Freegal Music is a free, legal music service provided by participating public libraries, allowing members to stream and download tracks using their library card and PIN. Available across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, Freegal offers an expansive global catalogue — with no subscription fees or ads — and supports both streaming and offline playback.
What Freegal offers
- Access to over 20 million tracks across 200+ genres and 93,000 labels in 100+ countries.
- 200,000 new tracks added monthly, keeping the catalogue continually fresh.
- Ability to download and keep a limited number of songs each week (typically five, depending on your library’s plan).
- Unlimited streaming for most registered library members.
- Multi-device support, including desktop browsers, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire.
- A diverse global selection — pop, rock, classical, jazz, world, and children’s music.
How to access Freegal
- Check whether your local or university library subscribes to Freegal Music.
- Visit your library’s digital resources page and select the Freegal Music link.
- Log in using your library card number and PIN.
- Stream directly online or download tracks to keep.
- On mobile, install the Freegal app and log in using your library credentials.
Why Freegal matters for music enthusiasts
For listeners seeking legal, cost-free access to music, Freegal offers a valuable alternative to paid streaming subscriptions. It encourages exploration — discover new artists, revisit classics, and build a personal library — all without advertising or recurring charges.
Points to know and consider
- Download and streaming limits vary by library; the default Freegal cap is five tracks per week.
- Availability depends on local authority contracts — not every library subscribes.
- App experience is simpler than major commercial platforms but recent updates added favourites, wishlists, and AI-driven recommendations.
- Audio quality is limited to MP3 files.
- Downloads are for personal use only — redistribution is not permitted.
- Music videos often count as two downloads.
Comparison with other library audio services
While Naxos Music Library focuses on classical, educational, and specialist repertoire, Freegal provides a broad mix of popular and international music. It’s best suited to general listeners and families who want an easy, cost-free way to enjoy familiar tracks and new discoveries.
Summary
If your local or university library offers Freegal Music, it’s one of the simplest ways to enjoy a wide variety of music at no cost. For students, families, and casual listeners, Freegal remains an excellent resource for legal music streaming and downloads — powered entirely by your library membership.
