A list of Chrome music extensions that add a soundtrack to your surfing.
We all love a little background music while browsing the web, but finding software that provides a hassle-free listening experience can be a challenge. We’ve already provided a list of free alternatives to iTunes, and now a range of Chrome extensions also offer a viable option. Designed to allow you to tap into different online streaming services, including Google Play, Last.fm and Grooveshark, you’ll never be stuck in silence again.
Music + is designed for use with a Google Play account. Installing this extension gives you Last.fm integration, extra information about albums and artist biographies, and the ability to fetch lyrics for individual songs. Music + enables you to control your music library through a pop-up, or global keyboard shortcuts, so you can change tracks without switching windows.
Another extension designed for use with a Google Play account is Better Music, which provides similar features to Music +. Play, pause, skip, reverse, shuffle and repeat songs directly through your Chrome window. As well as toast notifications when a song changes, and the option to scrobble your songs, Better Music comes with several social sharing options, including the ability to “like” a song on Last.fm and give it the Google thumbs up or thumbs down.
GroovesharkMenu’s charm lies in its simplicity. This extension is designed to provide you with the most basic of playback functions for Grooveshark, leaving you free to get on with whatever you’re doing. Play/pause or skip tracks from any Chrome window and, well, that’s it.
Deezer gives you access to over 15 million tracks from your Chrome browser. Search for your favorite artists and albums, or get recommendations from the Deezer editorial team. Although Deezer is a Chrome extension, the app’s interface is more like the website than a pop-up player.
Last.fm is one of the most popular online music streaming services, and the Last.fm extension integrates the player with your Chrome browser. Listen to music via Last.fm, pause, repeat, skip and shuffle using the pop-up. You can also buy tracks, turn scrobbling on or off, and adjust the player’s volume. Like the website, you can also use the extension to listen to your friends’ playlists, and create your own.
With its focus on radio, MixCloud is slightly different to other extensions on this list. It gives you access to podcasts, DJ mixes and radio shows, and allows you to promote your own. The MixCloud service hosts a wide range of radio programs and music, and you can search and filter to find what you like, or discover new music. The extension also comes with comment and sharing options, so you can share your favorite tracks and shows with friends.
Songstr is a music search engine that combines results from Grooveshark, Deezer, Spotify, Rdio and YouTube. Get full tracks, previews and videos by searching for an artist, song title or album. You can also purchase music through the extension, however you need to have an account with the service you’re using to purchase before doing so.
Drive Tunes is designed to let you play audio files straight out of Google Drive. Compatible with MP3 and M4a files, this player allows you to store your music in Google Drive, and retain the ability to queue and access it too. Using Drive Tunes, you can search all songs stored in Google Drive, activate a shuffle feature to create a random playlist, order songs alphabetically or based on the number of plays, and play songs from selected folders.
Earbits Radio is designed to spread new music and allow users to create a customized radio stream sans commercials. Find both well-known and up-and-coming bands through Earbits, play their music, connect with them through Facebook and Twitter, and share their music with friends. The Earbits radio team choose which music to add to the service, and only play artists they work with directly, so they also host frequent competitions, promotions and giveaways for users.
Hannah is a freelance writer from London, UK. Having completed a degree in English, she discovered a passion for all things digital, and enjoys nothing more than writing about online communication, marketing and anything Apple-related. When she's not researching the latest app releases or ogling new gadgets, Hannah enjoys writing about personal development, yoga, and exploring the world. | Google Plus
