5 Best Music Streaming Service

There are much more music sites to listen to than ever, however, choose one that suites you best is not easy. With several factors to consider and numerous services to evaluate, the process can quickly become overwhelming.

In this article, we’ve tested the music streaming services and choose some best sites. This should help you narrow down your options and choose the best music streaming service for your needs.

Best Audio Streaming Services in 2024

Here’s a simplified list of the top music streaming apps to help you find the best music streaming service that fits your needs:

1Best for Most People: Spotify

Unsurprisingly, Spotify has earned a reputation as the best music streaming service for the general public. The popularity is well-deserved as its services go beyond streaming music, becoming an entertainment hub for various tastes and preferences.

So, besides offering over 100 million tracks to listen to, Spotify houses thousands of podcasts, audiobooks, poetry readings, etc. Best believe there’s a little something for everyone here.

Now, while Spotify does offer a premium subscription, its free tier is fairly attractive compared to other offerings. It includes decent sound quality limitations, capped at 160 kbps, and access to 80 million tracks and 4 million podcasts. 

2Best for Audiophiles: Tidal

Tidal is the way to go if you’re looking for a music streaming service with the best sound quality. The platform sets itself apart with its CD-quality audio, emphasizing superior lossless and high-resolution sound quality.However, you won’t be able to make the most of Tidal’s sound quality without high-end audio equipment. This would include noise-cancelling headphones and the best surround sound system.

Quite recently, the platform has made significant changes to its subscription plan. What was once an option between Tidal Hifi and Tidal Hifi Plus has been simplified to a single TIDAL tier. It includes the perks of both previous subscriptions, including the lossless Dolby Atmos and HiRes FLAC format.

Additionally, you’ll be offered lyrics, access to more than 650,000 videos and live streams, play tracks offline, and experience zero ads.

3Best for Apple Fans: Apple Music

As you might expect, Apple Music integrates seamlessly with Apple products. Whether you are using a desktop or mobile app, the platform's interface is easy to navigate due to its simple yet effective layout. Furthermore, the service does a great job of curating playlists and recommendations depending on the user’s preferences. This feature can be particularly convenient when sifting through the platform's 100 million song catalog.

Regarding sound quality, Apple Music streams at 256 kbps, which is fairly high for a standard music streaming service. While audiophiles might consider the quality lacking, the average listener will likely find it more than satisfactory. 

4Best for Android Users: Deezer

Deezer first launched in France around 2007. So, while being the best streaming service, it's also the oldest. Deezer is a solid option for those who don’t want to pay for strong audio quality like in Tidal. Additionally, the platform offers a diverse blend of traditional streaming music, podcasts, live radio, and exclusive video content.

Additionally, It lets you upload your own MP3s from your PC. Deezer provides both subscription tiers and free ad-supported listening. As you can imagine, the free tier comes with restrictions, similar to most platforms. It gives access to the platform's entire library, but you may hear 30-second ads between songs. 

5Best for Hi-Res Audio: Qobuz

When it comes to hi-res streaming, Qobuz is the best music streaming service out there. It’s rather challenging to beat the kind of clarity, dynamic range, and definition you’ll hear on a Qobuz track. This is mainly because the platform’s catalog is available in CD quality up to 24-bit at 192kHz, meaning you’ll be enjoying music closest to the original recordings. 

Qobuz not only provides excellent-quality audio but also lets you buy and keep your most-loved high-quality tracks. You can choose from a catalog of over 100 million tracks, all available in hi-res and lossless FLAC.

How to Choose The Best Music Streaming Service

Following are some factors to consider when looking for the best music streaming service according to your preferences:

1.Price

The platform doesn’t have to be the cheapest music streaming service, only something that fits your budget. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to opt for a restricted and ad-based free tier or a cheap premium plan. Some services, like that in Tidal, even offer premium subscriptions with student or family discounts, allowing you to save on costs.

2.Audio Quality

The audio quality of most streaming services can range from standard to high-resolution. Many services offer access to high-resolution and lossless formats, such as MQA and FLAC, providing superior sound clarity and detail. However, most users consider standard quality to be sufficient and nearly indistinguishable from hi-res. 

3.User Interface

A user-friendly interface strengthens the overall experience of a music streaming service. It should be easy to navigate, search for specific music, and create multiple playlists.

Also, consider whether the platform has additional features like dark mode, customizable settings, and seamless cross-syncing with other devices. Many apps offer a free trial, which can be an ideal way to explore the platform's layout and options.

Conclusion

Choosing the best music streaming service depends entirely on your needs. Whether it’s the price, audio quality, or user interface, very few platforms can provide all of it. Each music streaming platform offers and emphasises unique features to cater to different audiences. Hope this list will help you narrow down your options and provide the best platform for your preference.