{ "canary": "a49153c9932af311", "category": { "blocked": false, "commerce": true, "criteria": [ { "group": "Pricing", "key": "price_monthly", "label": "Price / month", "poids": 5, "primary": true, "sens": "plus_bas_mieux", "type": "prix", "unit": "USD" }, { "group": "Pricing", "key": "family_plan_cost", "label": "Family Plan Cost", "poids": 2, "sens": "plus_bas_mieux", "type": "prix", "unit": "USD" }, { "group": "Pricing", "key": "student_discount", "label": "Student Discount", "poids": 1, "sens": "plus_haut_mieux", "type": "booleen" }, { "group": "Content", "key": "library_size", "label": "Catalog Size", "poids": 4, "sens": "plus_haut_mieux", "type": "nombre", "unit": "songs" }, { "group": "Content", "key": "podcast_integration", "label": "Podcast Integration", "poids": 2, "sens": "plus_haut_mieux", "type": "booleen" }, { "group": "Content", "key": "live_radio", "label": "Live Radio Stations", "poids": 1, "sens": "plus_haut_mieux", "type": "booleen" }, { "group": "Features", "key": "audio_quality", "label": "Audio Quality", "options": [ "Standard", "High", "Lossless", "Hi-Res Lossless" ], "poids": 4, "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": "recommendation_engine", "label": "Recommendation Engine", "options": [ "Basic", "Good", "Advanced" ], "poids": 3, "sens": "plus_haut_mieux", "type": "ordinal" }, { "group": "Features", "key": "lyrics_display", "label": "Lyrics Display", "poids": 1, "sens": "plus_haut_mieux", "type": "booleen" }, { "group": "Usability", "key": "user_interface", "label": "User Interface", "options": [ "Basic", "Good", "Excellent" ], "poids": 3, "sens": "plus_haut_mieux", "type": "ordinal" }, { "group": "Usability", "key": "device_compatibility", "label": "Device Compatibility", "poids": 2, "sens": "plus_haut_mieux", "type": "nombre", "unit": "platforms" } ], "faq": [ { "a": "In 2026, Spotify leads our comparison with a score of 70/100, closely followed by Deezer, based on criteria like price, catalog size, and features.", "q": "What are the best music streaming services in 2026?" }, { "a": "Spotify is currently ranked highest, excelling in areas such as podcast integration and live radio. Deezer is also a strong contender, offering competitive pricing and a vast catalog.", "q": "How do Spotify and Deezer compare on price and features?" }, { "a": "Yes, many music streaming services offer student discounts to make their plans more affordable. Check individual service details for eligibility and pricing.", "q": "Are there student discounts for music streaming services?" }, { "a": "Our ranking is based on objective data for each criterion, including price, catalog size, and feature availability. We maintain strict neutrality, and our placement is not influenced by any paid arrangements.", "q": "How is the music streaming service ranking determined?" } ], "kind": "category", "model": "", "ms": 2926, "neutral": false, "path": [ "entertainment", "music", "music-streaming" ], "price_key": "price_monthly", "profile_questions": [ { "options": [ "Smartphone", "Computer", "Smart Speaker", "Home Theater" ], "q": "Primary device?" }, { "options": [ "Standard", "High Fidelity", "Lossless" ], "q": "Audio quality preference?" }, { "options": [ "Under $5", "$5 - $10", "$10 - $15", "Above $15" ], "q": "Budget per month?" } ], "subject": "service", "suggestions": [ "Best podcast streaming services", "Best audiobook streaming services", "Best video streaming services", "Compare music subscription plans" ], "synthese": [ "This comparison evaluates 11 music streaming services based on 12 criteria, including price per month, family plan cost, student discount, catalog size, podcast integration, and live radio stations. Spotify ranks highest with a score of 70/100, excelling in device compatibility and catalog size, both scoring 100/100. Deezer also achieves a 70/100 score, surpassing Spotify in live radio stations. Soundiiz is identified as the most affordable option. The data used for this comparison is sourced from 7 out of the 11 options, with the remaining values being estimates and 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": "US", "freshness": { "age_days": 9.4, "stale": true, "ttl_days": 1 }, "items": [ { "badges": [ "best_overall", "best_value" ], "best_for": "Users looking for a widely compatible service with strong music discovery features, despite concerns about artist payouts and audio quality.", "cons": [ "Crappy payouts", "Subpar audio quality", "AI and military tech involvement", "Lack of album folders" ], "description": "Spotify offers an exhaustive discovery feature and is considered slick and intuitive, making it a good choice for users of almost any phone, smart device, or computer.", "link_url": "https://spotify.com/", "logo_dom": "spotify.com", "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/spotify.com?fallback=false", "name": "Spotify", "pros": [ "Ubiquity", "Community features", "Easy pairing with other devices", "Slick and intuitive interface" ], "provider": "Spotify", "review": "Spotify is awful. Spotify is the reason I'm