If you’re an independent artist, producer, or audio engineer, you’ve likely heard of LANDR—the popular online platform that offers AI mastering, digital music distribution, sample packs, and plugin tools. But what if you’re on a tight budget and wondering, “How can I get LANDR for free?”
The good news? You don’t need to pirate the service or break any rules. LANDR offers several legitimate ways to use parts of their platform for free—or at a significantly reduced cost. In this guide, we’ll walk you through free features, trial offers, promotional deals, and strategic hacks you can use to benefit from LANDR without paying full price.
Is LANDR Free?
By default, LANDR is not completely free. Most of their core features—especially AI mastering, music distribution, and plugins—are paywalled behind monthly or yearly subscriptions. However, LANDR provides a freemium model, meaning you can:
Use limited versions of some tools without paying
Try full access with time-limited trials
Access discounts via referral or affiliate links
Download free samples and loops
Occasionally grab plugin bundles during promotions
Let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Use LANDR’s Free Mastering Preview
LANDR allows one free preview master per track. You can upload your song and hear what LANDR’s AI mastering engine sounds like. While you won’t be able to download the full WAV unless you subscribe, the free preview is high enough quality to test if LANDR suits your sonic taste.
This is great for:
Testing the platform before buying
Comparing LANDR’s sound to other AI mastering services (e.g., eMastered, iZotope Ozone)
Sharing previews with collaborators for review
?? Pro Tip: Try mastering the same song with multiple genres or mastering profiles to understand the tonal differences—this helps you learn which output settings you prefer before paying.
2. Sign Up for a LANDR Free Trial (When Available)
LANDR occasionally runs 7-day or 14-day free trials for new users. These trials usually include:
Unlimited AI mastering
Full access to the sample library
Distribution tools to release your first track
Plugin credits (depending on plan tier)
To find out if a trial is available:
Visit landr.com
Sign up with a new email address
Check your dashboard or promotions page
Be sure to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be charged.
3. Use LANDR’s Free Sample Packs and Loops
You don’t need a subscription to access every sample on LANDR. They offer rotating collections of free sample packs, covering genres like:
Lo-fi beats
Trap drums
Jazz chords
Ambient textures
Simply:
Create a free account
Browse the “Free” tab on the samples page
Download directly to your DAW
These are 100% royalty-free for commercial use, which is a big bonus.
4. Get LANDR Plugin Deals Through Third-Party Bundles
LANDR partners with plugin retailers like Plugin Boutique, Splice, and Loopmasters, who sometimes offer:
Free LANDR Studio Essentials for 1–3 months
LANDR mastering credits as part of software bundles
Plugin purchases that include LANDR trial access
This method is ideal if you’re already planning to buy other music tools and want a bonus.
Example: In late 2024, Plugin Boutique offered 3 months of LANDR Studio Essentials for free with every purchase over $30.
5. Join a LANDR Referral Program
LANDR’s referral program gives both the inviter and invitee discounts or free credits. Sometimes you can:
Get one month of Studio Essentials for free
Earn mastering credits
Score sample downloads for referring friends
Just look for your referral link in your LANDR dashboard, or ask another user to invite you.
6. Take Advantage of Educational and Artist Development Partnerships
If you’re a:
Student in a music production school
Member of a professional songwriting organization (e.g., ASCAP, SOCAN, AIM)
Participant in artist incubator programs
…then you might already qualify for free or discounted LANDR access.
LANDR partners with institutions to give out:
Full Studio plans for free (during semester)
Discount codes up to 50% off
Access to private sample libraries
Check with your school or organization to see if they have an existing partnership.
7. Explore LANDR’s Free Collaboration Tools
Even without a subscription, LANDR lets you access LANDR Sessions, a cloud-based collaboration platform where you can:
Share stems with other producers
Record comments and timestamped notes
Upload and organize project files
It’s similar to Google Drive for audio—but specifically designed for musicians. Perfect for remote teams or when you're sending demos for feedback.
FAQ: How to Get LANDR for Free
Can I master a song for free with LANDR?
Yes, LANDR allows a preview master with no charge. To download the final file, you need a subscription or pay-per-use plan.
Is there a fully free plan?
LANDR offers a free account with access to sample browsing, project collaboration, and preview mastering. Full distribution and plugin tools require a paid plan.
Does LANDR offer student discounts?
Yes. Many educational partners offer free or reduced access to LANDR Studio. Contact your institution for eligibility.
Can I release music for free using LANDR?
Not completely. Distribution requires at least a $23.99/year subscription. However, promotions and free trials may temporarily allow it.
How often does LANDR run promotions?
Typically during:
Back-to-school season (August/September)
Black Friday/Cyber Monday
New Year (January)
Summer music production campaigns (June/July)
Final Thoughts: Is It Possible to Use LANDR for Free?
Yes—while LANDR isn’t 100% free by default, there are plenty of smart, legitimate ways to use parts of the platform without paying. Whether you want to test the mastering tool, browse free loops, or try out collaboration features, LANDR gives newcomers room to explore.
And with occasional free trials, educational deals, referral programs, and plugin bundle offers, you can unlock premium features at no cost—at least temporarily. For many independent artists, these windows of free access are the perfect way to produce, collaborate, and publish without pressure.
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