11 Apps ComparedSeptember 2025

Best Music Streaming Apps for iOS - September 2025

These apps offer unparalleled access to vast music libraries, live streaming, and personalized experiences, making them the top choices for iOS users in 2025.

Best Music Streaming Apps for iOS - September 2025

Our Top Pick

The best music streaming app for iOS

#1
Pandora: Music & Podcasts icon

Pandora: Music & Podcasts

Pandora Media, LLC

4.8
10,911,614 ratings

Why It's #1

  • Thumbprint Radio for personalized mixes
  • Mood-based station creation
  • Podcast integration with music

Screenshots

Pandora: Music & Podcasts screenshot 1Pandora: Music & Podcasts screenshot 2Pandora: Music & Podcasts screenshot 3

About Pandora: Music & Podcasts

Create stations from your favorite songs, artists or genres, search or browse to find recommended stations for your mood or activity, and discover podcasts that speak to you. Download today and get instant access to your favorite artists and podcasts, while staying up to date on the most recent singles and releases. From rap and pop to rock and country, play your favorite artists and stay up to date on todayโ€™s top hits and releases. Start streaming all of the current global hits and enjoy your own personalized music experience. Take Pandora with you wherever you go with CarPlay for your daily commute or your next road trip. Enjoy your own personalized music or podcast experience from anywhere on the worldโ€™s most powerful music discovery platform. The new voice mode lets you search, play, pause, skip, adjust volume & thumb up music with a simple voice command. Start streaming your favorite artist, song, genre, or podcast instantly today for free in your car. With Podcasts on Pandora, find your favorites and listen to personalized recommendations that actually make sense. Just search on your mobile phone or tablet and play to start listening, then tap + to add to your collection. Find something new by simply browse and tap recommended podcasts to find over 1,400 podcasts, including SiriusXM shows, on-demand whether you're on Pandora Premium, Plus or Radio. Looking for more? Meet Pandora Modes - The new way to customize your station experience. Choose from six different modes to switch up the kind of music you're hearing: My Station: The station experience you know and love. Crowd Faves: Hear the most thumbed-up songs by other listeners. Deep Cuts: Hear less familiar songs from station artists. Discovery: Hear more artists who don't usually play on this station. Newly Released: Hear the newest releases from station artists. Artist Only: Hear songs from the station artist. Pandora Premiumโ„ข Subscribe to enjoy personalized on-demand music and podcasts Search and play your favorite songs, podcasts, albums and playlists on-demand Create playlists, not worklists โ€“ on your own or powered by Pandora Download the music you want for offline listening Unlimited skips and replays Higher quality audio Listen with ad-free music Pandora Plusโ„ข Subscribe to enjoy personalized radio with ad-free music Unlimited personalized stations and podcasts Up to four stations for offline listening Unlimited skips and replays Higher quality audio Listen with ad-free music Pandora Plus subscriptions are $5.99 per month. Pandora Premium subscriptions are $12.99 per month. Youโ€™ll be charged as a recurring transaction through your App Store account. Pending trial eligibility, charges for Plus ($5.99/month) or Premium ($12.99/month) begin at the end of a free trial unless you cancel 24 hours prior to the end of the current subscription month. Any unused portion of a free Pandora Plus trial period will be forfeited if you upgrade to Pandora Premium. You can manage your subscription, cancel or turn off auto-renewal through account settings in your App Store account. Pandora is available to US customers only. Some advertising exclusions apply. Skips, replays and offline features may be limited by certain licensing restrictions. Pandora may use large amounts of data, and carrier data charges may apply. For best results, we recommend you connect your device to trusted Wi-Fi networks when available. Terms and conditions: www.pandora.com/legal www.pandora.com/legal/subscription www.pandora.com/privacy

Overview

These apps offer unparalleled access to vast music libraries, live streaming, and personalized experiences, making them the top choices for iOS users in 2025.

Ideal for music lovers, streamers, and creators seeking high-quality audio, community engagement, and innovative features on their iPhones.

We evaluated based on user ratings, features, pricing, ease of use, and unique offerings like live streaming and social integration.

Why Pandora: Music & Podcasts is Our #1 Pick

Key Reasons:

High user rating of 4.79694/5

Excellent personalized music recommendations

Free access with robust features

Standout Features:

Personalized station creation

Podcast integration

Mood-based music discovery

"Users love how well Pandora knows their music tastes and provides a pleasant, all-day listening experience."

- What users love most

Our Recommendations

Best Overall

Pandora: Music & Podcasts

Offers the best balance of personalized music, podcasts, and free access with high user satisfaction.

๐Ÿ’š Best Free

Twitch: Live Streaming

Provides extensive live music and community features at no cost, with strong user engagement.