doing this goddamn video. If Spotify wasn't such a massive disappointment and total failure of a company in terms of, like, actually serving music and music fans and musicians, I wouldn't be making this video in the first place.", "review_summary": "Users frequently criticize Spotify for its low artist payouts, subpar audio quality, and controversial business practices, including AI integration and deals with figures like Joe Rogan. Despite these criticisms, its discovery features and device compatibility are often highlighted as strengths.", "score": 70.0, "source_url": "https://www.techradar.com/audio/audio-streaming/the-best-music-streaming-services", "subscores": { "audio_quality": 0.0, "device_compatibility": 100.0, "family_plan_cost": 88.0, "library_size": 100.0, "live_radio": 0.0, "lyrics_display": 100.0, "podcast_integration": 100.0, "price_monthly": 38.0, "recommendation_engine": 100.0, "student_discount": 100.0, "user_interface": 100.0 }, "values": { "audio_quality": "Standard", "device_compatibility": 10, "family_plan_cost": 16.99, "library_size": 100000000, "live_radio": false, "lyrics_display": true, "offline_listening": true, "podcast_integration": true, "price_monthly": 10.99, "recommendation_engine": "Advanced", "student_discount": true, "user_interface": "Excellent" }, "verified": true }, { "badges": [], "description": "Offers a large music library, including HiFi audio options and curated playlists.", "estimated": true, "link_url": "https://www.deezer.com/", "logo_dom": "deezer.com", "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/deezer.com?fallback=false", "name": "Deezer", "provider": "Deezer", "score": 70.0, "source_url": "https://www.deezer.com", "subscores": { "audio_quality": 67.0, "device_compatibility": 70.0, "family_plan_cost": 100.0, "library_size": 90.0, "live_radio": 100.0, "lyrics_display": 100.0, "podcast_integration": 100.0, "price_monthly": 38.0, "recommendation_engine": 50.0, "student_discount": 100.0, "user_interface": 50.0 }, "values": { "audio_quality": "Lossless", "device_compatibility": 7, "family_plan_cost": 14.99, "library_size": 90000000, "live_radio": true, "lyrics_display": true, "offline_listening": true, "podcast_integration": true, "price_monthly": 10.99, "recommendation_engine": "Good", "student_discount": true, "user_interface": "Good" } }, { "badges": [], "best_for": "Audiophiles and users prioritizing high-fidelity sound and better artist compensation.", "cons": [ "Higher price tag compared to some competitors", "May not be as widely compatible as Spotify" ], "description": "Tidal is recognized for its excellent sound quality, particularly for hi-res audio, and offers thoughtful editorial content and playlists.", "link_url": "https://tidal.com/", "logo_dom": "tidal.com", "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/tidal.com?fallback=false", "name": "Tidal", "pros": [ "Great sound quality", "Hi-res audio support", "Thoughtful editorial content and playlists", "Strong artist payouts" ], "provider": "Tidal", "review": "TIDAL is also one of the more high-end services in the list today. But, like with Qobuz, you do seem to, in terms of functionality, audio quality, and the like, do get some bang for that buck.", "review_summary": "Tidal is highly regarded for its superior audio quality, including hi-res options, and its commitment to better artist payouts. Users appreciate its curated content and extensive library, though it comes at a higher price point.", "score": 69.0, "source_url": "https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/streaming/best-music-streaming-services", "subscores": { "audio_quality": 100.0, "device_compatibility": 60.0, "family_plan_cost": 83.0, "library_size": 100.0, "live_radio": 0.0, "lyrics_display": 100.0, "podcast_integration": 0.0, "price_monthly": 38.0, "recommendation_engine": 50.0, "student_discount": 100.0, "user_interface": 100.0 }, "values": { "audio_quality": "Hi-Res Lossless", "device_compatibility": 6, "family_plan_cost": 17.99, "library_size": 100000000, "live_radio": false, "lyrics_display": true, "offline_listening": true, "podcast_integration": false, "price_monthly": 10.99, "recommendation_engine": "Good", "student_discount": true, "user_interface": "Excellent" }, "verified": true }, { "badges": [], "best_for": "Users within the Apple ecosystem who want to integrate their existing digital music library and appreciate curated playlists.", "cons": [ "Less yielding to PC and Android users", "Tagging and organization of personal library can be time-consuming" ], "description": "Apple Music offers well-curated playlists and is one of the services that allows users to store their existing digital music library.", "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", "Digital locker for existing library", "Good for indie artists" ], "provider": "Apple", "review": "If the service was more yielding to PC and Android users, Apple Music would easily become the service we would recommend.", "review_summary": "Apple Music is praised for its well-curated playlists and