Online streaming has given us a wealth of entertainment options at our fingertips. We can choose from 1000s of different games, more TV shows and movies than we could watch in a lifetime, and, of course, access to every music genre and artist imaginable.
When it comes to music streaming, some platforms stand apart from the rest, whether for their audio quality, catalog, or ease of use. If you’re trying to decide which streaming platform is best for you, this article will help. It will dive into eight top music streaming platforms and compare their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision for your listening needs.
Spotify
Spotify is easily the best-known music streaming platform. It’s become widely known and used because of its long list of features and its affordability.
Spotify allows its users to listen to a huge selection of music, podcasts, and audiobooks, listen on mobile and desktop devices (including iOS, Android, and PC systems), and create and share playlists with others. The platform also has fun features that enhance the listening experience, including song lyrics, personalized listening recommendations, and, most recently, an AI-powered DJ.
When it comes to the costs of using Spotify, there are tiered subscription options, starting at $5.99, and a free version—making it an accessible listening service for all budgets. The free version, however, includes ads and does not offer all features, like song lyrics. The drawbacks of using Spotify are that it does not have high-resolution audio or live programs.
Nevertheless, Spotify is excellent for general listening, cross-platform use, and affordability.
Apple Music
If you’re looking for a higher-quality listening experience and use Apple products, the Apple Music streaming service is precisely what you need. Apple Music offers lossless and Dolby Atmos audio, or in layman’s terms, high-resolution music that sounds just as the original recording or live performance is intended to be heard.
The Apple Music catalog includes over 100 million songs, video playlists, radio stations, and a video channel. It also makes music recommendations and offers song lyrics. The pricing is comparable to Spotify, starting at $11 per month, but there is no free version.
While Apple Music is a great service for iOS systems, Android users feel the Android version is lacking. However, there’s also a desktop option accessible through web browsers.
Amazon Music Prime & Amazon Music Unlimited
Built into the Amazon Prime Membership is access to Amazon Music Prime. The streaming service includes a vast selection of music and videos, song lyrics, and AI-powered playlists. If you’re a Prime member deciding which music streaming service to use, it’s worth using this service since it’s free.
This streaming platform doesn’t offer live programming (like radio) or high-resolution audio options and only allows shuffle play. For these features, Amazon members would have to subscribe to Amazon Music Unlimited, a more robust option not included in Prime membership, for an additional $9.99 per month. Amazon Music Unlimited is also available to non-members at a slightly higher monthly cost of $10.99.
YouTube Music
While it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of streaming options like Spotify or Apple Music, YouTube Music offers over 60 million tracks its users can listen to. It also offers many frequently updated radio stations tailored to different genres and moods and plenty of video content.
YouTube Music subscriptions start at $10.99 per month. If you have a subscription to YouTube Premium, YouTube Music is included in your subscription.
Tidal
For those seeking the best listening experience, Tidal is a service that’s hard to beat. It includes lossless and Dolby Atmos sound, live programs (including concerts), videos, artist profiles, album reviews, and new artist recommendations.
The interface is less intuitive than other streaming platforms, which is one of Tidal’s main drawbacks. Of course, with time, you’ll navigate it easily.
Tidal is available in a free version, which limits some of the features and library, and a paid version starting at $10.99 per month.
SiriusXM
Best known for its radio options, SiriusXM also offers many audio options that make it a top streaming platform to consider. It offers abundant live radio channels across genres and topics, including sports and lifestyle channels, as well as music and video streaming.
While its huge collection of non-music audio is incredibly appealing, its lack of high-quality music audio is a drawback to some.
Like the other streaming platforms on this list, SiriusXM has a tiered pricing model, with plans starting at $9.99.
Pandora
If you’re looking for easy, relatively decision-free listening, Pandora is a great option. It shuffles through over 30 million tracks based on your preferences. It’s a great way to discover new songs and artists at an affordable rate, with a free version and paid versions starting at $4.99.
Deezer
The final streaming platform listed here is the original music streaming provider, Deezer. Debuting in 2007, Deezer remains a strong player in the industry. Like Spotify and Apple Music, Deezer has a huge music catalog, including a wide selection of radio stations. It has features like displaying song lyrics and high-fidelity sound, and it even translates lyrics to different languages and tests your music knowledge with quizzes.
Deezer works across mobile and desktop devices, including Apple, PC, and Android systems. Its pricing plans start at $11.99.
Conclusion
Whichever streaming platform you choose, you’ll find a vast collection of music to enjoy your old favorites and discover new ones.