At a glance, the streaming music field is saturated with seemingly similar services and interchangeable functions. Fire up an app, press play, and enjoy some tunes. Sounds simple, right? However, a deeper dive reveals that many of the highest-rated streaming music apps include a wide range of features that distinguish them from one another. As a result, selecting the best streaming music service is more challenging than you’d think. We’ve tested the category’s notable names to help you narrow down your choices with our top picks.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Apple Music
Best for Apple Device Integration
Why We Picked ItFeaturing lossless audio, Dolby Atmos support, a 100-million song catalog, radio stations, Siri compatibility, Hi-Res Audio, lyrics, and playlists, Apple Music offers excellent bang for your buck. Plus, its 24/7 music video channel aims to be a contemporary spin on MTV.Who It’s ForMusic buffs who favor Apple’s ecosystem are this service’s target audience. Apple Music is compatible with Apple TV, CarPlay, iPad, iPhone, and Mac, so if you own an Apple device, you can easily zone out to your favorite tracks.
PROS
Features more than 100 million tracks
Cool video playlists
24/7 Apple Music radio stations and video channel
Rich hi-res audio and Dolby Atmos sound
Supports lyrics and karaoke
CONS
Lacks a free version
Lossless audio not available on all platforms
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
Learn More
Apple Music Review
LiveOne
Best for Curated Channels
Why We Picked ItThe late, great Slacker Radio was absorbed by LiveOne, a steaming music service that combines the former’s curated radio listening with the latter’s shows and live performances. As a result, LiveOne features a deep well of quality listening material, which includes informative DJs, numerous podcasts, comedy stations, and concert streams.Who It’s ForHardcore music fans will dig LiveOne. Unlike its many streaming music rivals, LiveOne focuses on the live music experience. So, if your favorite band is coming to town, you can purchase tickets to see a show in person or enjoy the show via live stream.
PROS
Excellently curated channels and playlists
Lets you purchase tickets for in-person or streamed concerts
A deep video well
Informative DJs
Optional news updates
Many podcasts
CONS
Cumbersome interface
Lacks Hi-Res Audio
No family plan
Lacks lyrics
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
Learn More
LiveOne Review
Spotify
Best for Podcasts
Why We Picked ItDespite fierce competition from other feature-rich streaming services, Spotify remains the king of the steaming music hill. This comes courtesy of a robust musical catalog, podcasts, collaborative playlists, and a stacked Student plan that includes Hulu and Showtime.Who It’s ForSpotify hits all the right notes for a streaming music service, but its deep podcast selection elevates the service to a true top-shelf product. An Oral History of: The Office, The Bill Simmons Podcast, and How to Save a Planet are just three of the company’s cool, exclusive shows. If you’re a podcast devourer, this is the streaming service for you.
PROS
Cool, AI-powered DJ
Collaborative playlists and Group Session options
Optional desktop app that lets you play locally stored audio files
Premium accounts let you hear select albums before they’re released
Student plan includes Hulu with ads
Scrolling lyrics for all versions of the app
Podcasts
Free version
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
Learn More
Spotify Review
SiriusXM Internet Radio
Best for Satellite Radio
Why We Picked ItBy combining live radio, in-studio artist sessions, traditional streaming audio, and the ability to rewind streams, SiriusXM whipped up a recipe for success that few rivals can replicate. An extremely generous three-month trial lets you explore the service’s offerings before shelling out cash.Who It’s ForSiriusXM is the perfect service for radio lovers who want to peruse sports, lifestyles, politics, and news shows between musical bangers. There’s a comforting nostalgia that comes from surfing channels on the radio, and SiriusXM brings that old-school charm to your vehicle or mobile device.
PROS
Massive content encompassing live and curated channels
Large buffer lets you pause and rewind content
High-profile exclusive broadcasts
Video shows
Generous three-month free trial
Useful TuneStart and alert systems
CONS
Lacks a free tier
Content is segregated depending on hardware
No true family plan
Lacks hi-res audio
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
Learn More
SiriusXM Internet Radio Review
Tidal
Best for Music-Related Extras
Why We Picked ItTidal is a music streaming service that offers excellent, Hi-Res Audio, and a stellar music catalog. In a nice touch, Tidal includes thoughtful music essays, music videos, and the ability to purchase concert tickets.Who It’s ForTidal is a great music platform for listeners who are passionate about music. If you want to read fun music writing, it has many entertaining feature stories. If you want to watch video, Tidal has music videos, video outtakes, and backstage footage.
PROS
Excellent sound quality
Optional hi-res audio tier
Long-form editorial pieces
Music-focused podcasts
Exclusive backstage content, live streams, and concerts
Lyrics
CONS
Free tier lacks Tidal’s defining perks
Relatively expensive
Amazon Music Unlimited
Best for Amazon Device Integration
Why We Picked ItAmazon is an online giant in both the e-commerce and digital streaming fields. It’s no surprise then that Amazon Music Unlimited offers a feature-packed listening experience that has earned the company a spot among the best in the field, with its 90-million song catalog, Hi-Res Audio, and podcast library.Who It’s ForPeople who are part of the Amazon ecosystem. You can stream crisp audio via a smartphone app, web browser, or numerous Amazon devices, including the Echo and Fire TV.
