{"id":34698,"date":"2025-01-24T16:27:58","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T16:27:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/?p=34698"},"modified":"2026-01-15T12:30:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T12:30:12","slug":"tidal-vs-spotify","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/","title":{"rendered":"Tidal vs. Spotify &#8211; We Put the Industry-Leading Streaming Services to the Test"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#In_a_hurry_Heres_our_verdict\" >In a hurry? Here\u2019s our verdict<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Tidal\" >Tidal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Spotify\" >Spotify<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#How_weve_tested_these_streaming_services\" >How we\u2019ve tested these streaming services<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Tidal_vs_Spotify\" >Tidal vs. Spotify<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Music_discovery\" >Music discovery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Content\" >Content<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Audio_quality\" >Audio quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Social_features\" >Social features<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Tech_compatibility\" >Tech compatibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Extra_features\" >Extra features<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Pricing\" >Pricing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Tidal_vs_Spotify_How_to_choose\" >Tidal vs. Spotify: How to choose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Is_Tidal_any_better_than_Spotify\" >Is Tidal any better than Spotify?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Is_Tidal_HiFi_actually_better\" >Is Tidal HiFi actually better?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#How_much_does_Tidal_cost_per_month\" >How much does Tidal cost per month?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/tidal-vs-spotify\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Tidal and Spotify are two of the most popular streaming services. Titans in the industry, they not only allow you to explore and listen to an obscene amount of music (the stark difference between the days of vinyl and modern-day streaming is night and day) but they also offer a wealth of features that benefit both music listener and musician\/content creator.<\/p>\n<p>Being completely neutral to both streaming platforms and owning a high-end streaming server with an external DAC, this will be an unbiased <strong>Tidal vs. Spotify<\/strong> test. Although I do stream music, my chosen platform is neither Tidal nor Spotify, making this the ideal article for anyone looking to use either, as I\u2019ll tell it as it is.<\/p>\n<p>Both platforms offer a 30-day free trial, which I took advantage of. Setting up an account was straightforward on each platform&#8217;s website, though both services required payment details during signup and Spotify took an authorisation charge.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DESKTOP-V1-2.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Show Us Your New AV Gear banner&#8221; title_text=&#8221;1077&#215;359 MOBILE (3)&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/AVHifiCinema\/comments\/1q4iwdz\/show_us_your_new_av_gear_and_be_in_with_the\/?utm_source=blog&#038;utm_medium=in+page+banner&#038;utm_campaign=show+us+your+new+av+gear&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; src_tablet=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/DESKTOP-V1-2.jpg&#8221; src_phone=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1077&#215;359-MOBILE-3.jpg&#8221; src_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Reddit &#8211; Show Us Your New AV Gear!&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; display_conditions=&#8221;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&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Party-Gear-Blog-Banner-Desktop.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Party Gear banner&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Party Gear Blog Banner Mobile&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/party-gear?utm_source=blog&#038;utm_medium=in+page+banner&#038;utm_campaign=party+gear&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; src_tablet=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Party-Gear-Blog-Banner-Desktop.png&#8221; src_phone=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Party-Gear-Blog-Banner-Mobile.png&#8221; src_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Party Gear&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; display_conditions=&#8221;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&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;In a hurry? Here\u2019s our verdict&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_a_hurry_Heres_our_verdict\"><\/span>In a hurry? Here\u2019s our verdict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tidal\"><\/span>Tidal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>You\u2019ve likely heard it all before, but Tidal is genuinely designed for those who want high-quality sound combined with good usability and cross-platform functionality, such as integration with Roon. Its music library is extensive, boasting 110 million tracks and counting. If you have the right equipment, Tidal should definitely be high on your list.