Spotify has clearly been a heavyweight competitor in the field of digital music streaming, offering a vast song catalog and a user-friendly design. However, the world of music streaming is continuously evolving, providing many solutions that appeal to various preferences and demands.
There are many Spotify competitors worth considering if you want a unique music discovery experience, high-quality audio, or a platform that promotes independent artists. In this article, we will explore 17 Spotify alternatives, their features, pricing, pros, and cons.
17 Alternatives to Spotify
Apple Music:
Apple Music stands as a formidable contender in the music streaming industry. With an extensive catalog, exclusive releases, and seamless integration with Apple devices, it offers a compelling alternative to Spotify.
Pricing: Apple Music offers a single-user plan for $9.99 per month and a family plan for $14.99 per month, which allows up to six people to share the subscription.
Pros:
- Integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Extensive library of songs and exclusive releases.
- Curated playlists and radio stations.
Cons:
- The interface can be complex for new users.
- Limited free tier compared to Spotify.
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Tidal:
Tidal is a high-fidelity streaming service known for its emphasis on superior sound quality and exclusive content, making it a prime choice for audiophiles.
Pricing: Tidal offers a standard plan for $9.99 per month and a HiFi plan (with lossless audio) for $19.99 per month.
Pros:
- High-fidelity audio quality.
- Exclusive content and early releases.
- Offline downloads for both plans.
Cons:
- Relatively higher pricing.
- Smaller library compared to some competitors.
Deezer:
Deezer offers a vast music library, personalized playlists, and podcasts, making it a well-rounded alternative to Spotify.
Pricing: Deezer provides a free tier with ads, a premium plan for $9.99 per month, and a family plan for $14.99 per month.
Pros:
- Personalized music recommendations.
- Wide range of playlists and podcasts.
- Availability of lossless audio in premium tier.
Cons:
- Free tier has limited features.
- Interface could be more intuitive.
Amazon Music Unlimited:
Amazon Music Unlimited offers an extensive music catalog and integrates seamlessly with Amazon Echo devices, providing voice-controlled playback.
Pricing: Amazon Music Unlimited starts at $7.99 monthly for Prime members and $9.99 monthly for non-Prime members. A family plan is available for $14.99 per month.
Pros:
- Integration with Amazon Echo devices.
- Access to exclusive Prime member deals.
- Wide selection of playlists and stations.
Cons:
- Interface can be overwhelming.
- Music discovery features can be improved.
YouTube Music:
With a vast collection of music videos and tracks, YouTube Music combines user-generated content with official releases, creating a visually engaging streaming experience.
Pricing: YouTube Music offers an ad-supported free tier, a premium plan for $9.99 per month, and a family plan for $14.99 per month.
Pros:
- Access to official tracks and user-generated content.
- Seamless integration with YouTube platform.
- Offline downloads and background play.
Cons:
- Ad-supported free tier interrupts the listening experience.
- Some features might be redundant for existing YouTube Premium subscribers.
SoundCloud:
SoundCloud shines as a platform that supports independent and emerging artists, making it an ideal choice for those seeking fresh and original music.
Pricing: SoundCloud offers a free tier with limitations, a SoundCloud Go plan for $4.99 per month, and a SoundCloud Go+ plan for $9.99 per month.
Pros:
- Emphasis on independent and emerging artists.
- Diverse range of music beyond mainstream.
- Direct interaction with artists.
Cons:
- Limited features in free tier.
- Smaller library compared to major players.
Pandora:
Pandora differentiates itself with its personalized radio stations that are curated based on user preferences, creating a hands-free music discovery experience.
Pricing: Pandora offers a free ad-supported tier, Pandora Plus for $4.99 per month, and Pandora Premium for $9.99 per month.
Pros:
- Personalized radio stations based on user preferences.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
- Ad-free options in premium plans.
Cons:
- Limited control over specific track selection.
- Smaller library compared to some competitors.
Google Play Music (Transitioned to YouTube Music):
Formerly known as Google Play Music, this service has transitioned its users to YouTube Music. It offered a vast library and the ability to upload your own music, which could be streamed alongside the platform’s catalog.
Pricing: As of the transition, Google Play Music users are encouraged to migrate to YouTube Music, which offers similar pricing plans.
Pros:
- User-uploaded music collection.
- Smooth transition to YouTube Music.
- Access to YouTube Originals.
Cons:
- Service has been discontinued in favor of YouTube Music.
Qobuz:
Qobuz is a platform that caters to audiophiles, offering high-resolution audio and an extensive catalog of lossless tracks, making it a haven for those seeking top-notch sound quality.
Pricing: Qobuz offers a Studio Premier plan for $14.99 per month and a Sublime+ plan for $249.99 per year, providing discounts on Hi-Res purchases.
