When you think of a music streaming service, Spotify is usually the first name that comes to mind — but it’s not the only one. Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, and TIDAL are all competing for listeners.
This article breaks down Spotify vs TIDAL in 2025: sound quality, catalogs, prices, discovery features, and which service makes the most sense for you.
- What is Spotify
- What is Tidal
- Offer and music catalogue
- Sound quality
- Subscription plans
- Devices
- Music discovery
- Summary (in a table)
WHAT IS SPOTIFY
Key takeaway: Spotify is the largest streaming service with 626M users, a $11.99 Premium plan, 100M+ tracks, and new lossless audio.
Spotify launched in 2008 and still leads the market. In 2025, it has 626M monthly users and 240M Premium subscribers. Premium costs $11.99/month in the US and includes ad-free music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Its real strength is personalization and discovery playlists.
WHAT IS TIDAL
Key takeaway: TIDAL focuses on sound quality and artist support, with a single HiFi plan at $11.99/month including lossless, hi-res, and spatial audio.
TIDAL launched in 2014 and is known for high-fidelity streaming and being artist-friendly. It has 100M+ songs, exclusive live shows and videos, and pays higher royalties — about $0.012 per stream compared to Spotify’s $0.004 per stream.
Spotify dominates in size, but TIDAL appeals to audiophiles and fans who want artist-first streaming.
OFFER AND MUSIC CATALOGUE – TIDAL VS SPOTIFY
Key takeaway: Both services have 100M+ tracks, but Spotify offers 6M+ podcasts while TIDAL emphasizes exclusives like live shows and music videos.
Spotify
- 100M+ tracks across all genres
- 6M+ podcasts and a growing audiobook library
- Legendary playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar
- Local file playback supported
TIDAL
- 100M+ tracks, plus exclusive music videos and live content
- Artist spotlight through TIDAL Rising
- Stronger focus on editorial and curated content
SOUND QUALITY – TIDAL VS SPOTIFY
Key takeaway: Spotify Lossless (24-bit/44.1kHz FLAC) narrows the gap, but TIDAL still wins with hi-res FLAC, Dolby Atmos, and 360 Reality Audio.
Spotify Free
- Up to 160 kbps on mobile/desktop
- 128 kbps on web
Spotify Premium
- Up to 320 kbps Ogg Vorbis
- Lossless (new in 2025): up to 24-bit/44.1kHz FLAC
TIDAL (Single HiFi Plan)
- $11.99/month
- Lossless FLAC, hi-res up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Spatial audio formats: Dolby Atmos & Sony 360 Reality Audio
SUBSCRIPTION PLANS – TIDAL VS SPOTIFY
Key takeaway: Both Spotify and TIDAL cost $11.99/month, but Spotify has Duo, Family, and Student options while TIDAL offers Family and Student discounts.
Spotify
- Free (ad-supported)
- Premium Individual: $11.99
- Premium Duo: $16.99
- Premium Family (6 accounts): $19.99
- Premium Student: $5.99
TIDAL
- HiFi (only plan): $11.99
- Family (6 accounts): discounted per user
- Student: 50% off
DEVICES – TIDAL VS SPOTIFY
Key takeaway: Both services run on mobile, desktop, web, cars, TVs, and smart speakers, with Connect features for easy playback handoff.
Spotify Connect makes it simple to control music across speakers, TVs, and consoles.
TIDAL Connect works the same way, covering mobile, desktop, web, smart TVs, and home audio systems.
MUSIC DISCOVERY – TIDAL VS SPOTIFY
Key takeaway: Spotify leads in algorithmic recommendations, while TIDAL leans into curated content and emerging artist support.
Spotify
- Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mixes
- AI DJ and collaborative playlists
- Massive personalization through data
TIDAL
- TIDAL Rising to showcase new talent
- Exclusive live content and behind-the-scenes features
- Editorial playlists focused on culture and genres
TO SUM UP
Key takeaway: Spotify is the best all-rounder with free tiers, discovery tools, podcasts, and lossless. TIDAL is for audiophiles who want hi-res and artist-first streaming.
| TIDAL | SPOTIFY | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 | 2008 |
| Premium plan | HiFi $11.99 | Premium $11.99 |
| Family plan | $16.99 (6 users) | $19.99 (6 users) |
| Student plan | $4.99 | $5.99 |
| Free plan | Yes (US only) | Yes |
| Users | Millions (not disclosed) | 626M active, 240M paid |
| Library | 100M+ songs | 100M+ songs |
| Sound quality | Lossless + hi-res + Atmos/360 Audio | 320 kbps Ogg + Lossless FLAC (24/44.1) |
| Podcasts | Limited | Yes, 6M+ |
| Music videos | Yes | No |
| Device support | iOS, Android, desktop, web, TVs, TIDAL Connect | iOS, Android, desktop, web, TVs, Spotify Connect |
DO YOU WANT TO SWITCH MUSIC SERVICES?
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