Are you searching for new tunes and artists that fit your taste?

Do you need some good music to listen to while working, studying, or driving?

Well, online radio is probably the best platform to discover new songs and listen to curated music.

And there are loads of online radio stations out there, so you’ll surely find something you like.

To make things easier for you, we compiled a list of the best internet radio stations.

Let’s dive in! 

1. KEXP

KEXP is a non-commercial radio station based in Seattle, Washington, created as a partnership between the University of Washington and Paul Allen’s Experience Music Project.

KEXP showcases music through in-person, broadcast, and online programming, while their live studio sessions offer a unique chance to hear emerging singers and bands as well as successful indie artists. 

And music always feels like it’s carefully handpicked. 

Moreover, KEXP’s website is a cool place to get music news, search for events, and discover new artists and playlists. 

So if you’re looking for a good Internet radio with a variety of content and quality music, KEXP is your station. 

2. Worldwide FM

Worldwide FM is a popular internet radio service based in London.

The platform is founded by Gilles Peterson, a broadcaster, DJ, and record label owner known for his work on BBC Radio. 

And as the name suggests, Worldwide FM is focused on the “underground music, culture and stories from around the globe.”

Just like KEXP, Worldwide FM provides live sessions and a lot of interesting content. 

And it has interviews, events, and discussions. 

3. Soho Radio 

If you’re looking for a commercial-free internet radio, you should check out Soho Radio. 

From its grassroots founding in 2014, Soho Radio has evolved and grown to be one of the best online radio stations. 

Soho Radio is now broadcasting live from Soho and New York, and it broadcasts more than 250 shows a month.

And it broadcasts a variety of music genres, from rockabilly and jazz to ambient and psychedelic music.

It’s a versatile radio for sure, inspired by Soho’s diverse culture.

4. Vintage FM 

If you like oldies, you should check out Vintage FM.

This popular internet radio station broadcasts the best music from the 70s and before to the world.

So, this is a great chance to hear some familiar hits as well as discover some new tunes from a different era.

Their website doesn’t look very fresh, but hey – it’s Vintage FM. 

5. KCRW

KCRW is an NPR  member station broadcasting from the campus of Santa Monica College.

Founded in 1945, KCRW is a great place to find new music and discover great artists.

Their daily shows usually feature new releases, live performances, and interviews

The music is not limited by any genre, and their DJ shows, podcasts, and live playlists are always fresh and interesting.

6. BBC Radio 6

If you’re searching for quality alternative music to listen to online, BBC Radio 6 is a classic. 

Although it’s owned and operated by BBC and attracts many listeners either way, BBC Radio 6 has millions of listeners from across the globe thanks to its free online radio service. 

BBC Radio 6 is focused primarily on alternative music, and it features interviews, shows, and podcasts.

Their website is well-designed and easy to navigate, so you can also catch up with the latest trends or discover new artists.

7. SomaFM

SomaFM is another popular free digital radio station.

It’s an independent streaming radio station supported entirely by donations from listeners. 

And unlike BBC Radio 6, SomaFM offers multiple channels focused on specific genres. 

You can listen to Groove Salad, Metal Detector, Underground 80s, PopTron, Indie Pop Rocks, Folk Forward, and so on. 

In other words, you can find all kinds of music on SomaFM, from pop tunes to ambient music. 

Their website isn’t very fresh and updated, but it’s very easy to navigate. 

The platform also allows you to add songs to a list of your favorites, which is cool. 

8. KUTX

KUTX is a non-commercial radio station based in Austin, Texas.

In the beginning, KUTX was focused on local acts and Texas legacy acts such as Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett.

And now, after 10 years of broadcasting, KUTX covers many genres, including hip-hop, electronic, and metal.

Just like SomaFM, KUTX is a non-profit service, supported entirely by the listeners. 

9. WWOZ

WWOZ is another great community-supported radio. 

Based in New Orleans, WWOZ plays Jazz, Blues, and other music related to New Orleans’ cultural heritage. 

On the WWOZ website, you can find music news, events, live event broadcasts, and so on.

All in all, WWOZ is a well-established digital radio station with a strong sense of community.

10. Pandora 

Pandora is a subscription-based music streaming platform and the largest streaming music provider in the US.