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-94\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-94\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Pros<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Cons<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">110 million tracks to choose from - and that\u2019s expanding every day<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Normal listing output is at 96kbps, not 320kbps<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Growing musical library of Sony Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">The algorithm is not as slick, with poorly chosen tracks included within its created mixes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Offers hi-fi-quality music with standard subscriptions<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lacks the smoothness of Spotify's interface<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Student discounts offered<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">DJ Extension brings a nice touch<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-94 from cache -->\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spotify\"><\/span>Spotify<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>When it comes to functionality, Spotify just works. You can tell it&#8217;s been around since 2006 as it has refined all those features that other platforms are still trying to perfect, delivering a seamless and polished experience. The audio quality is impressive too, thanks to the use of Ogg Vorbis file formats. Spotify truly hits the mark for casual listeners.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-95\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-95\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Pros <\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Cons<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">You can have it for free with adverts<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Music isn't hi-fi quality<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Uses what is widely regarded as the best file format for MP3 playback<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">For larger families, it is cheaper to go with Tidal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">The algorithm gets it right without any effort, introducing you to new artists<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">No extension packs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Compatible with most electronics and smart home features<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">100+ million tracks<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Easy-to-use app<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-95 from cache -->\n<p>\u200b<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BF-blog-in-page-banner.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Black Friday banner&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BF blog in-page banner mobile&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/black-friday?utm_source=blog&#038;utm_medium=in+page+banner&#038;utm_campaign=black+Friday&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; src_tablet=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BF-blog-in-page-banner.jpg&#8221; src_phone=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BF-blog-in-page-banner-mobile.jpg&#8221; src_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Black Friday banner&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; display_conditions=&#8221;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&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/hifi&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP HI-FI&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px|10px|30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;How we\u2019ve tested these streaming services&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_weve_tested_these_streaming_services\"><\/span>How we\u2019ve tested these streaming services<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>My high-end server uses mconnect for streaming services, which seamlessly supports Tidal but doesn\u2019t include Spotify as part of its platform. As a result, I\u2019ll need to rely on AirPlay 2 for Spotify. This means that this test will also evaluate both Tidal and Spotify in terms of their apps, services, and algorithms.<\/p>\n<p>The artists selected during signup were Ed Sheeran, Rudimental, Disclosure, and The Weeknd. Straight away, it\u2019s clear that the two apps operate differently, with one being noticeably more user-intuitive &#8211; a detail we\u2019ll reveal later.<\/p>\n<p>The electronics used for testing included the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Quad-Artera-Solus-Play-All-In-One-Hi-Fi-System-Black\/4ICV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Quad Artera Solus Play<\/a><\/strong>, paired with the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Speakers\/KEF-R5-Meta-Floorstanding-Speakers-Pair-Black-Gloss\/5ENH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">KEF R5 Meta floorstanders<\/a><\/strong>, with AirPlay being the streaming method. Since we\u2019re not testing Tidal HiFi Plus, this allows for a fairer comparison of both platforms based on their standard file types when evaluating Tidal vs. Spotify.