TIDAL’s integration with Plex is officially coming to an end. This news follows the recent removal of other third-party offerings from TIDAL, including MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
Plex announced that all TIDAL integrations will be disabled starting October 28th, 2024. Additionally, TIDAL subscriptions managed through Plex will not be renewed as of September 26th, 2024.
This doesn’t give users a lot of time to explore some alternatives.
TIDAL is sending emails out to all those who subscribed through Plex with instructions on setting up a new direct debit. Those with a keen eye will notice that Plex has already stopped offering new TIDAL subscriptions.
Plex has had TIDAL integration since 2018. Subscribers could opt for a Plex Pass, which included TIDAL, or a stand-alone TIDAL account. Once set up, users could combine their self-hosted music and the TIDAL library to use the search, organize, and play functions.
Not to mention that anywhere the Plex app could go, TIDAL could go: Xbox One, Roku, iPad, iPhone, and a dedicated Plexamp music player.
With the recent removal of third-party products and services, TIDAL could be streamlining business operations and increasing direct subscriptions.
Understandably, the users who signed up with TIDAL through Plex or because of the integration aren’t happy.
Plex’s Next Move?
As of now, Plex has not announced any new partnerships with other music streaming services. This leaves users in a difficult position, especially those who enjoy the convenience and features of the TIDAL-Plex integration. While there aren't any like-for-like alternatives, there are options for subscribers.
Alternatives for Plex and TIDAL Integration
For those with some budget, Qobuz has been mentioned a few times and is often used in conjunction with Roon. The downside is that Roon is a paid service, while Plexamp is free. Additionally, many users worry about how many more integrations will stop, making them cautious about committing to a new platform.
There are a couple of options, like switching streaming services (with TIDAL cutting so many integrations, this could be a smart move).
Qobuz—Why It’s a Good Alternative
Qobuz offers high-resolution audio streaming and integrates well with other platforms. It is one of the best in terms of audio quality and has been mentioned by users as the best streaming alternative. (Maybe a Qobuz and Plex integration is on the horizon.)
Roon Integration with TIDAL
Roon is one of the most advanced music management systems that integrates seamlessly with TIDAL. It provides rich metadata, detailed album information, and a visually appealing interface. Roon also allows you to mix your local music library with TIDAL’s catalog. The downside is that it costs money, but for pure audio quality, this combo could be worth it.
Volumio Integration with TIDAL
Volumio is an open-source music player platform that offers TIDAL integration. It can be used on various devices, like Raspberry Pi, and it’s particularly popular among DIY audio enthusiasts.
For Audiophiles: Switching to Qobuz
For audiophiles considering a switch to Qobuz, transferring your playlists from TIDAL is easy with FreeYourMusic.
Move your entire music library, including playlists, favorites, and more, to Qobuz in a couple of taps. Keep your hi-res, keep your playlists, and save time.
