Free Online Music Radio Stations

Free Online Music Radio Station Options

Live365 Internet Radio

Live365 Internet Radio offers a comprehensive listing of free online music radio stations. Stations are categorized in over 250 genres, from Acid House to Zouk. If you're not looking for something as specific as "cumbia" or "merengue" and would just like to find a more generic "Latin" station, broader genres like rock, pop, and jazz are also available. If the huge number of stations available seems overwhelming, turn to the site's daily recommendations and editor's picks.

Yahoo! Music's LAUNCHcast

Yahoo! Music enters the Internet radio game with the help of LAUNCHcast. Listen to one of the preprogrammed stations, or select a list of artists you enjoy to create your own personalized playlist. Find everything from "Today's Big Hits" to "Old School Punk Rock". Unfortunately, a portion of the stations are only available through the paid LAUNCHcast Plus service.

AOL Music

AOL Music joins forces with XM Radio to provide over 200 free online radio stations. Browse through stations listed by music style, or check out the editor's picks and Top 11 list.

MSN Radio

MSN Radio uses the Pandora program to create a highly-personalized listening experience. To begin, simply type in the name of a favorite artist or the title of a favorite song. Based on that choice, Pandora finds a song that it thinks you will enjoy, and according to your reaction to each song, finds songs tailored to your interests.

SHOUTCast

SHOUTCast brings together thousands of radio stations from around the world. Brief listings for each station include a description and song currently playing. Winamp users can access SHOUTCast feeds directly from their program.

GotRadio

GotRadio divides its stations into 11 categories, from Alternative Attic to Today's Hits. Within these listings, you can find offerings as diverse as Native American, mash-ups, and power ballads and love songs.

K-LOVE

K-LOVE aims to provide positive and encouraging music. To fulfill this goal, the station's playlist features a variety of Christian artists.

SomaFM

SomaFM is an independent radio station with 11 channels offering:

• underground electronica
• chillout
• ambient groove
• downtempo
• lounge
• space music
• indie rock
• alt.country/Americana

Themed channels add personality to the site and make it easier to find the style of music you're seeking. For instance, the Secret Agent channel is billed as "the soundtrack for your stylish, mysterious, dangerous life" while Doomed is filled with "dark and scary industrial-inspired music for tortured souls."

Radio Paradise

Radio Paradise features "eclectic" rock from artists like The Shins, Amy Winehouse, and The Decemberists. The website offers playlists from the past 6 and 24 hours, so you can always find more information on a song you've heard.

Local Radio Stations

Some local radio stations offer a live feed from their websites, so you can listen to their music even when you don't have a radio nearby.

Listening Tips

• A high-speed connection is vital for listening to online radio. With dial-up, you'll spend more time buffering than you will hearing music.
• Online music radio stations are a great way to find new music to download as it introduces you to great new songs and artists.
• Just because Internet radio stations make music accessible from any computer doesn't mean it's a good idea to listen to them from any computer. Don't get in trouble at work because you're listening to the latest electronica beats instead of finishing your report.
• While free online music is great, consider supporting your favorite online radio stations, whether with donations, purchasing a premium membership, or buying items through stores and affiliates. Music licensing fees and bandwidth usage can quickly add up, and your support helps ensure you can keep listening to the songs you love.