8,500+ Premium Free Sound

Effects & Music To

Super-Charge Your Project Whether you’re working on a pet project, a demo video or an assignment I

have put together this resource to capture the best the web has to offer in

free sound effects and free music.

I personally vetted every website to deem them to be of premium quality,

but still, not all SFX and music was made alike. That’s just how it is. So

I’ve categorised the websites below in order of personal preference. From

the best free sound effects and music you’ll find online, to items that I

would still consider of high enough quality to be used in the majority of

my own projects.

I’ve linked every listing here to the relevant Terms of Service page for each

site. Usage rights will change depending on the website and author you

download a file from so it’s wise to check before downloading anything.

Having said that, I will broadly define the term ‘license’ in the sense which

the websites below intend, before we get started. Regardless, I still

encourage you to double check that individual sounds can be used in the

way you wish, before using them! Alright, let’s do this.

Creative Commons

This flexible license sits between ‘all rights reserved’ and ‘no rights

reserved’, and every website/author of a file can define it slightly

differently. ‘No rights reserved’ is the license you’re shooting for, simply

because it allows you to use, copy, modify and distribute a file for both

personal and commercial usage, without asking for permission.

‘Some rights reserved’, however, probably means that attribution is

required. If not explained on the download page, there will usually be a

dedicated page explaining license policy for that website. To use a file, you

may have to cite the author in the credit roll at the end of your video or

provide a link on your website to the original website/author of the file.

Last note: I want to keep this list fresh! So if you come across a dud link,

let me know in the comments. Likewise, if you know of a valuable

resource online that I haven’t listed here, feel free to leave a link in the

comments.

Audiojungle ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Audiojungle is in my opinion a top 3 marketplace for paid sound effects.

They have some of the highest quality SFX on the internet. So why am I

listing it here? Every month they offer a limited giveaway file – you can

find a new download available from their website every month.

It works for the author because they get more exposure, and it works for

you because you get access to the web’s best quality sound effects. It’s

worth noting that the entire platform, Envato, offers a free file from each

of their marketplaces each month – illustrations, widgets, plugins, flash

animations, the list goes on. Even if you don’t have a need for files there

and then, I recommend grabbing them if they may serve a need in a future

project.

iStock ● Read License

● SFX/Music

iStock (previously iStockphoto) is another one of my top 3 marketplaces.

It is one of the most expensive platforms to shop but you get what you pay

for. As with Audiojungle, you get access to one free file a month. Again, I

recommend downloading files even if you don’t need them right then, so

you can build a library of sound effects and form an asset for future

projects.

Vimeo Music Store ● Read License

● Music

The video hosting platform, Vimeo, launched their music store in 2011

with the intention of providing a place where members could quickly find

music for their projects. Rather than general music for listening to, ala

Spotify, the music can be licensed – many tracks for free.

Click on Advanced Filters > Price Range > Free to get the awesomesauce!

Do note, however, that the free music generally can’t be used in

commercial projects. Most music is categorised in the Noncommercial

Creative Commons license. If you find something that fits like a glove

though, reach out to the artist personally to talk about your project.

Musopen ● Read License

● Music

Musopen has an archive of wonderfully high quality free music tracks

from over 150 composers. You can download up to five tracks every day

for free. They are a non-profit with a mission to “set music free” and

increase the exposure that talented composers get. The best thing, there

are no copyright restrictions. If you search well, you’ll also find a treasure

trove of free sheet music and textbooks too.

Royalty Free Music ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Royalty Free Music hosts panoply of premium free SFX and free music for

your “educational, personal and non-profit projects”. This is perfect for

students and teachers alike for presentations or class projects, and a

godsend if you’re tight for time! And if you’re creating a demo video for

your non-profit organisation you’ll find an eclectic mix of sounds to suit

the vast majority of causes – nature sounds, crowd sounds,

documentary-style, news, corporate music. It’s all here.

Internet Archive ● Read License

● SFX/Music

The Internet Archive curates a broad and very respectable library of sound

effects ranging from alternative news and radio shows to the live

performances of bands. Here’s how it works:

The community are encouraged to upload their own audio with a Creative

Commons license, so make sure you pay heed to individual preferences

before using someone’s work. What’s more, not all music is available for

free so even more reason to read the attribution details.

