Riftone
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How to Remove Vocals From a Song on iPhone
Short answer: use an AI stem-separation app. Import the song, let it split into stems, then mute the vocals stem. What is left is a karaoke backing track. This guide uses Riftone, the app we make, and compares it honestly with other options.
Step by step (about 3 minutes)
- Install Riftone and open itGet it on the App Store. Demo tracks are built in, so you can try separation before importing anything.
- Import your songFrom your music library, the Files app, a URL, a microphone recording, or a video in your camera roll.
- Let the AI separate itThe song is split into 6 stems: vocals, drums, bass, guitar, piano and other. Usually a minute or two, depending on length and connection.
- Mute the vocals stemIn the mixer, tap the vocals stem to mute it. You now hear the instrumental. To get an acapella, solo vocals instead.
- Fit it to your voice (optional)Shift the key up to 12 semitones either way, or change the tempo, without affecting the other.
- ExportSave the mix or each stem to Files, or share it to other apps.
Free to download. Separating your own songs needs a subscription (see FAQ).
Riftone vs other vocal remover apps
Prices are the US App Store in-app purchase listings we recorded on 2026-10-09; they change, so check the store before you buy. Ratings are App Store ratings on the same date. Trial terms are not shown on store pages, so we do not list them for other apps.
| App | App Store rating | Listed subscription prices (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riftone | New, no rating yet | Weekly (3-day free trial) and yearly; exact price shown in the app | 6 stems incl. guitar and piano, key and tempo change, 8 import formats |
| Moises | 4.7 (about 28,000 ratings) | Premium $5.99/month or $39.99/year; Pro $29.99/month | Largest and most established; also AI backing tracks. A strong choice if you want the biggest feature set |
| Stemz | 4.65 (about 15,700) | $1.99-$7.99/week, $4.99/month, $39.99/year (varies by listing) | Isolates vocals, piano, guitar, drums, bass; multiple price points |
| Splitteroo | 4.7 (about 1,000) | $2.99/month, $19.99/year | Lowest listed prices among those we checked |
| Vocal Remover - Musiclab | 4.76 (about 3,100) | $14.99/month, $89.99/year | Highest listed prices among those we checked |
Web tools such as LALAL.AI also remove vocals, in a browser rather than as an iPhone app; we did not compare their prices here. We have not benchmarked other apps' audio quality for this page.
When another app may suit you better
If you want the largest community, AI-generated backing tracks and years of track record, Moises is the safer pick. If price is your only concern, Splitteroo's listed prices are lower. Riftone is for people who want all six stems (including guitar and piano), quick key and tempo changes for singing or practice, and WAV export, in a simple app.
Frequently asked questions
Can you remove vocals from a song on iPhone for free?
You can download Riftone for free and try separation on built-in demo tracks. Separating your own songs needs Riftone Premium, an auto-renewing subscription. The weekly plan includes a 3-day free trial, and the price is shown in the app before you subscribe. Cancel any time in iPhone Settings.
How do I make a karaoke track from any song?
Import the song, let the AI split it, then mute the vocals stem. The remaining stems play as a karaoke backing track, and you can change the key to fit your voice.
How do I get an acapella of a song?
After separation, solo the vocals stem and export it. You get the isolated vocal.
What are the 6 stems?
Vocals, drums, bass, guitar, piano and other (everything else, such as synths, strings and effects).
Is the result perfect?
No AI separation is. On dense mixes you may hear faint vocal or cymbal traces in other stems. Clean studio recordings separate best.
Which formats can I import and export?
Import: AAC, ALAC, FLAC, M4A, MP3, MP4, OGG and WAV. Export: M4A, plus lossless WAV from app version 1.3.4.
Can I change the key or tempo of the karaoke track?
Yes. Pitch shifts up to 12 semitones either way without changing speed, and tempo can be changed independently.
Does it work offline?
Separation runs in the cloud, so it needs internet. Songs you have already separated can be played back without it.
Is it legal to remove vocals from songs I do not own?
For private practice and personal karaoke this is generally fine, but publishing or selling derived tracks needs permission from the rights holders. Use music you have the right to use.