iHeartRadio Logo
star star star star_half star_border

4.7

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: January 14th, 2024

iHeartRadio is an Internet radio platform. Since its creation in 2008, the service has expanded its offerings to include music recommendations, customizable stations, podcasts, and a radio network with content from more than 800 iHeartMedia stations across the United States. In 2014, iHeartRadio introduced the iHeartRadio Music Awards, which continue to attract hosts of popular artists. In 2015, artists Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, and Sam Smith won the “Innovator,” “Artist of the Year,” and “Best New Artist” awards, respectively. iHeartRadio regularly hosts concerts in Los Angeles and New York City, with ticket contests featured across the 800 stations. 

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

The Good

iHeartRadio is a platform for curated music, with a wide range of features:

  • The service is completely free. There are no hidden charges or paid packages available. However, you can choose to upgrade, which is not free.
  • iHeartRadio offers 19 genre stations, more than 400,000 artists, 15 million songs, and 1,500 live radio stations.
  • Users may create their own stations according to genre or artist. These curated stations display lyrics and artist bios and include links to purchase songs from other vendors, like Amazon and iTunes.
  • All custom-made stations are commercial-free.
  • While listening to live radio, the website displays a station page with links to the station's official website. The page also displays the station's genre, location, and latest tweet, in addition to the current host's name and the schedule for other hosts that day.
  • Users can upvote or downvote songs as they play. Upvoting a song will make it play more often, while downvoting a song will ensure it never plays again.
  • Live radio station pages display the name, artist, and album art for each song that plays. This display updates constantly, even when users aren't currently listening.
  • iHeartRadio is available in an app.
  • The iHeartRadio platform also offers a wide range of podcasts, sorted by popularity and category. Categories range from Health and Food to the Paranormal.
thumb_down

The Bad

  • As an online streaming service, iHeartRadio's music quality is subject to the strength of users' Internet connections. Songs are not available for download through the site, even for a price.
  • iHeartRadio does not allow users to make playlists of their favorite songs, which means that users are at the mercy of the station's song order.
  • Custom stations are limited to one seed, which means that users can't create stations that feature more than one artist or genre. Stations generated by artist-especially composers with a wide range of material-are rarely harmonious.
  • Users can't navigate music on the iHeartRadio site using their keyboards.
  • Compared to other curated radio services, iHeartRadio offers relatively few songs.
  • Users may only skip fifteen songs per day, and six per hour per station. Once a user has reached this limit, the only way to switch songs is to switch stations entirely. Returning to a station will only replay the current song. The skip limit also applies to songs longer than three or four minutes.
  • Upvoting, downvoting, or skipping a song cannot be undone. Once a song has been skipped, even in error, that skip counts toward the daily limit and users can't play it again until it returns organically. Once a song has been disliked, it will never play again unless a user locates it through the search tool and upvotes it independently.
  • There is no option to censor explicit lyrics.
  • Users can't rewind, fast-forward, or record music while it's playing.
  • When using Google Chromecast or the Xbox app, users can only stream iHeartMedia-owned radio stations. Radio stations owned by other media companies are only available on the website or the mobile app.
gavel

The Bottom Line

iHeartRadio's extensive offerings set it apart from most other radio streaming services available online. It is available on more platforms, with more options for customizability, but interaction is fairly limited. iHeartRadio's curated service is best suited for people who enjoy live radio and don't mind switching stations or enduring mediocre sound quality to find music they enjoy. Audiophiles, look elsewhere.
Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

3.7

star star star star_half star_border

156 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

38%

4 grade

26%

3 grade

15%

2 grade

7%

1 grade

14%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star_half star_border

Quality

star star star star star_border

Service

star star star star_half star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star_half star_border
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
star star star star star

Donna Barker

The only show I listen to is How Men Think with Brooks Laich Brooks & friends have the ability to connect with listeners - -dedication to quality with sincerity and sense of humour. All topics allow you to learn from others and improve understanding. Are these topics you want to listen to? YES Interesting Discussions? YES Their attention to correct amount of time spent , sensitivity honesty and genuine enjoyment doing the podcast is a reason why they are enjoyable. Gentlemen with character and intelligence. You cannot help but like these guys. Positive energy, you feel good listening to it. Not a wasted second. So good you may find yourself listening to episodes again in future.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Ron Loupus Miami, FL

