The main Shazam alternatives are other song recognition apps, music streaming apps with a built-in song finder, and lyrics apps that search by the words you remember. Some listen to music playing nearby, while others can identify a tune you hum or sing. If a song is stuck in your head with no recording, use one that recognises humming.
We've all been there. A song plays in a cafe, it's gone before you can catch a single lyric, and it rattles around your head for the rest of the day.
Here are ten Shazam alternatives, listed in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. Some listen to music playing around you, some recognise a tune you hum, and some help you find a song from a few words of the lyrics.
A few are built into apps you might already have, such as music streaming apps, so it's worth checking before you install anything new.
The trickiest situation is a song stuck in your head with no music playing at all. The next section explains how to handle that one.
Shazam alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download or the site's own pages describe free access. Some free tools carry ads or offer upgrades, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHA Music | Song finder website and extension | Identifying songs in videos and tabs | Yes |
| Deezer | Streaming app | Finding a song and adding it to playlists | Yes |
| Genius | Lyrics and music knowledge app | Searching by lyrics and meanings | Yes |
| Search app | Hum or sing to find a song | Yes | |
| Midomi | Song search website | Singing or humming to search | Yes |
| Music Identifier | Song recognition app | Quick song recognition | Yes |
| Musixmatch | Lyrics app | Synced lyrics and song search | Yes |
| Song Finder | Song recognition app | Identifying songs playing nearby | Yes |
| SoundHound | Music recognition app | Recognising songs and humming | Yes |
| YouTube Music | Streaming app | Finding and playing songs | Yes |
Ten song identification apps to try
AHA Music
Best for: Anyone who wants to identify a song playing in a browser tab or video.
Deezer
Best for: Listeners who want to identify a song and stream it straight away.
Genius
Best for: Fans who remember a few lines and want the lyrics and their meaning.
Best for: Anyone with a tune stuck in their head and no recording to play.
Midomi
Best for: People who want to sing or hum into a website to find a song.
Music Identifier
Best for: Listeners who want a simple app that does one job quickly.
Musixmatch
Best for: Fans who want lyrics in time with the music while it plays.
Song Finder
Best for: People who want a lightweight song finder for music around them.
SoundHound
Best for: Users who want to identify both recorded songs and their own humming.
YouTube Music
Best for: Listeners who want to find a song and play it in the same app.
Finding a song that's only in your head
Here's the trick most people don't know about. You don't need any music playing to find a song. Google's own announcement of its hum to search feature says you can tap the mic, ask what the song is, and then hum for 10 to 15 seconds.
You don't need to be in tune, either, because the feature matches the melody rather than your voice. So when a tune is stuck in your head, hum the part you remember best, usually the chorus, and give it a few tries if the first match is wrong.
Choosing a song identification app
- Music playing nearby: a song recognition app is fastest.
- A tune stuck in your head: pick one that recognises humming or singing.
- A few lyrics: a lyrics app or search by the words you remember.
- Songs in videos: a browser song finder works for tabs and clips.
- Saving what you find: a streaming app adds songs straight to a playlist.
Identifying a song in five steps
- Open your song finder as soon as you hear the music.
- Hold your phone close to the sound and away from chatter.
- If nothing plays, hum or sing the part you remember.
- Try a few words of the lyrics in a lyrics search.
- Save the song so you can find it again later.
Background noise is the biggest reason song finders fail. If you're in a busy room, move closer to the speaker or wait for a quieter moment in the song, and try again.
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Do you make song recognition or music apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Shazam alternatives
Keep one song recognition app on your home screen for music playing nearby, and remember that you can hum a tune when there's no music to record.
If you're a lyrics person, add a lyrics app too. Between the three, there's very little you won't be able to name.
Frequently asked questions
Can I identify a song by humming?
Yes. Some apps and search features recognise a hummed or sung tune.
How long should I hum to find a song?
Hum the part you remember best for around ten to fifteen seconds.
Do I need to hum in tune?
No. Humming search matches the melody, not how well you sing.
Can I find a song from the lyrics?
Yes. Type the words you remember into a lyrics app or a search box.
Can I identify a song playing in a video on my computer?
Yes. Browser song finders can identify music playing in a tab.
Are song identification apps free?
Most offer free recognition. Some add extra features as upgrades.
Why can't my app identify a song?
Background noise, a live version or a very new track can make matching harder.
Can I save the songs I find?
Many apps keep a history or add songs to a playlist.
Do song finders work offline?
Some can record a clip and match it once you're back online.
Can I identify classical music?
Often, though different recordings of the same piece can confuse apps.
Do music streaming apps have song recognition?
Some do, so check the app you already use.
Is a song identification app safe?
Download it from the official app store and check its microphone permissions.