๐Ÿ’Ž Best Premium

HBO Max: Stream Movies & TV

Worth the subscription for high-quality music content, exclusives, and ad-free experience.

Easiest to Use

DIRECTV: Live TV + Streaming

Features intuitive navigation and easy access to live music channels, ideal for beginners.

Most Innovative

Triller: Social Videos & Clips

Pioneers music video creation and social sharing with integrated editing tools.

The 11 Best music streaming Apps

Pandora: Music & Podcasts icon
1

Pandora: Music & Podcasts

by Pandora Media, LLCโ˜…4.8/5(10,911,614 reviews)Free
Best for:Users who enjoy curated playlists and discovering new music based on preferences.

Pros:

  • Excellent music recommendation algorithm
  • Free to use with ads
  • Wide genre variety

Cons:

  • Limited on-demand features in free version
  • Occasional ad interruptions
Key Features:Thumbprint Radio for personalized mixes, Mood-based station creation, Podcast integration with music

A top-tier app for personalized music and podcast streaming with high user satisfaction.

User Sentiment: Users consistently praise its ability to understand their music tastes and provide enjoyable, all-day listening.
HBO Max: Stream Movies & TV icon
2

HBO Max: Stream Movies & TV

by WarnerMedia Global Digital Services, LLCโ˜…4.9/5(4,359,480 reviews)Free
Best for:Users interested in music videos, concerts, and exclusive HBO content alongside streaming.

Pros:

  • High-quality streaming
  • Includes music documentaries and concerts
  • Live sports and news

Cons:

  • Not solely focused on music
  • Requires subscription for full access
Key Features:Exclusive music and film content, Live event streaming, High-definition playback

A versatile app for streaming music-related content and live events with premium quality.

User Sentiment: Users appreciate the premium content and ease of use, though it's not music-centric.
discovery+ | Stream TV Shows icon
3

discovery+ | Stream TV Shows

by Discovery Communicationsโ˜…4.9/5(875,089 reviews)Free
Best for:Users who enjoy music documentaries and reality TV with musical elements.

Pros:

  • Diverse content including music shows
  • User-friendly interface
  • Free access with options

Cons:

  • Limited to on-demand, not live music
  • Focuses more on TV than pure music
Key Features:Music-themed original series, On-demand streaming, Integration with Discovery brands

Offers music and audio content through TV shows and documentaries, enhancing the streaming experience.

User Sentiment: Users find it great for specific interests but note it's not a primary music app.
Twitch: Live Streaming icon
4

Twitch: Live Streaming

by Twitch Interactive, Inc.โ˜…4.7/5(2,554,712 reviews)Free
Best for:Music enthusiasts who enjoy live performances and interactive streaming.

Pros:

  • Live music and game streaming
  • Strong community features
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Can be distracting with non-music content
  • Variable stream quality
Key Features:Real-time chat with streamers, Multi-platform streaming, Creator monetization options

A leading platform for live music streams and community engagement with gamers and creators.

User Sentiment: Users love the ease of use and ability to connect with streamers and enjoy live music.
BIGO LIVE-Live Stream, Go Live icon
5

BIGO LIVE-Live Stream, Go Live

by BIGO TECHNOLOGY PTE. LTD.โ˜…4.5/5(201,889 reviews)Free
Best for:Users looking for social music streaming and influencer content.

Pros:

  • Global user base for music streams
  • Interactive features
  • Free access

Cons:

  • Privacy concerns with live streaming
  • In-app purchases can be expensive
Key Features:Live chat with worldwide users, Gifting system for streamers, Multi-language support

A social live streaming app with music elements, great for making connections and enjoying broadcasts.

User Sentiment: Users report making genuine friendships and enjoying the uplifting community atmosphere.
DIRECTV: Live TV + Streaming icon
6

DIRECTV: Live TV + Streaming

by DIRECTV, Inc.โ˜…4.6/5(476,571 reviews)Free
Best for:Users who prefer live TV with music programming and on-demand content.

Pros:

  • Live music channels
  • Easy navigation
  • Free options available

Cons:

  • Requires subscription for full access
  • Not dedicated to music
Key Features:Live TV streaming with music, On-demand shows, Multi-device support

Provides live TV streaming with music channels, offering a traditional yet flexible experience.

User Sentiment: Users find it surprisingly easy to use and access desired content.
Triller: Social Videos & Clips icon
7

Triller: Social Videos & Clips

by Triller LLCโ˜…4.6/5(192,551 reviews)Free
Best for:Creators and users who enjoy making music videos and short clips.

Pros:

  • Music video creation tools
  • Social sharing features
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Limited streaming compared to dedicated apps
  • Can be niche for creators
Key Features:Built-in video editor with music, Community of creators, Trending music integration

A music-focused social app for creating and sharing videos with integrated music tracks.