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re curious about file formats, Tidal uses AAC, while Spotify relies on Ogg Vorbis. If you\u2019re unfamiliar with these, check out our guide to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/audio-file-formats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">audio file formats<\/a><\/strong>. Spotify\u2019s file format is often regarded as the class leader for MP3-quality streaming, while Tidal\u2019s AAC format supports multi-channel audio, enabling features like Sony 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Tidal vs. Spotify&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tidal_vs_Spotify\"><\/span>Tidal vs. Spotify<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Music_discovery\"><\/span>Music discovery<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-34754\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/KEF-R5-Speakers-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"KEF R5 Speakers\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Both apps are user-friendly, with Tidal providing a Welcome Mix and Spotify offering a mix for each artist to help you get started. They&#8217;re simple to use &#8211; just click and play. Hitting the first track on either reveals a wide variety of artists in each mix, all aligned with the selected genre and tempo.<\/p>\n<p>Once Tidal gets to know your preferences, its algorithm populates the &#8216;My Mix&#8217; section with eight playlists tailored to your listening habits. You\u2019ll also find &#8216;My Collections,&#8217; which contains your favourites, as well as &#8216;Tidal Rising&#8217; &#8211; a feature showcasing emerging artists (similar to Spotify\u2019s Featured Charts).<\/p>\n<p>Spotify also features a tile section that updates as it learns your music preferences, alongside other popular options from around the globe. The &#8216;Discover Weekly&#8217; feature functions similarly to Tidal&#8217;s &#8216;My Mix,&#8217; as it\u2019s generated based on your listening habits.<\/p>\n<p>Tapping on the &#8216;Featured Charts&#8217; tiles reveals what people worldwide are listening to, with at least six options to explore.<\/p>\n<p>Tidal also offers a selection of personalised radio stations, which use its algorithm to curate approximately 100 tracks with a similar genre and tempo.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s also particularly useful about Spotify is its &#8216;Release Radar,&#8217; a weekly playlist dedicated exclusively to new releases from artists. This feature allows artists to pitch their songs for inclusion in the following week\u2019s playlist, ensuring fans never miss a new release.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Content\"><\/span>Content<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Both Tidal and Spotify offer more songs than you could ever listen to in a lifetime, with neither platform lacking in content. Tidal has surpassed the 110-million track mark, while Spotify has reached 100 million at the time of writing, and both libraries continue to grow.<\/p>\n<p>Tidal, depending on your account type, also includes a pre-release feature that offers exclusive access to music and videos before their official release &#8211; when permitted by the artist. Meanwhile, Spotify boasts over 6 million podcasts for its users. Both platforms also feature an editorial choice section, offering a diverse selection of curated playlists across various musical genres.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Audio_quality\"><\/span>Audio quality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-34147\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sennheiser-HD-560S-Headphones-with-Free-Headphone-Stand-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Sennheiser HD 560S Headphones with Free Headphone Stand\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Since we\u2019re unable to test high-resolution audio via AirPlay, both platforms should, in theory, sound identical, as the differences between similar encodings aren\u2019t meant to be noticeable. However, when comparing the same tracks on Tidal and Spotify, Tidal seems to deliver a softer and calmer sound profile.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, sound can be subjective, but when I asked my wife for her thoughts, she noted that it seemed different &#8211; though she couldn\u2019t quite articulate why.<\/p>\n<p>Could this be due to one being a multi-track format compared to an MP3 stereo format? Who knows. Either way, after just a few moments of listening, it\u2019s clear that both platforms have what it takes to bring music to life.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, I wouldn\u2019t be doing my job if I didn\u2019t try some hi-res music, which Tidal is renowned for.<\/p>\n<p>I wasn\u2019t able to take advantage of features like Sony\u2019s 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos due to my stereo configuration. However, based on the audio quality I experienced, there\u2019s no reason to doubt the capabilities of these advanced formats.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll need a Tidal HiFi Plus account to access some of these features, but during the first 30 days, I could listen to hi-res files up to 24-bit\/192kHz. Tidal is renowned for its hi-res audio quality, which, for many people, is the deciding factor between the streaming service and other competitors.<\/p>\n<p>The level of detail and clarity rivals the very best formats, such as SACD and Blu-ray Audio, not to mention vinyl. If top-tier audio quality is non-negotiable for you, then Tidal is the clear winner.<\/p>\n<p>Accessing this is straightforward via the Tidal app. Simply tap the settings gear in the top-right corner of the screen, then navigate to &#8216;Audio &amp; Playback&#8217; and &#8216;Wi-Fi Streaming.&#8217; You\u2019ll be presented with options for Low, High, and Max, with the latter claiming to output tracks at their highest bitrate level.<\/p>\n<p>With Tidal HiFi Plus, the audio settings also include options for Normal, HiFi, as well as Sony 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos, where supported. Meanwhile, very excitingly, Spotify has recently released Spotify Lossless\u2014lossless playback for those on a premium subscription service.