What Is the Best Music Streaming Service in 2024?

Many music services, including Amazon Prime Music, Pandora Premium, and Tidal, let subscribers stream music when and how they want. Finding the best music streaming service can take time, especially as you sift through their included artists, playlists, and features. With all the options available, there's certainly a music streaming platform that lets you listen to your favorite artists and genres on demand with all the features you want for your music preferences.

13 Best Music Streaming Services for Home Audio

1. Spotify
2. Amazon Music  
3. YouTube Music  
4. Pandora 
5. Apple Music
6. Tidal
7. Qobuz
8. LiveOne
9. Deezer
10. iHeartRadio
11. SoundCloud Go
12. SiriusXM Internet Radio
13. IDAGIO

Music streaming has exploded throughout the 21st century. Online radio stations and streaming services have made it easier than ever to discover new music, listen to your favorite artists, and even participate in offline listening when there's no Wi-Fi available. Create curated playlists with your most-played songs, stream with optimal sound quality on any device, and share links to songs with your friends using music streaming services.

With the many options for music streaming available, you might have a tough time finding the right platform to spend your money on. Of course, some services are free, but many of them offer premium subscriptions with an array of must-have features at your fingertips. Comparing popular options like Spotify and SiriusXM can help you get the best music experience, whether you jam out in your car or unwind after a long day with classical music.

Music Streaming Services vs Internet Radio

In this guide, we focus more on paid music streaming services than free internet radio, although we include a few internet radio options. What's the difference?

Internet radio is more similar to the radio stations you may have listened to as a kid. These music apps let you sift through radio stations based on genres you like. Once you find one, you'll listen to a mix of music, hosts talking, and advertisements. 

On the other hand, music streaming services offer a more on-demand music experience. Choose to play the songs you want, add new music to a playlist, or browse curated playlists created by the app or other users. You can skip songs as you wish, unlike a radio station that doesn't give you control over what plays.

Some services on our list offer a little of both, like iHeartRadio, which prioritizes internet radio but allows on-demand streaming with select paid plans.

13 Best Music Streaming Services in 2024

If you're a big fan of music, finding the best music streaming service may be even more important to you than finding the best TV streaming service. That's why we've outlined 13 of the top streaming music options to meet almost any music lover's needs.

1. Spotify

Pros

• Large catalog of music
• Premium users can download music and podcasts for offline streaming
• Simple user interface
• Compatible with a wide range of devices

Cons

• Controversy when it comes to artist payment structure
• Limited to 10,000 offline song downloads

Subscription Required: No
Free Trial: 3 Months
Size of Library: 100 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 320 kbps
User Profiles: 2 with Duo plan / 6 with Family plan

It's impossible to talk about music streaming without mentioning Spotify. This service has an extensive selection of artists and songs — old to brand-new — to suit all tastes in music. One of its most popular features is that users can create and share their playlists with others, so it's easy to discover new music and artists you haven't heard before.

Depending on your plan and internet connection, Spotify delivers authentic, CD-quality, lossless audio so that you can enjoy your music the way it was meant to be. Browse podcasts, curated playlists, and stations catered to your mood and music tastes. 

Spotify free limits how many songs you can skip and plays occasional ads throughout your music streams. Spotify Premium is $10.99/month, featuring ad-free music, unlimited skips, and access to the entire Spotify library.

Why We Chose Spotify

People often choose Spotify over other music streaming services because it has a large selection of songs, podcasts, and playlists. Spotify's personalized playlists, like “Discover Weekly,” give users new music recommendations based on what they usually listen to, keeping the content interesting.

The interface is easy to use, which helps people quickly find new music or their favorite songs. Spotify works on many devices, including smartphones and smart speakers, so you can listen to music anywhere.

Spotify Plans and Services

Spotify offers several plans to fit different needs.

The Free plan lets users listen to music with ads between tracks, and play songs in shuffle mode. This plan is great for casual listening and those who don't mind hearing ads.

The Individual Premium plan provides ad-free listening—users can play any song they want on demand. This plan also allows downloading music for offline listening and offers higher sound quality.

The Family plan includes all the benefits of the Individual Premium plan, but it's designed for up to six people living at the same address. It adds a unique feature where each family member gets their own Premium account, so everyone's playlists and recommendations stay personal.

The Student plan has the same features as the Individual Premium plan, but at a reduced cost for university students.

Finally, the Duo plan is for two people living at the same address. It includes all Premium features, plus a Duo Mix playlist that automatically updates with music both users enjoy.

Pricing

The Individual Premium plan costs $10.99 per month. For those who need a plan for more users, the Family plan is available at $16.99 per month and supports up to six accounts. Students can access the Student plan at a discounted rate of $5.99 per month. For couples or two-person households, the Duo plan is priced at $14.99 per month.

2. Amazon Music (Amazon Music Free, Amazon Music Prime, and Amazon Music Unlimited w/ HD)

Pros

• Included with Amazon Prime subscription
• Ability to see scrolling lyrics while listening
• Seamless integration with Amazon Echo and Fire TV
• High-fidelity audio streaming

Cons

• No live programming
• Free tier is more restrictive than competitors

Subscription Required: No
Free Trial: 30 days
Size of Library: 100 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 256 kbps / 3,730 kbps (HD)
User Profiles: Up to 6 with Family plan

Update:
Amazon now offers three streaming service plans for music listeners: Amazon Music Free, Amazon Music Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited. 

