Spotify Alternatives: Finding the Right Music Streaming Service for You
If you’re like me, you love having your entire music collection ready to play anytime, anywhere. Spotify’s been the go-to for many, but let’s be honest—it’s not perfect. Between limited free features, ads that interrupt your vibe, or subscription costs that can add up, you might be wondering: Are there better Spotify alternatives out there? The good news is, yes, plenty.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best streaming services that could replace or complement Spotify. We’ll compare their music libraries, pricing, platform support, and importantly—how they handle the pain points Spotify users often complain about. So, whether you want more free listening without ads, a cheaper plan, or just a fresh experience, keep reading.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Spotify?
Spotify’s massive, but it’s not the only player in the game. Here’s a quick list of popular and worthy alternatives:
- Apple Music
- YouTube Music
- Amazon Music Unlimited
- Tidal
- Deezer
- Pandora (US only)
- SoundCloud
Each has its own quirks and strengths. Let’s break down what makes each stand out—and where they might fall short.
Music Library Size and Quality: Who Has the Best Selection?
The size of a music library matters, but so does what’s inside that library—and how good it sounds.
| Service | Library Size | Audio Quality (Max Bitrate) | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | 80+ million tracks | 320 kbps (Ogg Vorbis) | Standard for most streaming |
| Apple Music | 100+ million tracks | Lossless up to 24-bit/192 kHz | Offers Hi-Res Lossless |
| YouTube Music | 80+ million tracks + videos | 256 kbps (AAC) | Huge video catalog, live shows |
| Amazon Music Unlimited | 90+ million tracks | HD: 850 kbps (FLAC), Ultra HD | Supports Hi-Res audio |
| Tidal | 80+ million tracks | HiFi: 1411 kbps (FLAC), Master: MQA | Focus on audiophiles |
| Deezer | 73+ million tracks | HiFi: 1411 kbps (FLAC) | Offers lossless tier |
| Pandora (US only) | 40+ million tracks | 192 kbps (AAC) | Personalized radio stations |
| SoundCloud | 200+ million tracks (indie-heavy) | Varies, mostly 128-320 kbps | Best for indie, emerging artists |
Library Size: Apple Music slightly edges out Spotify with over 100 million tracks, including exclusives. Amazon Music Unlimited is close behind, while Deezer and Tidal have solid but a bit smaller catalogs. SoundCloud is more about independent artists, so it’s a whole different vibe.
Audio Quality: If you’re picky about sound, Tidal and Amazon Music Unlimited offer high-resolution streams that Spotify doesn’t. Apple Music also supports lossless streaming, which is great if you have quality headphones or speakers.
Pricing Plans and Free Trials: What Will It Cost?
Money matters. Spotify’s free tier is popular, but the ads can get annoying fast. Or maybe a $10/month subscription feels steep if you’re on a budget.
Here’s a pricing rundown:
| Service | Free Tier Available? | Subscription Price (Individual) | Family Plan Price | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Yes (with ads, 6 skips/hour) | $9.99/month | $15.99/month (up to 6 accounts) | 1 month |
| Apple Music | No | $10.99/month | $16.99/month (6 accounts) | 1 month |
| YouTube Music | Yes (with ads) | $9.99/month | $14.99/month (up to 6 accounts) | 1 month |
| Amazon Music Unlimited | Yes (limited) | $9.99/month; $7.99/month (Prime members) | $15.99/month (6 accounts) | 30 days |
| Tidal | No free tier | HiFi: $9.99/month; HiFi Plus: $19.99/month | $14.99/month (HiFi family) | 30 days |
| Deezer | Yes (with ads) | $10.99/month | $17.99/month (up to 6 accounts) | 30 days |
| Pandora (US only) | Yes (with ads) | $9.99/month | $14.99/month (up to 6 accounts) | 30 days |
| SoundCloud | Yes (free, ads) | $9.99/month (SoundCloud Go+) | No family plan | 30 days |
Spotify’s free tier lets you listen with ads and limited skips, which can be frustrating. On the flip side, Apple Music offers no free tier but has a solid trial period and a $10.99 price (slightly higher than Spotify). Amazon Music is a good deal for Prime members, only $7.99/month, so if you’re already shopping on Amazon, it’s worth considering.
Tidal targets audiophiles with a pricey HiFi Plus tier but offers less at the entry level. Deezer strikes a nice balance with free listening and a lossless tier. Pandora is US-only, but its personalized radio stations are great if you don’t want to pick songs all the time.
