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Listening to Internet radio

Listening to Internet radio is easy and can be done using various software and hardware options across different devices and operating systems. Below is a detailed guide.

Official radio website

The easiest way to listen to Internet radio is by visiting the station’s website and using its built-in audio player, if available. Look for a “Listen Live” button which is usually prominently displayed on the homepage or in a “Live” section. Most modern stations use HTML5 players that work instantly without downloads. Adjust volume or settings directly on the website’s player by using volume controls and quality selection buttons. This is the easiest way to listent to the radio because you do not need to have any additional applications or an account, the stream works directly in your browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) and any device: smartphone, tablet, computer, or smart TV browser.

Stations often prioritize their own websites over third-party apps and may even hide their streaming links to drive more traffic to their official site.

Along with the built-in player, a radio station’s website may provide direct links to stream the broadcast using third-party player applications, allowing you to listen without visiting the website. Streaming links are different from regular website links - they provide direct access to the audio stream. While you can open them in a browser, which may display a built-in player, the best way to use them is with a dedicated media player.

If a radio station has an official mobile app, the website will usually include links to download it from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Many stations do not have an official website, but their streaming links can be found in radio player directories and aggregator platforms.

Player programs

Listening to Internet radio on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS operating systems can be done using various media players that support streaming.

To listen to Internet radio in a media player, you first need to obtain a direct link to the radio stream. Once you have the link, open your preferred media player, find the option to open a network stream or URL, enter the streaming URL, and click Play.

Some radio players available on operating systems:

  • Windows:

    • Windows Media Player – Can play streaming radio if given a direct URL.
    • VLC Media Player – Open-source, supports many formats.
    • Winamp – Classic media player with internet radio support.
    • Foobar2000 – Lightweight and customizable.
    • AIMP – Good for music and radio streaming.

  • MacOS

    • VLC Media Player – Best for streaming radio.
    • iTunes (Apple Music) – Add a custom station by entering a stream URL.
    • Clementine – A great alternative for managing and playing radio streams.
    • Pine Player – High-quality audio player with radio support.

  • Linux

    • VLC Media Player – Works well on Linux.
    • Rhythmbox – GNOME’s default music player with radio support.
    • Audacious – Lightweight player with Winamp-style interface.
    • MPV – A command-line-based player with streaming support.
    • cmus – A terminal-based music player supporting radio streams.

Mobile devices

The best option is to check if the radio station has an official app available for Android or iOS on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Try searching for the station by name in the respective store.

If an official app is not available, you can use the following players for Android and iOS:

  • Android

    • TuneIn Radio – One of the most popular apps with thousands of stations.
    • Radio Garden – Interactive map-based internet radio listening.
    • Simple Radio – Minimalistic and easy-to-use.
    • XiiaLive – Advanced features like station recording and equalizer.
    • myTuner Radio – Offers access to many worldwide radio stations.
    • VLC for Android – Open-source and supports custom stream URLs.
    • Foobar2000 – Lightweight and highly customizable.
    • AIMP – Good for music and radio streaming.

  • iOs

    • TuneIn Radio – One of the most popular radio apps with thousands of stations.
    • Radio Garden – Lets you explore stations on an interactive world map.
    • Simple Radio – Lightweight and user-friendly.
    • iHeartRadio – Focuses on U.S. radio stations, including AM/FM.
    • myTuner Radio – Offers access to many stations worldwide.
    • VLC for iOS – Open-source player that supports network streaming.
    • Foobar2000 – Highly customizable, supports streaming links.
    • Evermusic – A music player that supports network streams.
    • Apple Music (iTunes Radio Feature) - Apple Music has a built-in internet radio feature. You can manually add a stream URL by selecting File > Open Stream in iTunes (Mac) and syncing it to your library.

Dedicated Hardware

If you want to listen to internet radio without using a phone or computer, you can use dedicated internet radio hardware like Wi-Fi radios. These devices connect directly to the internet and stream radio stations without requiring a separate app or software.

These radios connect to Wi-Fi and have built-in station directories:

  • Grace Digital Mondo Elite – High-quality internet radio with a touchscreen and app support.
  • Sangean WFR-28 – Portable Wi-Fi radio with support for streaming and FM radio.
  • Ocean Digital WR-800F – Compact internet radio with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming.
  • Roberts Stream 94i – Premium sound quality, Spotify Connect, and internet radio.
  • CC WiFi Internet Radio – Simple interface with thousands of built-in stations.

Smart Speakers (Amazon Echo, Google Nest)

Many smart speakers can stream internet radio stations using voice commands:

  • Amazon Echo (Alexa) – Say, “Alexa, play [radio station] on TuneIn.”
  • Google Nest Audio (Google Assistant) – Say, “Hey Google, play [radio station] on iHeartRadio.”
  • Apple HomePod – Works with Apple Music and TuneIn for radio stations.

Cars

Listening to internet radio in a car can be done in several ways, depending on your car’s technology and your preferred setup. Here are the best methods:

  1. Using a Smartphone with Bluetooth or AUX

    Best for: Any car with Bluetooth or an AUX input

    • Connect your phone to the car’s Bluetooth or AUX port.
    • Open an internet radio app (TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Radio.net, etc.).
    • Select a station and start streaming through your car’s speakers.

  2. Using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

    Best for: Cars with built-in CarPlay or Android Auto support

    • Plug your phone into the car’s USB port or connect wirelessly (if supported).
    • Open an internet radio app like TuneIn, iHeartRadio, MyTuner or official radio app.
    • Control playback using the car’s touchscreen or voice commands.

  3. Using a Dedicated Internet Radio Receiver

    Best for: Cars with Wi-Fi or aftermarket radio systems

  • Some modern car infotainment systems (Tesla, BMW, Audi, etc.) support Wi-Fi and internet radio apps.
  • If your car supports apps, install an internet radio app directly on the system.