Amazon Music Free offers a free, ad-sponsored music listening experience. Listeners get access to top podcasts, playlists, and thousands of stations – and you are not required to create an account.

Amazon Prime Music is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime for free. The service was significantly altered on Nov. 1, 2022. Amazon released their entire music library to Prime members – but with a catch. Listeners can no longer request a specific song and listen to it. Now, Amazon will play songs by that artist and similar songs instead. This is much like Pandora radio, or more specifically like Pandora Plus since listeners can enjoy internet radio with no ads.

From Amazon's press release:

Nov. 1, 2022

Starting today, Prime members will now be able to stream even more music than ever before, with an expanded catalog of more than 100 million songs—up from 2 million—entirely ad-free. Prime members can discover more new music and podcasts based on their likes; shuffle play any artist, album, or playlist in the catalog; stream a collection of All-Access playlists tailored to personalized listening preferences on demand and download them for offline listening. Members can also upgrade to the Amazon Music Unlimited tier to enjoy on-demand access to albums, playlists, and over 100 million songs in HD and a growing catalog of songs in Ultra HD and Spatial audio.”

🎧 Get your first 30 days of Amazon Music Unlimited for free!

Amazon Music Unlimited has more available songs in HD, like on-demand listening without interruptions, offline listening, and personalized recommendations. It's $9.99/month if you're a Prime member or $10.99/month for non-Prime members. 

With Amazon Prime Unlimited, subscribers can also access a growing library of spatial audio songs.

Why We Chose Amazon Music

People prefer Amazon Music over other music streaming services for several reasons. Amazon Music integrates with Alexa-enabled devices, making it easy to play music using voice commands. This feature is particularly appealing to users who already have Amazon Echo devices at home. Additionally, Amazon Music offers a clean and straightforward interface that allows users to easily search for and discover new music.

Subscribers to Amazon Prime benefit from Amazon Music included at no extra cost, which adds significant value to their overall subscription.

Amazon Music Plans and Services

Amazon Music caters to different listener preferences through various plans, including a dedicated option for families and perks for Prime members.

Amazon Music for Prime Members comes at no additional cost with a Prime membership. This plan provides access to a massive catalog of 100 million songs and ad-free podcasts. Prime members benefit from the ability to download featured playlists for offline listening and select specific tracks from these playlists. There’s also an option to enjoy a shuffle mode across various artists, albums, and genres.

Amazon Music Unlimited expands the offerings to include every user, whether they are Prime members or not. This service delivers Amazon’s complete catalog of 100 million songs and podcasts without any ads. Subscribers can play any song, skip tracks unlimitedly when listening to stations, and access premium audio quality with HD, Ultra HD, and Spatial Audio options.

Amazon Music Family Plan within the Unlimited tier allows up to six family members to use the service simultaneously on different devices. This plan is ideal for households looking to enjoy music together or individually without interfering with each other’s playlists and listening habits.

Lastly, Amazon Music with Ads provides a free option for users without a Prime membership. This service includes access to 100 million ad-supported tracks. Users can play songs from select playlists and enjoy a shuffle experience across various content types, with advertisements included.

Each Amazon Music plan is designed to meet various needs, from individual Prime members to families seeking an all-inclusive listening experience.

Pricing

Amazon Music for Prime Members is included at no extra cost with an Amazon Prime membership.

Amazon Music Unlimited costs $9.99 per month for Prime members choosing a monthly subscription, or $99 per year if opting for an annual subscription. Non-Prime members pay $10.99 per month for the same Unlimited access.

Amazon Music Family Plan is available for $16.99 per month and accommodates up to six family members on separate devices.Amazon Music with Ads offers a free listening

Read the full Amazon Music review >>

3. YouTube Music  (free, YouTube Premium)

Pros

• Watch music videos and live performances in-app
• Included with YouTube Premium subscription
• Integration with Google Assistant
• Ability to upload your own music to YouTube servers

Cons

• Audio streaming isn’t as high quality as competitors
• Can’t play music in device background when using free version
• User interface isn’t very intuitive

Subscription Required: No
Free Trial: 30 Days for students
Size of Library: 70 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 256 kbps
User Profiles: Up to 5 with Family plan

YouTube Music is a relatively new platform offering both free and paid versions, the latter known as YouTube Premium. For $10.99/month, YouTube Music Premium members get ad-free listening, background playing, and the ability to play music offline with downloads.

YouTube Music offers audio quality up to 256 kbps, which is lower than Spotify's. However, unless you're super picky about your audio, you may not notice much of a difference. Otherwise, the platform has tons of curated playlists, top charts, and songs and artists to explore.

As a side note, Google Play Music has been rolled into YouTube Music, which is why you may not find it if you're looking to check it out.

Why We Chose YouTube Music

People prefer YouTube Music for its extensive collection of music videos alongside its audio tracks. This feature allows users to easily switch between listening to songs and watching music videos. YouTube Music works smoothly with other Google products, making it convenient for users of Google services. It offers a personalized experience by suggesting playlists and tracks based on users' listening histories and preferences. YouTube Music is also effective at finding rare, cover, and live versions of songs that are often not available on other platforms, appealing to music enthusiasts looking for a wide range of music discovery options.