Platform Support: Can You Listen Anywhere?
You want your music when and where you want it, right? So what devices do these alternatives support?
| Service | Mobile Apps (iOS/Android) | Desktop Apps (Windows/Mac) | Web Player | Other Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Yes | Yes | Yes | Smart TVs, gaming consoles, car |
| Apple Music | Yes | Yes (Mac) / Windows (iTunes) | Yes | Apple Watch, HomePod, CarPlay |
| YouTube Music | Yes | No dedicated app | Yes | Chromecast, smart TVs |
| Amazon Music Unlimited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Echo devices, Fire TV |
| Tidal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Sonos, smart TVs |
| Deezer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Smart speakers, smart TVs |
| Pandora (US only) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Alexa, smart TVs |
| SoundCloud | Yes | Web only | Yes | Some car systems, smart TVs |
Spotify’s everywhere, no argument. Apple Music is tightly integrated with the Apple ecosystem but Windows users have to use iTunes, which some find clunky. YouTube Music’s biggest limitation is the lack of a dedicated desktop app, but the web player does the job.
Amazon Music is great if you’re invested in Alexa and Amazon devices. Tidal and Deezer support most platforms including smart speakers, which is a plus if you love that smart home life.
Addressing Spotify Pain Points with Alternatives
1. Limited Free Features and Excessive Ads
Spotify’s free version works, but those ads can kill the flow. If you want uninterrupted free listening, YouTube Music’s free tier has fewer ad interruptions, and Deezer’s free plan gives you more skips than Spotify.
SoundCloud is a wild card here because a lot of content comes from creators themselves, and it offers free access to millions of tracks without aggressive ads. You might discover some hidden gems you won’t find on more mainstream platforms.
2. High Subscription Costs or Lack of Affordable Plans
If you’re on a tight budget, Amazon Music Unlimited’s discount for Prime members is hard to beat. At $7.99/month, it’s cheaper than Spotify, and you get access to over 90 million songs. Plus, the family plan is reasonably priced.
Apple Music, while excellent, is slightly more expensive without a free tier, so consider the free trial before committing. Tidal’s HiFi Plus plan is expensive, but if you’re an audiophile, you might find the sound quality worth the price.
3. Regional Restrictions or Unavailable Content
Spotify’s regional limitations mean some albums or podcasts might be missing depending on your location. Apple Music tends to have fewer restrictions because of its global reach and partnerships. YouTube Music benefits from being tied to Google and YouTube’s massive global content library, so it often has live performances and covers you won’t find elsewhere.
Pandora, unfortunately, is only available in the US, so it’s not an option if you live elsewhere.
Quick FAQ: Choosing the Right Spotify Alternative
Q: Which alternative has the largest music library?
Apple Music claims over 100 million songs, topping Spotify’s 80 million tracks Apple Music.
Q: Can I get high-res audio somewhere cheaper than Tidal?
Amazon Music Unlimited offers HD and Ultra HD streaming at a lower price if you’re a Prime member (starting at $7.99/month) Amazon Music.
Q: Is there a free service with no ads?
Most free tiers include ads, but SoundCloud’s free plan is less intrusive and great for indie music lovers SoundCloud.
Q: What if I want a service tightly integrated with Apple devices?
Apple Music is your best bet, with seamless sync across iPhones, Macs, Apple Watch, and HomePods.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Size or Price
Deciding on a Spotify alternative depends on what you value most. Want the biggest library with exclusive hits? Try Apple Music. Need a cheaper plan with decent sound? Amazon Music Unlimited is a steal with Prime. Hate ads and want to discover indie artists? Give SoundCloud or Deezer a go.
At the end of the day, it’s about the music experience you enjoy. So, why not take advantage of those free trials and test-drive a few? You might find your new favorite sound streaming home.
Sources
[1] Apple Music Library Info: https://www.apple.com/apple-music/
[2] Amazon Music Unlimited Details: https://www.amazon.com/music/unlimited
[3] Spotify Features and Pricing: https://www.spotify.com/pricing
[4] Tidal Audio Quality: https://tidal.com/hi-fi
[5] Deezer Plans: https://www.deezer.com/us/offers
[6] SoundCloud Free vs Paid: https://soundcloud.com/pages/go
[7] YouTube Music Service: https://music.youtube.com/
[8] Pandora Service Info: https://www.pandora.com
Hope this helps you explore music beyond Spotify. Happy listening!
Danny Inayat