\u00a0Check your emails to see if you have been notified, or open the Spotify app, tap your profile icon &gt; Settings &gt; Media Quality. Then look for the lossless quality switches.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social_features\"><\/span>Social features<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Tidal and Spotify both enable social interaction, although Tidal\u2019s Live Sessions are strictly for subscribers and limited to select countries, meaning I wasn\u2019t able to test this feature.<\/p>\n<p>Spotify wins on this front, with two features that enable social interaction: Spotify Blend and Spotify Wrapped. Blend lets users share their created playlists. As I don\u2019t have friends connected to my free 30-day account, I can\u2019t provide a first-hand perspective, so feel free to share your experiences in the comments &#8211; there\u2019s nothing quite like hearing from real users!<\/p>\n<p>Another notable feature is Spotify Wrapped. This animated section highlights your top 50 tracks, making it incredibly easy to create playlists based on your listening habits. You can even add your own tracks to these playlists, making sharing music with others simpler than ever.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tech_compatibility\"><\/span>Tech compatibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-33266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/WiiM-Ultra-streamer-hifi-setup-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"WiiM Ultra streamer hifi setup\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>If you listen to Tidal or Spotify on your smartphone, you can take your music anywhere and connect to other devices as long as they have Bluetooth compatibility.<\/p>\n<p>Tidal offers a feature called Tidal Connect, a cloud-based system that allows you to stream music to compatible smart speakers and electronics from brands like KEF, Naim, iFi, and Lyngdorf with just a few clicks.<\/p>\n<p>Spotify Connect provides a similar feature that appears to be more widely adopted. It supports voice-connected devices using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, making it even easier to connect. If your device has the Spotify Connect logo, it\u2019s just a matter of a few clicks on your smartphone to get started.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Extra_features\"><\/span>Extra features<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Any budding DJs should take note that Tidal offers an additional subscription add-on specifically for DJ use. This feature is compatible with a wide range of recognised DJ software and hardware, including Denon DJ, djay Pro, and rekordbox.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, the high-quality audio Tidal provides comes remarkably close to the warm, rich sound of vinyl.<\/p>\n<p>Spotify, on the other hand, shines in other areas, such as its extensive library of podcasts. And let\u2019s not forget the personalised mixes. When I added just four artists, I wasn\u2019t sure what to expect, but the resulting mixes highlighted Spotify\u2019s edge over Tidal, in my opinion. This is likely due to Spotify\u2019s enormous base of free and paid subscribers, giving it a vast amount of data to fine-tune its algorithm to impressive levels.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Pricing&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pricing\"><\/span>Pricing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-96\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-96\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\">Tidal <\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Spotify<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Free version?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">No<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Yes, with advertising<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Trial period<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">30-days; requires registration<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">30-days; requires registration with an authorisation fee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Basic individual<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">N\/A<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a310.99pm; no access to audiobooks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Individual<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a310.99pm<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a312.99pm; includes access to audiobooks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Student<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a35.49pm<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a35.99pm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Duo<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">N\/A<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a317.99pm; 2 accounts @ 320kpbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Family<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u00a316.99pm; 6 accounts @ 24Bit\/96kHz<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u00a321.99pm; 6 Accounts @ 320kbps; parental lock; access to audiobooks for main user<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>DJ Package<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Additional \u00a39pm compatible with Rekordbox, serato, djaypro, VIRTUALDJ, edlingMIX, Denon DJ, DJUCED, DEX, TRIBE<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">N\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-96 from cache -->\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Tidal vs. Spotify: How to choose&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tidal_vs_Spotify_How_to_choose\"><\/span>Tidal vs. Spotify: How to choose<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Deciding between Tidal and Spotify ultimately comes down to how you plan to use the platform. If you\u2019re after a free service that functions like a commercial radio station, Spotify is the clear choice &#8211; it\u2019s free and does exactly what it promises.