As of iOS 17 and iOS 18, Apple has made it much easier to set custom tones, but users still face limitations: short tone length, lack of direct MP3 support, and the need for GarageBand for importing. That’s why ringtone apps remain popular, they simplify the process and help users find unique tones quickly.

A top ringtone app in 2025 should include:

• A large sound library with regularly updated tones

• Ad-light experience (or affordable premium upgrade)

• Easy ringtone export to iPhone (via Files, GarageBand, or direct-to-Settings shortcuts)

• Editing tools: trimming, fade in/out, waveform editing

• AI-powered tone generation (new trend in 2024–2025)

• Compatibility with iOS 16, 17, and 18

This updated guide compares the best ringtone apps for iPhone in 2025, explaining why they’re good not just listing features.

How to Set a Custom Ringtone on iPhone (Updated for iOS 17–18)

Apple changed the workflow slightly in 2024–2025:

Method 1 — Using GarageBand (Most Reliable)

• Import sound → Trim → Save → “Use as Ringtone”
  This avoids ads and supports MP3, WAV, AAC, and more.

Method 2 — Using a Ringtone App

Most apps now export tones using:

• “Open in GarageBand”

• “Share to Files → GarageBand import”

• “Create iOS-compatible .m4r file automatically”

Method 3 — Using PC (Deprecated but still works)

iTunes or Finder → create .m4r → sync.

Most users now prefer direct in-app export, which is why apps ranked higher below all have simplified workflows.

Top 10 Best Ringtone Apps for iPhone in 2025

Below is the fully updated list with expert comments, comparisons, pros & cons, and 2025 new features.

1. MP3 Cutter & Ringtone Maker (2025 Edition)

Still the most reliable editor for those who want full control.

Why it’s the best in 2025

• Clean interface with waveform editing

• Supports MP3, WAV, AAC, AMR

• Allows precise trimming (0.01 sec accuracy)

• New 2025 update: AI “tone enhancer” improves audio quality before exporting

Best For: Users who want to create ringtones from their own music

Limitation: Requires GarageBand for final import

2. TUNES – Biggest Ringtone Catalog (10,000+ Licensed Tones)

One of the most downloaded ringtone apps in 2024–2025.

Why it stands out

• 10,000+ officially licensed tones

• Live analytics to see trending sounds

• Artist-based search

• Very few ads compared to competitors

Best For: Users who want ready-made trendy tones

Limitations: Custom editing less intuitive than MP3 Cutter

3. DearMob iPhone Manager

A desktop + mobile hybrid solution excellent for power users.

Why it’s unique

• Imports tones directly to iPhone without GarageBand

• Converts any audio format to iOS ringtone format

• Drag-and-drop simplicity

• Also handles backup, file transfer, compression

Best For: People who prefer doing everything from computer

Limitations: Requires PC or Mac

4. TUNES Premium (Ad-free Experience)

A cleaner version of TUNES with no ads.

Why choose this

• Over 15 million monthly active users

• 10,000+ official tones

• Premium licensed music categories

• Extremely smooth browsing

Best For: Users who hate ads

Limitation: Some tones are paid

5. Best Ringtones: Top Music

Great for commercial-safe tones.

Why it’s good in 2025

• All tones are Creative Commons licensed

• Can be used in YouTube videos, TikToks, etc.

• Over 650+ popular tones

• Simple interface

Best For: Content creators & YouTubers

Limitation: No editing tools

6. Cute Ringtones & Funny Tones

Best for aesthetic or playful themes.

Why it’s trending in 2025

• Popular on TikTok

• Includes cute, kawaii, meme, and anime-style tones

• Also includes wallpapers for complete customization

Best For: Teenagers, aesthetic users

Limitation: Mostly lightweight tones

7. ZEDGE (All-in-One Customization app)

Still the biggest customization platform.

Why it remains popular

• Wallpapers + Tones + Themes in one place

• Trusted by millions

• Tons of free ringtones

• Direct saving to Files → GarageBand import

Best For: One-app customization

Limitation: Some content requires credits (in-app currency)

8. Best Ringtones 2025 (Updated Categories)

The app added 1000+ new tones and 25 categories in 2025.

What’s new

• Categories: Nature, Anime, Classical, Vintage, TikTok trends

• Customizable SMS, alarm, and notification tones

• Improved search filters

Best For: Users who want category-based browsing

Limitation: Many video ads during use

9. Ringtones Maker – Quick Ring App

Becoming popular due to its small size (20MB) and fast export.

Why experts like it

• Fastest ringtone creation workflow in 2025

• Extracts audio from videos

• Converts MP3/MP4 formats

• Fade in/out + pitch control

• Built-in tutorial for iPhone ringtone setup

Best For: Quick ringtone creation

Limitation: Still requires GarageBand for final step

10. Z Ringtones Premium 2025

Great for users who want fresh, trending tones every day.

Why it’s included

• Daily updated tone categories

• Includes blues, pop, classical, alternative, comedy

• 100% free (no in-app purchases)

Best For: Users who want maximum variety

Limitation: Android-first; iPhone features limited

Ringtone App Comparison (2025)

People Also Ask (Included for SEO)

1. What is the safest ringtone app for iPhone?

MP3 Cutter, TUNES, and ZEDGE are considered safe because they use licensed content and follow Apple’s privacy policies.

2. Can I set any song as my iPhone ringtone?

Yes, but Apple requires converting it to M4R format and importing via:

• GarageBand

• Files → GarageBand

• iTunes/Finder (older method)

3. Which ringtone app works without GarageBand?

DearMob iPhone Manager allows direct import without GarageBand.

4. What’s the easiest way to make ringtones in 2025?

Using Ringtones Maker because it generates the final M4R file and guides you step-by-step.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ringtone app in 2025 depends on whether you prefer ready-made licensed tones or want to edit your own audio. Apps like TUNES and ZEDGE are perfect for users who want variety, while MP3 Cutter and Ringtones Maker are ideal for custom creators.

Tools such as DearMob iPhone Manager give power users even more control, especially if they want to manage ringtones without relying on GarageBand.

Whether you want cute tones, viral TikTok sounds, classical music, or personalized audio, these apps make it easy to bring your iPhone to life in 2025.