Pros:
- High-resolution audio quality.
- Extensive collection of lossless tracks.
- Editorial content and artist information.
Cons:
- Relatively higher pricing for Hi-Res audio.
- Limited availability outside of select regions.
Tidal Connect:
Tidal Connect is Tidal’s answer to multi-room audio, allowing users to stream music directly to compatible speakers and devices, enhancing the listening experience across the home.
Pricing: Tidal Connect is available to subscribers of Tidal’s premium plans.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with compatible devices.
- High-quality audio streaming.
- Easy control of playback across rooms.
Cons:
- Limited to Tidal subscribers.
- Limited device compatibility initially.
iHeartRadio:
iHeartRadio offers a unique blend of live radio stations, custom stations, and podcasts, making it a hub for those who enjoy live broadcasts and curated playlists.
Pricing: iHeartRadio offers a free ad-supported tier and an iHeartRadio Plus plan for $4.99 per month.
Pros:
- Live radio stations from around the world.
- Customizable artist and genre-based stations.
- Integration with podcasts.
Cons:
- Limited on-demand song selection.
- Ad-supported free tier interrupts listening.
Napster (formerly Rhapsody):
Napster, previously known as Rhapsody, offers a vast music library and emphasizes human-curated playlists and radio stations for a personalized music experience.
Pricing: Napster offers a Napster Premier plan for $9.99 per month and a Napster Family plan for $14.99 per month.
Pros:
- Human-curated playlists and radio stations.
- Offline listening and mobile downloads.
- Rich music history and editorial content.
Cons:
- Interface can be less intuitive.
- Smaller user base compared to giants like Spotify.
Anghami:
Anghami caters to Middle Eastern music enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of Arabic and international tracks, making it a cultural gateway for listeners in the region.
Pricing: Anghami offers a free ad-supported tier, an Anghami Plus plan for $4.99 per month, and an Anghami Student plan for $1.99 per month.
Pros:
- Rich library of Arabic and international music.
- Curated playlists and radio stations.
- Integration with social media for sharing.
Cons:
- Arabic content might be less relevant for non-Middle Eastern users.
- Some features limited to premium plans.
Wynk Music:
Wynk Music is an Indian music streaming service that caters to the diverse musical tastes of the Indian audience, offering a wide range of regional and international tracks.
Pricing: Wynk Music offers a free tier, a Wynk Plus plan for ₹49 per month, and a Wynk Premium plan for ₹99 per month.
Pros:
- Extensive library of Indian and international music.
- Curated playlists for various moods and occasions.
- Data-saving mode for mobile users.
Cons:
- Limited availability and relevance outside of India.
- Free tier has limitations on song skips and offline downloads.
Gaana:
Gaana is another prominent Indian music streaming platform that offers a plethora of Bollywood, regional, and international music, along with curated playlists and podcasts.
Pricing: Gaana offers a free ad-supported tier, a Gaana Plus plan for ₹99 per month, and a Gaana Student plan for ₹149 per year.
Pros:
- Vast collection of Indian music across genres.
- Curated playlists and radio stations.
- Podcasts and audio shows for varied interests.
Cons:
- Geared more towards Indian music enthusiasts.
- Interface could be more streamlined.
Mixcloud:
Mixcloud differentiates itself by focusing on DJ sets, radio shows, and podcasts, making it a go-to platform for music enthusiasts interested in long-form mixes and unique content.
Pricing: Mixcloud offers a free tier, Mixcloud Premium for $7.99 per month, and Mixcloud Pro for $15 per month.
Pros:
- Rich selection of DJ mixes, radio shows, and podcasts.
- Legal platform for sharing mixes.
- Supports independent creators and artists.
Cons:
- Limited library of individual tracks.
- Free tier has limitations on rewinding and offline listening.
Deezer HiFi:
Deezer HiFi is the high-fidelity tier of Deezer, offering lossless audio quality, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles who prioritize sound precision.
Pricing: Deezer HiFi is priced at $14.99 per month.
Pros:
- Lossless audio quality for superior sound.
- Extensive library of tracks and playlists.
- Available on various devices.
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to standard streaming plans.
- HiFi audio might not be noticeable on all audio equipment.
Conclusion:
As the music streaming landscape continues to evolve, these additional alternatives to Spotify offer unique features and cater to specific niches of music enthusiasts. From platforms that emphasize high-fidelity audio to those that cater to regional tastes, there’s no shortage of options for users seeking a tailored music experience. Whether you’re an audiophile, a fan of live radio, or someone interested in discovering emerging artists, these alternatives provide a diverse range of choices to suit your preferences.