Highlights

• Grand Theft Auto 5 has a wide variety of radio stations with different genres of music, including techno, house, chillwave, funk, reggae, indie, hip-hop, punk rock, R&B, classic rock, soul, West Coast hip-hop, electronic, and more.
• Most of the radio stations in GTA 5 are hosted by real-life personalities, adding authenticity and charm to the game.
• Each radio station in GTA 5 has a unique vibe and playlist, catering to different music preferences. Players can enjoy a curated selection of songs while exploring the game's open world, adding to the immersive experience.

Even a decade after its release, Grand Theft Auto 5 is still one of the most popular games on the market. Its massive open world, freedom of choice, and chaotic action keep fans coming back. But one other thing that the Grand Theft Auto series is greatly appreciated for is their choice of music on the soundtrack.

Since Grand Theft Auto 3, Rockstar has put a lot of effort into getting licensed songs to use for a huge selection of radio stations. Grand Theft Auto 5 continued this by adding sixteen unique radio stations with over 400 songs to choose from. Throughout the game's long life cycle, Rockstar has continued to update the music by adding multiple songs and even entirely new radio stations for players to listen to as they explore the city of Los Santos.

Updated on March 30, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: Grand Theft Auto 5 is one of the most popular video games ever made, with this title still selling like hotcakes to this day courtesy of its innovative Online component that has hooked fans like nothing they've ever experienced before. Of course, the single-player of Grand Theft Auto 5 is also pretty engaging in its own right, with the trio of Franklin, Trevor, and Michael being a blast to interact with. Watching these characters overcome their adversities to become steadfast friends and take out any threat standing in their way makes for a great time, and it's easy to see why so many people loved controlling the three characters in their respective missions, exploring the vast world of Grand Theft Auto 5 and hearing some great tunes on the FM as they went from point A to point B.

Special Mention: Self FM

• Host(s): Cliff Lane & Andee

Almost every Grand Theft Auto game allows players to add their songs to the game in a custom radio station that serves as a major source of comfort for players who want to listen to their own playlist without any restrictions. While most people may not download music nowadays with streaming becoming all the rage, this doesn't mean that players can't make the effort to find the songs they love and add them to a curated playlist that they can never go wrong with.

It helps that Self FM feels naturally integrated into the game, meaning that players won't feel like they're pushing themselves to hear the music they want while breaking their immersion as they drive around the game world. Grand Theft Auto 5's Self FM is a station that not many people talk about, but players are always welcome to add their songs and personalize their playthrough of the game in this small yet meaningful manner.

20 Soulwax FM

Techno And House

• Host(s): Soulwax

A lot of radio stations in Grand Theft Auto 5 are hosted by real-life personalities, and Soulwax FM is no exception. Hosted by a real-life group of Belgian DJs appropriately called Soulwax, the techno and house tunes on this station are a thing of beauty for fans of the genre.

It's one of the few FMs in GTA 5 not to be plagued by commercial breaks, which can be a boon for players who are tired of listening to the admittedly hilarious voiceovers in these advertisements over and over again. It may be far from the most notable radio station in GTA 5, but players looking for a fresh change of pace when it comes to the soundtrack accompanying their vehicular carnage will love what Soulwax FM has to offer.

19 WorldWide FM

Chillwave And Jazz-Funk

• Host(s): Gilles Peterson

WorldWide FM is a pretty interesting radio station that players can check out while driving in and around Los Santos. The fact that this station exists in real life is a testament to how serious GTA 5 is about nailing its radio stations, with the songs here being pretty decent in their own right.

There's nothing inherently bad about WorldWide FM, but it can't be denied that the tracks in this station don't really compare to some of the more high-profile ones in the game. That being said, players who don't mind listening to something energetic (if somewhat generic) will be more than pleased with what this station has to offer.

18 Los Santos Underground Radio

House And Techno

• Host(s): Donna Frank

A consequence of Grand Theft Auto 5 booming in popularity with the advent of its lauded Online component was that this game received regular updates that added a wealth of amazing content to the game, including new radio stations that added some variety to the game's music. Fans of techno and house music were glad to find out that another radio station was added to the game that catered to these genres of music.

Los Santos Underground Radio features some great tracks that players can enjoy as they explore the game world. Most of these tracks are pretty inoffensive, making them unremarkable to all but the most hardcore house and techno fans.

17 Space 103.2

Funk

• Host(s): Bootsy Collins

Players who want to get into the groove and enjoy some smooth tunes will have a blast listening to Space 103.2. Characters like Denise Clinton, Amanda De Santa, and Lester Crest prefer this station quite a bit, and understandably so. The music is pretty soothing and something many people can vibe to while exploring the world.

These old tunes can be pretty relaxing to listen to, but there are times when the vibe of this radio station doesn't match the chaotic gameplay that Grand Theft Auto players are used to. As a result, sticking to this radio station for too long is easier said than done.

