We live in a digital age. Almost everything we do now is done through either a computer or a cell phone. So it’s no surprise that music streaming has become our primary source of musical entertainment.
Think about it… When you want to jam out to your favorite tunes in your car, what are you most likely to turn on? Sure, the radio is still great and (mostly) reliable for supplying some consistent sounds, but things like ads and radio hosts’ dialogue are unwanted interruptions. This is why music apps have become so popular.
Music streaming isn’t just great in the car, though. You’ve probably already come to realize that music apps are convenient in just about any place and in any scenario.
Exercising? Pop in those earbuds and start streaming.
Working from home but can’t stand sitting in silence? Music streaming can save the day.
Is the baby or toddler keeping you up all night? Find a station or make a playlist consisting of soothing sounds that are sure to have them nodding off in no time. Seriously, the sandman isn’t the only one who can bring you a dream. Music apps can be just as reliable at making you drift off to sleep.
Speaking of drifting, by now you should get my drift. Music streaming is a real life-saver regardless of the occasion. But which one will you turn to when you’re in need? If you’re looking for a go-to music streaming service, look no further.
This article will break down the 5 top music streaming services, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Tidal, so you’ll always know which one to use when you’re ready to stream.
- What is an Music Streaming Service?
- Criteria to Analyze Good Music Streaming Services
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Apple Music
- YouTube Music
- Tidal
- Share Your Music
- Best Music Streaming Service Conclusion
What is an Music Streaming Service?
In a nutshell, a music streaming service is an online platform that allows users to access a vast library of music from various genres and artists, providing a seamless and personalized listening experience. Through internet connectivity, users can stream music directly to their devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, without the need to download the songs. These services offer extensive catalogs, curated playlists, and personalized recommendations based on users’ listening history and preferences. Additionally, users can create and share their playlists, follow favorite artists, and explore new releases, making music streaming services a convenient and immersive way to enjoy music on-demand, anytime and anywhere.
Criteria to analyze good music streaming services
To compile this list of music streaming services, we evaluated several criteria, including their technology capabilities, distribution methods, unique features or offerings, pricing, and market share. Our goal was to identify the most competent options available today.
1) Spotify
The trailblazer of music streaming services, Spotify continues to be a crowd favorite for numerous reasons. In a nutshell, they’re simply the best at keeping up with the times and meeting the needs of listeners.
Where Can You Listen:
- • Computers
- • Mobile Devices
- • Web Browsers
- • Smart Speakers
- • Home Devices
- • Smart TVs
- • Gaming Consoles
- • Vehicle Systems
Features:
- • Easy-to-Use Interface
- • Over 100 Million Songs In Music Library. (As per data collected in 2020. Number may vary by country and region)
- • Personalized Recommendations (Based on your listening history.)
- • Follow Your Favorite Artists (Get notified when they add new music. You’ll even be notified when they have an upcoming show.)
- • Playlists (You can create your own or follow someone else’s.)
- • Offline Listening (Available only for Premium members – You can listen to music without an internet connection.)
- • Sharing (You can connect with friends and share music with them.)
- • Syncing (You can easily jump from listening on one device to another.)
- • Collaborative Playlists (You can invite friends to have access to your playlist. You all can add and remove songs as you please.)
- • Lyrics (Displayed as it would be during karaoke, this feature helps boost your confidence when singing around others, so you no longer have to be embarrassed by singing the wrong lyrics.).
- • Spotify Wrapped (A yearly synopsis of your listening history in a fun way.)
- • Podcasts (A wide array of podcast genres are available. You can subscribe to your favorites to receive notifications when new episodes have been added.)
Plans Available:
For starters, Spotify offers a FREE plan that comes with some amazing benefits. With the FREE plan, you will still have access to millions of songs from their library, however, you will have to deal with some pesky ad interruptions from time to time.
The least we can do is deal with these ads since the FREE plan is so awesome.
You also will NOT have the ability to enjoy OFFLINE LISTENING with the FREE plan.
In addition to the FREE plan, Spotify offers the following Premium Plan options:
- 1. Premium Individual: $10.99/month – 1 account
- 2. Premium Duo: $14.99/month – 2 accounts
- 3. Premium Family: $16.99/month – 6 accounts
- 4. Premium Student: $5.99/month – 1 account (must have proof of being a student to receive this discounted plan option.)
