# Free Audio and Sound Effect APIs

Page: https://free-web-services.com/web-services/media/audio/

Audio APIs give your app sounds without AI: search libraries of ready-made sound effects and music, and play or download the files. Check each file's licence; CC0 sounds may be used anywhere without credit.

## Services

| Service | API key | Formats | Free use |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Freesound API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/media/audio/freesound-api.md) | Needed, free | JSON | Free with a free API key for non-commercial use; commercial use is agreed case by case with the Freesound team. |
| [MusicBrainz API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/media/audio/musicbrainz-api.md) | Not needed | JSON, XML | Free, no key needed, at about one request per second per IP address. |
| [Openverse API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/media/audio/openverse-api.md) | Not needed | JSON | Free, no key needed; a free registered application gets higher rate limits. |
| [Podcast Index API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/media/audio/podcast-index-api.md) | Needed, free | JSON | Free with a free API key. |
| [Radio Browser API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/media/audio/radio-browser-api.md) | Not needed | JSON, XML, CSV | Free, no key needed; the project is open source. |
| [SFXMint Sound Effects API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/media/audio/sfxmint-sound-effects.md) | Not needed | JSON | The free tier resets daily and keeps working. |

## Questions

**Which free audio and sound effect APIs work without an API key?**  
MusicBrainz API, Openverse API, Radio Browser API and SFXMint Sound Effects API work without a key, according to their documentation. Most keyless services ask you to keep the number of requests reasonable, and some ask for a User-Agent that names your app.

**Are these audio and sound effect APIs really free?**  
The services here can be used without paying, at least on a free plan or free tier, often with limits such as a number of requests per day or non-commercial use only. The table above quotes what each service says about its free use; check the provider's own terms before you rely on it.

**How up to date is this list?**  
The address of every service is checked about once a week, and services that stop working or stop being free are removed. This list last changed on November 8th, 2026.