If you're a true audiophile who appreciates high-quality sound, FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is the ideal format for you. Unlike lossy formats like MP3, FLAC files retain the original audio data without any loss during compression. You can enjoy music with every detail of the original recording.
But where can you legally and safely download FLAC music for offline listening and the ability to build a personal library of high-fidelity audio? Finding reliable sources for FLAC music downloads can be tricky. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the top 10 best FLAC music download sites, along with a quick comparison to help you choose the right platform.
Recommended: DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder - Best FLAC Downloader
While not a direct music store, DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder stands out as a powerful FLAC music downloader for acquiring high-quality tracks at 15X faster speed. This software allows you to download audio from various streaming services and applications, saving the output in multiple formats, including lossless FLAC.
- Functionality: Directly download FLAC music from the top 9 best streaming music platforms that provide FLAC music, like Qobuz, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, and more. Besides, although the service doesn't offer FLAC files, DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder supports exporting audio files as 24-bit FLAC.
- Audio Quality: Users can customize output settings, including the option to save music downloads in FLAC, thus preserving the original audio quality offered by high-fidelity streaming tiers.
- Versatility: Useful for creating local FLAC files from streaming content that might not offer direct downloads in this format. Apart from FLAC, it also supports downloading streaming music to other lossless formats, including WAV and AIFF. Instead of downloading cached FLAC files, it keeps local files on your computer for forever use.
- Ease of Use: Generally user-friendly with intuitive controls for downloading and setting output parameters.
Pros
Allows you to obtain FLAC files from platforms that don't offer direct FLAC downloads.- Supports downloading FLAC from multiple popular streaming services.
- Offers customization of output audio parameters.
- Support multiple output formats.
Cons
Not a direct music store; requires a separate streaming subscription.- Relies on the software's compatibility with streaming service updates.
#1. Internet Archive - Free Online FLAC Music Download
🔗Website: https://archive.org/
💰Price: Completely free.
✨Best for: Users looking for free and often unique or archival music in FLAC format, particularly live recordings and independent artists.
If you are looking for a site to get FLAC music downloads for free, the first option is the Internet Archive. It offers a non-profit massive digital library of public domain and Creative Commons-licensed music in FLAC, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, and WAV format.
From live concert recordings, independent artists, to classical masterpieces, this is a treasure trove for those seeking free, legal downloads. The collection is continually growing and includes user-uploaded content across a wide range of genres. Apart from music content, you can also find books, videos, movies, and other files to download for free.
Tips:
To quickly find FLAC music for download, you can type the FLAC-related keywords in the search bar.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Completely free access to a vast library of music.
- Includes a significant amount of rare, independent, and live recordings not found elsewhere.
- Often offers various file formats, including FLAC for higher quality.
Cons
- Audio quality can vary significantly depending on the source.
- The selection of mainstream or popular music might be limited.
- Metadata and tagging might not always be consistent or complete.
#2. 7digital - 16-bit/24-bit FLAC Songs Download
🔗Website: https://us.7digital.com/
💰Price: Albums typically cost around $9.99 to $24.99, and individual high-resolution tracks may cost approximately $1.49. Prices can vary depending on the specific release and audio quality.
✨Best for: Users seeking a balance of modern and classic music in high-resolution FLAC format with a user-friendly experience.
When it comes to buying FLAC music, 7digital is a solid choice. It's a well-established online music store providing a curated selection of 320kbps MP3, 16-bit FLAC, and 24-bit FLAC songs for audiophiles seeking pristine sound quality.
7digital provides a modern and extensive collection spanning various genres, including pop, electronic, rock, dance, world, new age, jazz, Latin, classical, folk, and more. They often feature new releases, popular releases, and curated playlists. The site is well-organized, making discovering new music and finding specific tracks easy. You can easily choose your favorite individual songs or albums in lossless format for purchase and download FLAC music to your computer or mobile phone.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Offers a good selection of mainstream and popular music alongside older releases.
- Provides high-quality 24-bit FLAC downloads for superior audio fidelity.
- Well-organized website with sections for new releases, deals, and hi-res music.
- Clear pricing for albums and individual tracks (where available).
Cons
- The catalog might not be as extensive as some larger platforms.
- Individual high-resolution track purchases might be less common than album purchases.
#3. HDTracks - MQA/Hi-res Music Download Site
🔗Website: https://www.hdtracks.com/
💰Price: Albums are typically priced between $12.98 and $41.08, depending on the resolution and artist. Individual tracks are generally not sold separately.
✨Best for: Serious audiophiles with high-end audio systems who prioritize the absolute best digital audio quality and are willing to pay a premium.
HDtracks is a premier online music store specializing in high-resolution audio downloads, offering albums in FLAC and other hi-res formats, like WAV, AIFF, and ALAC. It provides albums available in 96 kHz or 192 kHz at 24-bit or 44.1 kHz at 16-bit.