For more details about how all these plans stack up against each other, check out our other article Spotify FREE vs PREMIUM: A Full Comparison.
Link: Spotify
Crowd Favorite For: Podcasts
2) Amazon Music
Great for its convenience, as it can be played from Alexa-enabled devices everywhere, Amazon Music is another music streaming service that you’d love to try out.
Where Can You Listen:
- • Amazon Echo Devices
- • Fire TV / Fire Tablets
- • Computers
- • Web Browsers
- • Mobile Devices
- • Smart TVs
- • Vehicle Systems
- • Sonos Speakers
- • Gaming Devices
Features:
- • Personalized Recommendations (Based on your listening history.)
- • Alexa Compatibility (Convenient for many reasons, especially for the fact that it can play music simply from your voice command.)
- • Offline Listening (Amazing for the times you don’t have internet access, especially when traveling and not wanting to accrue roaming charges.)
- • Playlists (Curated specifically for you based on your listening history and likes. You’re guaranteed to find the best tunes regardless of your situation.)
- • Stations (Personalized by genre, mood, etc. A great way to discover new music you’ve yet to enjoy.)
- • Lyrics (For karaoke feature, similar to Spotify)
- • Podcasts (The Amazon Music app allows you to enjoy many genres of podcasts. They are always adding new podcasts so you’ll never get bored by having to listen to the same ones over and over.)
Plans Available:
- 1. Amazon Music FREE – With Amazon’s FREE plan, you’ll gain access to thousands of stations and playlists, as well as millions of podcasts, without having to pay even a penny. You’ll even get song and podcast suggestions.
- 2. Amazon Music Prime – If you are already an Amazon Prime member, then this music streaming service is built into your plan. So, if you’ve yet to enjoy this benefit, you’re missing out and should start listening as soon as possible. With this plan, you can shuffle-play whatever songs, albums, or playlists you wish. You also get suggested songs and podcasts and the best part… NO ADS!
- 3. Amazon Music Unlimited – This is the best subscription with Amazon Music. This particular subscription has 4 types of plans that fall underneath it:
- • Individual: $10.99/month (after a 30-day FREE trial).
- • This is great if you’re not worried about having to share your account with anyone else, but you’re not a student and don’t qualify for the student discount. You get the same great options as the other plans: unlimited skips, offline listening, top podcasts with the least amount of ads, and all songs ad-free. This also allows you to experience HD and spatial audio.
- • Family: $15.99/month (after a 30-day FREE trial).
- • This is by far the best plan for families, as it will allow you to stream music from up to 6 devices at the same time. So no more fighting over whose tunes you’ll listen to. If you’re home, you can all listen from different rooms at the same time. If in the car, you can each listen to songs at the same time, just pop in your headphones so you don’t have to listen to anyone else’s songs playing too. This comes with unlimited skips, offline listening, top podcasts with the least amount of ads, and all songs ad-free.
- • Single Device: $4.99/month (after a 30-day FREE trial). While this is the least expensive plan offered, it only allows you to stream songs from one single device. If this suits you, then this is the plan for you. However, if you’ll be wanting to jam out from multiple devices, you should opt for one of their other plans. This comes with unlimited skips, offline listening, top podcasts with the least amount of ads, and all songs ad-free.
- • Student: $5.99/month (after a 30-day FREE trial).
- • You must be enrolled in an accredited college/university to qualify. This comes with unlimited skips, offline listening, top podcasts with the least amount of ads, and all songs ad-free.
Crowd Favorite For: Plans/Pricing
3) Apple Music
The second most-loved music streaming service, next to Spotify, based on the number of subscribers, Apple Music is continuing to be a crowd-pleaser for music lovers.
Where Can You Listen:
- • iPhones
- • iPads
- • iPods
- • Mac Computers
- • Apple Watches
- • Apple TV
- • CarPlay
- • Web Browsers
- • iTunes for Windows
- • Android Devices (which is super cool since this is an Apple service.)
