Software advice
Best AI Music Generators in 2026
An AI music generator is software that turns a text prompt, lyrics, a mood or a reference clip into a finished audio track, sometimes with sung vocals and separate stems. Some tools make full songs for listening and release, and others make background music for video, podcasts and apps. It is not a sample library, a notation editor or a plain audio editor.
Quick answer
Suno ranks first because its paid plans publish a price, a download count and commercial rights. ElevenLabs Music fits teams already buying credits for voice work. Soundraw and Mubert fit marketers who need background tracks with a license, not a song for streaming.
Buying an AI music generator now comes down to rights as much as sound. Two tools can produce a similar-sounding track while one lets you publish it in a paid ad and the other allows personal listening only. This ranking judges what a marketing or content team can verify before paying: the published price, how many downloads a month it buys, which uses the license names, and what the vendor says about its training material. Pricing and policy come from vendor pages read in October 2026. We ran no listening tests, so remarks on sound describe design and vendor documentation, and a sample you like is not a license. Check the license text for your own use before a campaign depends on a track.
The 11 best AI music generators in 2026, ranked
There is no score. Vendors can pay for more visibility on this website, for example a higher place in a ranking or more room on a page. Commercial relationships can also affect which products we feature and how prominently. How we rank.
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan | Entry price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suno | Creators and small teams who want full songs with vocals and clear commercial terms on paid plans | Yes | $8 per month (Pro, billed annually) |
| 2 | ElevenLabs Music | Teams that already buy voice and audio credits from ElevenLabs and want music in the same account | Yes | $6 per month (Starter) |
| 3 | Soundraw | Content creators and small companies that want royalty-free background tracks with unlimited downloads | No | €5.83 per month (Creator, billed annually) |
| 4 | Mubert | Agencies and app teams that need background music, an API and a license that names client work | Yes | $14 per month, or $11.69 billed annually (Creator, non-commercial) |
| 5 | Stable Audio | Product teams that want licensed-data music models, an API or self-hosted weights | No | Quoted |
| 6 | Loudly | Platforms and creators who want rights-cleared instrumental generation, remixing and an API in one product | Yes | Quoted |
| 7 | AIVA | Composers and game or film creators who want instrumental pieces, MIDI export and ownership of the composition | Yes | €11 per month plus VAT (Standard, billed annually) |
| 8 | Beatoven.ai | Video editors and podcasters who want royalty-free background music sold by the minute | Yes | Quoted |
| 9 | Udio | Hobbyists exploring song generation inside the platform while downloads remain unavailable | No | Quoted |
| 10 | Soundful | Content creators and small teams who want style-based background tracks with a license that matches how they publish | Yes | Quoted |
| 11 | Soundverse | Producers who want stems, a distribution license and a token-based studio with an agent that directs the work | Yes | Quoted |
- 1
Suno
Suno ranks first because one pricing page states what each plan buys: credits, song downloads, stem types and commercial use rights. The Free plan generates 50 credits a day but gives no downloads or commercial rights, so a team can audition the sound before paying. Its Studio editor, uploads of up to 30 minutes and custom models give more control than most rivals publish.
Strong on
- Pro and Premier both list commercial use rights next to a fixed monthly download count
- Free plan gives 50 daily credits, so output can be judged before paying
- Uploads, voice recording and advanced section editing are listed on the paid tiers
Weak on
- Pro allows only 20 downloads a month, which a busy content calendar can exhaust
- Included credits expire daily or monthly, and top-up credits need an active subscription
Skip it if: Teams that need indemnified, vendor-documented training data or a flat license for film, TV or broadcast work. Pro includes 20 song downloads a month. Premier is $24 per month annually and includes 60 downloads.
- 2
ElevenLabs Music
ElevenLabs Music ranks second because the vendor states a commercial position plainly: self-serve plans permit online and offline commercial use except film, TV and studio games, and Enterprise covers all uses. Music v2 is described as built with artists, labels and publishers. The credit pool is shared with voice, and an API exists, so a content team can run narration and music on one bill.
Strong on
- Commercial use is stated in the FAQ, with the film, TV and games exclusion spelled out
- Music is available in the web app and through a Music API with inpainting
- One credit pool covers music, voice and sound effects, so budgeting stays in one place
Weak on
- At 900 credits per minute, the free 10,000 credits yield roughly 11 minutes of music
- Credits drawn by music leave fewer for voice work in the same month
Skip it if: Studios producing film, TV or game soundtracks on a self-serve plan, since those uses are excluded from the commercial terms. Music credits come from the shared pool. The page lists Eleven Music at 900 credits per minute.
