Where can I download FLAC music? There are no good sites in the mega thread. --- A question from Reddit
FLAC, also known as the Free Lossless Audio Codec, is an audio coding format for lossless compression of digital audio, developed by Xiph. FLAC is a music file format that offers bit-perfect copies of CDs but at half the size. FLAC files are available from online stores for about the same price as the equivalent MP3 and sound much better. FLAC supports tags, so you can easily organize and categorize your music library. It is also universally compatible with most music players. FLAC is lossless and more like a ZIP file, which means it can reduce the size of the audio file without losing any of the original quality.
If you care about sound quality, FLAC is undoubtedly your best option. If you are also looking for a way to download lossless FLAC files, this article will introduce you to various best FLAC music downloaders (including both software and websites), making it easy to find the perfect match for your FLAC music download needs.
Part 1. Best FLAC Music Downloaders
#1. Macsome Music One - All-in-One Lossless FLAC Music Downloader
Website: https://www.macsome.com/music-one/
Price: Free Trial. As low as $14.95.
If you download FLAC files from streaming platforms, the most effective way is to use Macsome Music One! It is an all-in-one FLAC Music Downloader that allows you to effortlessly convert music to FLAC from different streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, etc. With the customizable output settings, the best option can reach 24bit (bit depth) and 192 kHz (sample rate) at best, enabling you to enjoy lossless tracks. Besides, this reliable FLAC music downloader can also preserve ID3 tags, allowing you to manage your local music collection easily.
With the help of Macsome Music One, you are also able to download music from SoundCloud, Qobuz, YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, or other popular websites you always use. Furthermore, Macome also provides a free FLAC Converter that lets you convert local audio files to FLAC, MP3, M4A, WAV, OGG, and AIFF. Another free tool of Macsome, AI Audio Splitter, can separate vocals and instrumentals from any audio files and save them as FLAC files. Besides, you can also download radios to FLAC with original quality. Macsome is a good choice for audiophiles who want to download lossless FLAC music. There are more features waiting for you to discover for yourself.
How to Download Lossless FLAC with Macsome Music One?
Step 1. Download, install, and launch Macsome Music One on your computer. Select the music streaming platform you want to download from, for example, we'll use the Tidal app. When you click on the Tidal module, you'll switch to the Tidal app mode by default. Log into your account.
Step 2. Click "Settings" on the left, and set FLAC as the output format. You can also set the bit depth, sample rate, output folder, and other output parameters.
Step 3. In the Tidal app, drag and drop the songs or playlist to the Macsome you'd like to download, then click "Add" to import the songs into the main menu.
Step 4. Click the "Convert" button to start downloading the FLAC songs. When the process is completed, go to the "Converted" tab to find your local FLAC files.
Pros:
- Download lossless FLAC from Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, or other streaming services.
- Convert streaming music to FLAC, WAV, MP3, AIFF, AAC, or ALAC format.
- Record FLAC files from YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, etc.
- The original high-quality of any FLAC music files can be preserved.
- Batch downloading FLAC music files at up to 10x faster speed.
- Built-in free FLAC audio converter.
Cons:
- Need to download.
#2. HDTracks - Online Seller of Lossless FLAC Music
Website: https://www.hdtracks.com
Price: The general price of its music is between $12.98-$41.08.
HDTracks is a high-definition music streaming platform. This FLAC music downloader is also a lossless audio download site, perfect for audiophiles or music lovers. This site allows users to download their favorite tracks in optimal quality with 24-bit, 352 kHz sound quality. Most of the tracks are available in various lossless formats such as FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, WAV, and DSD. In addition, it has a clear and organized navigation that allows users to control the site. It has an extensive list of music genres from rock, jazz, classical, and even contemporary music such as pop. It also allows music lovers to search for their favorite artists, composers, genres, categories, and record labels. More importantly, this service will enable you to play music samples before buying. After downloading, you can use the VOX music player or VLC to play it.
How to Use HDtracks to Download FLAC Music?
Step 1. Visit the HDtracks website and create an account. Browse the catalog and select the music you want to purchase. Proceed with the purchase.
Step 2. Afterward, you can access your purchase. Select your preferred download format.
Step 3. Install the HDtracks download manager, then you can start downloading the HDtracks' high-quality audio files after your transaction has been successfully completed. And you'll find your downloads in the "My HDtracks Music" folder within your PC or Mac's music folder.
Pros:
- High-quality FLAC audio downloads.
- Wide range of genres and artists.
- Regular promotions and discounts.
Cons:
- Requires payment for downloads.
- Limited free content.
- Not all music comes as FLAC.
#3. Qobuz - Online Lossless FLAC Download Store
Website: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/shop
Price: The general price of its music is between $8.99-$19.99.