- • Smart Speakers
- • Home Devices
- • Sonos Speakers
Features:
- • Ability to Buy Your Own Digital Music (which you can store in your digital locker.)
- • Song Suggestions (based on your listening history.)
- • Ability to play music hands-free (just use Siri or Apple HomePod through voice commands.)
- • Hi-Res and Spatial Music (included in your affordable monthly subscription.)
- • Extensive Music Library with Over 100 Million Songs
- • New Classical Music App (at no extra charge.)
- • Video Playlists
- • Lyrics
- • Karaoke
- • Apple Music Radio Stations (available 24/7)
- • Apple Music TV Video Channel (available 24/7)
Plans Available:
This is another music streaming service that offers your first month FREE.
As for their other plan options, here’s what they offer:
- 1. Apple Music Student Plan: $5.99 (after the 30-day FREE trial.)
(Must have proof that you’re a student to get this plan.)- – This comes with: Over 100 million songs, Siri compatibility, ad-free music streaming, original content, live and on-demand stations that are hosted by artists, a classical music app, compatibility with other devices, spatial and lossless audio, karaoke, offline listening, and the ability to see what your friends are listening to.
- 2. Apple Music Individual Plan: $10.99 (after the 30-day FREE trial.)
- – This comes with: Over 100 million songs, Siri compatibility, ad-free music streaming, original content, live and on-demand stations that are hosted by artists, a classical music app, compatibility with other devices, spatial and lossless audio, karaoke, offline listening, the ability to see what your friends are listening to.
- 3. Apple Music Family Plan: $16.99 (after the 30-day FREE trial.)
- – This comes with: Over 100 million songs, Siri compatibility, ad-free music streaming, original content, live and on-demand stations that are hosted by artists, a classical music app, compatibility with other devices, spatial and lossless audio, karaoke, offline listening, the ability to see what your friends are listening to, unlimited access that allows up to six people to stream music at once time, personal music library for each member in your family, and personalized recommendations for each individual involved.
- 4. Apple Music Family Plan: starts at $19.99 (after the FREE trial period.)
- – Apple One is a subscription bundle service that combines up to six Apple services into one simplified monthly payment. The services included are Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, and iCloud+. Apple One is available in three tiers: Individual, Family, and Premier.
Link: Apple Music
Crowd Favorite For: Compatibility with both iOS and Android devices
4) YouTube Music
YouTube is extremely popular in the music streaming world. For one, YouTube allows you to transition between video and audio easily. Second, YouTube is one of the best platforms for making playlists. To learn more about YouTube playlists due to their extensive collection of videos and music available on its platform, check out our other article “How to Make a Playlist on YouTube”.
Where Can You Listen:
- • Mobile Devices
- • Web Browsers
- • Google Nest Speakers
- • Chromecast
- • Google Assistant Devices
- • Smart TVs
- • Android Auto
- • Apple CarPlay
- • Sonos Speakers
- • Gaming Consoles
- • Wearable Devices
Features:
- • Music Streaming
- • Personalized Recommendations (Playlists & Mixes, based on your listening history.)
- • YouTube Integration (seamlessly transitions between audio and video on YouTube.)
- • SmartSearch (allows you to use voice commands or use keywords to quickly find the songs, artists, and albums you’re searching for.)
- • Ad Free Listening
- • Offline Listening
- • Background Play (only available with a Premium subscription. This feature allows you to continue to play your music in the background from your phone while using another app. Without this feature, the second you back out of the YouTube app on your smartphone, your music stops playing, meaning you can’t multitask on your phone while listening to music.)
- • Lyrics Display (So you can sing along with your favorite songs… and actually get the words right!)
- • Collaborative Playlists (You can create your own playlist or join in on enhancing someone else’s playlist)
- • Music Charts (You can view the current favorites for songs, artists and even music videos.)
- • Music Discovery (A favorite among YouTube Music users, this feature allows you to discover what songs are new and popular through personalized, unique recommendations.)
Plans Available:
- 1. YouTube Music FREE:
- You can listen to your favorite songs on shuffle mode. Occasional ads will pop up between songs. Offline listening is NOT available with this FREE subscription option.
