Best free offline music app for iPhone?

I’m looking for a free music app for my iPhone that allows offline listening. I’ve tried a few options, but they either have limited functionality or require a subscription. Can anyone recommend a good app with solid features for offline use without any hidden fees?

Have you tried Musi? It’s pretty decent for a free app. Lets you create playlists and doesn’t bombard you with ads. It might require an initial internet connection to cache, tho, but once you have the songs saved to your library, you’re good to go offline. I’ve been using it for a while now, and it’s definitely a solid option if you’re just wanting to listen to your favorite tracks without dealing with constant WiFi or data.

Another free option is Audiomack. You can download songs for offline playback without any issues. They have a pretty good library of music, especially if you’re into hip-hop, rap, and R&B. It’s also completely free to use, though you will need internet access to initially download the songs.

For classical lovers out there, IDAGIO is another decent free option. They offer offline functionality, but it’s somewhat limited in terms of the availability of songs. You have to know that only certain playlists are free.

Finally, if you’re open to something a bit unconventional, there’s always the option to save your own MP3 files to your iPhone through apps like VLC or Dropbox. It requires a bit more initial setup, but once you have your albums or tunes downloaded, you’ll be able to listen offline without any restrictions.

Remembmer to double-check any app reviews and current features on the App Store, as things can sometimes change quickly with updates. Hope this helps!

Have you looked into Spotify? I know, I know, it usually gets marketed with a subscription model, but you can still use it for free and download podcasts for offline listening. If music podcasts are your jam, this could be a way to get around those subscription fees.

But here’s a small secret: YouTube Music. Not the best, but for free users, keep in mind that some mixtapes and live performances can be downloaded when you have WiFi, so you can listen offline. Much like Musi, though, it needs an internet touch to cache initially.

There’s also this native way, which many overlook - Apple Music offers a three-month trial. During this period, you can download and enjoy as much music offline as you want. If you’re good with managing trials, you can hop in and out and take advantage of this.

And an underdog in the ring: Bandcamp. Artists often put their music up for free or ‘name your price,’ and once you download purchases, they’re available offline in your library. Plus, it’s a great way to support indie artists.

Finally, for tech-savvy users, a roundabout way - convert your CDs or digital purchases into MP3s and sync using iTunes (sorry, it’s still around for a reason). It may sound old school, but for complete control and zero recurring cost, it’s bulletproof. Yep, it does take a bit of time upfront.

Remember that apps can change their policies, so what’s free today might not be tomorrow. Always check the latest reviews and terms before making your choice.

If you’re browsing for a robust app for offline music on iPhone without the looming specter of a subscription fee, let’s take a slight detour from what @shizuka and @viajantedoceu recommended. First off, I gotta say your best bet—yes, with cons and pros in tow—is Google Play Music. Surprised? Many overlook this hidden gem given the hype surrounding other options.

Pros:

  1. Free Tier with Offline Download: It’s quite generous with offline functionality for a free tier. You can download a hefty amount of tracks you ‘upload’ yourself.
  2. Ease of Use: The interface is clean and intuitive, making it a breeze to manage your playlists and offline library.
  3. Wide Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with other Google services, making it a strong option if you’re within the Google ecosystem.

Cons:

  1. Shutting Down: Google’s tendency to sunset services means you might be looking for alternatives sooner than you’d want.
  2. Initial Drag: Uploading your music isn’t instant; it requires a bit of patience upfront.
  3. Limited Content: While you can upload a large number of tracks, the actual library available to stream isn’t as expansive as competitors.
  4. Data Usage for Uploads: Keep in mind, uploading your collection might eat through your data plan unless on WiFi.

On the flip side, similar to what @shizuka mentioned about using MP3s, you could lean into old-school methods like importing your own MP3 files. Yet, honestly, for a more straightforward approach, Google Play Music offers a substantial, albeit somewhat underappreciated advantage.

As for YouTube Music mentioned by @viajantedoceu, there’s the added perk of live versions and mixtapes—you’re not wrong there. However, don’t discount the fact that it might silently nudge you towards premium if you’re not cautious. Their offline mode isn’t as friendly on the free tier apart from those mixtapes.

In short, for offline listening on the go: Google Play Music stands out for its potent mix of functionality, generosity in offline access, and user-friendly vibe. It might be ya best companion before delving into paid subscriptions. Cons? Well, it’s not for everyone, especially given Google’s unpredictable product longevity. Dive in at your own pace.

Oh, and let’s not forget about Apple’s in-built iTunes-turned-Music app. If you’ve got a CD collection or digital purchases, nothing beats the home court advantage, even with its sometimes clunky sync process.

Every option has a bit of a hustle involved, but weighing these factors might land you a keeper without forking out cash in a hurry.