{
  "canary": "633f4a4c77a804ff",
  "category": {
    "blocked": false,
    "commerce": true,
    "criteria": [
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "sound_quality",
        "label": "Sound Quality",
        "options": [
          "Standard",
          "High",
          "Lossless"
        ],
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "ordinal"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "offline_listening",
        "label": "Offline Listening",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "device_compatibility",
        "label": "Device Compatibility",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "nombre",
        "unit": "devices"
      },
      {
        "group": "Features",
        "key": "playlist_creation",
        "label": "Playlist Creation Tools",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Pricing",
        "key": "price_monthly",
        "label": "Price / month",
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "GBP"
      },
      {
        "group": "Pricing",
        "key": "family_plan",
        "label": "Family Plan Available",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Pricing",
        "key": "free_tier",
        "label": "Free Tier Available",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Content",
        "key": "music_library_size",
        "label": "Music Library Size",
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "nombre",
        "unit": "tracks"
      },
      {
        "group": "Content",
        "key": "artist_support",
        "label": "Artist Support Features",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Usability",
        "key": "user_interface",
        "label": "User Interface",
        "options": [
          "Basic",
          "Good",
          "Excellent"
        ],
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "ordinal"
      }
    ],
    "faq": [
      {
        "a": "In 2026, Tidal leads our comparison of music streaming services with a score of 72/100, followed closely by Spotify. Our rankings are based on objective data across sound quality, offline listening, device compatibility, playlist creation tools, price, and family plan availability.",
        "q": "What are the best music streaming services in 2026?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Tidal is recognized for its superior sound quality, offering high-fidelity audio options. We evaluate this based on available audio codecs and streaming bitrates for each service.",
        "q": "Which music streaming service has the best sound quality?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Both Spotify and Tidal offer robust offline listening features and broad device compatibility. Our comparison details which services support the widest range of devices and offer the most flexible offline download options.",
        "q": "How do Spotify and Tidal compare for offline listening and device compatibility?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Pricing varies between Tidal and Spotify, with options for individual and family plans. We provide a clear breakdown of the current monthly costs for each service to help you choose the most economical option.",
        "q": "What is the price difference between Tidal and Spotify for a monthly subscription?"
      }
    ],
    "kind": "category",
    "model": "",
    "ms": 2231,
    "neutral": false,
    "path": [
      "entertainment",
      "streaming-services",
      "music-streaming"
    ],
    "price_key": "price_monthly",
    "profile_questions": [
      {
        "options": [
          "Sound quality",
          "Price",
          "Music library size",
          "Ease of use"
        ],
        "q": "What's your priority?"
      }
    ],
    "subject": "service",
    "suggestions": [
      "best music streaming services for sound quality",
      "best free music streaming services",
      "music streaming services comparison",
      "Spotify vs Apple Music"
    ],
    "synthese": [
      "This comparison evaluates ten music streaming services based on ten criteria, including sound quality, offline listening, device compatibility, playlist creation tools, monthly price, and the availability of a family plan. Tidal ranks highest with a score of 72/100, largely due to its perfect scores for family plan availability and sound quality. Spotify is a close second at 70/100, excelling in its free tier offering. Pandora Plus is identified as the most affordable option. It's important to note that while data for seven out of the ten options is sourced, the remaining values are estimates and are flagged accordingly.",
      "The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated."
