It seems like every music app list mentions Spotify, Pandora, and Slacker Radio. Since you probably know about these popular choices already, this list is going to dig into some less-known apps and overlooked features of other popular music apps.
The following apps are a great way to break in the new Nexus 5 with an unlimited data plan on T-mobile. You’ll come away with some great ideas for expanding your music collection and sources for excellent audio.
DoubleTwist (Android)
Do you have a great collection of music and podcasts stuck in your iTunes account, just out of reach with your Android device? DoubleTwist can help you sync that collection with your Android devices. It’s a free app, so you’ve got nothing to lose if it’s not exactly what you’re looking for.
DoubleTwist also will sync your photos, videos, ratings, playlists, and more with your PC or Mac via Wi-Fi using AirSync. This feature also allows you to stream your media to an Xbox, Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation), or PlayStation 3.
Jamendo (Android & iOS)
If you’re looking for royalty-free music you can remix and share, Jamendo is the app for you. The app is free and so is the music, which is distributed under a Creative Commons license. You can get Jamendo for Android or iPhone.
Find new music by independent artists from around the globe, connect with them online, and contribute to their work by donating through the Jamendo app. It’s more than just a way to find great music; it is a way to support independent artists everywhere.
Play Music (Android)
Most Android devices come with the Play Store installed. One component of this is Google Play Music, which allows users to purchase and sync music to their device and their computer. However, most people don’t know that Play Music gives away free tracks every weekday.
It also gives away collections of tracks periodically throughout the year. This is an overlooked feature that can help you discover new and interesting music from a range of artists. Don’t forget to check Play Music for a new free song daily; you never know what you’re going to find there.
Amazon MP3 (Android & iOS)
Everyone knows about the iTunes store and the Google Play Store, but lots of people overlook the Amazon MP3 store. The songs you buy on Amazon can be downloaded and synced with iTunes and Google Play. However, Amazon offers its own set of specials and discounts.
It’s worth checking the price of an album or track on Amazon before buying it on iTunes or Google Play because Amazon MP3 is “cheaper than iTunes 78 percent of the time,” according to Lifehacker. Amazon MP3 can help you find new music, but it also can help you stretch your budget and buy more of the music you love.
Podcast Addict (Android)
Android devices rely on third-party apps, like Podcast Addict, to sync podcasts with their devices. However, iDevices can use iTunes for this. At first, most people think of talk shows and similar radio programming when they start thinking about podcasts.
However, there are a number of music podcasts that can help you stay on top of the latest trends in music. This includes mini-concerts, curated songs, music news, and music talk radio. Podcasts can be a great way to learn about what’s going on in the music industry as well as which artists are new and noteworthy.