YouTube Music Plans and Services

YouTube Music offers a variety of plans tailored to different listening needs, all with an extensive set of features.

The Music Premium Plan lets users listen to music without ads, download tracks for offline listening, and play music with the screen off for an uninterrupted experience. This plan provides access to more than 100 million songs, videos, and live performances. It allows listeners to easily switch from audio to video with a single tap when they want to watch music videos.

The Family Plan is another option that allows up to five family members aged 13 and over. This plan is ideal for households where multiple users want to enjoy music independently on their devices.

There’s also a Student Plan, which offers a discounted rate for eligible students. This plan requires annual verification of student status and includes a one-month free trial to start.

In addition to these subscription services, YouTube Music allows all users, without a subscription, to explore playlists and mixes based on their music preferences and moods. Users can customize their listening experience by combining their favorite artists and fine-tuning settings to improve how they discover and enjoy music. This makes YouTube Music a flexible option for anyone looking to tailor their music streaming experience to their personal tastes and listening habits.

Pricing

The Monthly Individual Plan is available at $10.99. If you're interested in saving over the long term, the Annual Individual Plan costs $109.99, which offers a 15% discount compared to the monthly rate.

For households, the Family Plan is $16.99 per month and accommodates up to five family members.

For students, there's a discounted rate of $5.49 per month on the Student Plan, which requires annual verification to maintain the special pricing.

4. Pandora 

Pros

• Great music discovery algorithm
• Pandora Stories features provides interesting album commentary
• Simple, easy-to-navigate interface
• Multiple subscription options with discounts for families, students, and military

Cons

• Can’t create playlists without subscription
• Website can be slow to load
• Limited on-demand play options

Subscription Required: No
Free Trial: 90 days
Size of Library: 30 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 192 kbps
User Profiles: Up to 6 with Family plan

Pandora is a streaming music, podcast, and on-demand listening platform that also features radio stations, giving you an eclectic mix of things to listen to. The free plan provides personalized stations, free podcasts, and the ability to search and skip as many songs as you want, as long as you watch or listen to an ad first.

Pandora Plus is a premium radio service without ads. Personalized stations also become ad-free, and you can listen offline for $4.99/month. 

Pandora Premium includes makeable and shareable playlists, letting you pick any song on demand ad-free for $10.99/month.

Audio quality with Pandora varies by plan, with 192 kbps being the maximum.

Why We Chose Pandora

People love Pandora for its unique music discovery algorithm. This algorithm creates personalized stations based on specific music preferences. Users start with a song or artist they like, and Pandora continuously plays similar music, introducing them to new artists and songs they might enjoy.

Additionally, Pandora allows users to give thumbs up or thumbs down to tracks, which further refines their stations to better match their tastes. This customization makes Pandora a preferred choice for those who enjoy a radio-style listening experience that evolves with their musical taste.

Pandora Plans and Services

Pandora offers a variety of plans to suit different listening preferences, all focusing on personalization and ease of use.

Pandora offers a variety of plans to suit different listening preferences, all focusing on personalization and ease of use.

The Pandora Free Plan allows people to start listening at no cost. This plan features personalized stations that evolve based on your musical tastes and feedback. Users can enjoy their favorite podcasts, and have the ability to search and play specific songs or podcasts. Key features like unlimited skips and offline listening can be unlocked temporarily by watching an ad. Users can also create and share playlists under this plan.

Pandora Plus improves the listening experience by removing ads from personalized stations. This plan retains many features of the free service, such as the ability to search and play what you want, enjoy podcasts, and make and share playlists. Pandora Plus also offers access to unlimited skips and offline listening without the need to watch ads.

Pandora Premium provides the most comprehensive service with completely ad-free listening. This plan includes all the features of Pandora Plus, with the added benefits of unlimited offline listening and the ability to search and play any songs or podcasts on demand without restriction.

Pandora also offers Discounted Premium Plans for families, students, and military members, each designed to provide additional value and accessibility tailored to these specific groups. These plans allow users to enjoy all the benefits of Pandora Premium at a reduced cost.

Pricing

The Pandora Free Plan is available at no cost, providing access with limited features.

Pandora Plus is priced at $4.99 per month, offering additional benefits over the free service.

Pandora Premium costs $10.99 per month and includes full features for an enhanced listening experience.

Pandora also offers discounted subscriptions for families, students, and military members:

The Family Plan provides benefits for multiple family members under one account for $17.99 per month.

The Student Plan is available at a reduced rate of $5.99 per month for eligible students.

The Military Plan is $8.99 per month, offering a discount to military personnel to acknowledge their service.

These options ensure that users can find a subscription that best suits their preferences and budget.

