The quest for great music is as timeless as the melodies themselves. The digital era has transformed this quest, making it more straightforward and diverse with many mobile apps. However, determining the best and safest apps for music can be challenging amidst the broad landscape of available platforms. This article will showcase reliable applications that deliver rich music experiences and protect digital privacy. 

Spotify

Topping the chart, we find Spotify. A trailblazer in digital music, this app provides free access to millions of tracks from across the globe. Its sleek, intuitive interface enhances the listening experience, ensuring you're just a few taps away from your favorite tunes. Spotify's robust algorithm curates personalized playlists, so if you want a perfect playlist while gaming your online casino, you can discover new songs and artists that match your tastes.

However, the free tier has limitations, including periodic ads and lower-quality streaming than its premium counterpart. As for safety, Spotify takes user data privacy seriously. The company follows stringent protocols, shielding users from potential cyber threats. Users must maintain strong, unique passwords and periodically review account activity for utmost protection.

Amazon Music

Moving on to Amazon Music, it proves to be a strong contender in the free app arena. Amazon Music provides ad-supported free streaming to its vast library of songs, albeit with some restrictions compared to the paid version.
 
The well-designed app makes music discovery effortless with curated playlists and customized stations. But its seamless integration with Amazon's ecosystem, including Echo devices, sets it apart, enhancing the overall user experience. Regarding security, Amazon employs robust measures to protect user data. It utilizes encryption and other protective mechanisms to guard against unauthorized access.

Deezer

Now, we delve into Deezer, an app that melds a vast repertoire with an intuitive interface. Like its competitors, Deezer's free tier offers access to an extensive catalog with some limitations, including ads and lower audio quality. 

But it shines in its discovery feature, "Flow," a personal soundtrack that plays an endless stream of music tailored to your preferences. Its lyric feature also adds another layer of engagement to the listening experience. Deezer is committed to maintaining high safety standards and implementing rigorous data security measures.

YouTube Music

Stepping into the spotlight, next is YouTube Music. Powered by the world's largest video platform, YouTube Music offers free streaming with some constraints, like ads and the inability to play in the background. What truly sets this platform apart is its unparalleled range of videos, remixes, and live performances - a haven for enthusiasts who appreciate visual storytelling alongside the auditory experience. 

Personalized recommendations based on your YouTube history further refine your exploration. Safety is high on YouTube Music's agenda. The platform adopts Google's rigorous security standards, providing robust protection against unauthorized access.

BBC Sounds

BBC Sounds, an application developed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), serves a unique audience with its focus on radio programmes, podcasts and an extensive selection of mixes created expressly by BBC DJs. Although it deviates from the typical music streaming experience, it offers up diverse exclusive compilations that would be intriguing to those seeking a novel assortment of tunes.

The user-friendly app ensures easy navigation through its diverse content library. As for safety, it adheres to BBC's strict data protection policies and regulatory standards, thus maintaining high user trust.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud, often dubbed the 'social media of music,' deserves mention. This platform excels in supporting indie artists and sharing original content, making it a fertile ground for discovering new music and fresh talent. While its free tier contains ads, it provides a level of diversity that is hard to find elsewhere. It's also a platform for artists to upload their tracks, fostering a community-centric music culture. 

SoundCloud implements standard safety measures and uses encryption to protect user data. Still, users must adopt good practices such as using strong passwords, not sharing sensitive information, and monitoring account activity to ensure safety.

Tidal

Tidal, a notable innovation from the esteemed artist Jay-Z, presents an exceptional service. Touting itself on delivering lossless audio quality and high-definition music videos, it promises to envelop its audience in an immersive experience. Its free tier does include advertisements; nonetheless, it still provides meticulously curated playlists along with a vast selection of over 70 million songs.

Moreover, Tidal stands out with its support for artists, ensuring fairer pay rates than many competitors. Security-wise, Tidal uses industry-standard protocols to protect user data, including encryption and secure servers.

Conclusion

Finding the best and safest free music apps in an era of digital possibilities can be quite a quest. Each platform offers a unique music experience, from Spotify's personalized playlists to Tidal's high-fidelity sound. At the same time, all of them maintain commendable safety standards. As consumers, vigilance and wise practices can further bolster our digital safety.