I tested out plenty of AI song generators, but this one strikes the right chord

Andy Walker / Android Authority

Generative AI can now accomplish some remarkable feats — look no further than ChatGPT or Midjourney for proof. But did you know it can make pretty decent music, too? That’s right. You can pump out a new jam for your house party, advertising campaign, or ambiance in your YouTube video using AI song generators. There are so many options out there, but which should you use? After using several potential candidates, Suno became my favorite AI song generator.

Suno is the best AI song generator out there

Andy Walker / Android Authority

Most people interested in an AI song generator will value simplicity and results, and Suno delivers on both. The platform doesn’t have an Android app, but the company debuted a new iPhone app earlier this month. Nevertheless, the tool is accessible through your favorite browser on desktop or smartphone. I test-drove Suno on my Windows machine.

Suno’s home page is a good showcase of what’s possible with this tool. There’s a browsable, playable list of tracks made using it, and most of the songs on the showcase offer surprisingly good lyrics (in multiple languages) and a deft combination of various genres.

Suno's home page is a good showcase of what's possible with this tool.

When you’re done browsing, you must create an account using your Apple, Google, Discord, or Microsoft credentials to use the tool. Alternatively, Suno also allows account creation using a phone number. This is all a bit clunky, and I would’ve preferred using a standalone email address, but it’s a minor inconvenience in light of the tool’s capabilities.

Once logged in, input a prompt or “song description,” as Suno terms it, into the corresponding text box. Suno allows users to be more descriptive than other services, provided your prompt is less than 200 words. My first prompt used just eight, and the results were surprisingly good. The more allusions to moods and tones you use, the more nuances the song will offer. It also suggests that creators “use genres and vibes instead of specific artists and songs” to prompt the service.

Andy Walker / Android Authority

After using “a defeated battlefield song with horns and strings” as my first prompt, Suno required a minute or two to generate two distinct tracks. Both were oddly good. One was decidedly more dramatic, while the other was more orchestral. Granted, the songs produced lack the human touch of a musician, but they were listenable. Suno produced the most release-ready tracks of the tools I’ve tried thus far. The tool adds all the riffs, chooses the perfect key, adds a chorus and multiple verses, and even fills in lyrics. Suno described the tracks as “dramatic, orchestral, and somber.” These elements really came through.

My second query asked for “a lo-fi dreamscape that’s contemplative and nostalgic with elements of soft piano.” Suno provided two more tracks called “Fading Memories.” I preferred these even more — they’d be perfect for a slice-of-life YouTube vlog. Listen to both productions here and here.

If you like the track Suno created, you can download it. Alternatively, you can edit the details, although you will need a premium account to tweak the song art. A free account offers 50 credits that refresh daily, enough to create at least five tracks, but those who want to use their tracks commercially or want more tokens will want to pay up.

Andy Walker / Android Authority

A Pro plan will set users back $10 per month but offers multiple jobs, 2,500 credits, and general commercial terms. A Premier plan bumps the credit count up to 10,000 for $30 per month.