One of the best FLAC music download sites includes an extensive library across genres like rock, pop, jazz, and classical. Though premium in nature, it is a trusted source for serious listeners.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Specializes in high-resolution audio, often exceeding CD quality.
- Offers a wide range of genres catering to discerning listeners.
Cons
- Generally more expensive than standard music download stores.
- Individual tracks are usually not sold separately, requiring album purchases.
- Primarily focused on high-resolution formats, which might not be suitable for all devices.
#4. Amazon Music Unlimited
🔗Website: https://www.amazon.com/music/unlimited/
💰Price: $11.99/month ($10.99/mo. for Prime members)
✨Best for: Existing Amazon ecosystem users who want access to a vast streaming library with lossless audio quality.
Amazon Music Unlimited offers streaming in SD, HD, Ultra HD, and Spatial Audio formats (Dolby Atmos, or 360 Reality Audio). The "HD" tier offers lossless CD-quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz), and the "Ultra HD" tier provides high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz in a proprietary lossless FLAC format.
As an Amazon premium music streaming subscription service, you have to upgrade to the Amazon Music Unlimited plan to download FLAC music. It's worth mentioning that all FLAC music downloads are encrypted cache files, which can be played on Amazon-authorized devices through its app. If you'd like to get common Amazon Music FLAC files, you can use DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder to download the lossless streams as FLAC files for personal offline use.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Massive library of songs available for streaming in HD and Ultra HD (lossless) quality.
- Convenient integration for Amazon Prime members and Alexa-enabled devices
Cons
- Offline downloads are restricted to the Amazon Music app.
- Offline listening is available within the app only.
- Direct purchase of music as standalone FLAC files is generally not supported.
#5. Qobuz - CD/HiFi Music Download
🔗Website: https://www.qobuz.com/
💰Price: Download prices vary depending on the album and resolution.
✨Best for: Audiophiles and music enthusiasts who value high-fidelity streaming and downloads with a focus on curated content and music discovery.
Qobuz is another high-end French music platform that specializes in both high-resolution audio streaming and downloads. It offers more than 100 million songs available for streaming in the best sound quality. With direct FLAC downloads in CD or Hi-Res quality available for purchased albums, Qobuz is a favorite among audiophiles.
Besides, it has a diverse and carefully curated catalog spanning numerous genres, including classical, jazz, rock, country, folk, metal, blues, pop, and more. They also feature a significant amount of independent and international music.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Offers both high-quality streaming and a robust download store with FLAC options.
- Provides insightful editorial content, reviews, and artist biographies.
- Often offers discounts on downloads for subscribers.
Cons
- Pricing for downloads and subscriptions can be higher than some mainstream services.
- While single tracks might have lossy options, lossless FLAC often requires purchasing the full album.
#6. Tidal
🔗Website: https://tidal.com/
💰Price: $10.99/month
✨Best for: Users who prioritize high-fidelity streaming (including HiRes FLAC) and offline listening within a dedicated app.
Tidal is a subscription-based music streaming website renowned for its Lossless, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos audio and artist-focused initiatives. It provides exclusive content, early releases, behind-the-scenes videos, and editorial features. Although it's a streaming service, it offers a download option for its subscribers within its app to download FLAC from over 110 tracks. This makes it a top choice for listeners who want CD-quality or better audio, including HiRes FLAC tracks that exceed standard FLAC resolution when supported.
Similar to the Amazon Music Unlimited, all downloaded Tidal FLAC files are protected by digital rights management. You can only listen to them offline on selected devices through the Tidal app only.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Offers lossless streaming quality (FLAC-based HiRes).
- Has a large library with a focus on good audio quality.
- Features exclusive content and artist collaborations.
Cons
- Offline listening is available within the Tidal application only.
- Subscription-based model; ownership of files is not provided.
#7. Deezer
🔗Website: https://www.deezer.com/en/
💰Price: $11.99/month
✨Best for: Users seeking a widely accessible streaming service with a lossless audio tier for offline listening within the app.
Deezer is a French music streaming site, offering a vast catalog of over 120 million tracks. Available in more than 180 countries, Deezer caters to a global audience with a variety of subscription plans, including a free ad-supported tier and premium options that provide enhanced features and audio quality.
One of Deezer's standout features is its Premium tier, which delivers CD-quality FLAC streaming at 16-bit/44.1kHz. This lossless audio format ensures that listeners experience music with greater depth and clarity. Additionally, Deezer supports offline listening, allowing users to download FLAC tracks and enjoy them without an internet connection.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Large and diverse FLAC music library.
- User-friendly interface and widely available on various devices.
Cons
- Offline listening is available within the Deezer application only.
- Paid plans are more expensive than similar competing services.
- The highest sound quality provided is lower than that of the competition.