5. Apple Music

Pros

• High-fidelity audio streaming
• Lyric and karaoke features for those who like to sing along
• Includes Connect tab, where fans can see an artist-curated feed of music, lyrics, videos, and text posts
• Access to Beats 1 Radio

Cons

• No free tier
• Podcasts are on a separate app
• Limited device integration

Subscription Required: Yes
Free Trial: 1 Month for new subscribers, 6 months with purchase of eligible device
Size of Library: 100 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 256 kbps / 1,152 kbps (HD)
User Profiles: Up to 6 with Family plan

If you're an Apple product user, you might get the most out of Apple Music, which has exclusive radio stations, playlists, and podcasts that you can't find elsewhere. It connects seamlessly to any Apple device, including the Apple Watch, so you can listen to music and podcasts wherever you go.

Apple Music’s exclusive radio stations and playlists integrate smoothly with all Apple devices to offer a unique listening experience for Apple users.

In true Apple fashion, the company created new audio compression technology, known as Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), making its music mimic lossless audio and CD quality sounds. 

Apple Music offers new listeners one free month to test it out and $10.99/month after. There's also a family plan to add the service to multiple household members on different devices for $16.99/month. 

Why We Chose Apple Music

People choose Apple Music for its library of more than 100 million songs, which includes exclusive tracks and early releases from top artists. The service works seamlessly with the entire Apple ecosystem, making it easy for users to access their music across all their devices. Apple Music also offers high-quality audio with support for lossless audio and Dolby Atmos, appealing to audiophiles seeking the best sound experience.

The platform also includes curated playlists and radio shows by renowned DJs, providing users with a personalized music discovery experience. This variety of content and the user-friendly interface keep listeners engaged and listening.

Apple Music Plans and Services

Apple Music offers multiple subscriptions to cater to different listening preferences.

Apple Music Individual Plan allows subscribers to immerse themselves in high-quality audio with lossless and Spatial Audio options. Users can personalize their music experience by selecting their favorite songs, albums, and artists, which helps improve recommendation accuracy. The service includes live radio shows, curated playlists for various moods, and the ability to watch exclusive live concert series.

Apple Music Family Plan extends these benefits to up to six people, allowing each family member to have a personal music library and receive tailored music suggestions. This plan makes it easy for family members to connect and enjoy music together.

Apple Music Student Plan offers the same features at a discounted rate for students, taking into account the budget constraints and music needs of this demographic.

Additionally, all plans come with Apple Music Classical, which provides access to the world's largest catalog of classical music at no extra cost. This app is specifically designed for classical music lovers, offering high-resolution audio and insightful composer biographies.

Apple Music is accessible on a wide range of devices including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, Apple TVs, HomePods, CarPlay systems, and even Android devices, ensuring that users can enjoy their music wherever they go. Whether you're tuning in at home, on a drive, or on your daily commute, Apple Music's extensive features are designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.

Pricing

The Student Plan is priced at $5.99 per month, providing great value for students.

The Individual Plan costs $10.99 per month, ideal for solo listeners.

For families, the Family Plan allows up to six members to enjoy music together for $16.99 per month.

All plans come with an initial free trial, allowing new users to try Apple Music before making any payment. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time, offering flexibility and convenience.

6. Tidal

Pros

• High-fidelity audio; lossless FLAC streaming
• Exclusive releases from A-list music artists, including Beyonce, Rihanna, and Ye
• Access to interviews and curated playlists from a wide range of bands and artists

Cons

• No free tier
• Music catalogue skews toward newer acts, which can be a problem for classic and underground music fans
• HiFi plan is more expensive than competitors

Subscription Required: Yes
Free Trial: 30 days
Size of Library: 110 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 1,411 kbps
User Profiles: Up to 6 with Family plan

There is virtually no match for Tidal when it comes to audio quality. Tidal is known for its HiFi, or high fidelity sound. HiFi provides some of the best, uncompromised sound for all your favorite music. Tidal also features Master sound, offering lossless audio that makes you feel like you're sitting next to the artist you're listening to.

The sound quality you get depends on your plan, though. Tidal starts free with up to 160 kbps of audio quality. HiFi listening is $10.99/month and comes with music videos and no ads.

Why We Chose Tidal

People love Tidal for its commitment to high-quality sound. It offers music in lossless, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos formats, which provide superior audio quality. Tidal also stands out by supporting artists fairly, offering them better compensation compared to other streaming services.

Tidal provides exclusive content such as early releases, live streams, and special playlists that are curated by artists themselves. Users appreciate the platform's clean, easy-to-use interface, and its focus on improving the music listening experience through superior sound and unique artist-driven content.

Tidal Plans and Services

Tidal offers three subscription plans tailored to different listening preferences, each featuring high-quality audio formats like lossless, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos, which ensure an exceptional listening experience.

The Individual Plan allows subscribers to enjoy more than 110 million tracks in top-quality audio formats. This plan supports ad-free and offline listening, and includes personalized mixes, editorial playlists, and live sessions. Additionally, there is an option to add a DJ Extension, which provides catalog access and stem separation via select DJ partners.

For families, the Family Plan allows up to six members to have an individual account while sharing the same subscription. This plan not only offers the same high-quality audio and features as the individual plan, but also includes clean playlists and curated content suitable for children.

The Student Plan offers a discounted subscription to eligible students.. This plan includes all the premium features of the individual plan but is tailored with additional curated study playlists, making it a great choice for students who enjoy music while studying.

These plans are designed to improve the listening experience for every type of user, from solo listeners and families to students, ensuring everyone has access to high-quality music tailored to their needs.