- 3
Soundraw
Soundraw ranks third because the pricing page is short and complete: each plan states commercial use, monthly downloads and file formats, with Creator unlimited from €5.83 per month on an annual plan. You choose mood, genre and length and get a track under a royalty-free license. The catch for business buyers is size: self-serve plans are for companies under 10 employees.
Strong on
- Creator plan lists unlimited monthly track downloads with commercial use
- Plan table lists distribution and monetization on Spotify and Apple Music
- Artist Pro and Unlimited export WAV and stems
Weak on
- Self-serve plans exclude companies of 10 or more employees, who must contact sales
- Creator plan exports mp3 only, with no WAV or stems
Skip it if: Companies with 10 or more employees that want to buy a plan by card, or buyers who need sung vocals. Creator has unlimited mp3 downloads. Artist Pro is €12.42 and adds WAV and stems.
- 4
Mubert
Mubert ranks fourth because its plan table spells out licensing use by use, from podcasts and ads to apps and agency work, which helps a procurement review. Pro adds monetized content and a full track editor, and Business covers client and agency work. The Creator plan is non-commercial, so the cheapest paid tier will not cover a company video.
Strong on
- License table lists ads, client work, agency work and apps by plan
- Pro includes a full track editor with structure, BPM and key controls
- A Music API is offered for app developers and enterprise
Weak on
- Pages bar publishing on streaming platforms, Content ID registration and library uploads
- The Creator plan is non-commercial, so a business needs Pro at $39 or more
Skip it if: Musicians who want to release generated tracks on streaming services or register them in Content ID. Commercial use starts at Pro, $39 per month or $32.49 billed annually. Business is $199 or $149.29.
- 5
Stable Audio
Stable Audio ranks fifth because the vendor's pitch targets builders: Stable Audio 3.0 comes in Large, Medium and Small models, with open weights for Medium and Small, a managed API and an Enterprise license. Stability AI says the models are trained on fully licensed data and that legal indemnification comes with the Enterprise license. The consumer price was not verifiable, which holds it back for ordinary buyers.
Strong on
- Medium and Small models have downloadable open weights
- Full tracks of up to six minutes, with editing, extension and inpainting-style control
- Enterprise license allows running models on your own infrastructure
Weak on
- No plan prices appear on the vendor page, so budgeting needs a sales or app-page check
- Indemnification is tied to the Enterprise license, not the self-serve app
Skip it if: Individual creators who want a posted monthly price and a simple song-with-vocals workflow. The vendor page lists no price, and Enterprise is by contact. App plan prices were not read.
- 6
Loudly
Loudly ranks sixth because its pitch is strongest for platforms: its own VEGA models are described as rights-cleared by architecture, uploads are not used for AI training, and an API exists. A free tier needs no credit card. The pricing page returned a not-found error when checked, so the cost of the paid plans stayed unverified, which is the main reason it sits below tools with posted prices.
Strong on
- Vendor states that user uploads are not used for AI training
- Remixer, stem splitter, mastering and distribution sit alongside generation
- An API-first audio engine is offered to platforms building music features
Weak on
- Paid plan prices could not be verified on the vendor site in October 2026
- Model options and plan limits are described in marketing copy, not a plan table
Skip it if: Buyers who need a published price list before a procurement review. Home page says to start free without a card. Paid plan prices were not readable on the vendor site.
- 7
AIVA
AIVA ranks seventh because its model is narrower than a song generator: it composes in more than 250 styles, exports MIDI and lets you build your own style models. Its strength is ownership, since Pro hands the copyright to the user with full monetization. The Free plan keeps copyright with AIVA and requires credit, and the paid cap of 300 downloads suits one composer, not a large content team.
Strong on
- Pro plan states that the user owns the copyright, with full monetization
- MIDI and WAV exports let a composer keep editing in a DAW
- Free plan allows 3 downloads a month for a test
Weak on
- Standard plan monetization is limited to named social platforms, and AIVA keeps the copyright
- The vendor's privacy page does not say whether user content trains models
Skip it if: Teams that want songs with sung vocals or fast mood-based background music for video. Pro is €33 per month plus VAT billed annually and grants copyright to you.
- 8
Beatoven.ai
Beatoven.ai ranks eighth because it fits a narrow job: background music for video and audio, with a non-exclusive perpetual license for each downloaded track, including monetization. Pricing is sold in download minutes, which suits occasional use. Beatoven.ai keeps ownership and bars direct distribution on streaming services, and the pricing page could not be read, so current figures are unconfirmed.
Strong on
- Each download comes with a license sent to the buyer's inbox
- Pay per track or subscribe, which suits occasional use
- Stems can be used for sampling in remixes
Weak on
- Direct distribution on Spotify or Apple Music is not allowed under the license
- Plan prices could not be verified on the vendor site during this check
Skip it if: Artists who plan to release songs on streaming platforms or need full ownership. Home page says pay per track or subscribe for extra download minutes. Dollar prices were not verified.
