The best music streaming service depends on what you value most: Apple Music is the strongest all-rounder, Spotify remains the most feature-rich, Qobuz is built for serious listening, and YouTube Music is unusually good for live recordings, remixes and rare documentary-era performances.
Tom’s Guide’s current ranking puts Apple Music first, followed by Spotify Premium, Qobuz, Amazon Music Unlimited, Deezer, TIDAL and SiriusXM. The services were compared using identical tracks, different headphones, wireless headphones and multiple audio resolutions. Prices and availability can change, so check the provider’s live checkout page before subscribing.
Best music streaming services at a glance
| Service | Best for | Audio ceiling | Notable advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | Best overall | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz Hi-Res Lossless | Large catalog, Dolby Atmos and Apple Music Classical included |
| Spotify Premium | Features and platform support | Up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC | Excellent discovery, playlists, podcasts and broad device support |
| Qobuz | Audiophiles | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz FLAC | Editorial album information and DRM-free downloads |
| Amazon Music Unlimited | Prime members | Lossless and high-resolution FLAC, plus Dolby Atmos | Competitive Prime pricing and strong Alexa integration |
| Deezer | Social listening | 16-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC | Shared playlists, activity features and music quizzes |
| TIDAL | High-resolution alternative | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz HiRes FLAC | Clear format labels and Dolby Atmos support |
| YouTube Music | Live, obscure and unofficial material | No lossless or Hi-Res tier | Covers, DJ sets, uploads, videos and rare recordings |
SiriusXM is also worth considering if you prefer curated internet radio, presenter-led channels and a lean-back listening experience rather than building an on-demand library.
1. Apple Music: best overall
Apple Music is the easiest recommendation for most listeners. Its catalog exceeds 100 million songs, there are no advertisements, and the subscription includes Apple Music Classical. Family Sharing supports up to six people.
#1 Best Overall
- JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound
- Comfortable fit: The ergonomic, stick-closed design of the JBL Vibe Beam fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The closed design excludes external sounds, enhancing the bass performance
- Up to 32 (8h + 24h) hours of battery life and speed charging: With 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 24 in the case, the JBL Vibe Beam provide all-day audio. When you need more power, you can speed charge an extra two hours in just 10 minutes.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: When you're making hands-free stereo calls on the go, VoiceAware lets you balance how much of your own voice you hear while talking with others
- Water and dust resistant: From the beach to the bike trail, the IP54-certified earbuds and IPX2 charging case are water and dust resistant for all-day experiences
The audio offering is particularly strong. Lossless covers up to 48 kHz, while Hi-Res Lossless extends from 48 kHz to 192 kHz. Dolby Atmos tracks are also available, with automatic playback on compatible Apple or Beats headphones and most Bluetooth headphones.
To enable the higher-quality formats on an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Music > Audio Quality and choose Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless. Hi-Res Lossless normally requires an external USB DAC. Bluetooth headphones do not carry the original Hi-Res Lossless signal.
Apple’s current consumer pricing should be checked at checkout. Comparison tables have recently shown conflicting Individual-plan figures, making an old price list unreliable.
2. Spotify Premium: best for features
Spotify remains the most rounded choice for people who care as much about discovery and convenience as sound quality. It offers more than 100 million tracks alongside podcasts, audiobooks and music videos, and works across an exceptionally broad range of phones, computers, consoles, speakers and cars.
Spotify Premium lossless is now available in more than 50 markets, including the United States. The maximum specification is 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC. Lossless does not apply to music videos, podcasts or audiobooks.
On mobile and desktop, open Profile picture > Settings and privacy > Media quality > Lossless. Spotify lets you set the option separately for Wi-Fi, cellular streaming and downloads. On a compatible third-party device, use device icon > select a playing device > Change quality settings > Lossless. Multi-room users can go to device icon > Connect > Go to settings > Lossless.
The current supported software versions listed by Spotify are mobile app 9.0.58 or later and desktop app 1.2.67 or later. A stable 1.5–2 Mbps connection is recommended. Playback may fall back if the hardware, connection or source file is incompatible. Bluetooth generally compresses the signal, so wired playback or a compatible Spotify Connect device is preferable for preserving lossless audio.
Rank #2
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Lossless also does not switch off loudness normalization. Spotify says normalization applies to both compressed and lossless playback, although the web player and some third-party devices do not use it.
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Spotify Family requires members to live at the same address. Spotify Basic is not universally available; it is offered only to eligible existing subscribers and cannot be resubscribed to after cancellation.