Pricing

The Individual Plan is priced at $10.99 per month, with the DJ Extension add-on available for an additional $9.00 monthly, plus sales tax.

The Family Plan provides access for up to six members at $16.99 per month. While the Student Plan is offered at $4.99 per month.

Subscribers have the flexibility to cancel their service at any time.

7. Qobuz

Pros

• Largest high-fidelity audio collection of all streaming platforms
• Access to exclusive magazine, tutorials, album liners, and reviews
• User interface is easy to use
• Ability to purchase FLAC files

Cons

• No free tier
• Curation algorithm isn’t as strong as other streaming platforms
• Catalog lacks podcasts and some of the more recent hits

Subscription Required: Yes
Free Trial: 60 days
Size of Library: 100 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 6,971 kbps
User Profiles: Up to 6 with Family plan

Qobuz includes over 80 million songs from artists you know and love and others you still want to discover. You'll get studio-quality streaming on either plan with up to 192 kHz audio starting at $10.83/month. Subscribers can also choose a duo or family plan to add more people to their accounts for reduced prices.

With Qobuz, you can also buy the music and albums you enjoy listening to most. The Sublime plan gives you up to 60% off your purchases.

Why We Chose Qobuz

People love Qobuz for its focus on high-fidelity music streaming, offering audio quality that appeals to audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. The service provides tracks in FLAC format, ensuring listeners enjoy music at the highest possible sound quality without the compression found in typical streaming services.

Qobuz also offers an extensive catalog of exclusive, editorial content that includes detailed artist biographies, album reviews, and curated playlists. Additionally, Qobuz supports artists by giving them fair pay, attracting a community of users who value ethical streaming practices.

Qobuz Plans and Services

Qobuz offers a selection of plans designed to cater to a wide range of needs, emphasizing high-quality audio and engaging editorial content.

The Qobuz Studio plan allows subscribers to stream and download music in the highest available sound quality, specifically FLAC 24-Bit up to 192 kHz. This plan offers access to more than 100 million tracks and boasts the best Hi-Res catalog in the world. Additionally, subscribers can enjoy offline listening and dive into more than 500,000 album reviews and artist bios.

For those interested in both streaming and owning their music, the Qobuz Sublime plan includes all the features of the Studio plan, but adds significant discounts on Hi-Res purchases—up to 60%. This makes it an ideal choice for collectors who prefer to buy and own their favorite albums while enjoying studio-quality streaming.

Both plans are available in different subscription models to fit individual or family needs, including Solo, Duo, and Family options. The Family plan supports up to six accounts, allowing each member to experience high-quality music streaming independently.

Qobuz emphasizes not just listening to music, but experiencing it in the highest fidelity possible, whether on phones, tablets, computers, or high-end Hi-Fi systems. This focus on quality and depth of content makes Qobuz a premium choice for serious music lovers and audiophiles.

Pricing

The Studio plan is available for $10.83 per month when paid annually with a single payment of $129.99. A monthly subscription option is also available at $12.99 per month.

The Sublime plan starts at $14.99 per month, providing additional benefits such as discounts on Hi-Res purchases.

Both plans include variations tailored to different users, with Solo, Duo, and Family subscription models available. The Family option allows up to six separate accounts under one subscription.

Qobuz also provides a free trial period for new users, giving them the opportunity to experience the service before committing to a subscription.

8. LiveOne

Pros

• Ability to buy tickets to upcoming concerts directly through the app
• See setlists and reviews of past concerts
• Find and connect with like-minded music fans

Cons

• No family plan subscription
• No high-fidelity audio

Subscription Required: No
Free Trial: 30 days
Size of Library: 30 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 320 kbps
User Profiles: 1

Live music listeners should consider LiveOne as their best music streaming service. The platform features live events, like concerts and festivals, to make you feel like you're a part of the action.

Also, stream your favorite music video, podcast, or radio station on-demand. Save what you love in your library to listen to at your convenience. Free plans allow 60 minutes of ad-free listening, but you can opt for a Premium account for $2.99/month billed annually to listen without ads, get unlimited skips, and access the platform's highest audio quality.

Why We Chose LiveOne

LiveOne has a unique blend of music streaming and live entertainment. This platform stands out by offering live streams of concerts and events, which allows users to enjoy performances from their favorite artists in real-time.

LiveOne also provides exclusive video content and interviews with artists, making it a go-to service for fans who want deeper insights into the music industry. Users appreciate the social sharing features that let them connect with other music fans and share their favorite moments.

LiveOne Plans and Services

LiveOne offers a variety of subscription plans, each designed to improve the music and entertainment experience for its users.

The Basic Membership provides access to concert and festival livestreams, handcrafted audio stations, and personalized recommendations. Subscribers also enjoy original shows and podcasts, making this plan a solid choice for casual listeners who want to explore new music and live events.

Plus Membership builds on the Basic Membership by offering an ad-free experience with unlimited skips and maximum audio quality. This plan is ideal for those who want a more uninterrupted and high-fidelity listening experience.

The Premium Membership includes all the features of the Plus Membership, with the addition of offline listening and on-demand play capabilities. This top-tier plan is perfect for those who want full control over their listening experience, whether they are connected to the internet or not.

