I spent a month going through the best music streamers to compare them – here are the 7 biggest things I learned
Spotify has long been considered the best music streaming service thanks to its extensive music library, easy-to-use interface, smart recommendations and sleek design. However, the music streaming space has changed since Spotify launched in 2008. Since then, rivals have upped their game and launched new products that target different listeners. While Spotify is still our top choice for most people, services like Tidal, Apple Music and Qobuz offer attractive alternatives tailored to specific needs. So, how do you choose the best music streaming service for you?
I have have tested the best music streaming services in recent months for our reviews, such as our Tidal review and Spotify review. This has given me great insight into the nuances of what each service offers, from sound quality and recommendations to functionality and user experience. With that in mind, here are some of my thoughts that should help you choose the best music streaming service for you based on your preferences and listening habits.
1. Most music streaming services are very similar
Before we get into the unique features of the best music streaming services, we need to acknowledge their similarities. Basically they all do the basics well. Almost all of them offer a huge library of around 100 million songs and options to save songs, albums and artists and create personalized playlists. They also provide music recommendations and generate custom playlists. They even look the same with a grid-like layout and a mostly monochrome color scheme.
This is useful for anyone who can’t decide which of the best music streaming services is right for them. Essentially, at a basic level, you can’t go wrong: all the leading services offer a similar experience. It also means that if a specific feature or benefit appeals to you, such as an Amazon Prime discount or a preference for Apple products, you don’t have to think about it. Let these factors inform your decision, as they are similar in every other respect.
2. Spotify is the best at music recommendations
During my testing, I was pleasantly surprised by how well all the top music streaming services adapted to my musical tastes. I found Tidal and Apple Music’s suggestions impressive, but Spotify remains the leader in recommending new songs and music. It consistently delivered a mix of favorite songs and new recommendations across all its playlists, meaning I never knew what to listen to.
Admittedly, I have been using Spotify the longest. This means that there may be some bias when testing the recommendation engine. But even if I were to just start using it, the range of recommendations is very robust, especially compared to others. What I appreciate most is how Spotify’s recommendations adapt to my changing preferences, which other services often struggle to do.
That’s why I use Daylist the most, even though I love so many recommendations from Spotify. This playlist is constantly updating and changing throughout the day, and the creatively named playlists only add to the fun.
3. Tidal and Qobuz deliver the best sound
If you want the music streaming service that sounds the best, Spotify isn’t for you. The platform has announced plans for a high-resolution audio offering, but has not yet launched. Other major services, such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal and Qobuz, offer superior sound quality. However, if you’re not an audiophile, chances are you won’t notice the subtle differences between these offerings. But most of us agree that Tidal and Qobuz offer the best sound quality, depending on what you’re looking for.
Qobuz is the best option for high-resolution streaming, having abandoned MP3s years ago to focus on lossless audio. It has a large library of high-resolution songs, offering FLAC 24-bit up to 192 kHz – better than CD quality. Qobuz transparently displays the audio resolution of its songs with clear labels and offers access to its high-resolution storage even to non-subscribers. The user interface and recommendations may not match the competition, but Qobuz has some unique features, such as artist interviews and news articles.
Tidal recently changed its pricing plans. The Standard plan now includes 24-bit, 192 kHz HiRes FLAC audio and immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio. If you’re looking for a ‘Spotify for audiophiles’, Tidal is an excellent choice. It combines high-resolution audio with an easy-to-use interface and robust music discovery features.
3. Prime member? Try Amazon Music Unlimited
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you might not realize that Amazon Music Prime is included in your subscription. This limited music streaming service offers ad-free streaming of over 2 million songs, along with a curated selection of playlists and radio stations. If you’re on a budget and already subscribe to Prime, this could be a cost-effective music streaming option for you.
Amazon Music Unlimited is different. This is Amazon’s premium music subscription service and removes all the limitations of Amazon Music Prime, giving you access to over 100 million songs, including lossless FLAC audio with quality up to 24-bit/192kHz. While Amazon Music Unlimited requires an additional monthly subscription fee, Prime members get a discount, bringing the cost down to $9.99 / £9.99 / AU$11.99 per month, which is cheaper than most other premium music services.
4. There are several “free” options to consider
You have several options if you want to try one of the best music streaming services for free. I recommend the free version of Spotify. You can create playlists, listen to songs and get recommendations. Yes, there are all kinds of limitations compared to the premium level. You can only shuffle most playlists and albums instead of playing specific songs, and you’ll also have to listen to a lot of ads. But since it’s free, it’s a solid option.
Deezer’s free tier is another option worth considering, with a similar setup to Spotify. You can access Deezer’s extensive library in shuffle mode, build your own collection of songs and playlists, and explore the service’s signature recommendation feature, Flow. Like Spotify, this tier is ad-supported.
Or you can take advantage of free trials offered by other services. Tidal offers a 30-day trial that I highly recommend if you’re curious about whether higher quality audio is a must-have for you. However, keep in mind that these trials are temporary.
5. Do you like Apple? Choose Apple Music
Apple Music has a similar design to other streaming service apps like Tidal, but it also has a distinctly ‘Apple’ look. So if you appreciate a clean and streamlined aesthetic, Apple Music might be your best choice. Often it’s not just about audio quality or advanced features when it comes to choosing the best music streaming service; Many of us want an easy and seamless experience.
This is especially true for big Apple fans. As you might expect, Apple Music integrates well with other Apple products and services, including the Apple HomePod. That means you can easily play Apple Music songs using voice commands.
Besides the excellent integration and sleek design, Apple Music may look similar to other services. However, it stands out in a number of key areas. Apple Music delivers better audio quality than Spotify and offers the same extensive library. Additionally, if you have a digital music library, you can integrate it with Apple Music. And while the recommendations may not quite match Spotify’s, they’re still nice and accurate.
6. Save money on audiobooks with Spotify
Spotify has quickly become a one-stop destination for all things audio. It has always offered an extensive music selection, but now the music streaming service is home to more than 5 million top podcasts. While some competitors offer access to exclusive podcasts, they can’t match Spotify’s extensive library.
In addition to music and podcasts, Spotify offers access to 200,000 audiobooks with its premium tier. If you haven’t yet looked at what titles are on offer, I recommend you do so. I was surprised that there were so many quality books available at no extra cost, such as Neil Gaiman’s catalogue. But even if you’re not a fantasy nerd like me, there are plenty of excellent titles out there. While some users may prefer dedicated podcast or audiobook apps, Spotify’s library can simplify your digital life and save you money.
7. Choosing the right music streaming service comes down to your personal preference
All the best music streaming services offer streamlined experiences, great features and access to massive music libraries, meaning you really can’t go wrong. Maybe you have a lot of Apple products or you just love Tidal’s design, follow that instinct. Additionally, if you have a specific need such as high-resolution audio, you’ll want Qobuz; or if you have an Amazon Prime subscription and a small budget, try Amazon Music Unlimited. No specific needs? Spotify is a good choice and won’t disappoint you.