The Five Best Alternatives to Spotify

Does the platform have a large content library?

Different streaming services have agreements with record labels and artists, which determines what kind of content you’ll see on their platforms. Some services pay more to get exclusive rights to an artist’s entire catalog, while others only strike a deal for smaller selections to save costs.

Here’s a real-life scenario: In 2014, Taylor Swift removed her music from Spotify because she wasn’t happy with how much money she was making from it. This event should explain how artists and streaming services don’t agree on things, and its effect on your experience.

In some cases, an artist might be big in one country and not so in another. So, you might find their music on streaming services in their home country but not elsewhere.

Basically, do your research on the new platform before leaving Spotify. Check that it suits your needs and maybe offers a free trial to test its features. Subscribing for multiple streaming platforms is also an option, as one may not have everything you need. But of course, it’s more expensive.

Personalization makes you feel heard

Most people who’ve used Spotify love its personalized playlists, including Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Spotify Unwrapped. Your musical taste affects how the algorithms choose songs for you. If you have a clear listening history, the playlists are more accurate. But if your tastes are diverse, the suggestions might not always be on point.

Yet, some people prefer discovering new music independently or have trust issues with an algorithm that collects extensive data on their listening habits (spooky much?). If you prefer to control your own experience, choose a platform that doesn’t force such features down your ears.

Subscriptions — because paying for value is important

The features that follow your preferred sound streaming app should justify the pricing. You’ll want to check if it’s more or less expensive and has outstanding capabilities that make it worth switching to. Some apps even have cost-saving plans for students and families looking to share their subscriptions.

Apple Music

Apple Music works seamlessly with the company’s products, including iPhones and Macs. But it also functions on devices outside the ecosystem. It often gets exclusive song releases and has curated playlists with radio stations to help you discover new music. There’s no free version, and you have to pay a monthly fee to stream music.

Fortunately, the plans aren’t ridiculous; you can get a free trial to see if they’re worth your money. You’ll access a vast library of over 60 million songs, and the ability to control it with Siri makes it worthwhile. Plus, it offers a Family Sharing plan if you have a large household and want to share your subscription with them.

Deezer

Deezer is comparable to Spotify and is home to over 120 million songs from different artists. I love the Flow feature, which is an algorithmic system that tailors music recommendations based on your listening habits and favorite tracks. You can cycle between moods ranging from Love, Party, and Workout to Sad and Chill. This way, you listen to songs that fit the moment.

Deezer also provides a free, ad-supported subscription plan. Paid subscriptions unlock benefits such as offline downloads, multi-device listening, and access to higher-quality audio, including HiFi streaming.

YouTube Music

Frankly, YouTube Music is a refined version of its video streaming counterpart. Most of its content exists on YouTube, but Google has made its interface simple and dedicated to audiophiles. What’s more interesting is the freedom to remove yourself from the whole streaming experience.

The app can be used as a basic music player, accessing only your device files. You don’t have to create an account, log into your existing profile, or use an Internet connection. If you’re old school and prefer to download songs from websites, it’s the perfect companion for you. 

Youtube Music also has music videos. While streaming a song, the video automatically appears where the album art typically is on the playback screen. It’s entertaining to watch when you’re on a bus ride home—or just need something better to stare at than motionless album art.

Amazon Music

Amazon Music integrates best with Alexa-enabled devices, allowing you to use voice commands to control playback, explore playlists, and discover new music. The platform’s subscription plans cater to different user preferences, ensuring an option for you regardless of your budget. 

Amazon Music Free is as it sounds. You won’t pay a dime, but you’re stuck with ads unless you go premium. Also, one does not simply browse its library and find what to listen to (cue the Lord of the Rings soundtrack). Instead, you’re forced to hear whatever comes up next in the shuffled queue. However, you can expand your streaming capabilities with Amazon Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited plans.

Tidal

Admittedly, Tidal is still catching up to Spotify and other streaming apps. But it focuses on high-fidelity sound. Sound quality is akin to CD audio at 16-bit 44.1 kHz. With a HiFi Plus subscription, you can bump it up to 24-bit and 192 kHz and enjoy sound in HiRes FLAC, Dolby Atmos, Sony 360 Reality Audio, FLAC, and Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) formats for immersion.

However, you’ll need compatible hardware to appreciate these perks fully. Many phones, laptops, and tablets have built-in digital-to-analog converters (DACs) prioritizing function over audio quality. Hence, your phone’s DAC may struggle to handle Tidal’s hi-fi files.

Experience sound beyond Spotify

It can’t be understated that free trials are life savers. They allow you to test the interface of any app or service and see if it has what you want. Lucky for you, the apps we selected offer up to 30 days of cancellable trials. Don’t hesitate to use them up until you find the right app for you.