LiveOne is accessible on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, smart speakers, cars, and Chromecast, ensuring that subscribers can enjoy music and live events anytime, anywhere. This flexibility, combined with the tiered features of each plan, makes LiveOne a great choice for real music fans.

Pricing

The Basic Membership is free, and provides access to LiveOne's basic services.

The Plus Membership is $2.99 per month when billed annually.

The Premium Membership is available for $9.99 per month, billed monthly.

9. Deezer

Pros

• Ability to download MP3 files to desktops
• High-fidelity audio
• Translates lyrics into your chosen language
• SongCatcher identification feature

Cons

• Recommended music and playlists algorithm is weak
• High-fidelity audio is better on other streaming platforms

Subscription Required: No
Free Trial: 1 month
Size of Library: 120 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 1,411 kbps
User Profiles: 2 with Duo plan / 6 with Family plan

With free, premium, and family plans ranging from $0-$19.99/month, Deezer caters to all types of music listeners. Stream music, radio, and podcasts for free with occasional ads, and get customized listening recommendations based on what you listen to or save in your library.

Premium and Family plans add more tracks, an easier way to favorite the songs and artists you love, and unlimited playlists. Deezer provides the lyrics to the songs you play, too, so you can sing along.

Stream Deezer on your computer, tablet, or smartphone using the Deezer app. Audio quality goes up to 320 kbps for Premium members.

Why We Chose Deezer

People love Deezer for its diverse and extensive music library that includes millions of tracks across a wide range of genres. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, which makes discovering new music and organizing favorite tracks effortless.

Deezer offers personalized playlists and music recommendations tailored to individual listening habits, ensuring users continually discover music that matches their tastes. It also supports multiple device compatibility, allowing users to enjoy music on smartphones, tablets, computers, and home sound systems, making it convenient for listening at home or on the go.

Deezer Plans and Services

Deezer offers a range of subscription plans to cater to various listening needs, each with different features:

The Free Plan gives users access to more than 120 million tracks and thousands of podcasts. It also includes personalized mixes and playlists tailored to the user's music preferences.

The Premium Plan builds on the basic offerings by providing an ad-free experience, the ability to pick and play any track, offline listening capabilities, and high-fidelity sound. This plan is perfect for those who want more control over their listening experience without interruptions.

The Duo Plan is similar to the Premium Plan, but this allows two accounts to access the service. It's ideal for couples or two individuals who want to enjoy music independently without interfering with each other’s music listening.

The Family Plan supports up to six accounts, making it a great choice for families. Each member can enjoy their own personalized music experience under one subscription, which includes all the premium features like ad-free listening, offline play, and high-quality audio.

Deezer also offers a discounted Student Plan, providing all the benefits of the Premium Plan at half the price, catering to the budget constraints of students.

Each plan begins with a one-month free trial, giving users a risk-free way to explore the service's features before committing to a subscription.

Pricing

The Premium Plan is available at $11.99 per month.

The Duo Plan, which includes two independent accounts, costs $15.99 per month.

The Family Plan, accommodating up to six accounts, is priced at $19.99 per month.

Deezer also offers an annual option for the Premium Plan, which includes a 25% discount compared to the monthly rate. Additionally, a Student Discount offers 50% off the regular price of the Premium Plan, making it more affordable for students.

10. iHeartRadio

Pros

• More than 1,500 local, live radio streaming options around the world
• Easy-to-use app that’s available on a wide range of devices
• Personalized radio station recommendations based on likes and dislikes

Cons

• No pause or rewind features with live radio
• Free version includes image ads

Subscription Required: No
Free Trial: 30 days
Size of Library: More than 15 million
Highest Audio Bitrate: 128 kbps
User Profiles: Up to 5 with Family plan

iHeartRadio is one of the best music streaming service options for people who love listening to radio stations from all over the country or discovering new music based on the genres they like. Catch New York or LA's hottest stations, even if you live hundreds of miles away.

The platform provides up to 128 kbps of sound quality and access to personalized radio stations based on a specific artist you enjoy for free. Paying members can get commercial-free radio, unlimited skips, and on-demand listening with select plans priced between $4.99-$9.99/month.

Why We Chose iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio features a range of live radio stations, streaming music, news, and podcasts all in one platform. The service offers access to thousands of AM and FM radio stations nationwide. Users appreciate the convenience of customizing their own music stations based on favorite artists or songs.

iHeartRadio stands out for its ability to provide both local and national news, sports updates, and exclusive podcasts, catering to a variety of listening preferences. The platform is also known for organizing live music events and concerts, which adds value for users looking for unique entertainment experiences.

iHeartRadio Plans and Services

iHeartRadio offers three different subscription plans:

iHeartRadio is free to download and use, which includes access to thousands of live stations, podcasts, and artist radio stations. Users can create their own playlists and enjoy music from a wide range of genres. There are no charges other than standard data rates applied by mobile carriers or WiFi providers.

iHeartRadio Plus allows users to listen to hundreds of broadcast radio stations without commercials. It also offers ad-free playlists and artist stations with no skip limits, and the ability to create unlimited personalized playlists. The Plus plan is designed to transform live radio listening by adding features like saving and replaying songs directly from the radio.