PROS
Large music and video library
Cool scrolling lyrics
Tight integration with Amazon device family
Supports hi-res audio
Free tier and lengthy 90-day free trial
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
Learn More
Amazon Music Unlimited Review
Deezer
Best for MP3 Uploads
Why We Picked ItThe music streaming industry is a particularly competitive field, so Deezer, which entered the scene in 2016, has stiff competition. Still, Deezer is a well-rounded package that offers music, live radio, and podcasts, as well as a few interesting perks to make the service worth your while.Who It’s ForPeople who buy music. One of Deezer’s most interesting features is its ability to import MP3 files. You can’t do it on mobile devices, but if you have your favorite music files saved on a computer, you can upload them to your account via Deezer’s website. Then you can stream those MP3 files from anywhere.
PROS
Useful, free tier on mobile
Good crop of original content, including video
Live radio
Lyrics
Podcasts
Lets you upload MP3 files on the desktop
CONS
Free tier on PC is limited to 30-second snippets
Mobile apps lack MP3-upload compatibility
Can’t rewind live radio streams
Lacks Hi-Res Audio
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
Qobuz
Best for Hi-Res Audio
Why We Picked ItIt’s natural to expect expansive streaming listening catalogs from the services mentioned here, but Qobuz shakes things up by letting your buy music, too. In addition, you get a huge music at the highest resolution available, curated playlists, and an attractive user interface.Who It’s ForA massive catalog isn’t always enough. For audiophiles, sound quality can make or break a service. Qobuz offers its subscribers the Hi-Res Audio that complement their expensive, high-fidelity cans.
PROS
High-quality lossless and studio-quality audio streaming
Huge catalog with new releases and old
Both streaming and purchasing available
Includes liner notes in PDF form
Interviews, guest playlists, and background articles
Well-designed apps for all platforms
CONS
No free account level
Lacks social components
No live stations or podcasts
Lacks smart speaker support
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
YouTube Music
Best for Former Google Play Music Subscribers
Why We Picked ItFrom Google Play Music’s ashes rose YouTube Music, a service with a fantastic blend of customized playlists, search-by-lyrics functionality, and official studio releases. What’s more, as an extension of YouTube’s massive entertainment branch, there is an eclectic selection of unique music, including community uploads and video game soundtracks.Who It’s ForYouTube is a tremendously popular platform, so hopping on to YouTube Music for your listening entertainment is no real stretch. Likewise, former Google Play Music fans should find plenty of similarities (and a lot to love) between YouTube Music and the now-defunct service.
PROS
Lets you easily switch between audio and music videos
Many music discovery tools
Cool location- and time-based playlists
Can search for songs by lyrics
Collaborative playlists
Family and student plans
Podcast support
CONS
Lacks hi-res audio
Real-time lyrics not available for every song
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
Learn More
YouTube Music Review
Idagio
Best for Live, Classical Music Concerts
Why We Picked ItTheres no shortage of streaming music services that highlight trending music and popular tracks. When it comes to classical music, however, many services fall short, especially in how they list/sort classic music. Idagio, a notable exception, offers a large catalog of high-quality classical music, as well as live-streamed concerts and interviews.Who It’s ForClassical music fans. Sure, there are plenty of music streaming services with classical tunes in their catalogs, but Idagio has the genre-specific tools you need to find the music you want.
PROS
Fine sound quality
Large music selection, with recent releases
Useful categorization and search tools
Live concert options
Exclusive recording content
CONS
Lacks background info on performers
No podcasts
Doesn’t include Hi-Res Audio streams
No similar music auto-play feature for desktop
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
iHeartRadio
Best for Terrestrial Radio
Why We Picked ItiHeartRadio has been around since 2008, blending terrestrial radio, curated artist channels, and podcasts to create a music destination with mass appeal. The service also features podcasts and music-related news pieces.Who It’s ForListeners with an affinity for terrestrial radio will love iHeartRadio’s robust musical catalog and quality audio streams that let you to access music, talk, and sports content from cities across the country.
PROS
Many live and curated artist streams
Podcasts
Informative news articles and event listings
Lyrics
Free plan
Optional family plan
CONS
iHeartRadio Plus plan lacks a web version
Limited listening options for free users
Unable to rewind live radio
Lacks video and Hi-Res Audio tracks
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
Learn More
iHeartRadio Review
Pandora
Best for Free Listening
Why We Picked ItPandora may no longer be the face of the streaming music industry, but it has a several cool features that make it a worthwhile service. Playlists, album commentary, artist tour info, and apps for nearly every popular platform keep Pandora relevant.Who It’s ForPeople who don’t want to spend a dime. Pandora’s many features deliver an entertaining listening experience, and they’re incredibly easy to explore thanks to the service’s free tier.
