Streaming services have revolutionized the way we listen to music. Among them, Apple Music excels in offering access to millions of songs, curated playlists, and exclusive content. While streaming is convenient, it often requires a stable internet connection, making it less ideal for those who want to listen offline or on devices without internet access. That's where Apple Music downloaders come in, allowing you to download your favorite tracks and playlists for offline use.
Whether you are on a PC, Mac, or mobile device, there are various options to download Apple Music content. In this guide, we will explore the top 9 Apple Music downloaders, including desktop tools, free online services, and methods for iOS devices. We'll also answer some common questions about Apple Music downloads and offer a comparison of the best tools available. Curious? Let's dive into the details.
Part 1. Apple Music Downloader for Mac/Windows
Because of subscription bundles and DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection, Apple Music restricts your listening experience to its official app and active membership. To download Apple Music tracks to your local storage for use on other devices, you must bypass these restrictions using advanced conversion tools.
For users who prefer managing their library on a desktop, specialized software offers the most stable and efficient solution. These professional tools can secure music in high-fidelity formats like MP3 and FLAC while supporting high-speed batch downloads, making them the ideal for music enthusiasts or DJs.
Below, we have selected two of the most reliable and high-performance downloaders currently available for Apple Music.
#1. AudFree Apple Music Downloader
AudFree Apple Music Converter one of the top-rated Apple Music downloaders available for both Mac and Windows. This tool allows you to download your entire Apple Music library and playlists in various formats, including Lossless, MP3, FLAC, WAV, and M4A, all without sacrificing quality.
As a full-featured best Apple Music converter and downloader, it can download and convert Apple Music to Mac/PC so that users can keep all Apple Music songs free forever, even without a subscription. Besides, you can keep the ID3 tags of the output Apple Music to personalize the output audio. If you want to try adding hundreds of songs to download at once, AudFree Apple Music Converter's batch conversion feature can do it perfectly. And it can do the downloading and conversion process at a rapid speed.
| Supported OS | Windows and Mac with the latest version |
| Price | Free trial; $14.95/month; $44.95/year; $89.95 for lifetime |
| Recommendations | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Download all Apple Music tracks on Mac/Windows computers locally;
Convert Apple Music to MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, etc. at up to 17X speed;
Keep ID3 tags of output Apple Music, including title, album, artist, genre, etc.;
Customize output parameters like output format, audio channel, bit rate, and more;
Play Apple Music offline on any desired device or player without a subscription;
Batch download support and 100% lossless output for the best audio quality
The trial version converts only the 30 seconds of each Apple Music track;
For personal use only
Tutorial: How Does AudFree Apple Music Downloader Work for Windows/Mac
- Step 1. Add Apple Music Songs to AudFree Apple Music Converter
- Download and launch AudFree Apple Music Converter on your PC or Mac. Find the Apple Music file and add it to AudFree conversion window. Just tap the song or playlist > tap the '+' button > 'add to list' to make it. For batch conversion, just add multiple Apple Music files directly for one conversion.
- Step 2. Set Apple Music Output Format
- Once Apple Music is added, just click the 'Menu' icon > 'Preferences' > 'Conversion' to select Apple Music output format including MP3, M4A, or FLAC. Meanwhile, you are allowed to define audio parameters such as channel, sample rate, bit rate, etc.
- Step 3. Download and Convert Apple Music
- Now, click the "Convert" button in the lower-right corner in the Converting window and AudFree Apple Music Downloader will automatically convert Apple Music according to your settings. Once it's done, you'll get your Apple Music downloads on your computer, then you're free to listen to Apple Music offline on any device you like.
#2. AudFree Streaming Music Downloader
Another excellent tool from AudFree, the AudFree Streaming Music Converter lets you convert and download Apple Music songs to various formats. It's an all-in-one audio recorder for Mac and Windows that can capture audio from over ten major streaming services on your computer, including Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube Music, and more.
