How to Choose the Right Music Streaming Service for You

There are many music streaming services available today, from the popular ones like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music to lesser-known ones like Qobuz and Deezer. If you're not sure which one to choose, here are the key factors to consider based on your needs.

1. Ability to provide regional content

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While there are many services on the market, not all of them are available in every region. Similar to on-demand video services like Netflix, this is due to licensing restrictions. So before you decide on a service, make sure it is available in your region. If it is supported in your region, you should be able to access the service without any problems and without the need to use a VPN.

Mainstream music streaming services are often available in more regions, so they're likely to be accessible in your area as well. For example, Spotify is available in over 180 countries, according to Spotify's About page. By comparison, Qobuz is only available in 26 countries, according to Qobuz's support page.

However, the number of supported countries is not the issue. The main consideration is whether the service is available in your region. Visiting the service's website is enough to tell you whether the platform is available in your current region.

2. Music streaming quality

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Quality is one of the main factors that you need to consider when choosing a music streaming service. Not all services provide the highest quality by standard. Different music streaming services provide different audio playback quality.

If you take Spotify, for example, the service allows you to stream music at a maximum bitrate of 320kbps on its desktop and mobile apps, but only up to 256kbps when using the web player. Apple Music, on the other hand, uses a lossless audio compression technology called Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), which allows users to stream audio at a variety of 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, go with the higher-quality service. You can also consider hi-res music streaming services that prioritize audio quality.

3. Pricing and service package options

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Most music streaming services charge a monthly subscription fee that allows users to access and stream millions of songs. Most paid streaming services have plans that cost around $10 or a little more. Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music Unlimited cost $10.99 a month, while Spotify and Deezer cost $1 more. With most services priced similarly, it's worth considering whether there are cheaper plan options.

For example, Amazon Music Unlimited costs $10.99/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 to see if the service offers a free plan. Spotify and Deezer both offer free plans, although Deezer's free plan is only available in certain regions. Alternatively, instead of hunting for a free plan, you can check out free music streaming services.

4. Category size and exclusivity

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This is another aspect that differentiates music streaming services and you should consider when choosing a service. You may want to choose a service with a larger catalog because a larger catalog means a wider selection of songs, albums, and genres.

If you like to discover new music or listen to a variety of styles, choosing a service with a large library is essential. For example, Spotify boasts a library of over 100 million tracks, while Tidal says it has over 110 million tracks.

While exclusivity is no longer the norm in the music streaming industry, there are still some songs and artists that you won't find on certain platforms. Therefore, it's a good idea to check the availability of your favorite artist, album, or song on your desired platform before paying for a subscription. A free trial or free plan will help you figure this out.

5. Easy music discovery

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Another important factor to consider when choosing a music streaming service is the ease of music discovery. Music streaming services have tens of millions of songs in their catalogs. With so much music available at your fingertips, having an intuitive and efficient way to find new music can greatly improve your listening experience. Using a service can be a chore without a proper music discovery system.

There are several aspects to consider when it comes to music discovery. The first is the availability of personalized recommendations. Thankfully, most music streaming services have machine learning algorithms that can help with this.

Second, the service should have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to search and navigate. Finally, the service should have curated playlists based on various aspects, such as genre, mood, activity, season, etc. All three play an important role in making music discovery easier. Additionally, you can still use music discovery apps to find new songs.

To gauge how user-friendly and easy it is to discover music on a platform, you should try the free plan if available or use the free trial option.

6. Multi-platform support

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Before choosing a particular service, make sure it is available on multiple platforms. You may not have just one smartphone, so it is 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 play music on these devices.

By prioritizing cross-platform compatibility, you'll ensure your music is always at your fingertips, no matter where you are or what device you're using.

7. Availability of other content

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Some music streaming services offer more than just music, so it's important to consider the availability of other content, such as podcasts and audiobooks. If a platform offers podcasts, you won't need a separate app, allowing you to seamlessly switch between music and podcasts.

Spotify, Pandora, and Deezer offer podcasts, some of which are exclusive. 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 narrow down your options by only considering platforms that offer music.

Choosing the right music streaming service depends on your preferences and capabilities. 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 the service that suits your needs.

Lesley Montoya

Update 07 February 2025