PROS
Free plan
Podcasts
Lyrics
Pandora Stories offers insightful album commentary
Displays artist tour and ticket information
Optional student, military, and family plans
CONS
Intrusive listening requirement with free tier
Playlist creation walled behind Premium tier
Website occasionally slow to load
Interface lacks visual cohesiveness
Lacks Hi-Res Audio tracks
SPECS
Name
Value
Free Version Available
Hi-Res Audio
Live Programming
Non-Music Content
Song Lyrics
Learn More
Pandora Review
Buying Guide: The Best Online Music Streaming Services for 2024
(Credit: PCMag)
The Best Music Streaming QualityMost streaming music services have some base-level commonality, such as letting you create customizable channels, but a handful stand out from the very crowded pack due to their unique feature sets. For example, Amazon Music Unlimited, Primephonic, Qobuz, and Tidal pride themselves on sound quality, delivering premium Hi-Res Audio tunes that feature uncompressed audio that surpasses your typical music stream. Considering that most online music services’ streams are in the compressed 128Kbps to 320Kbps range, this trend is impressive. You’ll need audiophile-quality headphones or top-notch speakers to truly appreciate the musical richness.The Best Free Music Streaming ServicesSome services, such as LiveOne and Spotify, have free options that let you try before you subscribe, while others, such as Apple Music, are strictly premium experiences (typically starting at the $10-per-month mark). Many services have lyrics, too, so you can sing along, word-for-word, with your favorite song. In addition, family plans, a relatively recent industry feature, let up to six household members sign up for a shared premium account for $14.99 per month, depending on the service.There are many differences between the free and paid streaming music tiers in most services. Free accounts typically limit your ability to skip songs to just six per hour, and they feed you ads in either audio or video form. The free tiers are for more casual listeners or people who don’t find it worth spending a dime on music. Premium accounts, however, offer unlimited song skips, on-demand playback, and other goodies. The for-pay levels of service are aimed at customers who really want to explore the depths of what a streaming music service offers.In addition, each of the reviewed services offers mobile apps, so you needn’t be tied to your PC to enjoy tunes. A valuable feature that you’ll find in these services’ mobile apps is the ability to cache music for offline playback, a feature generally reserved for premium subscribers. This is a technological godsend for commuters or folks who are frequently in locations that have spotty signal coverage.You’ll find even greater streaming audio diversity should you dig deeper into the space. LiveOne, for example, differentiates itself with Stories, a hosted program that features interesting tales, ranging from love to horror. Tidal sells concert and sports tickets and has an expert editorial staff that produces feature-length articles. Amazon Music Unlimited lets you upload your own audio files and stream them along with the songs in the company’s catalog. Most services have a robust selection of comedy albums. Video game music is yet another trendy audial avenue to explore, and many of these services feature an extensive collection of game soundtracks to add to your playlist. There’s a lot of content to explore beyond simple music.
(Credit: PCMag)
Which Streaming Service Has the Best Music?Unfortunately, all isn’t swell in this musical wild west. Thanks to—you guessed it—money, some platforms have either gained or lost content. Taylor Swift, Prince, and other artists have seen their catalogs vanish from streaming platforms (and later reappear) due to low royalties. The issue of artist compensation has always dogged the recording industry, and it hasn’t disappeared with the advent of streaming music—quite the contrary, in fact.Tidal aimed to stand out from the crowd, as a platform built on the idea of properly paying artists. It was also the only service to host Prince’s catalog for a hot minute (though that’s no longer the case). In some cases, you’re unable to play particular songs on demand; those tracks are only available within the scope of a themed channel. Content restrictions and missing artists and tracks are still a problem in the space, though—Swift notwithstanding—the situation has improved markedly in recent years. And Google sent yet another service to the graveyard when it replaced Google Play Music with YouTube Music.Trying to figure out where things live and how you’re able to access them can prove quite vexing to the uninitiated. It’s one of the entertainment challenges that we face in the digital age.
Recommended by Our Editors
The Right Music Streaming Service for YouThankfully, you don’t need to wade through the numerous services to find the one that best suits your listening needs. PCMag has reviewed both popular and niche streaming music services to separate the musical wheat from the auditory chaff. Whether you’re curious about a particular service, or just want to know how Spotify stacks up to Tidal, take a look at the reviews above or the chart below to discover what streaming music services are best suited to your listening tastes.If you’re curious about why certain streaming music services aren’t featured in this story, here’s the skinny. It’s very likely they’ve been surpassed by the 10 superior services highlighted here, absorbed by a rival, or gone out of business. For example, AOL Radio is no more, and Rdio sold its tech to Pandora. We expect to see more shakeouts in the space in the next few years, as there are so many players providing broadly similar services.If you’re concerned about streaming your favorite tunes over, say, a Starbucks Wi-Fi signal, you need to get yourself a VPN. A virtual private network safeguards your mobile devices from snoopers and, depending on the location of the VPN server, may let you access music licensed to other regions. Using a VPN to get around licensing restrictions probably violates Spotify’s terms of service, though, so tread carefully.Mike Williams contributed to this article.
