Four alternatives to Spotify
Ole Witthøft
Switching is easier than you think
If you’ve been thinking about leaving Spotify – whether to experience better sound quality or simply to support artists – you’re not alone. And the good news? Making the switch is easier than you might expect.
Streaming services generally don’t lock you into long-term contracts, so you can cancel your Spotify subscription anytime via your account settings. Depending on your billing cycle, you’ll likely retain premium features until your next payment date.
So, what are your options? Here are four great alternatives to consider:
Tidal stands out for its artist-first approach and high-fidelity audio:
- Over 100 million tracks
- Lossless and spatial audio
- 650,000+ music videos and live concert streams
- DJ tools with stem separation (optional add-on)
It’s a favorite among audiophiles and those who want to support fairer artist compensation.
Qobuz is a lesser-known but highly respected platform among music enthusiasts:
- High-resolution audio streaming and downloads
- Editorial content including artist features and album reviews
- A strong focus on classical, jazz, and niche genres
Qobuz is ideal for listeners who value sound quality and curated music experiences.
Apple Music has evolved significantly since its launch. Once considered clunky, it now boasts:
- A massive library of over 100 million songs
- Curated playlists and radio stations
- Music videos (a feature Spotify lacks)
- Lossless and spatial audio for superior sound quality
If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, this is a seamless choice. There’s also an Android app available.
Deezer offers a broad music experience with a global focus:
- The Flow feature, which adapts music to your taste
- A large international catalog
- Podcasts and radio stations
- Lossless audio available in the HiFi subscription
Deezer is a great choice for those looking for a personalized and versatile music streaming experience.
Honorable mentions
If you’re looking to avoid the biggest tech platforms or explore niche options, consider:
- Bandcamp – Great for indie artists and direct support
- Napster – Yes, it’s legal now!
- Pandora – Still going strong in the U.S.
- Amazon Music – Offers a large catalog and is bundled with other Amazon services
- YouTube Music – Offers music streaming and ad-free access to YouTube videos
Transferring your playlists
One of the biggest concerns when switching is losing your carefully curated playlists. Thankfully, third-party apps make this easy:
These tools allow you to transfer playlists between services. Free versions usually let you move one playlist at a time, while paid tiers offer bulk transfers. Just grant temporary access to your accounts, and you’re good to go.
Final thoughts
Switching from Spotify doesn’t have to be a hassle. With so many robust alternatives offering competitive features and unique perks, you might find a new favorite music service that better suits your needs—or values.
Are you thinking about making the switch?
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