The Top 10 Music Streaming Services | Popular Music Sites 2025 (2025)

Review, compare and select among the popular Music Streaming Services and platforms to enjoy music from your favorite genre:

The advent of the Internet has flooded our lives with content that is available at our convenience 24/7. From TV shows to movies, we have platforms today that offer a wide catalog of entertainment for a reasonable subscription fee. This is also the case with music as well.

Gone are the days of music-centric channels like MTV and Channel V. While they still exist, it is platforms like Spotify and YouTube that most people today associate with music. These music streaming platforms offer a massive library of songs to their listeners from all around the world and in many genres.

Music Streaming Services Review

You don’t have to wait for a VJ to play your favorite song on TV anymore. Simply visit any music site, find the music you want to listen to, and enjoy it whenever you like. There was a time when people avoided streaming sites because of poor audio quality and slow Internet connection.

[image source]

That is not an issue anymore as music platforms today can expertly replicate or even surpass the audio quality of CDs. That said, with so many music platforms to choose from, everything eventually boils down to one question – What is the best music streaming service for you?

In this article, we will recommend top such platforms that we believe are some of the best music streaming services you can turn to for an enjoyable listening experience.

Market Trends: As you can see from the graph below, Spotify is leading the music streaming battle with a massive global subscriber market share of 32%. It is followed closely by Apple Music with 18% of the total global subscriber base. Just behind Apple Music, we have a relatively new competitor in the form of Amazon Music that possesses a global subscriber base that amounts to 14% of the total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q #1) What is the best Music Streaming Service?

Answer: Based on our own experience with such platforms, we would argue that the following are some of the best platforms used today:

• Tidal
• Deezer
• Spotify
• iHeartRadio
• YouTube Music

Q #2) What is the most popular music streaming platform?

Answer: One only needs to look at the numbers and current trends to know which streaming platform is popular. Globally, Spotify is the most popular streaming platform, followed closely by the likes of Apple Music and Amazon Music.

However, if we only take the US into consideration, then Apple Music comes out on top with over 49.5 million subscribers as of 2021. It is followed closely by Spotify, with 47.7 million subscribers.

Q #3) What music app is better than Spotify?

Answer: Just like taste in music, people’s taste in music apps will differ from person to person. Spotify is still considered the best music site because of its intuitive features, convenient mobile-friendly app, and a massive library of songs and audio podcasts.

Further Reading => How to Access Your Spotify Wrapped

However, perhaps services like Tidal and Deezer are better than Spotify based on several factors, which we will discuss later in the article when reviewing each platform separately.

Q #4) Is Spotify free any good?

Answer: Spotify offers two options to its users. You can either use it for free or opt for its paid subscription plan. We always suggest pay-to-use options because the experience in these versions is considerably better. However, Spotify offers a decent free service. That said, you will be interrupted occasionally with ads.

Q #5) How much does Spotify cost?

Answer: Spotify’s premium subscription plan costs $9.99/month. It also offers a discounted premium subscription plan for students that costs $4.99/month. The premium plan also comes with an ad-supported subscription to Hulu. The student plan comes with subscriptions to both Hulu and Showtime.

=>> Contact us to suggest a listing here.

List Of The Best Music Streaming Services

1. Tidal
2. Deezer
3. Spotify
4. iHeartRadio
5. YouTube Music
6. Pandora
7. LiveXLive
8. Apple Music
9. Amazon Music
10. Qobuz

Comparing Top Music Streaming Platforms

Recommended Live Streaming Platform

Restream

If you are an independent music artist, then perhaps Restream could be a great way for you to not only share your music with your followers but also interact with them live. You can automatically schedule your music videos to go live via this platform. You can upload your stream complete with your professional brand logo, background design, and overlay.

Features:

• Upload and stream videos live
• Interact with the audience in real-time
• Customize livestream with professional branding
• Automatic event scheduling

Price:

• Free forever plan
• Standard: $16/month
• Professional: $41/month

Music sites detailed review:

#1) Tidal

Best for streaming high-def. quality music.

Tidal is the first on our list because of one of its core features, which entails the freedom it gives users to switch between three different audio qualities while streaming music. If you want to save data, you can opt for standard-quality audio.

