Here’s how to choose the right music streaming service
There are many music streaming services available these days, from the most popular ones like Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Music to lesser known options like Qobuz and Deezer. If you don’t know which one to choose, here are the key factors to consider the best option for your needs.
1 Regional availability
Despite the huge number of services on the market, not all of them are available in all regions. Similar to video-on-demand services like Netflix, this is due to licensing restrictions. So before you settle for a given service, make sure it is available in your region. If your region is supported, you can access the service without any hiccups and you don’t have to hide behind a VPN.
Mainstream music streaming services are usually available in multiple regions, so they will likely be available in your region as well. Spotify, for example, is available in more than 180 countries, according to Spotify’s About page. In comparison, according to the Qobuz support page, Qobuz is only available in 26 countries.
However, the number of countries supported should not be a problem. A key consideration is whether the service is available in your region. Just visit the service’s website to know if the platform is available in your current region.
2 Music streaming quality
Music quality is one of the key factors to look out for when choosing a music streaming service. While it would be best if all services offered the highest quality by default, unfortunately this is not the case. Different music streaming services offer different audio playback qualities.
Taking Spotify as an example, the service lets you stream audio at a maximum bitrate of 320kbps on its desktop and mobile apps, but only up to 256kbps using the web player. Apple Music, on the other hand, has a lossless audio compression technology called Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) that allows users to stream audio in various resolutions, from 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD quality) to 24-bit. /192kHz.
Audio quality is just one of the many differences between Spotify and Apple Music. So if you care about streaming quality, choose a service that offers higher quality. You can also look into high-definition music streaming services that prioritize audio quality.
3 Pricing tiers and bundling options
Most music streaming services have a monthly subscription that allows users to access and play millions of songs. Most paid music streaming services have plans around or slightly above $10. Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music Unlimited cost $10.99 a month, while Spotify and Deezer cost a dollar more. Since most are similarly priced, you should consider bundling options that could make one service cheaper than another.
For example, Amazon Music Unlimited costs $10.99 per month, but Amazon has a separate plan called Amazon Music Prime that’s free if you have an Amazon Prime subscription. A YouTube Premium subscription also unlocks YouTube Music for free.
If you don’t want to pay for music, you should check if the service offers a free tier. Spotify and Deezer both offer free plans, although Deezer only offers the free tier in certain regions. Alternatively, instead of looking for services with free tiers, you can try free music streaming services.
4 Catalog size and exclusivity
This is another area that differentiates music streaming services and you should take this into consideration when choosing one. You may want to choose a service with a larger catalog, as a larger catalog size means a wider selection of songs, albums, and genres.
If you enjoy discovering new music or listening to different styles, choosing a service with a large library is essential. Spotify, for example, boasts a library of more than 100 million songs, while Tidal says it has more than 110 million songs.
While exclusivity is no longer the norm in the music streaming industry, there are songs and artists that cannot be found on certain platforms. Therefore, you should check the availability of your favorite artists, albums or songs on that platform before confirming. A free trial or free tier should help you find out.
5 Easy music discovery
Another critical factor to consider when choosing a music streaming service is the ease of searching for music. Music streaming services have tens of millions of songs in their catalog. With countless songs available at your fingertips, an intuitive and efficient way to find new music can greatly enhance your listening experience. Using the service will be tedious without a proper music search system.
There are various aspects to consider when it comes to music discovery. The first aspect is the availability of personalized recommendations. Fortunately, most music streaming services have machine learning algorithms in place for this purpose.
Second, the service should have a user-friendly interface that facilitates search and navigation. Finally, the service should have curated playlists based on various aspects such as genres, mood, activity, season and more. All three play a key role in making music discovery easier. In addition, you can still use music discovery apps to find new songs.
To gauge the platform’s user-friendliness and ease of music discovery, you should try the free tier if available, or use the free trial option if not.
6 Cross-platform support
Before choosing a service, make sure it is available on multiple platforms. You probably have more than just a smartphone, so it’s important to evaluate the devices you use and check if the service is available on those platforms. For example, if you have an Android smartphone, Google TV and iPad, make sure you can access and stream your music through these devices.
Prioritizing cross-platform compatibility ensures your music is always within reach, no matter where you are or what device you’re using.
7 Availability of Other Content
Some music streaming services offer more than just music, so considering the availability of additional content such as podcasts and audiobooks is essential for convenience. If the platform offers podcasts, you won’t need a separate app that allows for seamless transitions between music and podcasts.
Spotify, Pandora and Deezer offer podcasts, some of which are exclusive. In addition, Spotify also offers audiobooks in certain regions.
However, if you don’t want your music streaming app to include more than just music, you can limit your options by only considering platforms that offer music.
Choosing the right music streaming service depends on your preferences and availability. These factors are essential when choosing a music streaming platform, no matter where you are. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a service that fits your needs.