Building on the features of iHeartRadio Plus, iHeartRadio All Access allows users to search and play any song, album, or playlist on demand from iHeartRadio’s extensive library. It also includes the ability to save and replay songs from the radio and download music for offline listening. This plan is ideal for those who want full control over their listening experience and access to millions of songs anytime, anywhere.

Both iHeartRadio Plus and All Access offer a 30-day free trial, providing an opportunity to explore the full capabilities of the service before committing to a monthly subscription.

Pricing

iHeartRadio Plus can be accessed for $4.99 per month if you sign up through the web or Google Play Store. For those who prefer to use the iOS App Store, it's $5.99 per month.

iHeartRadio All Access is offered at $9.99 per month via the web or Google Play Store, but if you subscribe through the iOS App Store, the price is $12.99 per month.

Both tiers include a 30-day free trial for new users to explore the service. The higher cost for iOS subscriptions reflects the transaction fees associated with purchases made through Apple’s platform.

11. SoundCloud Go

Pros

• Users can upload their own podcasts and music
• Fans and artists can interact with each other
• Music library includes a mix of major and indie artists
• Includes mixing tools for DJs

Cons

• Not all major labels are on SoundCloud
• Complaints that streaming can lag

Subscription Required: No
Free Trial: 30 days
Size of Library: 135 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 256 kbps
User Profiles: 1

SoundCloud Go gives users ad-free listening for their favorite tracks and newly discovered music. Offline listening is also available with unlimited downloads for $4.99/month.

SoundCloud Go + gives subscribers access to the full catalog of tracks and artists and provides high-quality audio of 256kbps AAC on eligible lossless audio tracks. The premium version is $9.99/month.

Why We Chose SoundCloud Go

SoundCloud Go is known for its vast collection of unique tracks, remixes, and underground music that can't be found on most other streaming platforms. It appeals to those who want to discover emerging artists and niche genres.

SoundCloud Go offers an ad-free listening experience, allowing users to enjoy music without interruptions. It also supports offline listening, so users can play their favorite tracks anytime, without an internet connection. This service is especially popular among fans who value a direct connection with independent musicians and producers.

SoundCloud Go Plans and Services

SoundCloud Go offers two subscriptions that boost the listening experience on the platform:

SoundCloud Go provides ad-free listening, allowing users to enjoy music without interruptions. It also supports offline listening, so users can save unlimited tracks for playback anywhere, even without an internet connection. This plan gives access to SoundCloud’s full catalog, ensuring that subscribers have the broadest range of music, including exclusive tracks and remixes.

SoundCloud Go+ includes all the features of SoundCloud Go, with additional benefits designed for more dedicated listeners. It offers high-quality audio, which is ideal for audiophiles seeking the best sound experience. Subscribers to Go+ can also mix tracks within select DJ apps, improving the experience for users who create and manipulate music themselves. This plan broadens the scope for creative interaction with music on the platform.

Both plans emphasize supporting artists directly, with subscriptions contributing to fan-powered royalties that help fund and support emerging and independent artists. This feature is particularly appealing to users who value the growth and success of the independent music scene.

Pricing

SoundCloud Go is available at $4.99 per month. It includes a 7-day free trial for new users to explore the service.

SoundCloud Go+ costs $9.99 per month and comes with a 30-day free trial. This plan also offers a student discount, allowing eligible students to subscribe for 50% off the regular price.

Both plans provide a way to directly support artists through subscriptions, with a portion of the proceeds contributing to fan-powered royalties that benefit independent musicians.

12. SiriusXM Internet Radio

Pros

• Ability to pause and rewind live content
• Exclusive premium radio broadcasts
• Access to uncensored content and live sports
• Signal no matter where you go with satellite device

Cons

• No free tier
• If you don’t already have CarPlay, it can be a pain to set up
• CarPlay metadata doesn’t always update

Subscription Required: Yes
Free Trial: 3 months
Size of Library: 425 channels+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 256 kbps
User Profiles: 1

Many newer vehicles are equipped with SiriusXM connectivity, allowing drivers to stream radio stations on-demand through their car's audio system for $23.99/month. The service has over 400 channels to choose from, so there's plenty of variety for anyone who happens to be riding with you.

One caveat of SiriusXM is that its audio quality isn't as good as other services, like Spotify and Amazon Music Unlimited.

Why We Chose SiriusXM Internet Radio

People love SiriusXM Internet Radio for its extensive content that includes music, sports, news, and talk shows. It provides channels for nearly every music genre and live broadcasts of major sports events.

SiriusXM is known for featuring exclusive shows hosted by prominent personalities and celebrities that aren't available on other platforms. The service also offers commercial-free listening on many of its music channels. The ability to listen across different devices, including in-car entertainment systems, mobile phones, and home devices, also makes SiriusXM highly convenient for users on the go or at home.

SiriusXM Internet Radio Plans and Services

SiriusXM Internet Radio offers multiple subscription plans that cater to different listening preferences:

Car + App Plans

The Platinum Plan provides the most all-inclusive SiriusXM experience with more than 425 total channels, including 165+ that can be accessed in the car. It offers ad-free music, news, talk shows, exclusive in-studio videos, comedy, popular podcasts, and extensive sports coverage, including live games from the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and NCAA.