For a lossless high-definition listening experience, you can opt for the HiFi version of the site that supports Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio.

The service is also home to over 80 million popular songs in all types of genres. Aside from music, the platform also carries over 350000 HQ video content, which includes live streams, music videos, and more. You also won’t have any trouble running this platform on any of your computer, mobile, or tablet devices.

Features:

• Features exclusively released music tracks.
• Original video content.
• Switch between Master, HiFi, and standard audio quality.
• Playlists curated according to your taste in music.

Verdict:Tidal’s massive library of high-quality music and video library should keep your hunger for good musical or visual entertainment at bay for a very long time. It shines because of the options it offers between three distinct audio qualities. With Tidal, you have the opportunity to stream music in the highest resolution possible.

Specifications:

• Library Size: 60 Million+
• File Type: FLAC, AAC
• Platform: iOS, Android, Web, Desktop App

Price: $9.99/month for 320Kbps AAC+ music, $19.99/month for 1441 Kbps AAC+music.

Website: https://tidal.com/

#2) Deezer

Best for personalized music recommendations.

Originating in France, Deezer is quickly taking the world by storm by offering an intuitive music platform. Its music library currently features over 73 million audio tracks, coming from all around the world. Deezer also releases its original content like music, video, and audio podcasts.

Deezer also gauges your music preference to curate a list of titles tailored to your specific taste. Creating your own playlist consisting of your favorite music is also easy here. Deezer’s free plan is quite effective, but its premium plans are even better. With a paid Deezer subscription, you can download tracks and listen to them offline.

Also Read => Search for a song by Humming

Features:

• Personalized music recommendation.
• Share music online.
• Collect your favorite titles for automatic playlist creation.
• Student discount available.

Verdict:Deezer’s music library is growing with each passing day, with new music being added from all around the world. It is extremely simple to find a title here that you want to listen to in high-fidelity sound quality. Deezer especially appeals to us for its automatic curation of recommended titles that are tailored to each user’s taste in music.

Specifications:

• Library Size: 56 Million+
• File Type: MP3, FLAC
• Platform: iOS, Android, Desktop, Yamaha MusicCast, Sonos, Bang & Olufsen Speakers.

Price: 30 Day free trial, free plan available, $14.99/month for the premium plan. $4.99 for students.

Website: https://www.deezer.com/us/

Recommended Reading => BEST Music Player for Windows 10 That You Sh0uld Know

#3) Spotify

Best for a massivelibrary of diverse content.

It wouldn’t be wrong to claim that Spotify revolutionized the streaming industry with its convenient desktop and mobile music platform. Boasting a global user base of 165 million unique premium subscribers, Spotify is unquestionably a leading name in the music streaming industry. It stays true to its reputation with a spectacularly intuitive music platform.

There is hardly a track on Spotify that you will not find. From traditional pop-culture tracks to original movie soundtracks, Spotify has them all. If that wasn’t enough, the platform also provides original content as videos, podcasts, and live streams that are exclusive to it.

Features:

• Tons of curated playlists to peruse.
• Sleek UI.
• Lossless quality music streaming.
• Filter content as per your preference.

Verdict:Spotify is a pioneer of the music streaming industry and more than compensates for its towering reputation with a platform that is easy to use and steeped in content. The platform is home to a diverse range of music genres, podcasts, and original video content. We recommend using its premium plan for an ad-free listening experience.

Specifications:

• Library Size: 60 Million +
• File Type: MP3, M4P, MP4
• Platform: Android, iOS, Desktop, Web, Smart TV App

Price: Free plan available, 30-day free trial, $9.99 / month premium subscription, $4.99 for students’ plan

Website: https://www.spotify.com/us/

#4) iHeartRadio

Best for Live Radio.

iHeartRadio gives you access to the best radio stations in the country, which you can listen to anytime you wish for free. You also get a personalized recommendation of artist radio stations as well. You also have access to its full podcast library. However, the platform delivers with its premium plan.

With a premium plan, you can access iHeartRadio’s full music and album library. You can also play songs as many times as you like. Additional benefits also include the ability to create limitless playlists and download songs offline.

Features:

• Access major US radio stations for free.
• Play unlimited songs with skips.
• Download and listen to songs offline.
• Save and replay audio from a radio.