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you\u2019re looking for an ad-free experience, the ability to stream from your smartphone, and seamless connectivity to Bluetooth, headphones, or other streaming solutions like AirPlay, both platforms perform at the same level, albeit using different encoding systems.<\/p>\n<p>From there, it comes down to features and app usability &#8211; and for me, Spotify takes the lead. Its algorithm consistently delivers music you want to hear, even from artists you\u2019ve never encountered before.<\/p>\n<p>Taking music to the next level highlights the shortcomings of weaker audio formats, leaving you craving a bit more quality to match the richness of a CD or vinyl record. This is where Spotify\u2019s lack of hi-res support becomes a significant drawback. As soon as you play high-quality file formats on Tidal, that desire for more disappears.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;FAQs&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Tidal_any_better_than_Spotify\"><\/span>Is Tidal any better than Spotify?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Whether or not Tidal is better than Spotify depends on your goals. If you\u2019re after superior audio quality, including formats like Sony 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos, then yes, Tidal has the edge. However, if you\u2019re someone who simply wants to play music without focusing too much on the finer details, the two platforms are very similar.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Tidal_HiFi_actually_better\"><\/span>Is Tidal HiFi actually better?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>If you have the right equipment to support Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 Reality Audio, Tidal HiFi can deliver an audio experience that goes beyond what the standard subscription offers. However, for those using traditional audio setups, the advantage is less noticeable, especially now that MQA has gone into administration.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_Tidal_cost_per_month\"><\/span>How much does Tidal cost per month?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>As of the time of writing, an individual subscription to Tidal costs \u00a310.99 per month. However, if you\u2019re a student enrolled at college or university, you can subscribe for a reduced rate of \u00a35.95 per month.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final thoughts&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span>Final thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When tasked with comparing <strong>Tidal vs. Spotify<\/strong>, I initially expected Tidal to be the clear winner, especially given how much I value audio quality at home. However, after using both platforms extensively and familiarising myself with their apps and quirks, the comparison turned out to be less straightforward than I had anticipated.<\/p>\n<p>As someone who values high-quality sound, it\u2019s one of the reasons I currently use a Tidal competitor alongside my extensive music library at home. Yet, I found myself gravitating towards Spotify more often than Tidal. Spotify seemed to have an uncanny ability to pick the right song for me, even introducing me to artists I hadn\u2019t heard of but still enjoyed.<\/p>\n<p>With Tidal, I noticed I was skipping tracks more frequently, which highlighted the differences in the algorithms each platform uses. Perhaps I\u2019m being unfair to Tidal &#8211; it might deliver similar results after a few months of learning my listening habits. However, in today\u2019s instant-gratification culture, Spotify\u2019s ease of use and ability to deliver on the spot made it stand out.<\/p>\n<p>Will I be switching from my Tidal competitor? Not right now. But who knows &#8211; if Spotify eventually launches Spotify HiFi and integrates with mconnect, it could become a game-changer.<\/p>\n<p>For more guides, check out the links below.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/best-music-streaming-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The 7 Best Music Streaming Services<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/how-to-build-a-hi-fi-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Build a Hi-Fi System &#8211; A Complete Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/best-mp3-players\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The 9 Best MP3 Players<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/hifi&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP HI-FI&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px|10px|30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/category\/hifi\/guides-hifi\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;READ MORE HI-FI GUIDES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px|10px|30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tidal and Spotify are two of the most popular streaming services. Titans in the industry, they not only allow you to explore and listen to an obscene amount of music (the stark difference between the days of vinyl and modern-day streaming is night and day) but they also offer a wealth of features that benefit both music listener and musician\/content creator.