Royalty-free music tools
License music for videos. 4 tools we track, checked .
Short answer page: What's the best royalty-free music tool?
Ranked by fit for solo businesses: tools we profile in depth first, then those used in our research notes, then the rest. Affiliate status never changes the order.
- 1
Soundraw
Pick this if you want background music for videos.
AI-generated instrumental music you can customize and license.
Paid plans only · Free plan: Trial only · Difficulty 1/5
- 2
Epidemic Sound
Pick this if you want music cleared for YouTube and social.
Subscription music and sound-effects library for creators.
Paid plans only · Free plan: Trial only · Difficulty 1/5
- 3
Artlist
Pick this if you want music plus stock footage.
Subscription music, footage and SFX with a lifetime use license.
Paid plans only · Free plan: No
- 4
YouTube Audio Library
Pick this if you want free music for YouTube videos.
Free music and sound effects inside YouTube Studio.
Free · Free plan: Yes
Side-by-side
| Tool | Pricing model | Free plan | Starting price | Difficulty | Output rights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundraw | Paid plans only | Trial only | See official site | 1/5 | – | Background music for videos |
| Epidemic Sound | Paid plans only | Trial only | See official site | 1/5 | – | Music cleared for YouTube and social |
| Artlist | Paid plans only | No | See official site | – | – | Music plus stock footage |
| YouTube Audio Library | Free | Yes | Free | – | – | Free music for YouTube videos |
"Starting price" is shown only for tools we profile in depth, where we read the official pricing page on . For the others, check the official site.