16 The Blue Ark

Reggae, Dub, And Dancehall

• Host(s): Lee "Scratch" Perry

The reggae genre is highly underrated with the laidback beats present in this genre making it a perfect way to unwind after a period of stress. Given how encounters in Grand Theft Auto 5 can go completely out of hand, it's nice that players can always rely on this station to mellow things down a bit.

That being said, there's no denying that reggae can become rather repetitive after a point, with the beats blending to form a musical experience that some players may find monotonous in a dynamic game like Grand Theft Auto 5. As a result, there's only so much of this genre and its ancillaries that players can handle before they switch over to a different station instead.

15 Radio Mirror Park

Indie

• Host(s): Twin Shadow

Though some people don’t care for the synthesizer and the musical genre it inspired, fans of synth pop will find a lot to enjoy about Radio Mirror Park. GTA 5’s synth pop station features an extensive playlist including Twin Shadow, Miami Horror, The Chain Gang of 1974, KAUF, and Cut Copy among many others.

The chill vibes of most of these tracks may not be the perfect match for a life of crime and violence, but since the game has much more to it than shootouts and heists, it’s nice to have something to tune into in the game’s more laidback moments.

14 The Lab

Hip-Hop

• Host(s): Doctor No and Chemical Bro

After the much-celebrated release of GTA 5 on the PS3 and Xbox 360, Rockstar decided to go all-out in the re-release of this title on the next generation of consoles and the PC. Not only did the studio add first-person mode to the game, but it also added to the wealth of radio stations players could already tune into in the base game.

One such addition is The Lab, which features a decent collection of hip-hop tracks that are pretty catchy to listen to. It adds to the sheer amount of music variety in the game and proves why GTA 5 deserves its time in the spotlight as one of the most immersive open worlds ever crafted.

13 Vinewood Boulevard Radio

Modern Rock

• Host(s): Nate Williams and Stephen Pope

Where does indie rock fit in the GTA vibe? It isn’t as logical a fit as rap, and given the deserts and mountains of San Andreas, even country might make more sense. Regardless, there’s nothing to stop players from living their indie rock crime life dreams thanks to Vinewood Boulevard Radio.

The station could benefit from more variety and a longer track list, but the bands and songs that are included here make the station worth a listen. Featured artists include Wavves, Ceremony, Bleached, The Soft Pack, and The Men.

12 East Los FM

Regional Mexican, Electronica, Hip-Hop, Rock And Ska

• Host(s): Don Cheto and Camilo Lara

GTA 5’s regional Mexican station features a fantastic and varied playlist including the likes of Mexican Institute of Sound, La Sonora Dinamita, Fandango, and Fiebre de Jack. There are few radio stations that feel like they fit the city better than East Los FM.

Whether one is carjacking, racing, holding up gas stations, running errands, roleplaying, taking down a boss, or just cruising around enjoying the game’s scenery, East Los FM is one of the best radio stations in GTA 5 to vibe to. Unfortunately, the track list isn’t longer, but that’s the only real knock against this station.

11 Rebel Radio

Country

• Host(s): Jesco White

One of the smaller radio stations in GTA 5, Rebel Radio has only 17 songs but is well worth a listen. Rebel Radio is a country station hosted by the fictional character Jesco White, one of the few radio hosts who actually makes a physical appearance in the game.

With songs from country legends such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings, Rebel Radio excels at creating that country feel. Blaine County (the area outside the city of Los Santos) is filled with rural communities, deserts, and long highways. Not having a country station to fit this atmosphere would have been a huge miss.

10 WCTR

Public Talk Radio

• Host(s): Lazlow Jones and Michele Makes (Chattersphere), Dr. Ray De Angelo Harris (Chakra Attack), Fernando Martinez (The Fernando Show)

WCTR is one of two available talk radio stations in GTA 5. Only available in the city of Los Santos, WCTR offers three different talk shows for players to listen to.

Comedian JB Smoove hosts Chakra Attack as spiritual guru Ray De Angelo Harris. Michele Makes and popular GTA character Lazlow host Chattersphere where they argue about pop culture or take phone calls. Finally, Fernado Martinez who fans remember from previous GTA entries hosts The Fernado Show. All three of these shows offer hilarious banter and satire of American culture that the Grand Theft Auto series is so famous for.

9 Channel X

Punk Rock

• Host(s): Keith Morris

Keith Morris, a punk rock veteran and lead singer of the bands Off!, Black Flag, and Circle Jerks, hosts Channel X. It's the only station in the game dedicated to hardcore punk and headbanging classics, with most of its songs being from LA-based bands of the 70s and 80s.

The GTA franchise has always fit that punk rock aesthetic by pushing the boundaries of what society considers appropriate content. The station also gives in-game motorcycle gangs like The Lost MC something to listen to as they wreak havoc all around San Andreas.

