Music streaming platforms have now become the norm for listening to songs, and the offers are multiplying. Deezer and Spotify are the two most well-known music streaming platforms. Although similar, especially in terms of their price and the fact that they both offer a free plan, they differ in several ways. Deezer vs Spotify – which one to choose?

How to select the best music streaming app or music streaming service according to your needs? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Let's take a look!

What is Spotify?

The most famous streaming music service is undoubtedly Spotify. The Swedish company has made itself known by offering a vast song catalog (over 100 million tracks!) and a well-known mobile application.

The visual identity of the brand is also quite vivid. The Spotify app has attracted lots of users since the competition was a little behind in this area.

Spotify makes it easy to search for titles or artists, and it provides access to thousands of playlists created by its users, algorithms, and Spotify editors. The offline playback system allows you to store a selection of titles on the mobile and then listen to them on public transport, for example.

The strongest point of Spotify is its ease of use and music discoverability.

What is Deezer?

Deezer offers an impressive catalog of 90 million songs. The mobile application has greatly evolved from its beginnings (Deezer launched in 2007) and is built on the same model as Spotify. It's easy to use and the paid version allows you to enjoy better audio quality without ads.

What is more, unlike Spotify, Deezer has offered a Deezer HiFi option since September 2017, giving users the possibility of streaming in "real CD quality sound." Over 90 million titles are available in FLAC.

Deezer's strong point is its extensive catalog and well-designed mobile application. The Deezer Premium subscription features more personalization options.

For example, you can create your playlists and use the Flow function, which offers you a playlist based on the songs you listen to. You can also identify songs with the SongCatcher feature, which works similarly to Shazam.

Plans and Costs

Let's dig into pricing and subscription plans of Spotify and Deezer!

How much is Spotify?

The premium offer now starts at $11.99 per month. It's also possible to access the app for free, but then you'll have to listen to audio advertisements. Spotify also offers a family plan at $19.99 per month for up to six accounts. There’s currently a 3-month free trial for new customers, though the usual trial length is 1 month.

Individual: $11.99
Family: $19.99
Student: $5.99

Spotify is also expected to launch a new "Music Pro" tier soon, with high-fidelity audio and extra features like remixing tools and concert ticket access for an additional $5.99/month.

How much is Deezer?

The Deezer Premium subscription now costs $11.99 per month. Like Spotify, Deezer also offers an annual plan that saves users money: $107.91/year, which breaks down to about $8.99 per month.

Individual: $11.99
Duo: $15.99
Family: $19.99
Student: $5.99
Annual: $107.91

Deezer also offers a 1-month free trial. Free and Premium tiers are available, with differences in audio quality, offline mode, and ad interruptions.

Spotify Free

• Access to 100 million songs
• Commercial breaks
• Shuffle play with limited skips
• Save as many songs as you want
• Suggestions for similar songs
• No offline listening
• Audio quality: up to 96Kbps (smartphone), 160Kbps (desktop)

Deezer Free

• Access to 90 million songs
• Commercial breaks
• Shuffle-only play
• No offline listening
• Audio quality up to 128Kbps

Free versions are good, but Premium versions are better! This is how we might sum it up, but it's still a little more complicated than that.

It all depends on your expectations of streaming quality, your daily usage, and your patience. If hearing ads gets on your nerves, then investing in Premium is a good idea for both Deezer and Spotify. However, accepting advertising in exchange for an unlimited streaming service isn't a bad option either.

Spotify Premium

• Access to 100 million songs
• No ad interruptions
• Unlimited skips
• Available offline listening
• Audio quality up to 320Kbps

Deezer Premium

• Access to 90 million songs
• No advertisements
• Unlimited skips
• High Fidelity sound
• Offline listening

Sound Quality

Both music services are available via their website or mobile application. They offer the same audio quality of maximum 320Kbps and even offline listening mode to continue listening to your playlists, even when you don't have access to WiFi.