- 2. YouTube Music Premium Individual: $10.99/Month (OR) $109.99/Year
- Listen to your favorite songs with NO ADS. Background play for mobile devices is also available with this subscription option. You will even get the option of offline listening. This subscription option also includes access to YouTube Premium with YouTube Originals.
- 3. YouTube Music Premium Student: $5.49/Month
- This subscription option includes all the awesome features as YouTube Music Premium Individual, but at a lower price. To qualify for this reduced price plan, you must show proof that you are a student at an accredited college / university. As an added bonus, this discounted plan also includes your first month FREE.
- 4. YouTube Music Premium Family: $16.99/Month
- This Family subscription plan offers all the same features as YouTube Music Premium Individual, but instead of only being available for 1 account, this family plan is available for up to 5 accounts. Each account included in this Family plan will include its own unique music recommendations, based on the individual’s listening history.
Link: YouTube Music
Crowd Favorite For: Customized Playlists
5) Tidal
Tidal is a music streaming service that is centered around the fans. Tidal offers ad FREE lossless audio to their listeners. They also deliver over 100 million songs in hi-res sound quality. Keep reading to learn all about Tidal’s awesome features for their listeners.
Where Can You Listen:
- • Web Browsers
- • Computers
- • Mobile Devices
- • Streaming Devices
- • Smart TVs
- • Wireless Speakers
- • Gaming Consoles
- • Vehicle Systems
Features:
- • High-Quality Audio (Lossless / CD-quality music)
- • Extensive Music Library (Over 100 million songs available)
- • Music Videos
- • Podcasts
- • Curated Playlists (different moods, genres, and themes give you access to new music that you may not have heard before)
- • Exclusive Content (Tidal offers content that is not available elsewhere, such as music and behind-the-scenes material)
- • Offline Listening
- • Device Integration (compatible with smart speakers, smart TVs and streaming devices)
Plans Available:
- 1. Tidal FREE:
- This FREE plan offers up to 160 kbps, access to over 100 million songs in Tidal’s music library, limited interruptions from ads, and expert-curated playlists.
- 2. Tidal HiFi Individual: 30-Day FREE trial, then $10.99/month.
- This plan includes only one account. HiFi sound quality at up to 1411 kbps is included in this plan. You will also gain access to over 100 million songs and over 650,000 videos, all of which are ad FREE. Offline listening is included, as well as unlimited skips. This plan also includes their LIVE on Tidal feature which allows you to listen to your favorite music with others in real time.
- 3. Tidal HiFi Family: 30-Day FREE trial, then $16.99/month.
- This plan includes up to 6 accounts, each with the same features as the HiFi Individual plan. Each account comes with its own recommendations for music, personalized to the listener. Child-friendly content is available.
- 4. Tidal HiFi Student: 30-Day FREE trial, then $5.99/month.
- This plan includes all the features of the HiFi Individual plan but at a discounted rate. Must show proof of being a college student.
- 5. Tidal HiFi Plus Individual: 30-Day FREE trial, then $19.99/month.
- This plan includes one account. Innovative audio formats at up to 9216 kbps are included in this plan. You will also gain access to over 100 million songs and over 650,000 videos, all of which are ad FREE. Offline listening is included, as well as unlimited skips. This plan also includes their LIVE on Tidal feature which allows you to listen to your favorite music with others in real time.
- 6. Tidal HiFi Plus Family: 30-Day FREE trial, then $29.99/month.
- This plan includes up to 6 accounts, each with the same features as the HiFi Plus Individual plan. Each account comes with its own recommendations for music, personalized to the listener. Child-friendly content is available.
- 7. Tidal HiFi Plus Student: 30-Day FREE trial, then $9.99/month.
- This plan includes all the features of the HiFi Plus Individual plan but at a discounted rate. Must show proof of being a college student.