Real Oldies - Feedback and The Classic Rock Channel For the Real Oldies Channel" What a fantastic station. I listen in my car through my bluetooth and from my laptop. It is rare to ever hear a song repeated . You find songs that are not the average everyday oldies' stations played songs. You also play songs by artists that are the most well-known, so we hear lost songs and rarely played as well as their best ones. I would just recommend you do about 3-5 twin spins each hour if you can so we can jam with the same artist. Like a 3fer or twofer block of the same group. Maybe once every once in a while play 2 or 3 by the same group like an oldies rock block. :Stones, Bobby Vee, Guess Who, etc or BJ Thomas, Looking Glass, Edison Lighthouse, Alan Jackson, Turtles, Gary Puckett, etc. I believe its from Milwaukee. I live in Miami, FL Thank you for your consideration. Ron For the Classic Rock Channel? I love this station. I grew up with this music and try to see the groups when they tour. Recently saw the Eagles in Miami recently. I saw Paul Mcartney, Boston, Styx, Bad Company, Eddie Money, Heart, Foreigner, Van Halen, and some others. I love 2fer Tuesday. I have it on as much as possible. Can you do some 3fer rock blocks sometime. It can be on Tuesday or an alternate day to play a 3fer rock block, holiday weekend, or as a treat to your listeners. I have recommended your stations to many people. Thank you, Ron

6 years ago

star star star star star

Rachael Las Vegas, NV

I heart radio came into the restaurant where I work for an event in Las Vegas (I’m a waitress). Everyone on the team who attended was so kind and called me by name and said “thank you”. Any company who is professional to represent the company in a positive light gains my trust, as I do the same whenever I’m in uniform. I am downloading iHeartRadio as a new substitute for my Pan**** app :D really rock on people :)

5 years ago

star star star star star

Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

iHeartRadio has a place in my heart. It is a favorite app that allows me to keep my favorites handy. And it allows me to discover new music all the time. They have quite the library of music to keep you entertained. The tools are easy to use as well!

5 years ago

star star star star star

Larson Riverton, UT

iHeartRadio is such a great music station. It always gets me motivated. I love to wakeup and listen to it. iHeartRadio is nice because you can get the app for very cheap and there are not very many ads. I recommend listening to it.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Alicia Mesa, AZ

I've only used this app once or twice but I have to admit that when we have used it, it's been a huge life saver. We have needed to use the radio, but not been close to one and this has been a great substitute! The service has been great and we've been able to find the station we were looking for to create our event a more special experience. I would recommend them to a friend!

3 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Nashali Vescovacci FL

This company is great because they provide the most current hits and offer a large variety of streaming music options. They also do a great job of interacting with their users to make an inclusive environment. They offer a diverse range of music styles on their streaming website as well.

3 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Mike Ika West Valley City, UT

I subscribe to several music streaming services, but iHeartRadio is the one I first started with. I feel a sense of loyalty to them. I have never had any issues with them and I feel like their selection of music is pretty big. I dont get too many repeat songs like I do with some of the other providers.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

My kids like that we are able to find our favorite radio stations on iHeart Radio! They listen to both country and 80's rock and they can find exactly what they want on iHeart Radio. And there are not too many commercials, which is awesome! Thank You iHeart Radio for giving them what they need!

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Reese Pleasant Grove, UT

iHeartRadio has worked well for me as it gives me access to great music, awesome podcasts, and the most popular up-to-date music there is. I can make my own playlists and also listen to different radio stations from around the country.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

wanda Saint George, UT

we are a huge sports fan and we love iHeartRadio because they have over a thousand radio stations to choose from. through iHeartRadio we stay connected and updates and score. we are happy with iHeartRadio and has had no complaints at all.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Kaitlyn Rios Ogden, UT

iHeartRadio is an amazing company. They have everything from radio stations to music by artist. Their skip feature is the best. It is a wonderful company.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Rodrigo Marcus

I simply love it, the suggesting songs system is really good the only way to really improve would be by becoming partner with a mobile phone carrier as deezer does in Brazil

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Makayla Holland Gaithersburg, MD

I like Iheartradio because i felt like i very wasted money on them. They play all new music that is doing well every time i listen to music on i heart radio i like it. I recommend

3 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

take7 Sandy, UT

Love that you can use local and national radio. I like to search specific genres and find the stations to listen to with that. It brings a wide variety of music to your device.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Zac Cannon Biloxi, MS

I used to listen iHeartRadio when I had Satellite in my truck. I loved when iHeartRadio broadcasted their music festival as well. They always play great artists, both modern, known, and upcoming.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Michelle W Coraopolis, PA