its ability to integrate personal music libraries. However, it is noted as being less user-friendly for PC and Android users, and managing a personal library can be complex.", "score": 59.0, "source_url": "https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/streaming/best-music-streaming-services", "subscores": { "audio_quality": 33.0, "device_compatibility": 80.0, "family_plan_cost": 88.0, "library_size": 100.0, "live_radio": 100.0, "lyrics_display": 100.0, "podcast_integration": 0.0, "price_monthly": 38.0, "recommendation_engine": 50.0, "student_discount": 100.0, "user_interface": 50.0 }, "values": { "audio_quality": "High", "device_compatibility": 8, "family_plan_cost": 16.99, "library_size": 100000000, "live_radio": true, "lyrics_display": true, "offline_listening": true, "podcast_integration": false, "price_monthly": 10.99, "recommendation_engine": "Good", "student_discount": true, "user_interface": "Good" }, "verified": true }, { "badges": [], "best_for": "Users who primarily use streaming radio and value flexibility, but are less concerned with the highest audio fidelity.", "cons": [ "Audio quality is among the lowest available (192Kbps)", "Not keeping up in terms of overall catalog size", "Limited access to some things" ], "description": "Pandora Premium offers more flexibility than most competitors and is known for its streaming radio service.", "link_url": "https://pandora.com/", "logo_dom": "sirius.com", "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/sirius.com?fallback=false", "name": "Pandora", "pros": [ "Flexibility", "Popular streaming radio service", "Higher payouts than Spotify" ], "provider": "Sirius XM Holdings", "review": "Pandora Premium: Still one of the most popular streaming radio services in the US, Pandora also offers the a la carte Premium ($11 a month) and no-ads Plus ($5 a month). The result is more flexibility than most competitors, and Premium has gained plenty more subscribers in recent years, even if the service is not keeping up in terms of overall catalog size.", "review_summary": "Pandora Premium provides flexibility and is a popular choice for its radio-style streaming. However, its audio quality is considered low, its catalog is not as extensive as some rivals, and artist payouts are only slightly better than Spotify's.", "score": 59.0, "source_url": "https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-music-streaming-service/", "subscores": { "audio_quality": 0.0, "device_compatibility": 50.0, "family_plan_cost": 100.0, "library_size": 100.0, "live_radio": 100.0, "lyrics_display": 0.0, "podcast_integration": 100.0, "price_monthly": 38.0, "recommendation_engine": 100.0, "student_discount": 0.0, "user_interface": 50.0 }, "values": { "audio_quality": "Standard", "device_compatibility": 5, "family_plan_cost": 14.99, "library_size": 100000000, "live_radio": true, "lyrics_display": false, "offline_listening": true, "podcast_integration": true, "price_monthly": 11, "recommendation_engine": "Advanced", "student_discount": false, "user_interface": "Good" }, "verified": true }, { "badges": [], "best_for": "Amazon Prime subscribers looking for a comprehensive music streaming service with high-quality audio options.", "cons": [ "Cloud uploading of MP3s was officially discontinued in 2018" ], "description": "Amazon Music Unlimited offers a discount for Prime subscribers and has added high-res audio to its platform.", "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 support", "Was one of the first services to offer cloud uploading of MP3s" ], "provider": "Amazon", "review": "Amazon Music Unlimited is our pick as best", "review_summary": "Amazon Music Unlimited is noted for its value, especially for Prime members, and its inclusion of high-res audio. While it previously offered MP3 cloud storage, this feature is no longer available.", "score": 51.0, "source_url": "https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/streaming/best-music-streaming-services", "subscores": { "audio_quality": 33.0, "device_compatibility": 70.0, "family_plan_cost": 88.0, "library_size": 100.0, "live_radio": 0.0, "lyrics_display": 100.0, "podcast_integration": 0.0, "price_monthly": 38.0, "recommendation_engine": 50.0, "student_discount": 0.0, "user_interface": 50.0 }, "values": { "audio_quality": "High", "device_compatibility": 7, "family_plan_cost": 16.99, "library_size": 100000000, "live_radio": false, "lyrics_display": true, "offline_listening": true, "podcast_integration": false, "price_monthly": 10.99, "recommendation_engine": "Good", "student_discount": false, "user_interface": "Good" }, "verified": true }, { "badges": [], "best_for": "Users who also subscribe to YouTube Premium and want integrated access to music videos and live performances.", "cons": [ "Hi-res audio not supported", "Discovery algorithm can be overwhelming", "Payouts could be better" ], "description": "YouTube Music offers a brilliant search feature and allows users to store their existing digital music library, though it does not support hi-res