stations. By playing with WiFi only, you will save on mobile data. Audials Play is free and does not contain any ads (except for those that the radio stations play). 

FAQ

How can I listen to live radio?

Listening to the radio is easier than ever now: The only thing you need is installing a radio app on your smartphone or PC. Many of these radio apps offer various radio stations that play different music genres. To play radio, you will need to connect your device with the internet. Best ways to find radio stations

How do I listen to radio on my phone?

You can listen to radio on Android or iOS if you install a radio app from Google Play or the Apple store. You will find many free radio apps that provide local, national and even international web radios. Audials Play is a good radio app because it is free, does not show ads and has an intuitive user interface.

Is there a free radio app for smartphones?

Yes, you will find many radio apps for Android and iOS that can be used for free. It is important to know that most of the free radio apps show ads. 

Which is the best free radio app?

Audials Play is the best radio app because it gives you acces to 100,000 radio stations all over the world and numerous podcasts. You can record  them for offline listening. Listen to radio, discover new radio stations, genres and top hits, favor radio stations and artists. A sleep timer and equalizer are included, too. Audials Play does not contain ads (except for ads played by the radio stations themselves). 

An alternative to a software application that needs to be installed is a free radio web app.

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