Qobuz is a French commercial music streaming and lossless FLAC download platform. It has a huge catalog and library of new releases and old songs. In addition, this platform offers digital music streaming quality. Also, CD quality (FLAC 16-bit/44.1 kHz) and Hi-Res quality (FLAC 24-bit/192 kHz). In addition, the interface of this FLAC songs download site is very comprehensive because each section is in grid mode on its interface. This platform is unique in showing the exact quality specifications and information for the track currently playing. Users can select and browse new releases of lossless music according to genre, quality, and upcoming music files.
How to Download FLAC Files from the Qobuz Download Store?
Step 1. Visit the Qobuz download store through your browser on your device, click the album you'd like to order, and open the album page. From the qualities available, select the one you want from the section in the top-right corner of the page.
Step 2. To purchase an album, add the albums to your cart by clicking "Add to basket." You can access your basket at any time by clicking on the basket icon in the top right of the screen. Once in your basket, you can see all the albums that you have selected. You can still change your desired quality for each album or remove them from your basket.
Step 3. Click the "Access Payment" on the cart page. For a single track, click the "Buy" button.
Step 4. Choose your means of payment and fill in the required fields. Click "Pay" to finalize your order. You can then download your music from your account.
Pros:
- Extensive catalog of high-resolution audio files.
- Supports multiple audio formats, including FLAC.
- Offers both streaming and download options.
- Offers a free trial for new users.
Cons:
- Requires a subscription for full access.
- Limited free content.
- Not available in all areas.
#4. 7Digital - 24-bit FLAC Download Site
Website: https://us.7digital.com/
Price: This site sells hi-res music from $11.99 to $23.99. Some single tracks cost only $1.49.
7Digital is a British music streaming service that allows users to download music files. It has download options from their favorite record labels, brands, artists, or composers in high resolution. It offers fair and legal music services. Thus, playing or downloading music through this platform is safe and clean. It also allows users to hand-pick their favorite lossless tracks. And even music by accessing their recommendations, track charts, new releases, and more. It also offers high-quality lossless song download files up to 16-bit FLAC (CD resolution) or 24-bit sound quality. Users can also listen to a 30-second high-definition audio preview to get an idea of a particular track.
How to Download FLAC Songs from 7Digital?
Step 1. Go to 7Digital, sign in to it, or sign up. Find the album you wish to download, and purchase it.
Step 2. Later, your purchases will be added to your 'locker'/ 'My Music' section.
Step 3. Head to this section and click on the album artwork - a new page will open.
Step 4. Click on the "Download Zip" button to start your download. You will then need to extract the files from the zip folder. Alternatively, you can download tracks one by one by clicking the blue "download" button next to each track on the album.
Pros:
- Download 24-bit FLAC music.
- Offers a music catalog of over 80M tracks.
- Offers music from many different genres, artists, and record labels.
Cons:
- Need to register.
- Only accept payments through PayPal.
- Must purchase music by track or album, which can be expensive.
#5. ProStudioMasters - 24-bit FLAC High-Resolution Audio Downloads
Website: https://www.prostudiomasters.com/
Price: This site sells hi-res music from $4.99 to $74.99.
ProStudioMasters is an online music streaming service for 24-bit FLAC, AIFF, MQA, and DSD / DSF High-Resolution Audio. These include Country, Blues, R&B/Soul, and more. Furthermore, this platform allows users to stream and download lossless music tracks up to 192kHz/24-bit. To download FLAC files from ProStudioMasters, you need to download a Download Manager, which allows users to manage the lossless format after purchase. It also allows users to browse and stream music using the intuitive navigation located at the top of the streaming site. Users can search for trending songs, new releases, singers/songwriters, and more. It also requires users to create an account to manage their playlists and audio tracks for media transfers.
How to Use ProStudioMasters to Download 24-bit FLAC?
Step 1. Visit the ProStudioMasters website, sign in with your email address and password, or create an account.
Step 2. Browse and click the albums you want to download. Select FLAC from the output format list, and click "Buy Album", then "Added to cart."
Step 3. Go to the cart, you'll see the selected items listed, click "Proceed to Checkout".
Step 4. After payment, you'll need to download and install the Download Manager to download tracks on your computer.
Pros:
- Download FLAC, AIFF, MQA, and DSD / DSF High-Resolution Audio.
- Large catalog of tracks covering a variety of genres.
Cons:
- Need a Download Manager to download tracks.
- Need registration or sign-ups.
#6. J-pop Music Download - Hi-Res & Lossless Music Downloads
Website: https://jpop.xyz/
Price: This site sells tracks from $14.95 to $22.95.