In addition to these plans, Tidal also offers a 40% discount on all plans to all of the following (only available in the United States):
- • Military (all who are currently serving and all who have previously served)
- • EMS
- • EMT
- • Firefighters
- • Police Officers
Link: Tidal
Crowd Favorite For: Fan-Centered Content
Table Comparing Features of the Best Music Streaming Platforms
| Spotify | Amazon Music | Apple Music | YouTube Music | Tidal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $10.99 / MONTH(INDIV.) | $10.99 / MONTH (INDIV.), $4.99 / MONTH (SINGLE DEVICE) | $10.99 / MONTH (INDIV.) | $10.99 / MONTH (INDIV.) | $10.99 / MONTH (HIFI INDIV.), $19.99 / MONTH (HIFI PLUS INDIV.) |
| FREE Plan? | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES |
| FREE Trial? | 30 DAYS | 30 DAYS | 3 MONTHS | 30 DAYS | 30 DAYS |
| Music Library Size | 100 MILLION + | 100 MILLION | 100 MILLION + | 60 MILLION + | 100 MILLION + |
| Maximum Bit Rate | 320 KBPS | 256 KBPS,3730 KBPS (HD) | 256 KBPS | 256 KBPS | 1411 KBPS |
| Duo Plan? | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Family Plan? | $16.99 /MONTHUP TO 6 | $16.99 / MONTHUP TO 6 | $16.99 / MONTHUP TO 6 | $16.99 / MONTHUP TO 5 | $16.99 / MONTHUP TO 6 |
| Student Discount? | $5.99 / MONTH | $5.99 / MONTH | $5.99 / MONTH | $5.49 / MONTH | $5.99 / MONTH |
| Military Discount? | NO | NO | NO | NO | 40% OFF DISCOUNT |
| First Responder Discount? | NO | NO | NO | YES | 40% OFF DISCOUNT |
| Offline Listening? | MOBILE & DESKTOP | MOBILE & DESKTOP | MOBILE | MOBILE (PREMIUM) | MOBILE |
| Radio Stations? | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| Podcasts? | YES | YES | NO | YES | YES |
| Music Videos? | YES | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Curated Playlists? | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Music Locker Fuctionality? | NO | NO | YES | YES | NO |
| Karaoke? | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Lyrics? | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Smart Device Compatability? | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Share Your Music and Spread the Love Through Playlists
Now that you have a better understanding of the available and popular music streaming services, it’s time to share the love!
Did you know that you can easily share your favorite music with others?
Thanks to Tune My Music Share Feature, it’s now easier than ever to share your favorite playlists with others. Want to know the best part? You don’t even have to share them across the same platform.
TuneMyMusic made it possible to share your playlists with friends and family without you needing to be on the same music app as each other. Here’s how:
- • Click this link: www.tunemymusic.com/transfer?mode=share.
- • Select which source you want to share music FROM. For example, if you want to share your playlist from Spotify to someone else who uses a different music streaming service, you will select “Spotify” as your source here.
- • Select which playlist (or playlists) you wish to share and click on “Share”.
- • Edit the sharing info and save your playlist.
Your share page should now be created, thanks to TuneMyMusic. Now you can share it with whoever you want on any other music streaming service.
Ready To Make A Switch?
Are you ready to switch to a new music app, after reading through all these awesome options? Hesitating because you don’t want to go through the hassle of transferring each song, one at a time, to another music streaming service?
Guess what? You don’t have to worry. Thanks to our TuneMyMusic “transfer” feature, this process is extremely easy and only requires a few simple steps. Here’s how:
- Step 1 – From your web browser, log into www.tunemymusic.com/transfer
- Step 2 – Click on the blue “Let’s Start” button.
- Step 3 – Select which music platform you want to transfer music FROM. EX: “YouTube”.
- Step 4 – Choose either “Load From YouTube Account” (OR) enter the playlist URL in the space provided.
- Step 5 – Select the email account that your YouTube account is linked to. (IF you selected “load from YouTube account”).
- Step 6 – Click “Allow”.
- Step 7 – Select which playlists or selection of songs you wish to transfer by checking the boxes beside those options.
- Step 8 – Select “Choose destination”.
- Step 9 – Select “Spotify”. Step 10 – Click “Start Transfer”.
See, it’s that easy!
Best Music Streaming Service Conclusion
So, in your opinion, which is the best music app?
If you’re still on the fence about the best music streaming service, perhaps you need some further analysis. Check out our other articles that compare some of the top music streaming services.
Regardless of which app is your favorite, they are all great options for streaming music and offer their own unique features for users to enjoy. So download those apps and start streaming!