audio.", "link_url": "https://youtube.com/", "logo_dom": "google.com", "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/google.com?fallback=false", "name": "YouTube Music", "pros": [ "Brilliant search feature", "Digital locker for existing library", "Access to music videos and live performances" ], "provider": "Google", "review": "YouTube Music overall...is fine. Like, I'm not super impressed with the functionality, but it's not the worst out there.", "review_summary": "YouTube Music is recognized for its powerful search capabilities and integration with YouTube's video content. However, it lacks hi-res audio, its recommendation engine can be hit-or-miss, and artist payouts are a concern.", "score": 46.0, "source_url": "https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/streaming/best-music-streaming-services", "subscores": { "audio_quality": 0.0, "device_compatibility": 90.0, "family_plan_cost": 88.0, "library_size": 100.0, "live_radio": 0.0, "lyrics_display": 100.0, "podcast_integration": 0.0, "price_monthly": 38.0, "recommendation_engine": 0.0, "student_discount": 100.0, "user_interface": 50.0 }, "values": { "audio_quality": "Standard", "device_compatibility": 9, "family_plan_cost": 16.99, "library_size": 100000000, "live_radio": false, "lyrics_display": true, "offline_listening": true, "podcast_integration": false, "price_monthly": 10.99, "recommendation_engine": "Basic", "student_discount": true, "user_interface": "Good" }, "verified": true }, { "badges": [], "best_for": "Passionate music fans willing to pay a premium for high-quality audio, the option to buy music, and support for artists.", "cons": [ "Higher price tag", "Library may be limited compared to other services", "Not one of the most popular platforms" ], "description": "Qobuz allows users to stream and purchase music, offering higher artist payouts and editorial content like reviews.", "link_url": "https://qobuz.com/", "logo_dom": "xandrie.com", "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/xandrie.com?fallback=false", "name": "Qobuz", "pros": [ "Option to purchase music", "Higher artist payouts", "Editorial content (reviews)", "Lossless audio features" ], "provider": "Xandrie SA", "review": "Qobuz, which is a service that has been getting a lot of attention and discussion recently, and for a couple of different reasons. One, not only can you stream music there, but you also have the option to actually purchase the music that you are listening to.", "review_summary": "Qobuz stands out for its ability to both stream and purchase music, supporting artists with higher payouts and offering editorial reviews. While it boasts lossless audio, its library size and higher cost are considerations.", "score": 27.0, "source_url": "https://theneedledrop.com/i-ranked-all-the-music-streaming-platforms/", "subscores": { "audio_quality": 67.0, "device_compatibility": 40.0, "library_size": 100.0, "live_radio": 0.0, "lyrics_display": 0.0, "podcast_integration": 0.0, "price_monthly": 0.0, "recommendation_engine": 0.0, "student_discount": 0.0, "user_interface": 0.0 }, "values": { "audio_quality": "Lossless", "device_compatibility": 4, "family_plan_cost": null, "library_size": 100000000, "live_radio": false, "lyrics_display": false, "offline_listening": true, "podcast_integration": false, "price_monthly": 14.99, "recommendation_engine": "Basic", "student_discount": false, "user_interface": "Basic" }, "verified": true }, { "badges": [ "cheapest" ], "estimated": true, "link_url": "https://soundiiz.com/", "name": "Soundiiz", "score": 7.0, "subscores": { "price_monthly": 38.0 }, "values": { "audio_quality": null, "device_compatibility": null, "family_plan_cost": null, "library_size": null, "live_radio": null, "lyrics_display": null, "offline_listening": null, "podcast_integration": null, "price_monthly": "4.50", "recommendation_engine": null, "student_discount": null, "user_interface": null } }, { "badges": [], "estimated": true, "link_url": "https://audible.com/", "name": "Audible", "score": 0.0, "subscores": {}, "values": { "audio_quality": null, "device_compatibility": null, "family_plan_cost": null, "library_size": null, "live_radio": null, "lyrics_display": null, "offline_listening": null, "podcast_integration": null, "price_monthly": null, "recommendation_engine": null, "student_discount": null, "user_interface": null } }, { "badges": [], "estimated": true, "link_url": "https://tunemymusic.com/", "name": "Tune My Music", "score": 0.0, "subscores": {}, "values": { "audio_quality": null, "device_compatibility": null, "family_plan_cost": null, "library_size": null, "live_radio": null, "lyrics_display": null, "offline_listening": null, "podcast_integration": null, "price_monthly": null, "recommendation_engine": null, "student_discount": null, "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/US/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 services", "source": "CompareFairly", "title": "Best Music Streaming Services", "unranked": false, "url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-music-streaming-services" }