Free Music Archive ● Read License

● Music

The Free Music Archive is, in their own words, an “interactive library of

high-quality, legal audio downloads directed by WFMU, the most

renowned freeform radio station in America”. Tonnes of value on this

vibrant site with their policy of pre-screening curators before offering to

the public. Tracks can then be searched for by curator (or genre). There is

also a ‘community-generated’ component to the website, providing a

familiar social media flavour but its strength lies with the experience and

judgement that curators bring to the table.

Whether you’re hunting for music to enliven your video project or add

professionalism to your new podcast, you won’t be disappointed here.

Given the breadth of content, there are several different Creative

Commons licenses so have a read before downloading. Reassuringly, they

pre-clear all tracks with the digital era in mind but still, many

rights-holders means preferences change between authors within the

Creative Commons framework.

Sound Bible ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Sound Bible is a great, quirky, copyright-free place to build your personal

library of SFX, with thousands of sound-bites, -clips and -effects. Files are

either curated under thepublic domain designation or harboured under

the Creative Commons license, and thankfully each is very clearly labelled

for attribution requirements – if any – so you won’t have to scroll around.

The free SFX can only be used in commercial projects if they are under the

Creative Commons license or Public Domain. Royalty-free sounds must be

paid for first.

The community is thriving with many new sounds being added every

week. Also of note is the 5 star voting system so you can filter out the best

of what the site has to offer through the wisdom of the crowds. You’ll find

everything from tool sound effects to coins being dropped to pans

clanging. (The latter of which is great in cartoons for exaggerated impacts

of all kinds.) Typically the Sound Bible audience is a student, teacher or

“starving artist” so you know their heart is in the right place. Even

specialised needs will be catered to here, for example game designers or …

prank call recordings. Ahem.

SoundGator ● Read License

● SFX

Ambience, animal, appliance, beeping, bells, buttons, crowds, drink, fire,

foley – the extensive list goes on. If it’s just SFX you’re looking for, you

won’t want to miss this one. You will have to sign up to SoundGator before

getting access to their files but once you’re in, go crazy.

With 23 (and counting) categories there’s a good chance of finding your

boom, clang or tap of choice. Whether you need files or not, I recommend

taking an hour or so to grow your library for future use. Mark my words,

it’ll be real handy later on when you’re shoulder deep in editing and can

just cycle through a folder of collected sounds in one place.

Function Loops ● Read License

● Music

Function Loops is all about the, well, loops. If you’re an EDM (electronic

dance music) producer you’ll want to download their awesome free

samples. That rings true for trance and house as well. And if you’re not a

music producer but rather a student, teacher or business owner, then you

can expect to rev up your video projects in a big way here. (Dubstep +

boring business = frickin’ epic business.)

These giveaways aren’t just a measly track or two, many collections

amount to more than a gigabyte. So head over and grab some goodies, get

some new gym music, and tell your friends about the up-and-coming

talent!

A Sound Effect ● Read License

● SFX

A Sound Effect is the, self-described, “world’s largest site for independent

sound effects. The site owner, Asbjoern Anderson, is a seasoned composer

who has generously etched out a place on the interwebs to giveaway some

of his work, as well as work from his contemporaries. This website serves

as a central hub to distribute Creative Commons sound libraries which

deserve a lot more attention. You’re getting just a taste of their best work

for free and without audible watermarks, with the hope that one day you

will return to buy a larger selection of their work.

One pack given away at Christmas gushed, “over 130 sound effects for

free. 2GB when uncompressed, or about 1.5 hours worth of sounds!” What

are you doing still reading this? Your library won’t grow on its own!

Ableton ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Music enthusiasts will be familiar with the Ableton brand, known for their

digital audio software. What most people don’t know, however, is that

they have a weekly #FreeStuffFriday giveaway where you can get your

hands on some free sample libraries curated from their large community

of musicians, sound designers and artists from around the world. If you’re

an educator, student or business person, then you might find some value

here as well.

From week-to-week you’ll find anything from a collection of foley sounds,

glitchy electronic effects, vintage drum breaks, and even quirky and

completely original samples, “from the deserts beyond Dubai to the

volcanoes of Japan”.

Overkill to be sure for general demo videos, but could they take your

project from good to great? You betcha. If you like the #FreeStuffFriday

category, make sure you check out the more general ‘downloads’ category

where you might find some other gems.

Downloads are subject to a Creative Commons license unless stated

otherwise by the author of the giveaway.