Mikey and Big Bob constantly promote iHeartRadio, so one day I gave it a try. It's so nice to play the radio and not have to set up a queue. Especially when I'm in flow at work.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

kelsey Saratoga Springs, UT

on the app or on the radio I love IHeatRadio! even though i feel like their songs are on a loop,they always have the trendiest songs playing and even 80's song that everyone wants to remember plus hear.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Erin American Fork, UT

i love i heart radio because it gives such massive a variety of music. its only flaw is sometimes it doesn’t work with my phone but that’s over look able especially because the music it gives is so great!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Eric San Diego, CA

While I do understand the appeal of this streaming service I prefer to have my music completely uninterrupted. With that being said if you are a fan of radio this is the place for you.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Melissa Reinoso Herriman, UT

I listen to this when I am getting ready for work so that I can listen to 97.1 ZHT. They always have good radio stations playing and they are always the new hits that everyone likes to hear.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

tini mapu Orem, UT

Iheart radio is great! They actually get really involved in the community. They have concerts that future the popular artists from their station and app. There is no other station or music program that does that.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Cade Boudreaux , FL

IHeartRadio is a good app. I will compare the app search as Pandora and are very easy to use but I wish it would have more skips.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Toucanny4u Long Beach, MS

I can play my old seventies music from the good old days all this new music hurts my head and leaves a bad taste in my mouth

5 years ago

star star star star star

Jim

It works no matter where I am. I can get continuous news, period music (e.g., the '60s or '90s), easy or listening music of all kinds.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Homeowner

I like this because it is free and I can listen to a lot of different music and news from all over. The app works great most of the time.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Dwhoush New Orleans, LA

Iheartradio always plays great music. I like listening to it on the road and on the app when I’m not near a radio. It’s nice to have that capability.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Rischelle Mikkelson American Fork, UT

I like to stream iHeartRadio on my Amazon Alexa. They seem to talk to each other well. They have great stations. A lot of variety which pleases the entire family.

5 years ago

star star star star star

Kathie Bowman Lakeside, CA

I use iheartradio on the daily. I can listen to radio stations, certain artists, genres anything. The music is always great and can help with any mood that youre in

6 years ago

star star star star star

Boston Whipple Provo, UT

Their product is a lot like Pandora in that you can create stations based on songs or artists. IHeartRadio also lets you listen to radio stations from around the world.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Trent Allen Queen Creek, AZ

I love the many different options to listen to. Super easy to use app. I have my favorite stations and they are available to me any time I want to listen.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Lynne Logue

I have had no issues with streaming. It is easy to use. I don't have any issues that need improving at this time.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Jason Draper, UT

I like iHeartRadio because they play great music that I always enjoy. I will continue to use this for streaming music for a long time.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Grant American Fork, UT

I use my IHeartRadio app every day! I love the ability I have to create my own stations based on my likes and preferences.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Fernando Delgado Tempe, AZ

Love using iHeartRadio to be able to catch up on my radio shows and to hear music with out having to be driving on my car.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Bella Houtz South Jordan, UT

iHeartRadio is a great radio station that is fun for the whole family to listen to. We love what IHeartRadio has to offer.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Sharon Reed Gilbert, AZ

I appreciate the ability to find radio stations from all over the county. Great options for what I want to listen to. It remembers what I like.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Brayden D. Gilbert, AZ

IHeartRadio was my first choice of music and it was pretty great. It had all the radio options and I was able to find my favorite music!!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Sjuanti K Ray

They provide the best streaming music I've ever used and I'm not switching to another company!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Rhonda stewart Queen Creek, AZ

Love this music choice. Lots of great selections. No cost to listen to channels live

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Hannah Barth Tallahassee, FL

I love listening to iHeartRadio in the background at work. I can choose from so many stations and genres which I love.

3 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Sherry Arnold Alpine, UT

We use this service from our smart TV. I like being able to play the music through our TV sound system. Works well.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Joy Hill Pleasant Grove, UT

I like how iHeartRadio has all of the trending and the latest music. It is really fun to listen to as well.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Tracy Womack Cedar City, UT

iHeartRadio has the best customer service out there they are so nice and helpful. Not to mention their great prices.

5 years ago

star star star star star

jessica Mesa, AZ

I like I heart radio I listen to them all the time on my smart tv when I am cleaning my house. Very user friendly

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Dave Brinton

I like the variety of music available. I enjoy the option to listen to music when I am not connected to the internet.

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

star star star star star

Lisa Imes DeMotte, IN

Love this station. Easy to use, listen right off your phone.

1 year ago

star star star star star

S. Sandy

It is a good experience with them. I like the service experience.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

A'mari Johnson Ocala, FL

Love this app! It is very versatile and it has different stations to choose from which is great!

3 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star

Olivia Norton Phoenix, AZ

I love I heart radio!! It’s awesome that I can listen to the radio at anytime from my phone!!!

5 years ago