Deezer HiFi: High-Quality Audio

Deezer HiFi sets itself apart by offering users access to lossless, CD-quality audio streaming. Unlike traditional music streaming services that use compressed audio formats, Deezer HiFi delivers music in the lossless FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format.

This means that the audio files maintain their original quality without any loss of data or detail, resulting in a sound experience that closely mirrors what the artists intended during recording.

User Interface

When it comes to the interface, Spotify has dark & green colors, while Deezer presents dark/light contrast. Spotify offers a slightly different interface depending on whether you are a premium user or not.

Both services are available on the web and as an app for Windows and Mac, Android, and iOS. Thanks to a minimalist design, the Deezer platform is probably more pleasant to use than Spotify.

Its menu, which appears on the left, comprises 4 options, Music, Shows, Browse, and Favorites. If you wish, you can apply Dark Mode to the Deezer app (Account icon → Dark Mode).

The two applications are similar and allow quick access to the most important software functions, including searching for songs/artists and accessing playlists. Playback is intuitive and song playing is straightforward; however, Deezer free and Spotify free require the user to play the tracks randomly.

On the computer, Deezer is a site, and Spotify is a software. Whatever device you want to use it on, you must have an account - everything you do with the audio files will be saved to your account only. On smartphones, the applications work similarly: you choose your song, listen to it, go to the next one.

Of course, you can create your own playlists, rename them, and listen to them whenever you want.

It's worth noting that user interfaces are highly subjective, and your preference might vary based on your personal taste and the specific features you prioritize.

Music Library

One thing is undeniable; these two platforms have no shortage of choices! Deezer's library has no less than 90 million titles and Spotify has 100 million. Both platforms continuously work on expanding their music libraries, striking deals with record labels and independent artists to offer a diverse and extensive selection of songs.

However, it's important to keep in mind that due to licensing agreements, certain tracks or albums may be available exclusively on one platform and not the other. Every catalog is slightly different, so don't be surprised if moving your playlists with Free Your Music, some tracks might not transfer.

Transfer Deezer to Spotify
Transfer Spotify to Deezer

Music Recommendations

Deezer and Spotify each have options that allow their users to create playlists and receive personalized music recommendations. This feature is called Flow - "an infinite mix with your favorites and great discoveries" on Deezer.

Spotify's personalized playlists, like "Discover Weekly" and "Release Radar," use advanced algorithms and user behavior analysis to provide users with a mix of familiar favorites and new discoveries. These playlists are updated regularly, making them a great way to stay updated with the latest releases and explore new genres.

Podcasts

Deezer and Spotify both have a section specifically dedicated to podcasts.

At Deezer, you’ll find the Shows category that includes a multitude of programs and major radio broadcasts (note: podcasts are only available on the Deezer website).

Spotify has gone all-in on podcasts, with huge expansions and exclusive deals. From true crime to comedy and education, the catalog is extensive.

Devices and Access

You can stream music from either service on:

• Smartphones/tablets
• Computers (PC or Mac)
• Smartwatches
• Smart TVs
• Smart speakers and home systems
• Gaming consoles
• Cars (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
• Voice assistants (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant)

Cross-platform transfer

Do you want to learn which music streaming service is better for you? If so, compare Deezer vs Spotify and choose a better option. But how to do that? Use the Free Your Music app to easily transfer playlists between platforms. Move your songs from Spotify to Deezer or Deezer to Spotify in minutes.

Deezer vs Spotify: sum up

In the Deezer v Spotify debate, the ultimate choice boils down to your personal preferences, listening habits, and priorities. Both platforms offer extensive music libraries, personalized recommendations, user-friendly interfaces, and a variety of subscription plans to cater to different needs.

Do you value HiFi sound and playlist simplicity? Deezer may be your match. Want algorithm-driven recommendations and podcast extras? Spotify could be the one. The good news? Both offer a free tier and 30-day trial, so you can try before you subscribe.