    ],
    "tier": "silver",
    "title": "Best Music Streaming Services",
    "unranked": false,
    "visual": "logo"
  },
  "country": "GB",
  "freshness": {
    "age_days": 10.8,
    "stale": true,
    "ttl_days": 1
  },
  "items": [
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_overall"
      ],
      "best_for": "Audiophiles seeking the best sound quality and hi-res audio.",
      "cons": [
        "Hi-res audio isn't supported on YouTube Music",
        "Discovery algorithm can be overwhelming"
      ],
      "description": "Tidal is rated as the best music streaming service for hi-res audio, thanks to its excellent sound quality.",
      "link_url": "https://tidal.co.uk/",
      "logo_dom": "tidal.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/tidal.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Tidal",
      "pros": [
        "Great sound quality",
        "Excellent for audiophiles",
        "Slick and intuitive interface"
      ],
      "provider": "Tidal",
      "rating": 5.0,
      "review_summary": "Tidal is praised for its excellent sound quality and is considered the best for hi-res audio. Its interface is described as slick and intuitive.",
      "score": 72.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/streaming/best-music-streaming-services",
      "subscores": {
        "device_compatibility": 70.0,
        "family_plan": 100.0,
        "free_tier": 0.0,
        "music_library_size": 83.0,
        "price_monthly": 42.0,
        "sound_quality": 100.0,
        "user_interface": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": true,
        "device_compatibility": 7,
        "family_plan": true,
        "free_tier": false,
        "music_library_size": 100000000,
        "offline_listening": true,
        "playlist_creation": true,
        "price_monthly": 11.99,
        "sound_quality": "Lossless",
        "user_interface": "Excellent"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_value"
      ],
      "best_for": "Users who prioritize music discovery and recommendations, and those who want a widely compatible service.",
      "cons": [
        "Hi-res audio isn't supported",
        "Discovery algorithm can be overwhelming",
        "Lacks album folders"
      ],
      "description": "Spotify offers exhaustive discovery features and is considered the best for music discovery.",
      "link_url": "https://www.spotify.com/",
      "logo_dom": "spotify.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/spotify.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Spotify",
      "pros": [
        "Exhaustive discovery features",
        "Slick and intuitive interface",
        "Ubiquity and community features",
        "Excellent recommendations"
      ],
      "provider": "Spotify",
      "provider_url": "https://www.spotify.com/",
      "rating": 5.0,
      "review_summary": "Spotify is highly praised for its discovery features and recommendations, making it the best for finding new music. Its interface is considered slick and intuitive, and it boasts strong community features. However, it does not support hi-res audio.",
      "score": 70.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/streaming/best-music-streaming-services",
      "subscores": {
        "device_compatibility": 100.0,
        "family_plan": 100.0,
        "free_tier": 100.0,
        "music_library_size": 83.0,
        "price_monthly": 50.0,
        "sound_quality": 0.0,
        "user_interface": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": true,
        "device_compatibility": 10,
        "family_plan": true,
        "free_tier": true,
        "music_library_size": 100000000,
        "offline_listening": true,
        "playlist_creation": true,
        "price_monthly": 9.99,
        "sound_quality": "Standard",
        "user_interface": "Excellent"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Users looking to easily switch from another service and who prioritize catalog size over audio quality.",
      "cons": [
        "Audio quality is among the lowest available",
        "Does not offer enough incentive for an upgrade from its free tier"
      ],
      "description": "Deezer offers the ability for new users to convert their libraries from other services for free.",
      "link_url": "https://deezer.com/",
      "logo_dom": "deezer.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/deezer.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Deezer",
      "pros": [
        "Free library conversion from other services",
        "Large music catalog (120 million tracks)"
      ],
      "provider": "Deezer",
      "review_summary": "Deezer stands out for its free library conversion tool for new users and boasts a very large music catalog. However, its audio quality is noted as being among the lowest, and it may not offer enough compelling reasons to upgrade from its free tier.",
      "score": 62.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-music-streaming-service/",
      "subscores": {
        "device_compatibility": 80.0,
        "family_plan": 100.0,
        "free_tier": 100.0,
        "music_library_size": 100.0,