99 Sounds #1 ● Read License

● SFX/Music

“74MB of generous top notch cinematic sound effects from this artist”

reads the description of this phenomenal freebie. 99 Sounds is one of

those websites that you don’t just visit the once. That’s the reason you’ll

see it make more than one appearance in this article. Giveaways are

contributed by the community and hosted on the website, so this is just

one of many packs that I suggest you check out.

This pack is a generous collection of cinematic sound effects from artist

Joshua Crispin (aka Generdyn). The futuristic sounds effects include

impacts, risers, atmospheres and musical loops – perfect if you have a

movie project in need of suspense.

In terms of license, the samples can be used in both commercial and

non-commercial ventures. The only condition is that the sounds aren’t

compiled into a personal collection to be sold.

99 Sounds #2 ● Read License

● SFX/Music

This pack on 99 Sounds is a must if your project happens to be

horror-themed. “The Warehouse” features a panoply of spooky field

recordings created in an – appropriately – abandoned military storage

facility.

Richard Gould, the talented composer from London, brings together a

range of wooden, metallic and glass SFX tainted with the organic

ambience of the warehouse for extra ghoul points.

Even if you don’t need horror sounds, you may still want to check them

out. If you’re working on a cartoon, or looking for an unexpected or funny

change of tone in your boring presentation, some of the sounds might just

make your project more memorable.

Orange Free Sounds ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Free sound effects, music loops, background music, what’s not to like?

Well, that depends on what you think about oranges. Seriously though, a

lot of value here. I actually found this resource via a Japanese website,

kinda random actually. But I’m glad I did.

No sign up required, no hidden expenses, just find what you’re looking for

amongst the growing archive of sounds and build your personal library of

SFX and music. Nature sounds, animal sounds, drum loops, comedy

sounds, the obligatory cat meowing, the list goes on. The site owner Alex,

mentions that his site is used by everyone from sound designers, home

video makers, web designers, video game developers, documentary

filmmakers. And if you’re a teacher, a student, or a business person

looking to create a 3D demo video, then there is a very good chance that

you’re going to find what you’re looking for here.

Editing Corp ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Don’t let the corporation moniker scare you off, these horror sound effects

are frightfully good. (Oh dear…)

A good horror movie is largely about the sound, just look at this happy

version of The Shining. So having a deep well of horror SFX to choose

from is paramount if you’re going to give your watcher an experience to

remember. (Or perhaps, forget, if it’s really, really good.)

This 32MB goody bag is free to download and royalty free so you’re able to

implement them into your own projects without licensing problems. You’ll

be able to experiment with mysterious creatures, unsettling screams,

various impacts and music.

Not to just sit around giving away free stuff, the Editing Corp. recently

produced a short horror film with the help of their own SFX archive. It’s

freely available on YouTube, click here to watch it now. (It’s really good!)

99 Sounds #3 ● Read License

● SFX/Music

“Wa wa wee wa” as Borat would say. This takes the cake. The above 99

Sounds packages were from solo artists, this is the whole nine yards.

Weave your way through a boatload of samples from the international

community.

You’ll get your hands on diverse libraries such as atmospheric

soundscapes, funky glitched sounds, alien noises and electronic drum

loops.

And remember, if you like some of the files, get in touch directly with the

sound designer and see how you could work together on your project. You

might even find that you live in the same city.

99 Sounds #4 ● Read License

● SFX/Music

I hand picked this one because it’s so flexible for the diverse group of

people who will read this article.

The pack contains 99 separate drum samples in 24-bit WAV format and

have been recorded with professional audio gear from both analogue and

digital sources. This comprehensive package is the result of 12 months

work, and you’re getting in for free. They’ve even been normalised so less

editing work for you.

If you haven’t visited 99 Designs while reading this article yet, it’s prime

time.

Free Sound ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Free Sound has been on the block for a while, but there’s a good reason for

that. They have tasked themselves with the mission to create a mammoth

collaborative database of audio snippets, samples, recordings, bleeps and

anything else the creative community can cook up.

Every file displays meta information for the number of downloads, a 5 star

review system, and even comments, so you can separate the wheat from

the chaff pronto. There’s even a novel search facility where you enter

terms such as, ‘sounds like’ to find that tip-of-the-tongue effect which just

escapes you.

The platform is used by artists, educators, students, business owners and

even audio research institutions to “test their algorithms”, the site

explains.