- 9
Udio
Udio ranks last because the vendor's help center says downloading of audio, video and stems has been disabled since its partnership with Universal Music Group on October 29, 2025. A song that cannot be exported cannot go into a campaign. Udio also describes a Warner Music Group partnership, and a new licensed platform is promised, so the position could change when downloads return.
Strong on
- Standard and Pro monthly credit limits were raised to 2,400 and 6,000
- Pro users can create ten songs at once, up from eight
- Partnerships with Universal and Warner point to licensed catalog features
Weak on
- Downloading of audio, video and stems is disabled, per the vendor's help center
- The help article does not address commercial use rights
Skip it if: Anyone who needs a downloadable file for a video, ad or release today. Help center names Standard and Pro tiers with 2,400 and 6,000 monthly credits. Dollar prices were not read.
- 10
Soundful
Soundful ranks tenth because its pricing page is clear about downloads and license type, yet generation is style-based rather than prompt-driven. Free tracks are limited to one MP3 download a month and a personal license. Paid tiers raise downloads to 100, 400 and up to 3,000 and add stems. No dollar prices were readable, so we cannot compare cost against nearer rivals.
Strong on
- Plus tier lists 100 MP3 and WAV downloads a month and a Music Creator License
- Pro adds 20 stem packs a month and direct distribution to SoundCloud
- Free plan offers unlimited generations before any download is used
Weak on
- The free plan allows one MP3 download a month under a personal license
- Dollar prices did not appear in the page text we could read
Skip it if: Songwriters who want vocals and full songs from a text prompt, since the pricing page describes style-based track generation. Free plan allows one MP3 download a month. Plus, Pro and Business tiers exist, but dollar amounts were not readable.
- 11
Soundverse
Soundverse ranks eleventh because its licensing ladder is the most explicit of the newer tools, from a personal free license to royalty free, sample and distribution rights on Creator, Pro and Max. A trial of 1,000 tokens covers about three songs. The pricing page gives no dollar amounts, so cost per track is unclear, and the vendor has a shorter public track record than the leaders.
Strong on
- Distribution license on the Max tier covers releasing tracks to streaming platforms
- Paid plans include WAV and stem downloads, not just MP3 files
- Enterprise tier offers API access and dedicated voice training for teams
Weak on
- Dollar prices were not shown on the pricing page text
- Free tokens are one-time, about three songs, with a non-commercial license
Skip it if: Buyers who need a long-established vendor with public pricing in dollars and a documented track record before committing. Free accounts get 1,000 one-time trial tokens. Creator, Pro and Max give 4,000, 10,000 and 25,000 monthly tokens.
How these AI music generators were judged
Which AI music generator makes tracks that are usable without rework?
Usable depends on the job, and no vendor page proves it. A song generator such as Suno or ElevenLabs Music is judged on vocal clarity and whether the arrangement follows your lyrics. A background tool such as Soundraw or Mubert is judged on loop length, mood fit and whether the track can be cut to a 30 second ad. Editing control matters as much as the first draft: Suno offers section replacement on its paid tiers, Mubert offers a track editor on Pro, and AIVA exports MIDI. Generate five tracks from the same brief in each short-listed tool, then ask someone outside the team which one they would not skip.
How much does an AI music generator cost per month in 2026?
Entry prices run from about $6 to $39 per month, as of October 2026. ElevenLabs lists Starter at $6, and Suno lists Pro at $8 per month billed annually with 20 song downloads. Soundraw starts at €5.83 per month on an annual plan, and Mubert Pro costs $32.49 per month billed annually. AIVA Standard is €11 and Pro is €33 per month plus VAT. Beatoven.ai sells a download allowance in minutes. Udio, Stable Audio and Loudly pricing was not readable on the vendor pages checked. Watch the download cap: a free plan often generates but cannot export.
Was the model trained on licensed music, and who owns the output?
Training and ownership are two separate questions, and vendors answer them differently. Stability AI says Stable Audio is trained on fully licensed data and offers legal indemnification with its Enterprise license. Loudly says its own models are rights-cleared and that uploads are not used for AI training. ElevenLabs says Music v2 was built with artists, labels and publishers. Udio's help center describes its partnership with Universal Music Group, and downloads are disabled during the transition. AIVA gives copyright to the user only on Pro. For Suno, Mubert and Beatoven.ai, the vendor's training policy was not checked for this ranking.
What happens to my tracks if I cancel or switch generators?
Lock-in here is mostly about licenses and file access. Suno says top-up credits need an active subscription to use, and ElevenLabs draws music from the same credit pool as voice, so leaving affects both. Beatoven.ai says it still owns the tracks and gives you a non-exclusive perpetual license, which covers what you downloaded. Udio is the clearest risk: its help center says downloading of audio, video and stems has been disabled, so songs made there cannot be taken out. Download and archive every track you may need, with the license email or receipt, before you cancel any plan.
