Best Music Add-ons for Kodi: Easy Picks for Every Listener

Kodi can play music from your own collection and stream through music add-ons. For a straightforward setup, start with Kodi’s built-in add-on repository: its current music catalog includes Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Radio Paradise, and SomaFM. Each suits a different listening habit, from exploring independent artists to leaving a curated radio stream on in the background. Add-on availability can vary by Kodi version and device, so check the catalog in your copy of Kodi before choosing.

Best Kodi music add-ons at a glance

These are community add-ons listed in Kodi’s official catalog, rather than add-ons made by the music services themselves. The catalog is a useful starting point, but stream selection, account requirements, and regional availability depend on each service and can change. Review the add-on’s description and the service’s terms before signing in or relying on a particular stream.

Which add-on should you choose?

Bandcamp for artist discovery

The Bandcamp add-on is listed for discovering music and browsing your collection. It suits listeners exploring independent releases and supporting artists through Bandcamp. Its features may differ from the Bandcamp website or mobile app.

SoundCloud for a wide mix of audio

The SoundCloud add-on connects Kodi with a music and podcast platform that includes independent tracks and remixes. If a track will not play, check SoundCloud’s own site or app to see whether it is available to your account and region.

Radio Paradise for a continuous mix

Radio Paradise is a DJ-mixed stream for listeners who would rather press play than pick each track. Kodi describes its eclectic programming as including rock, indie, electronica, and world music, in a listener-supported, commercial-free format.

SomaFM for niche radio channels

SomaFM is radio-first, with more than 30 listener-supported underground and alternative channels, according to Kodi’s listing. Its DJs curate the channels, making it a fit for listeners who want a mood or scene instead of a personal queue.

Install a music add-on from Kodi

1. Connect Kodi to the internet and open Add-ons from the Home screen.
2. Select Enter add-on browser. If you have already installed an add-on and do not see that option, open the box icon in the Add-ons manager.
3. Choose Install from repository, then select Kodi Add-on repository. If a repository list appears, choose Kodi’s official repository.
4. Open Music add-ons, select an add-on such as Bandcamp or Radio Paradise, and choose Install. Confirm any required dependencies and wait for Kodi’s installed notification.
5. Return to Add-ons and open the music add-on. Follow its own instructions if it asks you to connect an account.

Menu wording can vary with Kodi releases and skins. Kodi’s add-on manager documents the same repository flow and recommends installing listed add-ons through Kodi’s interface. Add-ons are free to install, but a connected service may require an account or paid plan for some content.

Already have music files? You may not need an add-on

For music stored on a computer, external drive, or network share, Kodi’s built-in Music library is often the simplest choice. From the Home screen, open Music, choose Files if needed, then select Add music. Browse to the folder, give the source a name, and choose whether Kodi should scan it into the library. Kodi reads tags embedded in your music files to organize artists, albums, and songs; fetching extra artwork or information is optional.

Use the built-in repository as your starting point

Older Kodi tutorials often rely on entering third-party repository URLs and installing ZIP files. The recommendations above can be found through Kodi’s own add-on browser, so there is no need to add those sources just to try them. Kodi explains that installing from a ZIP requires enabling Unknown sources and warns that add-ons from outside its repository may access personal data on the device. Use an add-on only when you trust its developer, and respect the rights and terms that apply to the music you play.

To compare current options, open Kodi’s Music Add-ons catalog. It includes the add-on descriptions and links to their source projects. For official setup details, see Kodi’s add-on manager guide and music library instructions.