A radio app is a simple and convenient way to listen to music, news and podcasts wherever you are. And often it is free of charge. Here you'll find a list of the best radio apps and free radio apps. Let's start!
Best Free Radio App for Android and iOS
Audials Play is your radio app to listen to radio, news and podcasts for free. Discover new music hits, get radio suggestions and save radios as favorites. Can be used with Wi-Fi only.
Table of Contents
Good to know: No copyright protection is circumvented
Radio stations that can be recorded with Audials do not use any effective protection against recording and output unencrypted audio on the sound card of your device. Audials always only records such unencrypted audio data. According to US Copyright Law “No action may be brought … alleging infringement of copyright based on … distribution … or based on the noncommercial use by a consumer of such a … digital audio recording device”.
Radio stations that can be recorded with Audials do not use any effective protection against recording and output unencrypted audio on the sound card of your device. Audials always only records such unencrypted audio data. According to US Copyright Law “No action may be brought … alleging infringement of copyright based on … distribution … or based on the noncommercial use by a consumer of such a … digital audio recording device”.
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 free radio app that you can use to find, listen to and record hundreds of thousands of Radio stations from all over the world. Discover new Genres and Artists, get Radio Station suggestions and listen to the current music charts. Listen to and download podcasts. To save mobile data, you can activate the Wi-Fi only mode.
Advantages:
- Free radio app for Android and iOS
- Supports over 100,000 radio stations globally.
- Features recording capabilities for both radio and podcasts.
- Find new artists, genres and chart hits
- Get radio station suggestions
- Includes alarm clock, equalizer, and sleep timer.
- Download new episodes of favorite podcasts automatically
- Compatible with Android Auto, AirPlay, Chromecast and Apple CarPlay.
- Offers access to millions of podcast episodes.
- Can be set to use Wi-Fi only to save mobile data.
- Does not contain ads (only those played by Radio stations)
Disadvantages:
- iOS version availability can be delayed.
2. Radio FM
Radio FM is a radio app for Android and iOS that offers access to over 50,000 radio stations from around the globe, encompassing both national and international channels. The app is free to download and use, though it contains ads and offers in-app purchases for additional features. While Radio FM lacks an equalizer, it compensates with features like maintaining favorites and recent lists for easy access. The app can be configured to use Wi-Fi only, helping you manage data consumption and avoid using mobile data.
Advantages:
- Offers a broad range of radio stations without a specific limit.
- Access to more than 50,000 radios
- Includes features like an alarm clock and sleep timer.
- Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Allows podcast playback.
Disadvantages:
- Does not feature an equalizer.
- Ad-supported with a premium subscription available for an ad-free experience.
- Does not record radio.
3. Simple Radio
Simple Radio by Streema provides access to over 45,000 radio stations globally, offering a vast selection of national and international channels. Available on Android and iOS via web browsers, the app is designed with a user-friendly interface that emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. You can quickly find and listen to your favorite stations, and the app allows configuration for Wi-Fi-only playback to conserve mobile data.
Advantages:
- Simple interface with global access to radio stations.
- 45.000 radio stations
- Includes an alarm clock and sleep timer.
- Compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and AirPlay.
Disadvantages:
- Lacks an equalizer.
- No mention of special features beyond basic radio and podcast playback.
- No podcast
4. 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. This radio app allows you to stream and download podcasts. Radio.net 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.
Advantages:
- Access to over 60,000 global radio stations.
- Allows saving stations as favorites.
- Compatible with Android Auto, AirPlay, and Apple CarPlay.
- Podcast playback and download supported.
- Wi-Fi only mode available.
- Personlized suggestions
Disadvantages:
- Does not support radio recording.
- Lacks an alarm clock and an equalizer.
5. TuneIn
TuneIn offers access to over 100,000 radio stations, including national and international channels, making it one of the most comprehensive radio apps available. It is accessible on multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, PC, smart speakers, and other devices. The TuneIn radio app stands out with its access to live sports broadcasts from major leagues and exclusive content for premium users. While it does not offer radio recording, it allows you to stream and, in some cases, download podcasts.
Advantages:
- Access to over 100,000 radio stations.
- Allows streaming and downloading of podcasts.
- Features an alarm clock and sleep timer.
- Supports Android Auto, Chromecast, Apple CarPlay, and AirPlay.
- Can be set to use Wi-Fi only.
Disadvantages:
- No radio recording capability.
- Free version contains ads.
6. 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.
Advantages:
- Thousands of radio stations and podcasts available.
- Allows creation of personalized music stations and playlists.
- Offline listening available in premium plans.
- Includes an alarm clock and sleep timer.
- Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Disadvantages:
- Does not support radio recording.
- Premium subscription required for some features.
- Focuses on Radios from US, New Zealand and Australia
7. AccuRadio
Get a new listening experience with this free radio app. AccuRadio has Music channels for any taste: Various Genres from adult contemporary to world music, top hits, Holiday Music and much more. This is not a classical radio app but rather an on-demand platform because you can skip the songs that you don't want to listen to.
Advantages:
- Offers over 1,000 customizable music channels.
- Specializes in music streaming with extensive customization.
- Supports Wi-Fi only playback.
- Available on Android, iOS, and as a web browser.
Disadvantages:
- Not a traditional radio app but a music platform.
- Lacks an alarm clock, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
- No equalizer or radio recording capabilities.
8. RadioApp
RadioApp Firetruck Productions Ltd. is a simple and well-organized radio app that gives you the feelling of listening to analog radio on your mobile phone. Find radio stations with the nostalgic slider.
Advantages:
- Provides a traditional radio experience with a tuning dial interface.
- Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Includes an alarm clock and sleep timer.
- Wi-Fi only playback supported.
Disadvantages:
- Available only for iOS.
- No equalizer, radio recording, or podcast downloads.
9. Radio Garden
Radio Garden offers a Fresh idea what a Radio Station could look like: In contrast to other Radio stations that use a starndard UI with descriptions, Radio Garden shows an interactive globe map. The green spots on the globe mark radio stations. You can got to a region and select a radio station.
Advantages:
- Unique globe-like interface for exploring global radio stations.
- Allows users to stream radio from around the world without limitations.
Disadvantages:
- Does not support radio recording.
- Lacks features like an alarm clock, equalizer, or sleep timer.
- No search bar. To find a Station, you have to search on the globe.
- Contains ads
10. 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.
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.
Advantages
- 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
Disadvantages
- Paid subscription needed
- No equalizer
- No radio recording supported
- Contains ads
The Best Radio Apps that are Available for Free
Here is an overview of the radio apps presented here:
| Audials Play | Radio FM | Simple Radio | Radio.net | TuneIn | iHeart | AccuRadio | RadioApp | Radio Garden | SiriusXM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of radios | 100,000 | 50,000 | 45,000 | 60,000 | 100,000 | ? | 1000 music channels | ? | ? | ? |
| Record radio | ✔ | |||||||||
| Contains ads | ✔!! | ✔!! | ✔!! | ✔!! | ✔!! | ✔ | ✔!! | |||
| Android | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| iOS | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Windows | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Summary: Audials Play is the best free radio app
Audials Play is your ultimate radio app to enjoy music, radio, news and podcasts on Android or iOS. Get everything that makes your music experience convenient: an equalizer, sleep timer, alarm clock, WiFi-only mode, radio and podcast recorder and radio station suggestions. Always be up-to-date about new music hits. Get the recent episodes of your favorite podcasts automatically. Just discover Audials Play now for free!
FAQ
How do I listen to FM radio on my smartphone?
You can listen to radio on Android or iOS mobile phones via a radio app. You can find many radio apps on Google Play or the Apple Store. A radio app on a smartphone does not play the classical FM radio. Instead it gets the radio signals via the Internet and plays online radio which ensures that you always hear clear sound.
Which radio app is the best?
Audials Play is the best free radio app because it supports radio and podcast listening. You can listen to more than 100,000 radios no matter from which country. Audials Play has an equalizer, an alarm clock, a sleep timer and a Wi-Fi-only mode.
If you don't want to install a radio app, you can use an online radio app, for example Audials Live.
Are there free radio apps?
Yes, many radio apps for Android or iOS are free. There can be enormous differences in the number of radios that are supported. Therefore it is better to consider whether it is important to you to have as many radios as possible or whether you have a dozen of favorite stations that you always listen to.
How do I find good radios?
Many radio apps have a search function and display the radios according to the genre, often played artists, the country of the radio and more. That makes easy to find the radio station that you like. Read here how to find the best radios.
Topics you might be interested in
How to save music from Spotify as MP3
The best ways to improve music quality
The best AI music enhancers
4 best radio apps for iOS and Android phones on setapp.com
Further radio apps for Android on androidpolice.com
Please note
Music played by online radio stations is copyrighted. Any redistribution of it without the consent of the copyright owners may be a violation of the law in most countries, including the USA. Audials AG is not affiliated with the online radio stations, the music played by them, nor the company that owns the trademark rights to the online radio stations. This page is provided for compatibility purposes only, and in no case should be considered an endorsement of Audials Software products by any associated 3rd party.