Music remains a central part of daily life, helping people relax, focus, or get through a hectic day. Whether you’re stuck in Lagos traffic or enjoying a quiet evening at home in Ibadan, having access to your favourite songs on your phone has become quite essential.
Android and iOS users have several apps available that make listening to music easier and more convenient. These apps come with a variety of features that suit different needs, tastes, and budgets. Some offer offline listening, others allow streaming in high quality, and many now include personalised recommendations based on your listening patterns.
Streaming platforms have changed the way people consume music. Gone are the days when users needed to download MP3 files or burn CDs. Now, a smartphone and a steady internet connection give you access to millions of songs across different genres and regions.
Music Apps for Android (Photo: Spotify)
Many of the top-rated music apps are available on both Android and iOS, and they offer both free and premium subscription options. You can also enjoy music videos, live performances, and podcasts on many of these platforms.
Whether you prefer Afrobeats, gospel, hip hop, classical, or old-school highlife, there is an app that suits your preferences. Each of the options listed below has its strengths. Choosing the best one depends on what you value most — audio quality, user interface, offline access, or social features.
1. Spotify: Widely Used With Extensive Music Library
Spotify remains one of the most widely used music applications on both Android and iOS. The app offers a vast collection of songs, albums, and playlists from all over the globe.
Users can follow artists, build personal playlists, and receive recommendations based on listening history. One of its key features is the “Discover Weekly” playlist that updates every Monday, giving fresh song choices based on your music habits.
With Spotify, free users can stream songs but have to deal with ads and limited skips. However, premium subscribers enjoy ad-free listening, offline access, and better audio quality. The interface is clean and easy to access, and the app integrates well with smart devices such as speakers, cars, and gaming consoles.
Spotify also offers collaborative playlists and allows you to share music on social media. For users who enjoy both music and podcasts, Spotify combines both in one platform, making it convenient for multitasking listeners.
2. Apple Music: Seamless Integration for iOS Users
Streaming changed the game no more downloads just vibes (Photo: Apple Music)
Apple Music serves as a strong option for iPhone and iPad users, although Android users can also access it. With over 100 million tracks available, the app provides curated playlists created by human editors and smart recommendations. Apple Music allows lossless audio and spatial sound features for users who want richer sound quality.
The app blends well with other Apple services. For instance, it connects directly with Siri, allowing voice commands for playback or playlist control. You can also sync your existing iTunes library, which makes it ideal for long-time Apple users. Although there is no free version, Apple Music gives new users a trial period, after which they can decide whether to continue.
The app also includes exclusive content, such as live radio stations, artist interviews, and early song releases. For those who love well-organised interfaces and clear album categorisation, Apple Music remains a strong contender.
3. YouTube Music: Strong Video Support With Good Recommendations
YouTube Music brings together music and video content. It is ideal for users who enjoy watching live performances, video clips, or lyric videos along with listening. With this app, you can access both official songs and fan-made content, giving you a wider selection than many traditional music apps.
Whether free or premium, there’s an app that fits your sound (Photo: YouTube)
The app provides song suggestions based on your activities and preferences. For instance, it can recommend songs for working out, studying, or relaxing. YouTube Music also allows users to switch between audio-only and video versions of a track without restarting it.
Free users face ads, but paid users benefit from offline downloads, background play, and no interruptions. The premium plan also removes ads across the regular YouTube app, which many users consider a bonus. Whether on Android or iOS, YouTube Music remains a strong option for users who enjoy variety and flexibility.
4. Boomplay: Popular Option With African Focus
Boomplay has become a household name for many users in Nigeria and across Africa. It provides a wide selection of African music, with a strong focus on Afrobeat, highlife, and gospel genres. Users can also stream international content, but the app’s local catalogue makes it especially appealing.
Boomplay offers charts based on regional listening patterns, so you can easily stay updated on popular songs in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and other countries. The app allows both streaming and downloads, although some features are limited to premium users.
A major strength of Boomplay is its lightweight design, which helps it run smoothly on lower-end smartphones. Users can earn rewards within the app and use them to access songs or subscription benefits. If your priority is discovering African content, Boomplay stands out as a top choice.
5. Audiomack: Free Access With Offline Mode
Audiomack provides music streaming without making users pay upfront. The app is especially popular among upcoming artists, as it allows free uploads and helps them build an audience. For listeners, it means early access to mixtapes and new sounds from rising talents.
From Afrobeats to classical the soundtrack of your day is always within reach (Photo: Audiomack)
One of Audiomack’s biggest strengths is its offline access for free users. This means you can download songs and listen to them later without needing a paid account. Genres like hip hop, Afropop, dancehall, and drill are heavily featured on the platform.
The app’s layout is easy to understand, and users can follow artists or create playlists. If you’re interested in fresh music and don’t want to pay for premium services, Audiomack delivers a good balance between content and accessibility.
6. Deezer: Personalised Flow and High-Quality Audio
Deezer provides a strong mix of local and international content. It’s “Flow” feature offers endless music suggestions based on your preferences, and it includes smart mixes depending on your mood. Deezer supports high-quality audio and has features like song lyrics, podcasts, and live radio.
It works smoothly on both Android and iOS, and users can import MP3 files for personal playback. While the free version includes ads, the premium subscription offers offline listening, no ads, and better sound quality.
Deezer’s strength lies in how it adjusts to your music style over time. It also has a clean layout that doesn’t feel overwhelming. Whether you are interested in commercial hits or indie releases, Deezer has a wide enough collection to satisfy different users.
7. Tidal: Audiophile-Grade Streaming for Music Purists
Tidal sets itself apart with its focus on sound quality. Users who own high-end headphones or audio systems often prefer this app due to its support for lossless and master-quality tracks. It is especially popular among those who want their music to sound as close to studio recordings as possible.
Your favorite tunes go wherever you go with offline access (Photo: Tidal)
Tidal offers both individual songs and music videos. It also includes exclusive content and early releases from well-known artists. The app has playlists curated by musicians and industry professionals, giving users a different take on song organisation.
Though the subscription cost is higher than some other apps, it appeals to users who take their music seriously. Both Android and iOS users can access Tidal, and it also works with many home audio systems.
When selecting a music app, the best approach is to consider your personal preferences. Do you care most about local music, offline access, video content, or high audio fidelity?
Some apps prioritise African content like Boomplay and Audiomack, while others like Tidal and Apple Music go for premium audio features. Spotify and YouTube Music strike a balance between variety and ease of use.
Each of these platforms offers unique strengths. Whether you’re listening on your commute, at work, or relaxing at home, these apps make it easier to enjoy music on your own terms. Try out a few options to see which one fits your routine and style the best.