        "price_monthly": 45.0,
        "sound_quality": 0.0,
        "user_interface": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": true,
        "device_compatibility": 8,
        "family_plan": true,
        "free_tier": true,
        "music_library_size": 120000000,
        "offline_listening": true,
        "playlist_creation": true,
        "price_monthly": 10.99,
        "sound_quality": "Standard",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Users who are already subscribed to YouTube Premium and want to combine music streaming with video content.",
      "cons": [
        "Hi-res audio isn't supported",
        "Discovery algorithm leaves a lot to be desired",
        "Audio quality is objectively the 'worst' based on numbers alone"
      ],
      "description": "YouTube Music features a brilliant search feature and allows users to store their existing music library.",
      "link_url": "https://youtubemusicpremium.com/",
      "logo_dom": "google.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/google.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "YouTube Music Premium",
      "pros": [
        "Brilliant search feature",
        "Offers a digital locker for existing music libraries",
        "Great for accessing music videos and live performances"
      ],
      "provider": "Google",
      "rating": 5.0,
      "review_summary": "YouTube Music is praised for its unique search capabilities and its ability to store personal music collections. It's also a good option for music videos. However, it does not support hi-res audio, and its discovery features and audio quality are considered weaker points.",
      "score": 59.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-music-streaming-service/",
      "subscores": {
        "device_compatibility": 90.0,
        "family_plan": 100.0,
        "free_tier": 100.0,
        "music_library_size": 67.0,
        "price_monthly": 50.0,
        "sound_quality": 0.0,
        "user_interface": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": true,
        "device_compatibility": 9,
        "family_plan": true,
        "free_tier": true,
        "music_library_size": 80000000,
        "offline_listening": true,
        "playlist_creation": true,
        "price_monthly": 9.99,
        "sound_quality": "Standard",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Amazon Prime members looking for a comprehensive music streaming service with high-res audio support.",
      "cons": [
        "Interface can be less intuitive than competitors"
      ],
      "description": "Amazon Music Unlimited offers a discount for Prime subscribers and now supports high-res audio.",
      "logo_dom": "amazon.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/amazon.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Amazon Music Unlimited",
      "pros": [
        "Discount for Prime subscribers",
        "High-res audio is now supported"
      ],
      "provider": "Amazon",
      "rating": 5.0,
      "review_summary": "Amazon Music Unlimited is highlighted for its value, especially for Prime subscribers, and its support for high-res audio. While it offers a good library, its interface might be less intuitive compared to some rivals.",
      "score": 59.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/streaming/best-music-streaming-services",
      "subscores": {
        "device_compatibility": 90.0,
        "family_plan": 100.0,
        "free_tier": 0.0,
        "music_library_size": 83.0,
        "price_monthly": 45.0,
        "sound_quality": 50.0,
        "user_interface": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": true,
        "device_compatibility": 9,
        "family_plan": true,
        "free_tier": false,
        "music_library_size": 100000000,
        "offline_listening": true,
        "playlist_creation": true,
        "price_monthly": 10.99,
        "sound_quality": "High",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Users invested in the Apple ecosystem and those who want to integrate their existing music library.",
      "cons": [
        "Less yielding to PC and Android users",
        "Tagging and organization of personal music can be time-consuming"
      ],
      "description": "Apple Music is well-curated and offers a digital locker to store your existing library of songs.",
      "link_url": "https://applemusic.com/",
      "logo_dom": "apple.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/apple.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Apple Music",
      "pros": [
        "Well-curated playlists",
        "Offers a digital locker for existing music libraries",
        "High-res audio is now supported"
      ],
      "provider": "Apple",
      "rating": 5.0,
      "review_summary": "Apple Music is noted for its well-curated playlists and the ability to store personal music libraries. However, it's considered less ideal for PC and Android users, and organizing personal music can be challenging.",
      "score": 57.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-music-streaming-service/",
      "subscores": {
        "device_compatibility": 80.0,