Free SFX ● Read License

● SFX

The creation of Alan Mckinney of Mckinney Sound, Free SFX’s

reason-for-being emerged from a desire to bring together the work from

many unsung heroes of the audio world. Fortunately, the sound designers

he contacted about hosting their recordings on his website concurred.

They get much needed exposure, while you get to knock the crowd’s socks

off with your production’s sound track.

To keep things simple, every contribution must accept the license

agreement of Free SFX, which is that the sounds are available to be used

by anyone in their projects.

Audio Micro ● Read License

● SFX/Music

2000 free sound effects here, so you know they aren’t playing. AudioMicro

was founded in 2007 and has grown to a sizeable marketplace with more

than 4 online brands. And their client roster isn’t so shabby either, having

provided assets for Microsoft, Cisco and the Discovery Channel.

Those 2000 sound effects aren’t the entire library, but a thin slither of the

premium pie, as they make money through their larger paid-for library.

They have a generous collection of free animal, cartoon, transport, home

and musical instrument sounds, as well as other miscellaneous effects

which could just fit the bill for what you’re looking for.

Partners in Rhyme ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Like many of the websites in this list which offer free SFX to the public,

the files on offer here are not exclusive, can be found elsewhere on the

web, and are not in the ownership of Partners in Rhyme. The value, then,

comes from the curation of valuable resources, and this website is no

different.

You’ll find anything from the pitter-patter of rain hitting a roof to the

futuristic aura of a city from the future. Whether you’re creating a short

film, an animated 3d demo video or looking to refine a documentary,

you’ll find something on offer here.

Audio Library (YouTube) ● Read License

● SFX/Music

When looking for sound effects, not many people immediately think of

YouTube as a place to go. Yes, it could be a licensing nightmare, but also,

sound effects aren’t exactly video. Fortunately, YouTube is a great place to

upload MP3s, and its huge community means you can find a

mind-blowing array of effects.

To avoid the licensing issues make sure you frequent only channels which

are dedicated to providing SFX, and have a good reputation. One of those

is the Audio Library, which caters to predominantly YouTube content

creators but of course, anyone else on the prowl for sounds. You’ll be able

to find the music within the ‘Free Music’ tab, so it won’t be followed up

through Content ID protection.

Do note that the quality does fluctuate a bit, perhaps to be expected for a

channel on YouTube. But overall the quality is very good, with many files

having been produced at 320kbps.

Flash Kit ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Flash Kit is a self-described, ‘ever growing list of shareware and freeware

Sound FX for download’. Content providers submit their own work to

build their brand, and so there’s an incentive to provide the best for free.

Win!

The terminology you’ll want to familiarise yourself is the following:

Freeware: allow anyone to download as they please.

Linkware: allow usage in return for a link to your website.

Shareware: increase details in the description for usage.

Media College ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Media College presents a broad spectrum of free sounds, all of which are

free to download. There is one interesting distinction to keep in mind.

Sounds that are labelled as ‘Full Permission’ have been recorded by the

website’s staff and released with no conditions. (Exempting the obvious

‘don’t resell’ label.) So you’re free to use those sounds in any commercial

or non-commercial project. I do recommend that you still read their terms

on the website, however, as they may change over time.

Another notable difference here is that they have a facility for you to

donate reasonable amounts to the authors, which is a nice touch.

GR Sites ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Starting off here with GR Sites, the files can be used for personal projects

but notcommercial. For that, you’ll have to purchase their commercial

license which you can read about on the license link above. Just be aware

of that before diving in with open arms.

There are a nice selection of categories to choose from. Aside from the

common animals, birds and nature the files that make GR Sites worth

visiting might be recreation, the office and water sounds.

Stock Music Boutique ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Stock Music Boutique doesn’t seem to be very well known, I only came

across it through a passing comment – probably much the same way you’d

hear about any self-respecting boutique whether online or off, to think of

it.

It’s pretty new, having been established in 2010 from London, and offers

visitors premium production pieces that are first pre-screened for quality,

and can be used with the Creative Commons license in mind. Even as a

relative newbie to the market, they list prestigious clients such as the BBC,

HBO and Channel 4. Definitely worth making some time for!

Free Sound Effects ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Free Sound Effects is like a little market stall with a modest stock take, but

stock that you come back to week after week nonetheless. The license is

very lenient, as they say themselves, “you can use our sounds for almost

anything you can think of”, whether that’s in your demo video, short

movie, presentation, or classroom piece.