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":34753,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p>Tidal and Spotify are two of the most popular streaming services. Titans in the industry, they not only allow you to explore and listen to an obscene amount of music (the stark difference between the days of vinyl and modern-day streaming is night and day) but they also offer a wealth of features that benefit both music listener and musician\/content creator.<\/p><p>Being completely neutral to both streaming platforms and owning a high-end streaming server with an external DAC, this will be a novel\u00a0<strong>Tidal vs. Spotify<\/strong> test. Although I do stream music, my chosen platform is neither Tidal nor Spotify, making this the ideal article for anyone looking to use either, as I\u2019ll tell it as it is.<\/p><p>Both platforms offer a 30-day free trial, which I took advantage of. Setting up an account was straightforward on each platform's website, though both services required payment details during signup and Spotify took an authorisation charge.<\/p><hr \/><h3>In a hurry? Here\u2019s our verdict<\/h3><h4>Tidal<\/h4><p>You\u2019ve likely heard it all before, but Tidal is genuinely designed for those who want high-quality sound combined with good usability and cross-platform functionality, such as integration with Roon. Its music library is extensive, boasting 110 million tracks and counting. If you have the right equipment, Tidal should definitely be high on your list.<\/p><p>[table id=94 \/]<\/p><hr \/><h4>Spotify<\/h4><p>When it comes to functionality, Spotify just works. You can tell it's been around since 2006 as it has refined all those features that other platforms are still trying to perfect, delivering a seamless and polished experience. The audio quality is impressive too, thanks to the use of Ogg Vorbis file formats. Spotify truly hits the mark for casual listeners.<\/p><p>[table id=95 \/]<\/p><hr \/><h3>How we\u2019ve tested these streaming services<\/h3><p>My high-end server uses mconnect for streaming services, which seamlessly supports Tidal but doesn\u2019t include Spotify as part of its platform. As a result, I\u2019ll need to rely on AirPlay 2 for Spotify. This means that this test will also evaluate both Tidal and Spotify in terms of their apps, services, and algorithms.<\/p><p>The artists selected during signup were Ed Sheeran, Rudimental, Disclosure, and The Weeknd. Straight away, it\u2019s clear that the two apps operate differently, with one being noticeably more user-intuitive - a detail we\u2019ll reveal later.<\/p><p>The electronics used for testing included the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Hi-Fi\/Quad-Artera-Solus-Play-All-In-One-Hi-Fi-System-Black\/4ICV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Quad Artera Solus Play<\/a><\/strong>, paired with the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/Speakers\/KEF-R5-Meta-Floorstanding-Speakers-Pair-Black-Gloss\/5ENH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">KEF R5 Meta floorstanders<\/a><\/strong>, with AirPlay being the streaming method. Since we\u2019re not testing Tidal HiFi Plus, this allows for a fairer comparison of both platforms based on their standard file types when evaluating Tidal vs. Spotify.<\/p><p>If you\u2019re curious about file formats, Tidal uses AAC, while Spotify relies on Ogg Vorbis. If you\u2019re unfamiliar with these, check out our guide to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/audio-file-formats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">audio file formats<\/a><\/strong>. Spotify\u2019s file format is often regarded as the class leader for MP3-quality streaming, while Tidal\u2019s AAC format supports multi-channel audio, enabling features like Sony 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos.<\/p><hr \/><h3>Tidal vs. Spotify<\/h3><h4>Music discovery<\/h4><p><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-34754\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/KEF-R5-Speakers-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"KEF R5 Speakers\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Both apps are user-friendly, with Tidal providing a Welcome Mix and Spotify offering a mix for each artist to help you get started. They're simple to use - just click and play. Hitting the first track on either reveals a wide variety of artists in each mix, all aligned with the selected genre and tempo.<\/p><p>Once Tidal gets to know your preferences, its algorithm populates the 'My Mix' section with eight playlists tailored to your listening habits. You\u2019ll also find 'My Collections,' which contains your favourites, as well as 'Tidal Rising' - a feature showcasing emerging artists (similar to Spotify\u2019s Featured Charts).<\/p><p>Spotify also features a tile section that updates as it learns your music preferences, alongside other popular options from around the globe. The 'Discover Weekly' feature functions similarly to Tidal's 'My Mix,' as it\u2019s generated based on your listening habits.<\/p><p>Tapping on the 'Featured Charts' tiles reveals what people worldwide are listening to, with at least six options to explore.<\/p><p>Tidal also offers a selection of personalised radio stations, which use its algorithm to curate approximately 100 tracks with a similar genre and tempo.<\/p><p>What\u2019s also particularly useful about Spotify is its 'Release Radar,' a weekly playlist dedicated exclusively to new releases from artists. This feature allows artists to pitch their songs for inclusion in the following week\u2019s playlist, ensuring fans never miss a new release.