Best Free Radio for Studying in 2025

It’s back-to-school time, and regardless if you’re studying in your dorm or from home, you’ll probably need some music to help tune out the outside world and focus on the learning at hand. Here are some free radio stations that are ideal for studying.

Pandora

This bad boy’s been around forever, and for good reason. You pick a song or artist, and it spins up a station based on that vibe. It’s like having a DJ who actually gets your taste. The free version’s got ads, but they’re not too annoying. If you’re picky about your study tunes, Pandora’s algorithm might just be your new best friend.

iHeart Radio

Think of it as radio on steroids. You’ve got your standard stations, plus custom ones you can build. What’s cool is you can jump between live radio and the on-demand stuff. So if you need that human touch to break up your study monotony, iHeart’s got you covered. Plus, they’ve got podcasts if you need a break from the beats.

LiveXLive (formerly Slacker Radio)

This used to be Slacker Radio, but they got a facelift. It’s kinda like Pandora, but with a twist. They’ve got these pre-made stations curated by actual humans, not just algorithms. If you’re too lazy (or busy cramming) to make your own playlists, LiveXLive does the heavy lifting. They’ve also got some live stuff and music news if you need a study break.

Spotify

Spotify’s got everything – playlists for days, podcasts, and even some exclusive content. Their algorithm for discovering new music is pretty sick. The free version’s got ads and you can’t pick exact songs on mobile, but the premium’s worth it if you’re serious about your study soundtrack. Plus, their collaborative playlists are clutch for group study sessions.