The Music & Entertainment Plan comes with more than 400 channels, including 155+ for in-car listening. Subscribers can enjoy a wide range of music, news, and entertainment. This plan includes ad-free music options, in-studio video, and coverage of some sports.

The Music Showcase Plan is focused more on music. It offers more than 100 channels, including 80+ in-car options, and features some ad-free music and limited talk and entertainment content.

App Only Plan

The All Access (App Only) plan includes all 425+ channels available in the Car + App plans, but is tailored for app-only usage without in-car access. It mirrors the Platinum Plan’s offerings, including ad-free music, news, entertainment, exclusive videos, comedy, popular podcasts, and full sports coverage.

These plans provide a range of content that includes everything from music to sports, making SiriusXM a versatile option for listeners everywhere, regardless of whether they are at home, in the car, or on the go.

SiriusXM Internet Radio Plans and Services

Car + App Plans

After the initial promotional period, the Platinum plan is $23.99 per month.

Following the introductory offer, the Music & Entertainment plan is $18.99 per month.

The Music Showcase Plan costs $13.99 per month after the first three months.

App Only Plan

The All Access (App Only) rate is $9.99 per month.

These plans offer flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to cancel your subscription at any time without hassle or penalty.

13. IDAGIO

Pros

• Large library of classical music
• Access to exclusive concerts and courses from famous musicians
• Search tools are made for the classical naming conventions

Cons

• Very limited amount of non-classical music
• Some users report the app is sluggish and buggy

Subscription Required: No
Free Trial: 14 days
Size of Library: 2 million+
Highest Audio Bitrate: 320kbps
User Profiles: 1

IDAGIO is incredibly unique to the music streaming world in that it's the only streaming service for classical music lovers. Unlike other options on our list that include music from all genres, IDAGIO provides a solo-genre option featuring classical artists like Leonard Slatkin and Emanuel Ax. 

The service allows audio quality up to 16-bit/44.1KHz lossless FLAC, with plans ranging from free to $16.67/month with full access to live streaming concerts.

Why We Chose IDAGIO

People appreciate IDAGIO for its specialized focus on classical music. The platform offers a user-friendly experience that includes expertly curated playlists and the ability to search by composer, work, orchestra, or soloist, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for.

IDAGIO streams music in high-quality audio, ensuring that listeners can enjoy the full depth and nuance of classical compositions. The service also features exclusive recordings and performances that are not available on more general music streaming platforms, appealing to both seasoned fans and new listeners.

IDAGIO Plans and Services

IDAGIO offers three subscription plans that cater to different listening needs:

The Free Plan gives you access to more two million tracks, including the latest releases and IDAGIO exclusives. It includes a personal collection feature with complete metadata curated by experts, a mood player, and support for Airplay and Bluetooth. Subscribers can also enjoy IDAGIO Talks with artists and industry leaders.

The Premium+ Plan includes all the features of the Free plan, plus unlimited personal playlists and recommendations. This plan is ad-free and offers lossless audio quality (FLAC 16bit 44.1kHz) for the highest sound experience. It also supports offline listening on mobile devices and plays seamlessly on Sonos, Bluesound, and many other devices.

The Premium+ Concerts Plan builds on the Premium+ plan by adding unlimited access to IDAGIO Concerts, which features high-end concerts, operas, dance, and educational programs. This plan also includes a dedicated tvOS app and an exclusive newsletter.

IDAGIO offers a 50% discount for students enrolled in higher education, making classical music more accessible to young listeners. All plans come with a 14-day free trial, allowing new users to explore the features before committing.

Pricing

You can explore classical music through the Free Plan without spending a dime, or upgrade to Premium+ for just $9.99 per month.

For the ultimate classical music enthusiast, the Premium+ Concerts Plan goes for $199.99 annually, averaging out to about $16.67 per month.

Each option is designed to bring more classical music into your life, whether you're just dipping in your toes or are ready to dive into the genre.

How To Listen To Streaming Music

If you're new to the best music streaming service options, then you'll need to know how to listen to streaming music at home. 

Most music streaming services are available via an app that you can add to your mobile device or smart device. The music streaming app can then play your music on your device, smart speaker, in the car, or you can use the app to connect to wireless speakers or other wireless devices using your Wi-Fi for home connectivity. Be sure to use one of the best internet providers that offer reliable and fast internet to prevent shoddy quality.

Most music app services can also work on streaming media players, like the Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Apple TV, or your computer or laptop. Look for the streaming app to add to your device using your device's app library.

Finally, remember that you can even take your streaming music with you. Use Bluetooth headphones to connect to your music app using your smartphone. Or, connect your device to Bluetooth-connected car systems to play your music streaming service on the road. Learn how to do it by checking your car's user manual.

Find the Best Music Streaming Service for You

What is the best music streaming service for your needs? Most of the options on our list offer free trials for at least a week or more – SiriusXM even gives three full months of free access – to test them out. Try the ones you're interested in to see which service gives you the music and features you love most. 

Don't forget to consider how your service fits into your home connectivity, too. With the right setup, you can stream your favorite tracks and artists through smart home equipment, like Amazon Echo, and play high-quality audio on Bluetooth speakers.