This professional and easy-to-use Apple Music recorder uses innovative and advanced audio recording technology to achieve 100% preservation of the original Apple Music quality. Previously, Apple Music or Spotify could only be played on authorized devices, but with the aid of this tool, you can capture online audio as native files. After conversion, you can listen to your music on all devices and players without any difficulty, not just Apple Music.
| Supported OS | Windows and Mac with the latest version |
| Price | Free trial; $29.95/month; $69.95/year; $159.95 for lifetime |
| Recommendations | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Capture tracks from ten major streaming service on PC/Mac, including Apple Music and Spotify;
Record Apple Music to MP3, AIFF, WAV, FLAC, etc.;
Batch conversion and store Apple Music as a local file;
Keep 100% original ID3 tag information of recorded Apple Music;
Customize the quality of audio from Apple Music, like channels, bit rate, sample rate, and more
Trial version cannot unlock all features
Tutorial: How to Use AudFree Streaming Music Converter
Step 1. Download and install the AudFree all-in-One program on your computer. Launch it and activate the full version using your license.
Step 2. Go to 'Menu' > 'Preferences' > 'Conversion' to customize the output format and audio parameters based on your needs.
Step 3. After saving the settings, click the Apple Music icon. Sign in to your account, browse your library, and click the '+' button to add the tracks you want to download.
Step 4. Once the process is complete, all selected songs will be saved to your local folder. You can now enjoy your Apple Music library offline permanently, without the need for a recurring monthly subscription.
Part 2. Free Apple Music Downloaders Online
When you hear a catchy Apple Music song, you may wish to spare no effort to download Apple Music online. There are some free online Apple Music downloaders available. While these tools can be convenient, they typically have limitations in terms of download quality, speed, and the ability to process full playlists. If you're comfortable with these limitations for occasional use, here are the most reliable online Apple Music downloaders currently available.
#1. AAPLmusicDownloader
Link: https://aaplmusicdownloader.com/
AAPLmusicDownloader is an excellent solution for those who want a quick, browser-based way to save tracks. It allows you to convert Apple Music songs into high-quality MP3s without the hassle of installing extra software or logging into your account. Whether you are on your phone or computer, this tool makes it easy to archive your favorite playlists for free, permanently.
| Supported OS | Web-based (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) |
| Price | Free |
| Recommendations | ⭐️⭐️⭐ |
Support Windows, Mac, Android and iOS;
Free to use;
No software installation or account login required;
All downloaded Apple Music songs retain metadata
Restricted to MP3 output only;
Unable to download Apple Music in bulk;
Can't edit metadata;
No advanced audio output customization
Tutorial: How to Download Apple Music via APPLmusicDownloader
Step 1. Go to the Apple Music Web Player or Apple Music app on your mobile or desktop device.
Step 2. Locate the track/playlist you want to download. Then copy its link address via 'Share'.
Step 3. Open the APPLmusicDownloader website. Then put the copied link into the text box.
Step 4. Once pasted, click on the 'Download' button on the right side.
Step 5. Later, the tool will show you the target download link and ZIP download. Then you can hit on the option to download music from Apple.
#2. APLMate
Link: https://aplmate.com/
APLMate is a popular web-based utility designed for users who prioritize speed and simplicity. It provides a straightforward interface to extract audio from Apple Music links without requiring any account registration or software downloads. While it is highly accessible, it is best suited for casual users looking to download individual tracks rather than entire libraries.
| Supported OS | Web-based (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) |
| Price | Free |
| Recommendations | ⭐️⭐️⭐ |
No hidden costs or premium tiers for basic downloading;
Operates entirely within your browser;
Supports downloading the HD cover separately;
User-friendly design with a simple copy-paste workflow
Features a lower success rate compared to professional tools;
Lacks the ability to process playlists or albums;
Only supports MP3 output;
The website occasionally experiences downtime or server lag during peak hours
Tutorial: How to Use APLMate Free Apple Music Downloader Online
Step 1. Open the Apple Music app or web player. Navigate to the song you want, tap the Three Dots (...), and select 'Copy Link'.
