Gone are the days when music lovers had to download music directly to their phones. In today's world, music streaming is the order of the day. From a single app, it is possible to access millions of songs, personalize your playlist and get the latest upon release.
Currently, there are dozens of music streaming apps out there. Some are specific to devices, for example, the Apple Music is only available to iOS users. Likewise, other apps like Spotify can be used across iOS and Android devices. Each has unique benefits regarding usability, pricing, music quality, and how fast they update their library with the latest releases. Therefore, if you are considering getting a music streaming app on your mobile device, this article will help you decide.
Apple MusicApple Music is no doubt one of the most popular music streaming apps on the planet. If there are 500 million iPhone users globally, then more than 70% are stuck with the app because it is the default music player. Of course, users can also download and install third-party software like Spotify and YouTube music, but the experience is never the same.
The user interface is sleek, and the app is easy to use. Unfortunately, you cannot play other songs stored on your device unless via third-party music players. So, to use Apple Music to stream songs, you must first subscribe using iTunes. The amount varies depending on your location, and there are different plans. If you are a student, there is a cheaper plan. There are provisions for individual and family plans. The funds can be added using credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and Apple Pay.
Once you have an active subscription, you will access millions of songs in its database. Users can stream in various formats like Dolby Atmos and Spatial sounds. It is also possible to download songs from Apple Music, so you don't have to stream them all the time.
SpotifySpotify currently boasts over 345 million active users benefiting from its extensive music library of over 70 million songs. It is still the main competition for Apple Music, and many consider it a better alternative due to its extensive compatibility.
It is easy to sign up on Spotify using MasterCard and Visa, but the payment options are limited compared to other apps for e-commerce and entertainment platforms. Take
online casinos accepting Neosurf as a prime example, which accept a broader range of payment methods including Neosurf along with various other payment methods like Paysafecard, Skrill, and Neteller.
These additional options increase the accessibility and accommodate a variety of users, each with their preferred payment methods.
Spotify is very easy to use and supports a free version allowing users to get a feel of the app. The free version intermittently plays some ads to disrupt the music, which is understandable since they must pay bills to keep the app running. However, the app has a premium version if you want to enjoy more with uninterrupted access.
There are designated plans for individuals, families, and students. The family subscription supports up to 6 users making it an excellent option for family and friends. The current monthly fee in the US is $10 for individuals and $16 for family subscriptions.
TidalIf you are passionate about high-resolution sounds or have a special love for urban music, you might want an app that pays more attention to sound quality. Undoubtedly, other apps support different formats. However, tidal is designed such that the subscription plan is tied to the quality you get. The $10 monthly plan is called the HiFi plan, while with $20, you will unlock the HiFi Plus tier. This subscription level supports Dolby Atmos, MQA format, and hi-res FLAC.
For that amount, it has to be good. However, in contrast to other apps, the higher subscription cost puts the app at a disadvantage. However, Tidal is among the highest paying regarding streaming royalties to artists, which is another way they justify their rates.
Nonetheless, the app is excellent in terms of usability and service delivery. The library features over 100 million songs, and with the Tidal Free plan, you can also enjoy the app without any payment.
Amazon MusicYou can
opt for Amazon Music if you want an alternative to Spotify and Apple Music. Backed by tech giants Amazon, the app is easy to use and boasts over 70 million songs. It allows seamless integration with other tech devices like Amazon Tap, Alexa, and Amazon Echo and supports voice-controlled streaming. Meanwhile, Prime members enjoy the app for free as a part of their original subscription. However, there is an option to upgrade with a monthly fee of $9, which is relatively cheaper than other apps. The paid subscription grants unlimited access to millions of songs in Dolby Atmos, Spatial audio, and other formats.
YouTubeWhen it comes to video streaming, YouTube is arguably the best app. However, regarding music streaming, it is just one of the many alternatives you can try. Compared to other apps like Spotify and Apple Music, the user interface is not fantastic and easy to navigate. However, the catch with using YouTube music is that the subscription is all-encompassing. So, with an active subscription, you can enjoy ad-free video streaming and other benefits premium users enjoy.
The close integration with the video platform is undoubtedly one of the major perks of using the app. Users can also upload music files, just like uploading videos, and millions of content can be enjoyed. However, if you are an audiophile, the highest streaming quality you get is 256 kbps bitrate, which is not fantastic.
ConclusionMusic, they say, is the language of the soul. It is capable of evoking thoughts and emotions. Whether you are listening to music during your routine workout or while relaxing, the quality of the sound matters. With streaming apps featuring millions of songs and albums, you can always check the
latest album reviews before streaming any new release.
