Incompetech review
A practical Creative Commons music library for downloads, attribution and editing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Incompetech is a web-based library of royalty-free music by Kevin MacLeod. It is intended for creators working on videos, films, games, podcasts, television, radio advertisements, streaming and live productions. The catalog supports track search, Creative Commons downloads, MP3 files, attribution guidance and standard licenses for projects where attribution is not wanted or possible. ISRC identifiers are also available for recordings, and the music can be edited by chopping, splicing or adding instruments.
The Creative Commons — Free plan allows music use with attribution. Incompetech provides copyable attribution text, which gives users a direct way to credit tracks in eligible projects. The paid options focus on licensing flexibility and access: standard licenses support projects without attribution, while individual standard licenses can be purchased for specific needs. The Complete incompetech mp3 files option provides all of the site's music at once as MP3 files. This is a one-time collection purchase rather than a subscription.
Incompetech fits buyers who want a searchable web catalog, straightforward downloads and clear licensing choices without a broader production suite. Its editing permission is useful for adapting music to a project's timing or arrangement, while ISRC identifiers add recording-level reference information. The narrower scope matters for teams seeking sound effects, AI music, integrations or multi-platform workflows. Choose it for free-license music and simple standard-license purchases; consider another library when those additional production capabilities are central to the workflow.
Incompetech pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Searchable Creative Commons catalog with downloadable MP3 tracks
- Copyable attribution text simplifies crediting free-use tracks
- Editing permission covers chopping, splicing and added instruments
- Where it doesn't
- Attribution is required when using the free Creative Commons license
- Web-only access with no listed integrations or broader platform support
- No sound effects or AI music features
Incompetech fact sheet, pricing and score →
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