Step 2. Go to the official APLMate website using any browser on your computer or mobile device.
Step 3. Paste the copied URL into the input box on the homepage and click the 'Download' button. The tool will take a few moments to analyze the link and generate a download file.
Step 4. Once the conversion is complete, click the final 'Download MP3' button. The song will be saved directly to your local storage for offline playback anytime.
#3. Acethinker Free Online Music Downloader
Link: https://www.acethinker.ai/music-downloader
Acethinker Free Online Music Downloader is also a good online Apple Music downloader. It allows users to download Apple Music tracks directly to MP3. It works for many different streaming platforms, including Apple Music, YouTube, and Spotify. Although it's free and easy to use, the tool has some limitations in terms of quality and compatibility, and it may not always be able to download DRM-protected content.
| Supported OS | Web-based (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) |
| Price | Free (Basic) / Paid (Pro Desktop version) |
| Recommendations | ⭐️⭐️⭐ |
No installation or account required (Only ~128kbps MP3);
Features a built-in search bar that allows you to find music by title or artist, even without a direct link;
Compatible with 1,000+ sites beyond Apple Music;
Automatically assigns the song title and artist to the file name and basic ID3 tags;
Generally fewer intrusive redirects compared to other free competitors;
Supports MP3, FLAC, WAV, and OGG, while need a premium plan
Limits users to 5 downloads per day;
Frequently fails to embed album covers or release years;
High-quality 320kbps downloads are usually reserved for the paid desktop software;
Does not support batch or playlist-wide downloads;
May occasionally fail to decode certain Apple Music links due to regional protection
While the basic online version typically supports standard ID3 tags like title and artist, it often falls short with more granular data. High-resolution album art, track numbers, and genre classifications are frequently lost or incorrectly embedded during the web-based conversion process.
Tutorial: How to Use Acethinker Free Online Music Downloader
Step 1. Go to the Apple Music web player or app. Find the song or album you want, click Share, and then Copy Link.
Step 2. Visit online tool and paste your link into the large search box on the homepage. Click the 'Search' button.
Step 3. The tool will display the song information and metadata. Click the "Get Download" button to generate a secure conversion link.
Step 4. Finally, click 'Download MP3' to save the file. The track will be stored in your device's default "Downloads" folder, complete with the original cover art and ID3 tags.
#4. am-dl
Link: https://am-dl.pages.dev/
am-dl is a web-based Apple Music downloader that has quickly gained popularity among users looking for a streamlined and customizable way to download Apple Music content. Known for its clean, efficient approach, am-dl sets itself apart by focusing on metadata preservation and customization rather than simply matching audio with external sources, like many other online downloaders.
| Supported OS | Web-based (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) |
| Price | Free |
| Recommendations | ⭐️⭐️⭐ |
Preserves full ID3 tags;
Downloads and embeds .lrc lyrics;
Supports animated and high-quality album covers;
No account or installation required
Mainly outputs MP3/M4A;
Conversions may be slow during peak times;
Advanced settings can overwhelm beginners;
Cannot bypass Apple encryption for true lossless downloads
Tutorial: How to Get Apple Music Downloads via am-dl
Step 1. Go to the Apple Music app or web player. Select your desired song or album, and click Copy Link.
Step 2. Open am-dl.pages.dev in your browser. Before pasting your link, click on the Settings (gear icon) if you wish to enable features like "Embed Lyrics" or "Save cover.jpg".
Step 3. Paste your URL into the main search bar. The tool will instantly fetch the track details and display the available quality options.
Step 4. Click the "Download" button. For albums, the tool may generate a ZIP file to keep your tracks organized. Once the process is finished, save the file to your local "Downloads" folder or sync it to your mobile device.