Verdict:If you are someone who likes listening to the radio, then you will find plenty to admire in iHeartRadio. The platform is a free live radio and music streaming platform combined in one. With iHeartRadio you can listen to the best radio stations across the US and get access to an unlimited number of podcasts and songs.

Specifications:

• Library Size: N/A
• File Type: N/A
• Platform: iOS, Android, Desktop, Web, Wearables, and Automotive Devices.

Price: Free plan available, Plus – $4.99/month, All Access – $9.99/month.

Website: https://www.iheart.com/

#5) YouTube Music

Best for easy song discovery.

YouTube is a giant when it comes to video content streaming. With YouTube Music, the platform tries to replicate the same magic of its predecessor and succeeds. Make no mistake, YouTube music is a different beast altogether, with its own dedicated mobile and desktop app tailored to stream music exclusively.

The platform makes song discovery easy as it allows you to search for them based on the album title, artist name, and curated recommendations. You can also accurately find songs by typing lyrics or describing a song. Just like the original YouTube, this platform also features a trending page that highlights new and popular songs that people are listening to the most.

Features:

• Tailored song recommendation.
• Intelligent song discovery.
• Dedicated trending page.
• An ad-free offline listening experience.

Verdict:While YouTube also features songs and music videos on them, it was never made for music. This is why YouTube Music stands out as it allows you to listen to music ad-free with your screen switched off. You’ll find all types of music here with an intuitive search engine that makes looking for songs convenient.

Specifications:

• Library – 40 Million+
• File Type – AAC
• Platform – iOS and Android

Price: 30-day free trial, 9.99/month after that.

Website: https://www.youtube.com/musicpremium

#6) Pandora

Best for on-demand music and podcasts.

Pandora comprises all the elements that make a music streaming service click for users. It comes with both a free and premium plan. The free plan is decent and will allow you to play music and podcasts with unlimited skips. Its premium plan ups the ante with ad-free personalized stations and offline listening.

Pandora keeps note of your activity on the platform, monitoring every like and dislike your imprint on it. As a result of which, it can create personalized playlists that complement your taste in music. With the premium plan, you can also create your playlist and share it with your friends and family.

Features:

• Tons of personalized music stations.
• Download and listen to music offline.
• Ad-free with the premium plan.
• Share playlists and music with the premium plan.

Verdict:Pandora should satiate users who want free music streaming services that allow them to play an endless amount of music and podcasts with unlimited skips. It especially works because of its intelligently curated recommendations.

Recommended Reading => BEST Podcast Hosting Services

Specifications:

• Library: N/A
• File Type: AAC +
• Platform: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Desktop, Web, Cars

Price: Free Plan Available, Pandora Plus – $4.99/month with a 30-day free trial, Pandora Premium – $9.99/month with a 60-day free trial.

Website: https://www.pandora.com/

#7) LiveXLive

Best for watch live music.

LiveXLive commits to the idea of streaming live musical events or concerts in high-definition quality. Whenever there is a live stream, you are notified instantaneously. All of its live streams are recorded so you can watch them later at your convenience. We also like the variety of stations it offers, each exclusive to a specific artist.

They also have several readymade playlists to make your search for good music simple. Every time you visit their music site, it will greet you with playlists like ‘Today’s Top 10’, Top Electronic Music’, and ‘Top Hip Hop Albums’, among many other lists. The platform also features video and podcast content.

Features:

• Access to Premium Live shows.
• A plethora of exclusive, original content.
• Revisit past live streams.
• Curate your library of songs and other content.

Verdict:LiveXLive is a godsend in a world still reeling with the effects of long-term lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The platform brings the experience of live concerts and events to your home via desktop and mobile. If you are a fan of watching music live, then Pandora will be right up your alley.

Specifications:

• Library: N/A
• File Type: N/A
• Platform: iOS, Android, Desktop, Web

Price: Free plan available, Plus – $3.99/month, Premium – $9.99/month.

Website: https://www.livexlive.com/

#8) Apple Music

Best for spatial audio and dynamic head tracking.

Tech Giant Apple caused a stir when it announced it was going to enter the music streaming world just a few years ago. Well, in just a short period of time, Apple Music has become the most used music platform in the United States and the World at large.

