Streaming services have dramatically changed the way we discover, enjoy, and share our favorite tunes, allowing us to do it wherever and whenever we want.
With so many music streaming services available today, finding the right platform can be tough. However, if you value both quantity and quality, some stand out from the rest. These platforms offer high-fidelity audio, innovative features, and seamless user experiences. From immersive hi-res formats to AI-curated playlists, they cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Here are the best music streaming services that prioritize exceptional sound and user satisfaction.
Our top pick for high-quality audio streaming is Apple Music, renowned for its exceptional sound fidelity and extensive music library. What's more, Apple Music now offers lossless audio streaming at no additional cost.
For users seeking high-quality music streaming, services like Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, Deezer, and others prioritize superior audio experiences, providing a wide range of high-fidelity options to satisfy even the most discerning listeners.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Apple Music, a subscription-based streaming service by Apple, was developed to compete with platforms like Spotify. It comes pre-installed on Apple devices, replacing older iOS music apps on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and is downloadable on Android devices from the Play Store.
While second to Spotify in subscriber count, Apple Music boasts distinct advantages. Apple Music offers hi-res lossless and spatial audio albums, along with a complimentary classical music app, setting it apart in the streaming landscape.
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.5/5)
Tidal is a newer music streaming subscription service, launched in 2014 by the Norwegian company Aspiro and "re-launched" by Jay-Z in 2015. It boasts millions of songs, including exclusives, podcasts, music videos, live concert recordings, and curated playlists. Tidal HiFi offers CD-quality audio at the same price as Spotify Premium, while HiFi Plus extends to hi-res FLAC audio up to 24-bit/ 192kHz, making it a compelling choice for those seeking pristine sound quality. Additionally, Tidal supports Dolby Atmos and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio for immersive spatial audio experiences.
As with most streaming services, it’s accessible on a wide variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, and platforms like Apple TV and Android TV, Tidal distinguishes itself with its unique focuses.
Rating: ★★★ (3/5)
Qobuz, the premier French music streaming and downloading platform, is dedicated to enriching the music experience for all enthusiasts. With a focus on high-quality sound, Qobuz was a trailblazer, offering 16-bit/CD quality streaming and later introducing 24-bit Hi-res files.
Setting itself apart, Qobuz prioritizes comprehensive metadata, providing extensive musician, producer, and songwriter credits. This commitment enhances the listener's understanding and appreciation of the music. Qobuz also stands out for its clean, intuitive user interface, designed for effortless navigation and enjoyment.
Rating: ★★★★ (4.5/5)
Amazon Music Unlimited offers subscribers access to Amazon's extensive library of over 100 million songs and podcasts, completely devoid of advertisements. Since its inception in September 2019, Unlimited has experienced a surge in popularity, especially among avid music enthusiasts, garnering an impressive subscriber base exceeding 82 million. This subscription plan empowers users to freely select and enjoy any track while enjoying unlimited skips when tuning into stations. Moreover, Music Unlimited provides access to the highest quality versions of songs, available in HD, Ultra HD, and Spatial Audio formats.
Audials Music, a reliable choice for music enthusiasts, empowers users with the ability to record and curate playlists from a range of streaming platforms. However, competition in the software landscape is fierce...
Rating: ★★★★ (3.5/5)
Since its launch on October 7, 2008, Spotify has become a prominent streaming platform for music, podcasts, and audiobooks, boasting up to 236 million premium subscribers worldwide. Its personalized user experience, driven by data on listening habits and interactions, sets it apart in the industry. Additionally, Spotify's collaborative playlists and social media integration facilitate seamless music sharing.
At a subscription fee of $10.99, Spotify offers access to music, podcasts, and audiobooks in one app, a unique proposition in the market. Rumors suggest a new tier called "Supremium," which could offer audiobooks and lossless audio versions of its vast music library, further enhancing user experience.
Rating: ★★★★ (3.5/5)
YouTube Music, also known as YT Music, is a music streaming service owned by YouTube, part of Google's lineup. It's a great choice for music lovers. Google has bundled YouTube Music with regular YouTube, offering one of the best value streaming plans around. For $11.99 per month, you get all the features of YouTube Music and YouTube Premium, including no ads, background play, and more.
Rating: ★★★ (3/5)
Deezer, the renowned French music streaming service, offers access to over 90 million songs, playlists, podcasts, and radio channels online and offline. With personalized recommendations and exclusive content, Deezer caters to diverse musical tastes. Users have the option to explore different music genres on their own or receive personalized recommendations based on their listening habits. Deezer Originals provides exclusive content only found on the platform. Deezer is accessible on various devices, including web browsers, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, ensuring uninterrupted music enjoyment wherever you are.
Rating: ★★★ (3/5)
Pandora is a popular music streaming service in the US, offering a diverse selection of music genres and artists. Users can create stations based on their preferences by selecting songs, artists, or genres they enjoy. Pandora uses its Music Genome Project to analyze songs based on various attributes like melody, harmony, and rhythm, to recommend similar music to users. Additionally, Pandora offers both free and subscription-based options with additional features such as ad-free listening and offline playback.
Below is a comparison table highlighting key features and subscription details of leading music streaming apps in 2024.
| Apple Music | Tidal | Qobuz | Amazon Music | Spotify | YouTube Music | Deezer | Pandora | |
| Monthly fee | $10.99 | HiFi: $10.99; HiFi Plus: $19.99 |
$12.99 | Prime (Video & Music): $14.99 Unlimited: $10.99 |
$10.99 | $10.99 | $11.99 | $9.99 |
| Free trial period | 30 days to 3 months | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 3 months |
| Free option? | No | Yes | No | Yes (ads) | Yes (ads) | Yes (ads) | Yes (ads) | Yes |
| Library Size (million) | 100+ | 100+ | 100+ | 100 | 100+ | 100 | 120 | 30+ |
| Highest bitrate | 3,730Kbps | 9,216Kbps | 6,971Kbps | 3,730Kbps (HD) | 320Kbps | 256Kbps | 1,411Kbps | 192Kbps |
| Lossless streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Music videos | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Podcast and Audiobook Availability | No | No | Yes | Yes | 5 million podcasts 350,000 audiobooks |
Yes | Yes | Limited podcasts No audiobooks |
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
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In 2024, picking the best streaming music app has never been easier. Apple Music leads the pack with lossless streaming and an extensive library, while Tidal offers exceptional sound quality and unique features like Dolby Atmos. Audiophiles will appreciate Qobuz's detailed metadata and high-res audio, while Amazon Music provides a vast selection with HD and Spatial Audio, seamlessly integrated with Alexa. For those not prioritizing lossless quality, Spotify and YouTube Music offer diverse options.
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