#5. apple-music-downloader.com
Link: https://apple-music-downloader.com/
As its name suggests, this is a dedicated web tool built specifically for the Apple Music ecosystem. It offers a streamlined, no-frills experience for users who want to grab single tracks, full albums, or curated playlists. Its primary strength lies in its simplicity. You can just paste the Apple Music song's URL to this online tool and then proceed to download tracks from Apple Music with ease.
| Supported OS | Web-based (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) |
| Price | Free |
| Recommendations | ⭐️⭐️ |
Works entirely in your browser;
Capable of parsing links for individual songs, albums, and even long-form playlists;
Because it focuses solely on Apple Music, the parsing engine is often more consistent than multi-site downloaders
Lacks the depth of Lossless audio;
Even when pasting a playlist link, each track must be downloaded individually;
Some tracks may fail to parse;
Offers no flexibility for users who prefer AAC, WAV, or FLAC formats
Tutorial: How to Use apple-music-downloader.com
Step 1. On your device, head to the Apple Music platform and get the link to the track you like.
Step 2. Navigate to apple-music-downloader.com via a web browser.
Step 3. Insert the URL address into the box on the screen and hit the 'Start' button.
Step 4. Tap the 'Get Download' button next to the target song.
Step 5. Now, press the 'Download MP3' button to start downloading Apple Music songs.
Although the site is still online, it has recently become unreliable, often triggering errors when analyzing links. If you need a stable solution for downloading entire playlists at once, we recommend a professional desktop converter like AudFree Apple Music Downloader.
#6. Soundloaders Apple Music Downloader [Not Working]
Link: Not Available
Soundloaders was once a premier Apple Music Downloader for high-quality 320kbps MP3 downloads across various platforms. However, in 2026, its Apple Music service is frequently offline or unstable. While the interface remains clean, the technical backend often fails to parse Apple's latest encryption layers.
| Supported OS | Web-based (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) |
| Price | Free |
| Recommendations | ⭐️ (Current Status: Offline) |
Historically required no registration or personal data, ensuring a high level of anonymity;
Optimized for mobile browsers, saving both device storage and data usage;
Provides a straightforward, ad-light experience when the service is functional
The official domain has been decommissioned and is no longer reachable on the network;
Only supports MP3 output, which may not satisfy users looking for Lossless (FLAC/ALAC) audio;
In addition to the online downloaders mentioned above, MP3 Juice can be a flexible option for casual users who don't prioritize high audio quality. It supports searches by song title or artist name, making it quick and easy to find tracks.
Part 3. Apple Music Downloader for iOS
For users who prefer to download Apple Music directly onto their iPhone or iPad without a computer, iOS Shortcuts offer a powerful, mobile-native alternative. By utilizing the built-in Shortcuts app, you can run custom scripts designed to fetch and save audio files. While these mobile solutions are generally more limited in speed and batch-processing power compared to desktop software, they provide unparalleled convenience for downloading individual tracks on the go.
| Supported OS | iOS |
| Price | Free |
| Recommendations | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Uses the native Apple Shortcuts app already installed on your iOS device;
Files are saved directly to your iPhone's Files app or Music Library, making them immediately available;
No subscription or hidden fees;
Once set up, downloading can be triggered with just a few taps via the "Share" sheet
Requires enabling "Allow Untrusted Shortcuts" in your device settings, which may be intimidating for some users;
hortcuts often break when Apple updates iOS or changes the Apple Music web API, requiring you to find a new version;
Often struggles to embed high-quality album art or lyrics compared to professional tools like AudFree;
Generally inefficient for large playlists, suited for individual song downloads
Step 1. Search for a trusted Apple Music downloader shortcut (such as "Apple Music Downloader" or "R⤓Download") on RoutineHub and add it to your Shortcuts gallery. You may need to grant permissions for the shortcut to access your library and the internet.
Step 2. Open the Apple Music app, find the track you want to save, and tap the 'Three Dots (...) > Copy Link'.
Step 3. Open the Shortcuts app and tap on your downloader shortcut. Alternatively, if the shortcut supports it, you can trigger it directly from the Share Sheet after copying the link.
Step 4. The shortcut will process the link and prompt you to choose a save location. Select a folder in the Files app (such as "On My iPhone"). Your track is now saved as a local file, ready for offline playback!
