Music streaming has become a part of our daily lives. Whether you’re studying, working, relaxing, or exercising, the right music app can keep you entertained and focused. For music lovers, students, and streaming enthusiasts, background play is a must-have feature—especially when you need the music uninterrupted while using other apps or locking your device.
Here’s our curated list of the top 25 music streaming apps that offer free background play, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes without breaking the bank.
1. Spotify
Spotify is one of the most well-known music streaming platforms globally. With millions of tracks, curated playlists, and personalized recommendations, Spotify Free offers access to a vast library. However, background play is available even in the free version—it’s perfect for multitasking while enjoying music.
Best Features:
- Custom playlists tailored to your preferences
- Free background play (with occasional ads)
- Huge library spanning all genres and artists
2. YMusic
YMusic deserves to rank in the top three due to its incredible features, especially for YouTube music fans. This app allows you to stream music from YouTube while keeping your screen off, providing the perfect background playback experience. It’s a hidden gem for music lovers.
Best Features:
- Background playback for YouTube content
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Option to download music directly as MP3
3. YouTube Music
YouTube Music is an official alternative for people who love exploring music on YouTube itself. The platform allows background play in its premium version, but even the free edition lets you multitask lightly without disrupting playback.
Best Features:
- Smart recommendations based on your listening habits
- Access to official music videos
- Free-tier background play with some limitations
4. SoundCloud
Known for its extensive collection of indie music, SoundCloud offers a free plan that allows background play while discovering new artists and tracks. It’s a fantastic platform for exploring international and underground music.
Best Features:
- Millions of tracks, including indie and lesser-known artists
- Free background play
- Curated playlists and genre discovery tools
5. Deezer
Deezer’s free version supports uninterrupted background play. It’s a great choice for lovers of diverse music, thanks to its Flow feature that offers personalized recommendations based on your taste.
Best Features:
- Over 90 million tracks to explore
- Free background play
- Lyrics feature for sing-alongs
6. Amazon Music Free
Amazon Music’s free version is a reliable option for background playback without any subscription fees. While there are some ads, its diverse library makes it a top choice among free music apps.
Best Features:
- Background play included in the free plan
- Wide range of music and curated playlists
- Voice control via Alexa
7. Pandora
Pandora’s personalized radio stations are a hit with music enthusiasts. Its free plan includes background play, allowing you to enjoy your favorite stations without interruptions.
Best Features:
- Create, customize, and stream personalized stations
- Free background play
- Podcast integration
8. Audiomack
Audiomack is perfect for people seeking fresh tracks and mixtapes. It streams music for free and supports background playback, making it a popular choice among hip-hop and EDM fans.
Best Features:
- Discover trending tracks across genres
- Offline downloads for free
- Background play supported
9. Tidal (Free Tier)
Tidal’s free tier offers stunning sound quality and access to curated playlists. With background play and a focus on high fidelity, it’s a treat for audiophiles.
Best Features:
- CD-quality audio on the free tier
- Exclusive content from top artists
- Free background play
10. LiveXLive
LiveXLive features free background play coupled with live streaming of concerts. It’s an excellent option for fans of live music performances.
Best Features:
- Live-stream virtual music events
- Free background play
- Curated music channels
11. TuneIn
TuneIn isn’t limited to just music—it also offers access to live radio, podcasts, and news. Its background play feature makes it ideal for multi-tasking.
Best Features:
- Music, podcasts, and live radio in one app
- Background play even on the free plan
- Massive variety of stations and genres
12. Musicolet
Musicolet is an offline music player with zero ads and full background play support. Perfect for personal music collections!
Best Features:
- No internet connection required
- Lightweight, no ads, and free forever
- Background play optimized for playlists
13. Boomplay
Boomplay offers a free, ad-supported plan with background play, featuring a library of global and African music.
Best Features:
- Focus on Afrobeat and global music
- Background play for free
- Discover exclusive tracks and videos
14. JioSaavn (Free Tier)
Available for Indian users, JioSaavn’s free version supports background play and features a rich library of Bollywood and international tracks.
Best Features:
- Background play even in its free tier
- Huge variety of Indian and global songs
- Podcasts and radio stations
15. Shazam
While mainly a music discovery app, Shazam offers a built-in player with free background play, allowing you to relive discovered tracks.
Best Features:
- Identify music instantly
- Link to streaming platforms for playback
- Background play supported
16. Gaana
Gaana is another favorite among Indian users. Its free plan includes ads but allows background play of a diverse music library.
Best Features:
- Wide collection of Indian and international music
- Free background play
- Personalized playlists
17. Napster (Free Tier)
Napster’s free plan includes basic background play. It’s known for simple playback controls and an intuitive interface.
Best Features:
- Extensive playlist curation
- Free-tier background play
- Easy to use for beginners
18. eSound Music
eSound offers free background play, allowing you to listen without interruptions. It has a vast music library for users to explore.
Best Features:
- Create your own playlists
- Supports background play
- Free-tier access to top charts
19. VLC Media Player
More than just a video player, VLC allows you to organize and play your local music files with full background playback.
Best Features:
- Offline music playback
- Seamless background play
- Open-source and free
20. Spotify Lite
The lightweight version of Spotify supports free background play, especially on devices with limited storage or slower internet speeds.
Best Features:
- Optimized for low-end devices
- Background play compatible
- Effortless music discovery
21. Scrobble Music
Scrobble Music connects with popular platforms and allows you to listen to tracks in the background for free.
Best Features:
- Explore global charts
- Free-tier background play
- Community-driven app
22. MusicUp
MusicUp is an underrated app with powerful features like free background play, a sleek design, and curated playlists.
Best Features:
- Sleek and modern interface
- Free-tier background play
- Create and share playlists
23. Mixtape Madness
Focused on urban music and underground artists, Mixtape Madness allows free background play for discovering hidden gems.
Best Features:
- Focus on hip-hop and underground tracks
- Free-tier background play
- Exclusive mixtapes
24. Dash Radio
Dash Radio streams ad-free live radio stations and offers free background play for uninterrupted listening.
Best Features:
- 100% free live radio streaming
- Diverse genres and stations
- Background play included
25. Simple Radio
For those who love traditional radio, Simple Radio provides access to thousands of stations with free background play.
Best Features:
- Huge variety of radio channels
- Background play supported
- Easy to use and free forever
Final Notes
Every app on this list supports free background play, so you can keep the music going no matter where life takes you. Whether you want to explore indie tunes on SoundCloud, enjoy seamless playback with YMusic, or stick to familiar platforms like Spotify, there’s something here for every music lover.
If you’re ready to step up your music streaming game, give these apps a try. Discover new sounds, explore fresh features, and keep the beat alive—all for free!
Smith 
IQnewswire