Best Music Streaming Service 2025

The music streaming industry has undergone another transformative year, with 2024 bringing major updates, pricing shifts, and standout features that set the tone for 2025.

Here’s a closer look at how the biggest players stack up and what it means for your listening experience.

A Look Back at 2024

2024 was a year of bold moves and customer reactions. Major platforms expanded their libraries, introduced lossless formats, and leaned further into AI-powered recommendations. Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing—price hikes stirred debate, and some users started seeking more value-driven options. As well as some accusations of fake streaming support.

Audiobooks became a notable trend, with Spotify and Amazon Music enhancing their offerings, while Deezer doubled down on discovery features.

The year’s biggest story (well one of them)? The global shutdown of TikTok Music after disputes with major labels, proving that even disruptors face challenges.

Comparison Table of Streaming Services in 2025

Spotify: The Playlist Titan in 2025

Spotify has long been synonymous with playlists—and for good reason. From Daily Mixes and Discover Weekly to personalized Radio stations, it excels at putting the right music in front of you at the perfect time.

Although, some may say the algorithm is restrictive because it only gives you what you already know, and rarely anything new.

Spotify’s interface remains packed with features, making it easy to jump from a podcast to your morning soundtrack. Its compatibility with smart home systems like Alexa, Siri, and Google Home is another winning point for users with more devices. And, the bonus of a hand-off is really nice.

However, the long-promised HiFi tier remains elusive. Which no one should love.

Final word: If you value playlists and convenience, Spotify don't stay ahead of the curve - they creat it in many ways, but audiophiles may still feel let down by the lack of HiFi streaming.

Apple Music: Expanding the Ecosystem

Apple Music continues to shine within its ecosystem, offering seamless integration across iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.

From Spatial Audio to Apple Music Classical, it’s designed to elevate how you experience music. Exclusive early releases, such as Taylor Swift’s latest albums, kept fans loyal, too.

Final word: If you live within the Apple ecosystem, this is your streaming home. For those who prefer cross-platform flexibility, Apple Music can feel limiting.

TIDAL: The Audiophile’s Choice

TIDAL remains the go-to for those who want pristine audio quality. The platform consistently delivers sound designed for studio-level experiences. Its royalty payout model also appeals to music fans who prioritize artist compensation - which we all should.

Final word: If audio fidelity is your priority, TIDAL is worth every penny. Casual listeners may find its premium plans overkill.

Deezer: The Discovery Hub

For those who thrive on discovering new music, Deezer is a standout. Its Flow playlist adapts in real time, giving you an endless stream of music tailored to your preferences.

Deezer’s SongCatcher feature, which identifies songs playing around you, doubles as a discovery tool, letting you save identified tracks directly to your library.

Final word: Deezer’s emphasis on discovery is unmatched, but recent price increases may give pause to budget-conscious users.

YouTube Music: The Hybrid Powerhouse

YouTube Music bridges the gap between video and audio. Users can seamlessly switch from watching a music video to listening to the audio-only version, making it a unique hybrid platform.

Final word: If you love music videos and discovering hidden gems, YouTube Music excels. If you want superior audio quality, this may not be your best bet.

Amazon Music: The Smart Home Favorite

Amazon Music stands out for its smart home integration and value for Prime members. With lossless audio and Dolby Atmos tracks, it’s become a competitive option for audiophiles on a budget. However, the app’s user interface can feel clunky compared to its competitors.

Final word: If you’re already a Prime subscriber, Amazon Music offers impressive perks. For non-Prime users, it’s a solid but less refined option.

New Industry Developments to Watch

• TikTok Music Shutdown: In November 2024, TikTok Music shut down globally after licensing disputes with major record labels.
• AI Innovations: Both Spotify and Amazon Music expanded their AI-powered playlist features, with Amazon making them available to all subscription tiers.
• Royalties: An increased pressure to pay artists a better rate.
• Streaming Fraud: Keep an eye on your platforms approach to fake streams and AI music.

Which Streaming Service is Right for You in 2025?

• Best for Playlist Curation: Spotify
• Best for Audio Quality: TIDAL
• Best for Apple Device Integration: Apple Music
• Best for Music Discovery: Deezer
• Best for Visual Content: YouTube Music
• Best for Smart Home Integration: Amazon Music

There is a winner for every category, but for an overall winner? Apple Music is aa pretty solid option for anyone. It is fuss-free, sleek UI, unwavering price, super compatible and high sound quality.

The obvious hole here is Qobuz missing. And while Qobuz is incredible as a platform, it is often considered niche in comparison to the others above.

They are more expensive, with a smaller library than other streaming services. We covered all things Qobuz if that has piqued your interest.

Make Your Switch Effortless

Don’t let the fear of losing playlists stop you from trying something new. The Free Your Music app transfers your playlists between platforms effortlessly, with the first 300 transfers free.