Part 4. Comparison of Best Music Downloaders for Apple
Since the 9 top Apple Music downloaders are mentioned above, which one is the best? Let's take a look at the comparison table below to understand the differences among them.
| Feature | AudFree Apple Music Downloader | AudFree Streaming Music Downloader | AAPLmusicDownloader | APLMate | Acethinker | am-dl | apple-music-downloader.com | Soundloaders Apple Music Downloader | ShortCut |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible OS | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | iOS |
| Input Source | Apple Music | Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, and more | Apple Music | Apple Music | Apple Music, YouTube, Spotify | Apple Music | Apple Music | Apple Music | Apple Music |
| Output Format | MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, AIFF, Lossless, M4B | MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, AIFF, Lossless, M4B | MP3 | MP3, M4A | MP3 | MP3 | MP3 | MP3 | MP3 |
| Conversion Speed | 17X | 17X | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Customize Quality | ✅️ | ✅️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Max Audio Quality | LOSSLESS | LOSSLESS | 320 kbps | 320 kbps | 128 kbps | 320 kbps | 128 kbps | 320 kbps | 128 kbps |
| Price | $14.95/Month | $29.95/Month | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Success Rate | 100% | 100% | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Ratings | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
All in all, AudFree Apple Music Downloader should come out on top because it has lossless output quality and faster conversion speed. What's more, you can use it to download Apple Music without any security issues. As for Apple Music downloader free online, you can choose AAPLmusicDownloader, APLMate or am-dl, because they are free and easy to use. After that, you will enjoy songs from Apple Music offline even you cancel your Apple Music subscription.
Part 5. FAQs About Apple Music Downloaders & Downloads
What happens to my downloaded files if I cancel my Apple Music subscription?
If you cancel your Apple Music subscription, any downloaded music that is DRM-protected will no longer be accessible. However, any music you've converted (via converter like AudFree) to an unprotected format (like MP3 or FLAC) will remain on your device, even after canceling.
Does an Apple Music downloader keep the original Dolby Atmos or Spatial Audio quality?
Most Apple Music downloaders do not retain Dolby Atmos or Spatial Audio quality. These formats are part of the Apple Music streaming ecosystem and are typically not supported by third-party downloaders. You may be able to get high-quality MP3 (320 kbps) or FLAC (24 bit/ 192 kHz) files, but you won't maintain the immersive audio quality.
Is it safe to enter my Apple ID credentials into a third-party downloader?
It is generally not recommended to input your Apple ID credentials into third-party downloaders, as this can lead to potential security risks, including account theft or unauthorized access. Instead, stick to trusted and well-established tools, such as AudFree Apple Music Downloader or AudFree Streaming Music Downloader.
Are there any Apple Music downloaders that work on Linux or Chromebooks?
Currently, most Apple Music downloaders are designed for Windows and Mac. However, you may find some web-based tools that work on Linux and Chromebooks, though these may be limited in features or quality.
Do I need to have the Apple Music/iTunes app installed on my computer for the downloader to work?
In most cases, yes. Standard third-party converters rely on a background connection to the official Apple Music or iTunes application to access your library and decode your tracks.
However, professional-grade tools like AudFree Apple Music Converter offer a much more streamlined experience. Because AudFree features a built-in web player, it can browse and fetch your music directly within its own interface. This means you can download and convert your library without needing to have the Apple Music or iTunes app installed or running on your computer at all. This not only saves system resources but also provides a more stable, 'all-in-one' workflow for your conversions.
Conclusion
Finding the right Apple Music downloader depends largely on your needs and preferences. If you value high-quality audio, batch downloading, and a intuitive interface, a desktop solution like AudFree is your best bet. For those looking for a quick and free solution, online tools such as AAPLmusicDownloader or Acethinker Free Online Music Downloader are convenient but have their limitations. For iOS users, the Shortcuts app provides a way to download songs directly to your device.
Each downloader has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, but with the right tool, you can enjoy your Apple Music tracks anytime, anywhere, even without an internet connection.
James Blair
Staff Editor