It’s also a popular go-to place to discover new music. 

If you’re a singer/songwriter, you can also try to get your music on Pandora. 

However, the online service is not available in all countries, so whether you’re able to listen to Pandora Radio depends on your location. 

11. Cinemix

If you enjoy listening to movie soundtracks, you should check out Cinemix.

Cinemix only plays film music – from iconic movie themes to lesser-known soundtracks. 

The station is founded by its listeners and it stays alive thanks to the support of its listeners from around the world.

Their website doesn’t look very fresh, but it has everything you need to discover more about the platform and its music. 

You can also become a VIP member and get the 20 most recently played songs (instead of just a few), dedicate and request songs, and more. 

12. WWPR-FM

WWPR-FM is an urban contemporary music radio station owned by iHeartMedia.

The station has changed a lot since it first aired in 1953 – from easy listening to the oldies-based format. 

The station’s current format, Power 105.1, is primarily focused on hip-hop and R&B music.

WWRP-FM is also home to the Breakfast Club, the nationally syndicated morning show.

13. Radio Paradise 

Radio Paradise is an online commercial-free radio fully supported by its listeners.

It’s founded and run by William Goldsmiths, an experienced and passionate DJ, sound engineer, and station manager. 

RP was launched in 2000 with the goal to become a station that encompasses a broad range of genres and prioritizes good music and the art of radio.

And the station stayed true to itself to this day – it’s completely free, and it broadcasts all kinds of interesting genres, from rock and indie to world music. 

Plus, it doesn’t have any shows, interviews, or news, so you can enjoy music without distractions.

How Does Internet Radio Work?

Internet radio is booming, and many networks like BBC, NPR, and iHeartMedia turned to streaming. 

Generally, online radio is a digital audio service transmitted via the Internet. 

So, the radio feed is streamed over the internet instead of broadcast on traditional AM or FM bands.

People can now stream shows and music through their phones, tablets, and watches. 

This easy access and convenience allowed popular stations to reach even more listeners from around the globe. 

Plus, independent and community-run stations found their way to shine as well. 

Starting an online radio can be a profitable venture, but there’s no single best way to approach this.

Many popular web radio stations are fully supported by their listeners, and others make money from ads and sponsors. 

Also, each digital platform has its own features, highlights, and characteristics.

Some platforms allow you to skip tracks and others broadcast live shows.

Some stations even have several channels so you can choose a channel and the genre that suits your best. 

All in all, the popularity of online radio stations is not surprising – they are convenient, affordable, and easy to access.

And they provide a very simple way to discover new music and artists.

Can You Make Your Own Internet Radio Station? 

There’s no doubt about it – internet radio stations are ideal for discovering new music and listening to great tunes. 

You just need to find a station that fits your taste.

And if you’re a music lover who enjoys good radio streaming, you’ll probably ask yourself at one point: can I start my own radio station?

The answer is simple – yes, anyone can create an online radio.

The thing is, you can manage an online radio from anywhere and broadcast music to the world.

Moreover, starting an online radio station is relatively easy – you just need a computer and an Internet connection to start broadcasting.

To start your own internet radio station, you first need to get the right equipment. 

You’ll need a computer, headphones, and speakers, and if you want to do some talking between music tracks, you also need to have a good microphone.

But one of the most important steps in starting an online radio is finding the best radio hosting solution.

Before taking the first steps, you also need to decide on your concept and think about the following questions:

• What type of broadcasting are you interested in?
• What genres of music do you want to broadcast?
• Will there be talking between music tracks?
• What name would you like to give your station?

If you want to find listeners, you should learn how to market your online radio station and build a recognizable brand.

And you have to familiarize yourself with the technical aspect of it as well as statistics, copyright laws, and other important segments.

That said, starting an online radio isn’t rocket science, but it does require some time and effort.

Best Internet Radio Stations – Final Thoughts 

Radio stations are no longer limited by the reach of their frequency waves – you can enjoy radio stations from all over the world.

And since internet radio has gone mainstream over the past decade, there are countless streaming options to choose from.

Today we overviewed the best internet radio stations that cover a variety of genres, and we hope that your future favorite station is among them.

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