8 Non-Stop-Pop FM

R&B And Pop

• Host(s): Cara Delevingne

Famous actress/model Cara Delevingne hosts Non-Stop-Pop, a station dedicated to dance-friendly modern pop. Delevingne plays an exaggerated version of herself, who is great at fitting into the culture of Los Santos.

The station feels like something one might hear playing in downtown Hollywood, with catchy songs from talented artists like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Britney Spears. Los Santos just wouldn't feel right without a station dedicated to pop.

7 iFruit Radio

Hip-Hop

• Host(s): Danny Brown

Hip-hop is a genre that continues to attract a wealth of amazing fans to this day, making it easy to see why more stations were added to the game that explored this genre of music. iFruit Radio is a clear nod to Apple Music, featuring some of the best modern hip-hop tracks around that fans will love. The fact that this station is hosted by Danny Brown makes it even more engaging to check out this unique title.

Aside from Danny Brown, Skepta also appears as a special guest and plays some British hip-hop tracks to keep things fresh and engaging from time to time. Given the sheer amount of great hip-hop tracks that are already present in the game, it's clear that iFruit Radio did something notable and interesting to seperate itself from the rest of the pack.

6 Los Santos Rock Radio

Classic Rock

• Host(s): Kenny Loggins

Classic rock dominates radio stations around the country. It only makes sense for Los Santos to have one dedicated to the genre, with the iconic rock artist Kenny Loggins hosting. Kenny Loggins' own song "Danger Zone," as well as other hits like "What a Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers, are featured on the station.

Other classic artists like Elton John, Queen, and Pat Benatar have songs in rotation as well. For those looking for something familiar to sing along with, Los Santos Rock Radio is where it's at.

5 The Lowdown 91.1

Soul

• Host(s): Mama G

Legendary actress Pam Grier plays radio host Mama G for The Lowdown 91.1. With a focus on classic soul music, The Lowdown brings a funky sound and feel that's much needed in the game. Iconic songs like "O-O-H Child" by The Five Stairsteps and "California Soul" by Marlena Shaw are just a few that are played regularly.

Rockstar also managed to include a few references to Pam Grier's most famous film, Jackie Brown, by featuring multiple songs from the film's soundtrack on this station.

4 West Coast Classics

Old School Hip Hop

• Host(s): DJ Pooh

West Coast Classics is a station that needs to be in Grand Theft Auto, as West Coast hip-hop culture is a huge inspiration for a lot of the game's story elements. Gangs that characters like Franklin and Lamar frequently come in contact with are inspired by real-life ones that have been a part of Los Angeles for decades.

DJ Pooh is a perfect fit to host the station, with his extensive history in West Coast music and entertainment. Cruising down Grove Street with artists like Ice Cube and Tupac blasting out of a lowrider is classic GTA.

3 FlyLo FM

Electronic And IDM

• Host(s): Flying Lotus

Experimental producer Flying Lotus managed to get his radio station in Grand Theft Auto 5. Flying Lotus hosts the station himself, along with some surprise guest appearances from celebrities like Hannibal Burress. FlyLo FM is special because it features multiple songs created or released exclusively for Grand Theft Auto 5.

New songs from popular artists like Flying Lotus himself. as well as Tyler, The Creator, are part of why this station gets so much praise. Musical artists showing their love for the franchise by doing things like this is why the radio stations in GTA are unparalleled.

2 Blonded Los Santos 97.8 FM

R&B, Soul, Psychedelic Rock And Hip Hop

• Host(s): Frank Ocean, Vegyn, Roof Access, and Fed

Based on the real-life radio show Blonded RADIO, Blonded Los Santos is a collaborative project by Frank Ocean, who hosts the show himself along with a few others. With songs chosen specifically by Frank, Blonded offers the most expansive variety of genres that any station in the game has. Exclusive songs from Frank himself as well as hits by Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, and Jay-Z are played.

This station was one of the few that were added later in the game's lifecycle. It managed to bring new life into the game by offering songs that were made after Grand Theft Auto 5's 2013 release and helps it feel more up-to-date.

1 Radio Los Santos

Rap And Hip Hop

• Host(s): Big Boy

With how long Grand Theft Auto 5 has been adored by fans, Radio Los Santos is now considered a truly iconic radio station for the series. Hosted by real-life radio star Big Boy, the station captures the feeling of GTA and its land of San Andreas better than any other. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Danny Brown, Gucci Mane, and Freddie Gibbs all make appearances. Some artists such as A$AP Rocky also released exclusive music made for the game.

Named for the city itself, this station dominates the airwaves downtown. Back in 2013 when GTA Online was released and to this very day, it's hard to find one player that isn't booming Radio Los Santos out of their car's speakers.