Sound effects are noises like beeps, clicks, and growls that can enhance both visual and audible projects. For example, you might add the sound of applause to your video of a standup comedy routine. Or you might add the sound of wheels turning to your audio story of a bike ride through a quiet neighborhood.
Sound effects have been protected via copyright since 1972. Because they are copyrighted, much like music, you need to make sure you are downloading and using sound effects legally.
Some of the best sites to download sound effects are easy to find with a simple web search. Others require a bit more digging. Here’s what you need to know.
There are some sites where you can download unlicensed sound effects for free. Typically, these are not particularly high quality.
Other sound effects are under a CC license, which often do not cost to use as long as you credit the creator.
Sound effects that are professionally created can be obtained through a royalty-free license. You can download and use these legally with a subscription to a service or for a one-time fee.
Most sound effects are protected through some form of license, and you will need to obtain the license to download them for legal use in your project, whether it’s for a podcast, Instagram, TikTok, or a marketing or advertising venture.
Best Sites to Download Sound Effects
To use sound effects in your commercial project, you will need to make sure you have the proper permission to do so. Each of the sites below can ensure that you have the proper licensing to avoid legal issues.
Here are 10 best sites to download sound effects from legally:
1. Freesound
Freesound is a community-driven platform where users can download and share sound effects for free under a Creative Commons license. The site offers a vast library of sounds contributed by creators worldwide, ranging from ambient noises to unique soundscapes. You can filter by tags, categories, and licenses to find exactly what you need for your project.
2. AudioJungle
AudioJungle is part of the Envato Market and offers a wide selection of high-quality sound effects at affordable prices, starting at just $1 to $2 per effect. It’s a great option for those who need professional-grade audio without committing to a subscription. Each purchase comes with a license, ensuring you can use the sounds legally in your projects.
3. Sound Bible
SoundBible provides a mix of free and royalty-free sound effects, making it a versatile option for creators. While some effects are completely free, the site also offers premium sound packs at a small cost. The easy-to-navigate site categorizes sounds by themes, helping you quickly find what you need for personal or commercial use.
4. Artlist
Artlist is a subscription-based service offering unlimited access to royalty-free music and sound effects. With a paid monthly or annual plan, you can download as many sounds as you need for your projects. The site focuses on high-quality content and includes a simple licensing agreement, making it perfect for video creators and businesses.
5. Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound provides an extensive catalog of royalty-free music and sound effects with a subscription. Once subscribed, you can use the sounds across personal and commercial projects without worrying about additional fees. The platform also features a user-friendly search engine to help you quickly find the perfect audio for your needs.
6. Partners in Rhyme
Partners in Rhyme offers a combination of free and paid royalty-free sound effects. You can download individual effects for free or purchase entire themed packs for a one-time fee. The site has been serving creators for years, providing a reliable source for legal and high-quality audio content.
7. Soundsnap
Soundsnap provides access to a diverse library of royalty-free sound effects after creating an account. You can browse by category, mood, or type to find exactly what you need. The site allows you to purchase individual effects or buy a subscription for unlimited downloads, making it flexible for different project budgets.
8. Splice
Splice offers a subscription service that includes unlimited access to a well-organized library of royalty-free sound effects. It’s designed for creators who need a variety of sounds for music production, video editing, or other projects. The platform’s intuitive interface makes it easy to search for and download the perfect sounds.
9. Pond5
Pond5 provides a large selection of stock sound effects with flexible pricing options. You can choose to pay per sound effect, buy credit packs, or subscribe for unlimited downloads. The site is popular for its high-quality effects and its ability to cater to a wide range of industries and creative needs.
10. SoundGator
SoundGator offers a completely free collection of sound effects that you can download without attribution. The site does not require registration, making it one of the simplest options for quick, no-hassle downloads. With a broad range of categories, it’s a great resource for anyone needing free, legal sound effects.
11. Mixkit
Mixkit offers a diverse library of free sound effects suitable for various projects. All sounds are royalty-free, allowing use in both personal and commercial endeavors without attribution.
12. SoundsCrate
SoundsCrate provides thousands of free sound effects and royalty-free music in MP3 and WAV formats. The site is user-friendly, making it easy to find and download high-quality sounds for your projects.
13. Zapsplat
Zapsplat hosts over 150,000 free sound effects, professionally recorded and available in MP3 and WAV formats. The platform updates daily, ensuring a fresh selection of sounds for various creative needs.
14. Sound Jay
Sound Jay provides a collection of free sound effects without the need for login. The sounds are free of charge and royalty-free, suitable for various projects. Remember to read the Terms of Use before downloading and using the sound effects or music tracks.
This table can help you understand each option.
Legal Ways to Download and Use Sound Effects
The legality of downloading sound effects depends on their licensing terms and how you want to use the sound effect(s). But here are some types of sound effects that are legal:
- Royalty-Free Sound Effects: If the sound effects are royalty-free and you follow the license terms, it is legal. Royalty-free typically means you pay once (or sometimes nothing) and can use the sound in your project without ongoing fees.
- Creative Commons Licensed Sounds: Many sound effects are shared under Creative Commons licenses. These may allow free use as long as you follow specific rules, like attributing the creator or avoiding commercial use.
- Public Domain Sounds: Sounds in the public domain can be used freely without restriction. These are often older works or sounds explicitly placed in the public domain by their creators.
- Purchased or Subscribed Content: If you download sound effects from reputable sites like Epidemic Sound or Artlist after purchasing a license or subscribing to their service, it is legal.
How to Stay Safe when Downloading Sound Effects
- Always download from reputable platforms that clearly state their licensing terms.
- Read and follow the terms of use, especially for free sound effects.
- When in doubt, consult a legal expert to ensure compliance.
By respecting copyright laws and using properly licensed sound effects, you can avoid legal trouble and support the creators who produce these valuable resources.
References
Freesound. Freesound.
Stock Sound Effects. (2022). Envato Pty, Ltd.
Free Sound Effects. (2022). SoundBible
Get Royalty Free Music and SFX for Your Videos. Artlist.
Royalty Free Sound Effects. Epidemic Sound.
Royalty Free Music. (2020). Partners in Rhyme.
Find the Perfect Sound Effect. (2022). Soundsnap.
Find Your Sound. (2022). Splice.
Sound Effects to Add Depth to Your Project. (2022). Pond5, Inc.
Free Sound Effects. (2022). SoundGator.
Copyright and Fair Use: Examples: Sound Recording. (2024). University of Illinois Chicago Library.