User Sentiment: Based on description, it's popular for entertainment and music clips.
Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies icon
8

Plex: Watch Live TV and Movies

by Plex Inc.โ˜…4.6/5(134,211 reviews)Free
Best for:Tech-savvy users who want to stream personal music collections and live TV.

Pros:

  • Free live TV includes music channels
  • Personal media server integration
  • Multi-device support

Cons:

  • Setup can be complex
  • Not primarily for music streaming
Key Features:Live TV with music options, Personal media streaming, Friend watching features

Offers live TV and on-demand streaming with some music content, ideal for personalized media libraries.

User Sentiment: Users appreciate the flexibility but note it's not music-focused.
StreamChamp: Streaming App icon
9

StreamChamp: Streaming App

by AnjLabโ˜…4.6/5(3,287 reviews)Free
Best for:Streamers and musicians who want to go live with their content.

Pros:

  • Multi-platform streaming
  • Easy setup for live streams
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Focused on streaming, not music discovery
  • May require technical knowledge
Key Features:Stream to Twitch, YouTube, etc., Integration with games and apps, Real-time broadcasting tools

A streaming app for creators to broadcast music and gameplay to multiple platforms.

User Sentiment: From description, it's designed for effortless streaming.
Chromecaster: Get Streaming TV icon
10

Chromecaster: Get Streaming TV

by TV Cast Pte. Ltd.โ˜…4.1/5(16,051 reviews)Free
Best for:Users who want to stream music from web sources to their television.

Pros:

  • Easy casting to TV
  • Supports various media types
  • Free version available

Cons:

  • Not a standalone music app
  • Dependent on other services
Key Features:TV casting for web videos, Photo and music streaming, Enhanced big-screen experience

A utility app for casting web videos and music to TV, enhancing the streaming experience.

User Sentiment: Based on description, it improves TV streaming but isn't music-specific.
Streamlabs: Live Streaming App icon
11

Streamlabs: Live Streaming App

by Streamlabsโ˜…3.7/5(398 reviews)Free
Best for:Aspiring streamers and musicians looking for robust live broadcasting options.

Pros:

  • Free multi-streaming
  • Creator-focused features
  • Integrates with major platforms

Cons:

  • Lower user rating of 3.72362/5
  • Can be buggy or complex
Key Features:Multi-stream to multiple platforms, Mobile game and camera streaming, Creator monetization support

A free app for live streaming to platforms, including music content, with creator tools.

User Sentiment: Users may find it functional but with some issues based on the rating.

Comparison Insights

Key Differences

Pandora focuses on music discovery, Twitch on live streams, while others like HBO Max offer broader entertainment; pricing ranges from free to subscription-based.

How to Choose

Consider music library size, live streaming capabilities, social features, cost, and ease of use.

Common Limitations

Many apps have ads in free versions, limited offline access, and may not support all music genres equally.

Emerging Trends

Increased integration of AI for recommendations, rise of live social streaming, and more cross-platform functionality.

Key Insights

Music streaming apps vary from dedicated services like Pandora to multi-purpose apps; live streaming is a growing trend; user ratings indicate satisfaction with personalized features.

Buying Guide

Essential Features

  • โ€ขHigh-quality audio streaming
  • โ€ขPersonalized recommendations
  • โ€ขLive streaming capabilities

Nice to Have

  • โ€ขOffline listening
  • โ€ขSocial interaction features
  • โ€ขMulti-device sync

โš ๏ธ Red Flags

  • โ€ขExcessive ads without paid option
  • โ€ขPoor user reviews
  • โ€ขLimited music library

Pricing Expectations

Free apps with ads or subscriptions starting around $5-10/month for ad-free and premium features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free music streaming app for iOS?

Twitch is excellent for live music and free access, while Pandora offers great personalized music for free with ads.

How do I choose between a free and paid music app?

Opt for free if you don't mind ads; paid versions remove ads and offer better features like offline listening and higher quality streams.

Are these apps easy to set up and use?

Most are user-friendly, but apps like Plex may require more setup; start with DIRECTV or Pandora for simplicity.

Conclusion

The top music streaming apps for iOS in 2025 provide diverse options from personalized radio to live streaming, catering to various user needs with high ratings and innovative features.

After careful comparison, the key differentiators in this category are: Pandora focuses on music discovery, Twitch on live streams, while others like HBO Max offer broader entertainment; pricing ranges from free to subscription-based.

Our Final Recommendation

Choose Pandora for overall music discovery, Twitch for live content, or a paid app like HBO Max for premium experiences based on your preferences.

๐Ÿ”ฎ

What We're Hoping to See in the Future

Expect more AI-driven personalization, enhanced live streaming features, and greater integration with social media in the coming years.

Current Trends: Increased integration of AI for recommendations, rise of live social streaming, and more cross-platform functionality.

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