#8. ProStudioMasters
🔗Website: https://www.prostudiomasters.com/
💰Price: Prices vary significantly depending on the album and resolution, ranging from around $6.99 to $74.99. They frequently have sales and discounted albums.
✨Best for: Audiophiles who demand the highest quality source material and are willing to pay for meticulously mastered high-resolution FLAC files.
ProStudioMasters is another website to purchase FLAC music. After purchases, it offers music downloads in FLAC at 96 kHz/24-bit and other high-res formats, like AIFF. They emphasize the quality of their source material, often working directly with labels and studios.
With a focus on sound fidelity, the platform caters to listeners who demand studio-grade quality. It also provides a curated collection across various genres, such as blues, DSD, classical, country, electronic, hip hop, jazz, rock, R&B, and so on. While purchases are required, the quality and selection justify the investment.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Focuses on providing premium high-resolution audio sourced directly from master recordings
- Offers lossless FLAC and AIFF formats.
- Curated collection with an emphasis on well-recorded albums.
Cons
- Selection might be more niche compared to mainstream platforms.
#9. Idagio
🔗Website: https://www.idagio.com/us
💰Price: $12.99/month
✨Best for: Classical music enthusiasts who want high-quality streaming and offline listening.
Designed specifically for classical music, Idagio provides a library of over 2 million tracks and exclusive releases. As a streaming music service, you can subscribe to its Premium Audio plan, stream music in the best quality (FLAC 16-bit, 44.1 kHz) and get the option for offline listening. But direct purchase and download of classical music as standalone FLAC files might not be their primary model.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Specialized streaming service for classical music.
- Excellent search functionalities tailored for classical music.
Cons
- Limited to classical music.
- Small music library.
#10. HIGHRESAUDIO
🔗Website: https://www.highresaudio.com/
💰Price: $10 to $30
✨Best for: Audiophiles looking for a dedicated store for high-resolution audio downloads in FLAC format with competitive pricing and a good selection.
HIGHRESAUDIO is a Europe-based platform focused on high-resolution music. It offers direct buys and downloads in 24-bit FLAC and other formats, emphasizing quality and exclusivity. With a strong catalog with new releases and best-selling high-resolution albums of jazz, classical, and rock, it is perfect for collectors and serious listeners.
Pros and cons of this site
Pros
- Offers a wide range of music across various genres.
- Competitive pricing with frequent limited-time offers.
- User-friendly website for browsing and purchasing high-resolution audio.
- Download 24-bit FLAC, DSD, DXD, MQA, and Multichannel
Cons
- Might not have the same level of brand recognition as some larger platforms.
Quick Comparison among FLAC Music Download Sites
To provide a clear overview, the following table offers a quick comparison of the key features and characteristics of each FLAC music download websites discussed.
| Platform | Focus | FLAC Format | Pricing | Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Archive | Free, Archival | Common FLAC | Free | Diverse, often independent/live |
| 7digital | Download Store | 16-bit and 24-bit | Albums: ~$9.99 - $24.99; Tracks: ~$1.99 | Modern, Hit Tracks, Hi-Res Section |
| HDTracks | Hi-Res Download Store | 96 kHz or 192 kHz at 24-bit or 44.1 kHz at 16-bit | Albums: ~$12.98 - $41.08 | Extensive, Audiophile-focused |
| Amazon Music Unlimited | Streaming Service | 24-bit/192 kHz | $11.99/month | 100 Million Tracks |
| Qobuz | Streaming & Download | Hi-Res FLAC | Varies; often album purchase for FLAC | Curated, Diverse, Independent Focus |
| Tidal | Streaming Service | Hi-Res FLAC | $10.99/month | 110 Million Tracks |
| Deezer | Streaming Service | 16-bit/44.1kHz | $11.99/month | 120 Million Tracks |
| ProStudioMasters | Hi-Res Download Store | 96 kHz/24-bit | $6.99 - $74.99 per album | Curated, High-Quality Sourced |
| Idagio | Classical Streaming | 16-bit, 44.1 kHz | $12.99/month | Extensive Classical |
| HIGHRESAUDIO | Streaming & Hi-Res Download Store | 24-bit | ~$10 to $30 | Wide Range, New Releases Highlighted |
In Conclusion
The landscape for downloading FLAC music is diverse, catering to different needs and budgets. Dedicated high-resolution stores like HDtracks, 7digital, ProStudioMasters, and HIGHRESAUDIO offer a wide selection of premium quality files for purchase. For those seeking free options, the Internet Archive provides a valuable resource.
While streaming services like Amazon Music Unlimited, Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer offer lossless streaming and cache FLAC music downloads for limited offline playback. Tools like DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder can bridge this gap for personal use, allowing you to create FLAC files from streaming sources.
Ultimately, the best site for you will depend on your budget, desired audio quality, musical tastes, and whether you prefer to purchase and own your FLAC music files or subscribe to a streaming service.
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