A golden nugget of a suggestion is using their sound effects in a theatre

performance or art gallery piece, something that I hadn’t thought of

before. Notable categories include religion and ceremonies, fireworks and

camels.

Find Sounds ● Read License

● SFX/Music

And the candidate for 90s’ nostalgia in web design goes to… What you’ll

find on Find Sounds, owned by Comparisonics, won’t be all that different

to many of the websites included in this list, but if you are like many video

makers who are looking for a specific sound but just with a slightly

different flourish, idiosyncrasy or quirk, then they are definitely worth

checking out. If you need an insect, why not try a cicada? If you need a

bird why not try an eagle? And if you need wind effects… Well…

SFX Source ● Read License

● SFX/Music

SFX Source is another marketplace with a small section for freebie sound

effects. When I say small though, don’t read too much into that until

you’ve checked them out. The one condition is that the freebies are only

available in .MP3 format which any audiophile does well to avoid. Better

quality .WAVs are available at a cost.

But as I explain in my teaching, unless you’ve been commissioned for

expensive client work or the equivalent, it’s possible to get away with

lower bitrate audio for SFX because they can be edited at a lower volume

compared to music – which, incidentally, you can add if you’re really that

concerned. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably creating on a

budget, and so an .MP3 isn’t going to have you struck by lightning.

Soundboard ● Read License

● SFX/Music

If SFX sites could win a prize for being the most innovative platform, then

Soundboard might just take first place. Corollary to innovation, the

website was originally designed for a different purpose in mind; as a small

desktop application where users could download, store, manage and listen

to short sound bites. Along the way though, they decided to take quite a

passive idea and encourage the community to create and customize their

own soundboards – like a blank canvas.

What does this mean for you? Users on the website can create their own

sound playlists and open them up to the public to access. However, it’s

worth becoming familiar with the terminology used on the website,

namely the difference between private and public boards – not accessible

to the public vs accessible.

As for licensing, the website states that the sounds are posted for

entertainment purposes only, so generally speaking you won’t be able

to use the sounds in commercial projects. However, appraise files on a

case-by-case basis by reading author descriptions.

Pac DV ● Read License

● SFX/Music

Since 2001, Pac DV has been producing royalty free sounds for a whole

host of practitioners and companies. Generously, the team launched a

website to host a fraction of that work for free to cash-strapped artists and

entrepreneurs alike to use in their projects.

On the Creative Commons license you’re entitled to freely use these in

your video, film, audio and multimedia projects, but avoid compiling a

collection to resell, of course. Head over, and look into some great work

delivered straight from the horse’s mouth!

Memozee ● Read License

● SFX

If you visit an SFX site, you can bet your bottom dollar there will be a

category for animals. There just will. It’s just the way it is. Well, early on

Memozee got on the animal train and couldn’t get off. The website is

dedicated to animal sounds.

Need a yellow bellied sapsucker? Done. A chinchilla madbaby? Got you

covered. What about a yeti? Actually, couldn’t find that one, but most

fairly well known animals make an appearance here.

One important thing to note here for the images specifically, most have

permissions to be used freely on the Creative Commons licence. But the

webmaster acknowledges that it’s possible there are still some copyright

violations on some of the images. This can be translated to the SFX as

well, so be careful before using.

Sound Jay ● Read License

● SFX

Sound Jay is another respectable free SFX provider with a sizeable library.

On the homepage you can see all of the categories clearly labelled, with the

typical human and transportation sounds, but also less typical

communication sounds providing sound effects for writing and

typewriting.

The website says that most audio tracks are 16 bit stereo and either

44.1kHz or 48 kHz so most files are going to be passable for a project on a

budget. But remember to read the TOS for individual files before using

them.

Audio Nautix ● Read License

● Music

Audio Nautix is the love child of a single artist, Jason Shaw. All music

tracks are available on the Creative Commons license, and you’re free to

use them in commercial and non-commercial productions alike, providing

there is attribution to the website as a way to say thanks. If you’re using

the sounds in a video project and can’t offer a link, it’s suggested that you

credit the website with a statement like, “music by audionautix.com” – for

example in the credits roll at the end of your piece.

Grooving, soothing and bright. Somber, pensive and melancholy. You’ll

find a veritable trove of music here to give your video some emotion.

Tags: 3d demo video, demo video, design, filmmaking, free mp3 sound effects, free music, Free sound effects, game dev