Apple Music features a library of over 70 million tracks, which one can enjoy on both iOS and Android devices. The platform curates playlists and allows you to create your personalized list of music as well. The added support of Spatial Audio and Dynamic Head Tracking renders a surround sound effect that lets you enjoy every little aspect of music and its beats.

Features:

• Lossless audio quality.
• Listen to music with lyrics on.
• Create a continuous stream of music with auto-play.
• Access three live radio stations.

Further Reading => Top Lyrics Video Makers

Verdict:Apple Music will not only appease longtime fans of Apple but music fans in general with its vast gallery of songs. We can enjoy all of its titles with enhanced sound quality facilitated by features such as Spatial Audio and Dynamic Head tracking.

Price: 30-day free trial, Student Plan – $4.99/month, Individual Plan – $9.99/month, Family Plan – $14.99/month.

Specifications:

• Library: 70 Million+
• File Type: AAC
• Platform: iOS and Mac Desktop

Website: https://www.apple.com/apple-music/

Further Reading => BEST Music Production Software of the Year

#9) Amazon Music

Best for free music library.

With Apple jumping into the fray, how could Amazon stay far behind? Amazon Music originally began as an online store to buy physical copies of music albums like CDs and vinyl. They evolved as times changed to satisfy a growing user base that demanded 24/7 access to free music online. That’s exactly what Amazon music is.

Similar to its content streaming counterpart, Amazon presents a huge library of audio content which include both music and podcasts. You will also find original content here produced by Amazon itself. Moreover, just like all great platforms, you have plenty of specially curated playlists to help you discover new songs and experiment with your taste in music.

Features:

• Listen to Free Music without signing.
• Autoplay for continuous music streaming.
• Playlists curated according to music preference.
• Sleek and minimalistic UI.

Verdict:Amazon Music never really reaches the heights achieved by its popular competitors Spotify and Apple Music. It is still, however, a decent platform to catch some new tracks or listen to original podcasts for free. There are ads, of course, but they aren’t bothersome.

Specifications:

• Library: 70 Million+
• Files: N/A
• Platform: iOS, Desktop, Web, Connected Speaker, Automative.

Price: Free plan available, 30-day free trial, $9.99 for the unlimited plan.

Website: https://music.amazon.com/

#10) Quobuz

Best for artist-approved Hi-Res audio.

Quoboz features a music library of 70 million tracks, which you can stream in ultra-high definition any time you like. In fact, it has the input of many well-known artists behind the sound quality you can enjoy with this platform. The platform also features full information on Artists along with their titles.

There are exclusive interviews here as well, which you can listen to or read at your leisure. Quoboz also contains a separate dedicated store for music lovers who like to collect physical copies like CDs. You can peruse its online store for such CDs and get them home-delivered to you immediately.

Features:

• App for mobile, desktop, and tablet.
• 24-bit hi-res streaming.
• Digital Magazine with exclusive artist interviews and news.
• Create a customized playlist.

Verdict:Quoboz distinguishes itself from its contemporaries with an online store for physical music CDs and a digital magazine that attempts to cover the latest news in the world of music. It tries to offer a unique experience to music lovers who like to know more about their favorite art form. It is also a delight for collectors.

Specifications:

• Library: 70 Million+
• File Type: FLAC
• Platform: iOS, Desktop, Android, Web,

Price: 30-day free trial, $10.93/month

Website: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/discover

Conclusion

For music lovers, this is undoubtedly a great time to be alive. Music has never been as accessible as it is today. With so many options to choose from, however, finding a music streaming service that best caters to your specific needs can be rather challenging.

Therefore, we felt the need to create our own list that we would have no qualms about recommending to our readers.

All the above platforms have spent a considerable amount of time in the public domain. As such, every one of them has come out on top in one form or another. Suffice to say, you’ll have all your music preferences satisfied with the above-mentioned music streaming services.

As for our recommendation, for affordable, 24/7 high-resolution music streaming, we suggest you give Tidal and Deezer a try. Spotify is another great option if you seek to listen to a variety of music and original podcast content.

Research Process:

• We spent 13 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on which music streaming sites you should try.
• Total platforms researched – 20
• Total platforms shortlisted – 10

=>> Contact us to suggest a listing here.