        "family_plan": 100.0,
        "free_tier": 0.0,
        "music_library_size": 83.0,
        "price_monthly": 42.0,
        "sound_quality": 50.0,
        "user_interface": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": true,
        "device_compatibility": 8,
        "family_plan": true,
        "free_tier": false,
        "music_library_size": 100000000,
        "offline_listening": true,
        "playlist_creation": true,
        "price_monthly": 11.99,
        "sound_quality": "High",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Audiophiles and users who prefer to purchase and own their digital music in high-resolution formats.",
      "cons": [
        "Does not offer a locker for existing libraries",
        "Discovery algorithm may not be as robust as competitors"
      ],
      "description": "Qobuz offers a storefront for purchasing digital music.",
      "link_url": "https://qobuz.com/",
      "logo_dom": "qobuz.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/qobuz.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Qobuz",
      "pros": [
        "Offers a storefront for digital music purchases",
        "High-res audio support"
      ],
      "provider": "Qobuz",
      "review_summary": "Qobuz is noted for its digital music storefront, allowing users to purchase tracks. It also supports high-res audio. However, it lacks a locker for existing music libraries and its discovery features might be less developed than other services.",
      "score": 45.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-music-streaming-service/",
      "subscores": {
        "device_compatibility": 60.0,
        "family_plan": 0.0,
        "free_tier": 0.0,
        "music_library_size": 83.0,
        "price_monthly": 38.0,
        "sound_quality": 100.0,
        "user_interface": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": true,
        "device_compatibility": 6,
        "family_plan": false,
        "free_tier": false,
        "music_library_size": 100000000,
        "offline_listening": true,
        "playlist_creation": true,
        "price_monthly": 12.99,
        "sound_quality": "Lossless",
        "user_interface": "Basic"
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Access to a vast library of user-generated content and official releases.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://soundcloud.com/",
      "logo_dom": "soundcloud.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/soundcloud.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "SoundCloud Go+",
      "provider": "SoundCloud",
      "score": 36.0,
      "source_url": "https://soundcloud.com/go",
      "subscores": {
        "device_compatibility": 70.0,
        "family_plan": 0.0,
        "free_tier": 100.0,
        "price_monthly": 50.0,
        "sound_quality": 0.0,
        "user_interface": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": true,
        "device_compatibility": 7,
        "family_plan": false,
        "free_tier": true,
        "music_library_size": null,
        "offline_listening": true,
        "playlist_creation": true,
        "price_monthly": 9.99,
        "sound_quality": "Standard",
        "user_interface": "Good"
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "cheapest"
      ],
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://pandora.com/",
      "name": "Pandora Plus",
      "score": 30.0,
      "subscores": {
        "free_tier": 100.0,
        "price_monthly": 100.0,
        "sound_quality": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": null,
        "device_compatibility": null,
        "family_plan": null,
        "free_tier": true,
        "music_library_size": null,
        "offline_listening": null,
        "playlist_creation": null,
        "price_monthly": "5.00",
        "sound_quality": "Standard",
        "user_interface": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://pandora.com/",
      "name": "Pandora Premium",
      "score": 20.0,
      "subscores": {
        "free_tier": 100.0,
        "price_monthly": 45.0,
        "sound_quality": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "artist_support": null,
        "device_compatibility": null,
        "family_plan": null,
        "free_tier": true,
        "music_library_size": null,
        "offline_listening": null,
        "playlist_creation": null,
        "price_monthly": "11.00",
        "sound_quality": "Standard",
        "user_interface": null
      }
    }
  ],
  "lang": "en",
  "license": "Citation with a link to the URL is allowed. Bulk extraction and redistribution of the catalog is prohibited. Volume access: contact us.",
  "markdown_url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/GB/best-music-streaming-services.md",
  "neutral": false,
  "notice": "Neutral ranking, never paid; sorted on measured criteria. Each value is sourced or marked as an estimate (see per-item fields).",
  "query": "best music streaming service",
  "source": "CompareFairly",
  "title": "Best Music Streaming Services",
  "unranked": false,
  "url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/GB/best-music-streaming-services"
}