J-pop Music Download is another lossless format download site that specializes in a large collection of East Asian music genres. This allows users to download music from J-pop, K-pop, C-pop, and TV music. In addition, this site compiles tracks into a RAR file, so downloading lossless music is easy and smooth. This FLAC song download site is perfect for East Asian pop fans to connect and share their thoughts about their favorite idols. Additionally, it can download up to 24-bit high-resolution music output using FLAC file formats and allows you to merge records. J-pop Music Download also offers popular music videos of high quality. However, you need a Premium account of FileJoker to download music.
How to Get FLAC Tracks from J-pop Music Download?
Step 1. Visit the jpop.xyz website, find the songs you want to download.
Step 2. On the tracks' detailed page, you'll see the download link.
Step 3. Click the link, you can download it from FileJoker. But you need a Premium account to download.
Pros:
- Download 24bit/44.1kHz FLAC files.
- Download music from J-pop, K-pop, C-pop, and TV music.
Cons:
- Registration is required.
- Music downloading requires a Premium account.
- Only offers East Asian music.
#7. Internet Archive - Free Online FLAC Music Download
Website: https://archive.org/details/audio
Price: Free.
The Internet Archive is an American non-profit organization that offers free access to digitized materials, including music. This FLAC music download site provides free or universal access to collections of digitized music, movies, books, and other files. On this site, users can find a lot of FLAC lossless audio and music. Users can access and download them by entering FLAC-related keywords in the search bar. In addition, it allows users to sort FLAC files by name, creator, language, year, and so on. You can also search for high-quality FLAC files with up to 24-bit quality. With the help of this site, you can download anime songs or any music genre you like.
How to Download FLAC Tracks from the Internet Archive?
Step 1. Go to the Internet Archive website, you can always directly browse the Internet Archive's Open Library to find audio files available for downloading.
Step 2. Hit the audio file you want, scroll download and you'll see the DOWNLOAD OPTIONS section on the right side of the page.
Step 3. Click "SHOW ALL", it will show you all the formats that this track is available, you can select the FLAC format. Then you'll see the playing page, click on the three dots, select the "Download" option, and your download will start automatically.
Pros:
- Download songs to FLAC, MP3, OGG, etc.
- Offline listening is possible by downloading in various formats.
- Provide free access to a wide range of knowledge, including books, music, and more.
- Help users find information that would otherwise be difficult to access.
- Free upload of movies, audio, texts, software, images, and other formats.
- No user account is required.
Cons:
- Difficult to explore archives if one is not familiar with the language, or script.
- Lack of the latest content due to the copyright issue.
#8. Bandcamp - Online FLAC Music Store
Website: https://bandcamp.com/
Price: This site sells albums from $4 or more.
Bandcamp is an online record store and music community. Artists can upload their music to Bandcamp, and fans can use Bandcamp to purchase it. Fans can listen to songs before they make any purchases. If they like it enough to pay for it, payment goes directly to the artist. Artists may allow unlimited streams or downloads for free. Users can download in any (or all) of the following formats on Bandcamp: FLAC, MP3 V0, MP3 320, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, ALAC, WAV, and AIFF. It's free to sign up for a fan or artist account. Through the Discover page, fans can browse for music by genre, popularity, format, and more. Bandcamp is great for finding music that you wouldn't find in many other places because it's a platform full of new and independent artists.
How to Download FLAC Music from Bandcamp?
Step 1. Go to the Bandcamp website, and select the music you want to buy. Check out using PayPal, a credit or debit card, or a Bandcamp gift card.
Step 2. After you finish the checkout process, you can grab your purchase using the download link Bandcamp email to you at the time of sale.
Step 3. Just click the download link, and you'll guide to your Collection page on the web or Android devices. Select FLAC from the format dropdown. Click download to get the high-quality audio file.
Pros:
- Multiple download formats available (FLAC, MP3, etc.)
- Free FLAC downloads for certain tracks or albums.
- Wide variety of genres and independent artists.
- Option to download full albums for free in some cases.
- Easy-to-use interface for discovering new music.
- No user account required for free downloads.
Cons:
- Music download quality may vary.
- Lacks customization and options.
- Doesn't have a social media-savvy side.
Conclusion
This article collected the top 8 best FLAC music downloaders, these sites or software offer a wealth of free or paid FLAC music downloads across various genres. Some sites, such as Internet Archive and Bandcamp, offer free FLAC downloads for specific tracks or albums. There are also music streaming platforms such as Qobuz, HDtracks, 7Digital, etc. that allow you to download high-quality FLAC music after purchase. Compared with other FLAC download sites, Macsome Music One is the best choice for you. It can download lossless FLAC music from almost all popular music streaming platforms. There is no need to buy the particular album in advance. It supports converting albums, playlists, podcasts, or even audiobooks from streaming services directly to FLAC. Macsome Music One is a one-time program that allows you to download FLAC music files to your computer. So you can enjoy lossless FLAC on any player at no extra cost.