Which AI music generator fits a solo creator, a marketing team or a product company?
A solo creator releasing songs should look at Suno Pro or Premier, or AIVA Pro if owning the composition matters. A marketing team making ads, explainers and social clips should compare Soundraw, Mubert Pro and ElevenLabs Starter or Creator, then confirm that paid placement is covered. Soundraw sells its self-serve plans to companies with fewer than 10 employees and routes larger firms to Enterprise. A product company embedding music in an app should price the APIs from Stability AI, Loudly, Mubert and ElevenLabs. Agencies with client work need a license that names client use outright.
How to choose an AI music generator in three steps
- Write down where the track will be played. List each use before you compare plans: a paid social ad, a podcast intro, a product video, a streaming release, a game. The license wording decides what you can buy. Mubert's Creator plan is non-commercial, while Pro adds monetized content, and its page bars release on streaming services. ElevenLabs permits commercial use on self-serve plans except for film, TV and games. Soundraw's plan table lists streaming distribution next to commercial use. Pick the plan that names your use, then save a copy of the license page as it reads today.
- Count downloads, not credits. A credit balance tells you how many drafts you can make, and a download cap tells you how many you can use. Suno Pro includes 2,500 credits but only 20 downloads a month, and Premier includes 60. AIVA's Standard plan allows 15 downloads and Pro allows 300. Soundraw's Creator plan is unlimited. Estimate how many finished tracks you need each month, then add the drafts you will throw away. A plan with plenty of credits and few downloads can cost less per draft and more per usable track.
- Test your hardest brief on three vendors. Pick one brief that is hard, such as a 20 second ad with a drop at the 12 second mark, or lyrics in a language your team speaks. Run it on three short-listed tools using the free tier where one exists. Check whether you can export the file you need (WAV, stems, MIDI), whether the length can be changed after generation, and how long a regeneration takes. Ask a colleague who did not write the brief to rank the results blind. Keep the winning file and the vendor's terms together in your project folder.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best AI music generator in 2026?
Suno ranks first in this comparison because its paid plans list a price, a monthly download count and commercial rights on one page. ElevenLabs Music ranks second for teams that already use its voice credits. Soundraw and Mubert rank next for licensed background music. The right choice depends on where the track will be published.
Can I use AI-generated music in commercial videos and ads?
Only if your plan says so. Suno lists commercial use rights on Pro and Premier but not on Free. ElevenLabs permits commercial use on self-serve plans except film, TV and games. Mubert allows monetized content from its Pro plan. Always read the license text for paid advertising, client work and streaming, since each vendor treats those uses differently.
Is Udio still worth paying for in 2026?
Not for work that needs an exported file. Udio's help center says downloading of audio, video and stems has been disabled since its partnership with Universal Music Group began on October 29, 2025. It also describes Warner Music Group as a partner. Wait for a published statement that downloads and commercial rights return before you subscribe.
Which AI music generator is cheapest for a small business?
Soundraw's Creator plan is the lowest price found, at €5.83 per month on an annual plan with unlimited downloads, as of October 2026. It is limited to individuals and companies under 10 employees. ElevenLabs Starter at $6 per month is close, though music credits are shared with voice and other tools.
Does a music generator let me upload my own audio?
Some do. Suno accepts uploads of up to 8 minutes on Free and up to 30 minutes on Pro and Premier, and lets you record your own voice. AIVA accepts an audio or MIDI influence. ElevenLabs lists audio reference in its Music API. Uploading raises a rights question, so check that you own what you submit.
Are there AI music generators with an API for apps?
Yes. ElevenLabs offers a Music API with generation, inpainting and long-form composition. Mubert sells a Music API for app developers, Loudly offers an API, and Stability AI offers a managed API for Stable Audio. Soundraw lists API access under its Enterprise plan. Pricing differs by vendor, so ask for volume terms in writing.
Can I release AI-generated songs on Spotify?
It depends on the vendor. Soundraw's plan table lists distribution to Spotify and Apple Music, and AIVA's Pro plan hands copyright to the user with full monetization. Mubert's page says tracks cannot be published on music streaming platforms, and Beatoven.ai does not allow direct distribution on them. Suno lists commercial rights on paid plans, with limits in its terms of service.
How do I choose between a song generator and a background music tool?
Choose by output. If you want a song with sung vocals and your own lyrics, use Suno, ElevenLabs Music or Udio. If you want music that sits under video or a podcast, pick Soundraw, Mubert or Beatoven.ai, where you set mood and length. Background tools usually come with clearer terms for monetized video, which saves a license review.