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Content<\/h4><p>Both Tidal and Spotify offer more songs than you could ever listen to in a lifetime, with neither platform lacking in content. Tidal has surpassed the 110-million track mark, while Spotify has reached 100 million at the time of writing, and both libraries continue to grow.<\/p><p>Tidal, depending on your account type, also includes a pre-release feature that offers exclusive access to music and videos before their official release - when permitted by the artist. Meanwhile, Spotify boasts over 6 million podcasts for its users. Both platforms also feature an editorial choice section, offering a diverse selection of curated playlists across various musical genres.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Audio quality<\/h4><p><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-34147\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sennheiser-HD-560S-Headphones-with-Free-Headphone-Stand-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Sennheiser HD 560S Headphones with Free Headphone Stand\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>Since we\u2019re unable to test high-resolution audio via AirPlay, both platforms should, in theory, sound identical, as the differences between similar encodings aren\u2019t meant to be noticeable. However, when comparing the same tracks on Tidal and Spotify, Tidal seems to deliver a softer and calmer sound profile.<\/p><p>Yes, sound can be subjective, but when I asked my wife for her thoughts, she noted that it seemed different - though she couldn\u2019t quite articulate why.<\/p><p>Could this be due to one being a multi-track format compared to an MP3 stereo format? Who knows. Either way, after just a few moments of listening, it\u2019s clear that both platforms have what it takes to bring music to life.<\/p><p>Of course, I wouldn\u2019t be doing my job if I didn\u2019t try some hi-res music, which Tidal is renowned for.\u00a0<\/p><p>I wasn\u2019t able to take advantage of features like Sony\u2019s 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos due to my stereo configuration. However, based on the audio quality I experienced, there\u2019s no reason to doubt the capabilities of these advanced formats.<\/p><p>You\u2019ll need a Tidal HiFi Plus account to access some of these features, but during the first 30 days, I could listen to hi-res files up to 24-bit\/192kHz. Tidal is renowned for its hi-res audio quality, which, for many people, is the deciding factor between the streaming service and other competitors.<\/p><p>The level of detail and clarity rivals the very best formats, such as SACD and Blu-ray Audio, not to mention vinyl. If top-tier audio quality is non-negotiable for you, then Tidal is the clear winner.<\/p><p>Accessing this is straightforward via the Tidal app. Simply tap the settings gear in the top-right corner of the screen, then navigate to 'Audio & Playback' and 'Wi-Fi Streaming.' You\u2019ll be presented with options for Low, High, and Max, with the latter claiming to output tracks at their highest bitrate level.<\/p><p>With Tidal HiFi Plus, the audio settings also include options for Normal, HiFi, as well as Sony 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos, where supported. Meanwhile, Spotify has been developing its own hi-res music streaming service, Spotify HiFi. However, after numerous delays, there is still no official release date. Once it becomes available, we\u2019ll be sure to update our article with our findings.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Social features<\/h4><p>Tidal and Spotify both enable social interaction, although Tidal\u2019s Live Sessions are strictly for subscribers and limited to select countries, meaning I wasn\u2019t able to test this feature.<\/p><p>Spotify wins on this front, with two features that enable social interaction: Spotify Blend and Spotify Wrapped. Blend lets users share their created playlists. As I don\u2019t have friends connected to my free 30-day account, I can\u2019t provide a first-hand perspective, so feel free to share your experiences in the comments - there\u2019s nothing quite like hearing from real users!<\/p><p>Another notable feature is Spotify Wrapped. This animated section highlights your top 50 tracks, making it incredibly easy to create playlists based on your listening habits. You can even add your own tracks to these playlists, making sharing music with others simpler than ever.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Tech compatibility<\/h4><p><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-33266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/WiiM-Ultra-streamer-hifi-setup-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"WiiM Ultra streamer hifi setup\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/>If you listen to Tidal or Spotify on your smartphone, you can take your music anywhere and connect to other devices as long as they have Bluetooth compatibility.<\/p><p>Tidal offers a feature called Tidal Connect, a cloud-based system that allows you to stream music to compatible smart speakers and electronics from brands like KEF, Naim, iFi, and Lyngdorf with just a few clicks.<\/p><p>Spotify Connect provides a similar feature that appears to be more widely adopted. It supports voice-connected devices using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, making it even easier to connect. If your device has the Spotify Connect logo, it\u2019s just a matter of a few clicks on your smartphone to get started.