The best music apps for kids in 2027 are KidNation, Spotify Kids, Yoto, tonies, Khan Academy Kids, Lingokids, Moshi Kids and PBS KIDS Video. Some play songs. Others get kids dancing or help them wind down. A Toniebox needs separate hardware. Yoto also offers a player for screen-free listening.

Heads-up: KidNation is our app, and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges co-founded it. We checked every other app’s App Store page on November 6, 2026.

Quick picks

See all eight side by side in our comparison sheet.

The list

1. KidNation (our app)

KidNation’s music library was made and picked by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, a multi-platinum artist and dad of four. It includes feel-good songs, life lessons and learning tracks. Think handwashing or getting along, with a beat a grown-up can stand on the 40th replay.

The music sits beside music videos and other hand-picked videos, all with zero ads, for kids 5 to 8. After a video, Word Ninja turns words from it into a spelling game. The Storyteller reads your kid a new story with the hero and villain they picked.

KidNation is freemium. A new version is coming, so join the waitlist. If you’ve got a Toniebox, there’s also a KidNation Tonie with 45 to 60 minutes of songs.

2. Spotify Kids

Spotify Kids comes with Spotify Premium Family. It has playlists made for young listeners, and songs can be downloaded for offline play. Its App Store rating was low, at 2.7 stars in November 2026. Read the recent reviews first.

3. Yoto

The Yoto app is free and ad-free. You can play audio cards directly in the app. For screen-free listening, Yoto Players and Minis play music or stories when kids insert a card. The player is a separate purchase.

4. tonies

The tonies app sets up the Toniebox, a soft speaker that starts playing when a kid puts a figure on top. Figures are sold one by one, and the KidNation Tonie is one of them. The app alone isn’t enough. You need the Toniebox.

5. Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids is free, with no ads or subscription. It’s a learning app with dance and sing-along videos for ages 2 to 8.

6. PBS KIDS Video

PBS KIDS Video has free songs and sing-alongs from PBS KIDS shows, plus full episodes and live TV. Brief sponsor messages play before some full-length episodes. Shows can be downloaded for offline viewing.

7. Lingokids

Lingokids has movement songs, stretches and dancing among more than 4,000 activities. It’s 100% ad-free on a subscription, and it leans younger.

8. Moshi Kids

Moshi Kids has calm music, sleep stories and meditations. It’s 100% ad-free on a subscription. Built for bedtime.

How we picked

Each of the eight apps had to play music made or picked for kids. We’ve separated app listening from options that need hardware. Prices change, so check the store before paying.

Questions parents ask

What music app is safe for kids?

Look for a hand-picked library with no open comments or ads. KidNation, Yoto, Khan Academy Kids, Lingokids and Moshi Kids say they’re ad-free.

Does Ludacris have a kids’ music app?

Yes. Chris “Ludacris” Bridges co-founded KidNation and makes and picks its music. KidNation is for kids 5 to 8 and has zero ads.

What’s a screen-free way for kids to listen to music?

Try a Yoto player or a Toniebox. Both play music without a screen, but both require their own hardware.

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Want songs your kid loves and you don’t mind hearing twice? Join the KidNation waitlist.