Music streaming platforms have changed the way people listen to music. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the right platform. In this article, we will be looking at the top 10 best music streaming platforms, along with their features and subscription plans.
Top 10 Best Music Streaming Platforms
With a wide range of music streaming platforms available, it can be challenging to choose the best platform to use. However, based on their features, pricing, and popularity, we have created a list of the top 10 best music streaming platforms available. They include;
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Tidal
- Amazon Music Unlimited
- YouTube Music
- Deezer
- Soundcloud
- Pandora
- Qobuz
- IHeartRadio
Spotify
Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world. It has a vast library of over 70 million songs and offers a variety of playlists and podcasts. Spotify has a free plan with ads and a premium plan that starts at $9.99 per month. The premium plan allows users to download songs for offline listening and also offers better sound quality.
Pros
- easy to use
- Available on multiple platforms (Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS, Xbox, PlayStation)
- Allows music Sharing
- Podcasts
- Freemium plan
- Filter content based on user preference.
Apple Music
Apple Music is a great option for iPhone users, as it integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. It has a vast library of over 100 million songs and offers exclusive content such as live radio and interviews. It supports Dolby Atoms, lyrics, and playlist creation. Apple Music offers a three-month free trial, and its premium plan starts at $10.99/month.
Pros
- high sound quality
- extensive music library
- Access to three live radio stations
- Play music with lyrics on.
Tidal
Tidal is another music streaming platform that has a lot of features. This platform allows users to switch between three different audio qualities while streaming music. You can get the HIFI version of the site, which supports Dolby Atoms and 360-degree audio. Tidal is home to over 70 million popular songs in all types of genres. Tidal is available on any computer, mobile, or tablet device. Tidal’s premium plan starts at $9.99/month and offers lossless audio quality.
Pros
- high sound quality
- Audio quality switches between Master, HiFi, and standard.
- Playlists curated based on your music taste
- Lyrics
Amazon Music Unlimited
Amazon is a big name in the e-commerce and digital streaming fields. Amazon Music Unlimited offers a well-rounded listening experience that has earned the company a spot among the best. Amazon Music Unlimited has over 100 million songs in its library and supports both Dolby Atoms and Sony 360 Virtual Reality Audio content. It also offers exclusive content, such as live performances and interviews. It has a free plan with ads, and its premium plan starts at $7.99/month for Amazon Prime members and $9.99/month for non-Prime members.
Pros
- Social media integration
- Podcasts
- Freemium plan
- large music and video library
YouTube Music
YouTube Music is a music streaming platform owned by YouTube. The platform features a great blend of customized playlists, official studio releases, and search-by-lyrics functionality. The platform features a trending page, which displays new and popular songs that people are listening to. It has over 100 million songs in its library and offers content such as live performances and interviews. It has a free plan, but with ads. Its premium plan starts at $9.99 per month. YouTube Music also offers a family plan starting at $14.99 per month.
Pros
- Trending songs page
- Lyrics display
- Free version
- Search for songs by lyrics
Deezer
Since it was launched in France in 2007, Deezer has been a popular choice among music lovers. Its music library contains over 73 million audio tracks, and it also releases its own original content like music, videos, and podcasts. Deezer also creates a playlist for you based on the kinds of songs you listen to. It has a free plan, which is quite effective; its premium plan starts at $10.99/month, which allows you to access all the special features that Deezer offers.
Pros
- Live radio
- Podcasts
- Good device support
- a large library of songs
SoundCloud
Soundcloud is a music streaming platform that offers a vast library of over 200 million songs. It also offers exclusive content such as remixes and covers. The platform allows users to customize their music library. It has a free plan and also a premium plan, which starts at $4.99/month. It also offers a family plan starting at $9.99 per month.
Pros
- avast music library
- Podcast
- Offline Listening
- Multi-platform support
Pandora
Pandora offers all the features that make a music streaming service ideal for users. The platform offers both a free and a premium plan. The free plan is nice but comes with ads, and it allows users to play music and listen to podcasts. Its premium plan provides ad-free personalized stations as well as offline listening. Pandora keeps track of your activity on the platform, which allows them to create a personalized playlist that suits your taste in music. Its premium plan starts at $4.99 per month. It also offers a family plan starting at $14.99 per month.
Pros
- Download and listen to music offline.
- Ad-free experience with the premium plan
- Share music and playlists when you subscribe to the premium plan.
- Many personalized music stations
Qobuz
Qobuz’s music library has over 70 million tracks. You can stream them in ultra-high definition at any time. This platform features full information on artists alongside their titles. There is also exclusive content, such as live performances and interviews. It also features an online store for CDs, which you can purchase and have delivered to your home. The Qobuz Premium plan starts at $14.99/month, and its HiFi plan starts at $19.99/month, offering other spectacular features.
Pros
- Users can create a customized playlist.
- a digital magazine with exclusive contents
- Apps for mobile, desktop, and tablet devices
IHeartRadio
IHeartRadio is a music streaming platform that gives users access to over 850 live radio stations and podcasts. You will also get a personalized list of radio stations. Users can also get access to its full podcast library. With its premium plan, you can listen to as many songs as you like and also have access to iHeartRadio’s full music library. Other benefits include the ability to download songs offline and create playlists. It offers a free plan with ads; the premium plan starts at $4.99/month.
Pros
- Download and listen to songs offline.
- Access to major radio stations for free
- Lyrics
- Free plan
- podcast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a music streaming platform?
A music streaming platform is an online service that allows users to listen to music on-demand or through radio stations and playlists.
What are the advantages of using a music streaming platform?
Music streaming platforms offer a long array of music and exclusive content such as podcasts and live performances. They also provide convenience, as users can listen to music on multiple devices and even download songs for offline listening.
Can I listen to music on streaming platforms without an internet connection?
This depends on the music streaming platform. Some platforms, like Spotify, offer an offline listening mode for downloaded songs. Others may require an internet connection to stream music.
How much does a subscription to a music streaming platform cost?
Music streaming platform subscription plans vary from platform to platform. It typically ranges from free ads to around $20/month for high-quality studios, unlimited downloads, and exclusive content.
Are there free music streaming platforms available?
Yes, there are many music streaming platforms that offer free plans with ads. However, these plans may have limited features, such as lower sound quality and restricted access to exclusive content.