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Extra features<\/h4><p>Any budding DJs should take note that Tidal offers an additional subscription add-on specifically for DJ use. This feature is compatible with a wide range of recognised DJ software and hardware, including Denon DJ, djay Pro, and rekordbox.<\/p><p>Plus, the high-quality audio Tidal provides comes remarkably close to the warm, rich sound of vinyl.<\/p><p>Spotify, on the other hand, shines in other areas, such as its extensive library of podcasts. And let\u2019s not forget the personalised mixes. When I added just four artists, I wasn\u2019t sure what to expect, but the resulting mixes highlighted Spotify\u2019s edge over Tidal, in my opinion. This is likely due to Spotify\u2019s enormous base of free and paid subscribers, giving it a vast amount of data to fine-tune its algorithm to impressive levels.<\/p><hr \/><h3>Pricing<\/h3><p>[table id=96 \/]<\/p><hr \/><h3>Tidal vs. Spotify: How to choose<\/h3><p>Deciding between Tidal and Spotify ultimately comes down to how you plan to use the platform. If you\u2019re after a free service that functions like a commercial radio station, Spotify is the clear choice - it\u2019s free and does exactly what it promises.<\/p><p>However, if you\u2019re looking for an ad-free experience, the ability to stream from your smartphone, and seamless connectivity to Bluetooth, headphones, or other streaming solutions like AirPlay, both platforms perform at the same level, albeit using different encoding systems.<\/p><p>From there, it comes down to features and app usability - and for me, Spotify takes the lead. Its algorithm consistently delivers music you want to hear, even from artists you\u2019ve never encountered before.<\/p><p>Taking music to the next level highlights the shortcomings of weaker audio formats, leaving you craving a bit more quality to match the richness of a CD or vinyl record. This is where Spotify\u2019s lack of hi-res support becomes a significant drawback. As soon as you play high-quality file formats on Tidal, that desire for more disappears.\u00a0<\/p><hr \/><h3>FAQs<\/h3><h4>Is Tidal any better than Spotify?<\/h4><p>Whether or not Tidal is better than Spotify depends on your goals. If you\u2019re after superior audio quality, including formats like Sony 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos, then yes, Tidal has the edge. However, if you\u2019re someone who simply wants to play music without focusing too much on the finer details, the two platforms are very similar.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Is Tidal HiFi actually better?<\/h4><p>If you have the right equipment to support Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 Reality Audio, Tidal HiFi can deliver an audio experience that goes beyond what the standard subscription offers. However, for those using traditional audio setups, the advantage is less noticeable, especially now that MQA has gone into administration.<\/p><hr \/><h4>How much does Tidal cost per month?<\/h4><p>As of the time of writing, an individual subscription to Tidal costs \u00a310.99 per month. However, if you\u2019re a student enrolled at college or university, you can subscribe for a reduced rate of \u00a35.95 per month.<\/p><hr \/><h3>Final thoughts<\/h3><p>When tasked with comparing <strong>Tidal vs. Spotify<\/strong>, I initially expected Tidal to be the clear winner, especially given how much I value audio quality at home. However, after using both platforms extensively and familiarising myself with their apps and quirks, the comparison turned out to be less straightforward than I had anticipated.<\/p><p>As someone who values high-quality sound, it\u2019s one of the reasons I currently use a Tidal competitor alongside my extensive music library at home. Yet, I found myself gravitating towards Spotify more often than Tidal. Spotify seemed to have an uncanny ability to pick the right song for me, even introducing me to artists I hadn\u2019t heard of but still enjoyed.<\/p><p>With Tidal, I noticed I was skipping tracks more frequently, which highlighted the differences in the algorithms each platform uses. Perhaps I\u2019m being unfair to Tidal - it might deliver similar results after a few months of learning my listening habits. However, in today\u2019s instant-gratification culture, Spotify\u2019s ease of use and ability to deliver on the spot made it stand out.<\/p><p>Will I be switching from my Tidal competitor? Not right now. But who knows - if Spotify eventually launches Spotify HiFi and integrates with mconnect, it could become a game-changer.<\/p><p>For more guides, check out the links below.<\/p><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/best-music-streaming-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The 7 Best Music Streaming Services<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/how-to-build-a-hi-fi-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Build a Hi-Fi System - A Complete Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p><p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.av.com\/blog\/best-mp3-players\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The 9 Best MP3 Players<\/a><\/strong><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[60,139,6],"tags":[68,108,19,111],"class_list":["post-34698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hifi-guides","category-guides-2","category-hifi","tag-featured","tag-blog-category-guides-2","tag-hi-fi","tag-streaming"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tidal vs. Spotify | AV.com Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this Tidal vs. Spotify test, we put the two titans of music streaming to the test. 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