Your smartphone already doubles as a dependable music player right out of the box, and the bevy of audio apps out there make it even better. Whether you want unlimited access to tens of millions of songs or want to turn your device into a dynamic FM radio, there’s no shortage of mobile apps that will get the job done. From Spotify to Shazam, here are our 15 favorite music apps for your smartphone or tablet.
Spotify (Free/.99 sub; Multiple Platforms)
With a user-friendly interface and access to more than 20 million songs, it's no surprise why Spotify is one of the leading music apps. The Spotify mobile app now allows you to shuffle any artist or album for free, and the new Browse feature makes it easier than ever to find the perfect playlist. The app gets even better with Spotify Premium (.99 per month), which allows for unlimited offline listening on your mobile device and ad-free streaming.
Pandora (Free; Multiple Platforms)
Pandora has been a household name in the world of online radio for almost a decade, and the Pandora app is still one of the best ways to enjoy music on your phone. In addition to providing Pandora's signature custom radio stations, the app now has a sleep timer and alarm function so you can both fall asleep and wake up to your favorite music. Pandora recently lifted the 40 hour per month listening limit from the mobile app, making this musical mainstay a more appealing download than ever.
Beats Music (Free/.99 sub; Multiple Platforms)
Dr. Dre's Beats brand is synonymous with stylish audio accessories, so it's no surprise the company has entered the online music arena. Beats Music (.99 per month) boasts a sexy and intuitive interface, complete with more than 20 million tracks and finely curated playlists from audio experts like Pitchfork and XXL Magazine. Beats maintains a deep commitment to personalization with The Sentence, a feature that asks for your location, mood, and current activity in order to fill your ears with the perfect song for the moment.
Rhapsody (Free/.99 sub; iOS, Android, Windows Phone)
Folks have been jamming to Rhapsody's online music service for more than a decade, and the brand has made a seamless transition into the mobile world. The Rhapsody app offers a clean UI that makes it easy to browse the millions of songs in its library. Each can be downloaded and taken on the go, if you have a Premier membership (.99 per month). Rhapsody works across your smartphone, Web browser, Smart TV, Xbox 360 and Sonos Wireless speakers, allowing you to enjoy your tunes however you see fit.
iHeartRadio (Free; Multiple Platforms)
If you're a radio purist who wants constant access to stations made just for you, iHeartRadio is well worth a download. This free app allows you to stream local pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B and country stations, as well as to create custom stations that pull from iHeartRadio's vast music library of more than 18 million songs. If you're not quite sure what to listen to at any given moment, iHeartRadio will find you a station for a variety of activities including working, driving and hitting the gym.
SoundCloud (Free; iOS, Android)
Plenty of apps let you listen to today's top artists, but SoundCloud will help you find a new favorite band that you never knew existed. This free app is built for those who want to discover and share new music, as the SoundCloud community is filled with up-and-coming artists that collectively upload hours of new music every minute. You can even use SoundCloud to record and share your own music right from your smartphone, making it as useful for self-promotion as it is for finding great tunes.