3. Qobuz: best for audiophiles
Qobuz is the most deliberate listening service in this group. Alongside more than 100 million tracks, it provides album reviews, liner notes, human editorial recommendations and an integrated download store. That makes it appealing to listeners who still think in terms of albums rather than an endless stream of algorithmic suggestions.
Streaming includes CD-quality 16-bit/44.1 kHz audio and Hi-Res FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Qobuz Connect sends music directly from Qobuz’s servers to compatible equipment instead of routing the audio through your phone or computer. Start a track, tap the Audio output selector and choose the compatible device.
In the United States, Qobuz lists Solo at $12.99 per month, or $129.99 as a 12-month non-refundable payment. A trial requires a valid payment method and renews unless canceled. Purchased downloads are DRM-free and remain separate from streaming access; you do not need a subscription to buy them.
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Qobuz does not offer a Dolby Atmos or comparable spatial-audio catalog. It is better suited to someone choosing a carefully mastered stereo album than to someone looking for immersive mixes or the biggest social ecosystem.
4. Amazon Music Unlimited: best value for Prime members
Amazon Music Unlimited is separate from the smaller music catalog included with Prime. Prime members can access the full Unlimited catalog at no additional charge in shuffle mode, but on-demand playback requires Music Unlimited.
Rank #3
- Powerful Bass: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds have oversized 10mm drivers that deliver powerful sound with boosted bass so you can lose yourself in your favorite songs.
- Personalized Listening Experience: Use the soundcore app to customize the controls and choose from 22 EQ presets. With "Find My Earbuds", a lost earbud can emit noise to help you locate it.
- Long Playtime, Fast Charging: Get 10 hours of battery life on a single charge with a case that extends it to 30 hours. If P20i true wireless earbuds are low on power, a quick 10-minute charge will give you 2 hours of playtime.
- Portable On-the-Go Design: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds and the charging case are compact and lightweight with a lanyard attached. It's small enough to slip in your pocket, or clip on your bag or keys–so you never worry about space.
- AI-Enhanced Clear Calls: 2 built-in mics and an AI algorithm work together to pick up your voice so that you never have to shout over the phone.
The catalog contains more than 100 million songs. Audio ranges from CD-quality lossless to high-resolution FLAC, and Dolby Atmos is included. Alexa support is a major advantage if your home already uses Echo speakers or other Amazon hardware.
Amazon’s current U.S. acquisition page shows auto-renewal at $12.99 per month, or $11.99 per month for Prime members. Trials and promotional offers vary. Some current offers also include access to Audible audiobooks, but the exact audiobook terms should be confirmed before subscribing.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsOne desktop limitation matters to high-resolution listeners: the computer’s operating-system audio output may downsample a track. For example, 24-bit/96 kHz material may be sent to the output at 24-bit/48 kHz. The app may not offer a direct exclusive-mode override.
5. Deezer: best for social listening
Deezer’s main distinction is not maximum resolution but the way it supports sharing and group listening. Shared playlists, listening activity and music-identification quizzes make it a natural fit for households and friends who trade recommendations.
Its catalog exceeds 100 million tracks, and the commonly cited Premium offering provides CD-quality FLAC at up to 1,411 kbps. Deezer does not expose the same detailed bitrate and sample-rate information as Qobuz and TIDAL. Do not describe it as a Hi-Res service unless a current plan in your market explicitly says so.
Tom’s Guide lists U.S. pricing at $11.99 per month for Premium, $15.99 for Duo and $17.99 for Family, but the live Deezer offer should take precedence. Recommendations and catalog availability can vary by country and genre.
6. TIDAL: best high-resolution alternative
TIDAL is a strong choice for listeners who want high-resolution files and clear information about what is playing. Its current About page claims more than 180 million tracks in lossless, HiRes FLAC and Dolby Atmos formats.
Rank #4
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
The U.S. plans currently shown by TIDAL are $11.99 per month for Individual, $19.99 for Family and $6.99 for Student. The service’s Max setting chooses the best available version: HiRes FLAC first, then standard FLAC, then AAC. Maximum HiRes FLAC quality is 24-bit/192 kHz.
On mobile, use Settings > Audio & Playback > Mobile data streaming or Wi-Fi streaming, then choose Low, High or Max. For downloads, use Settings > Downloads > Audio. On desktop or the web, go to Settings > Streaming > Audio Quality.
TIDAL displays a format label such as FLAC, High or Low beside the player’s progress bar. Tap the indicator to see the available technical details. Max quality can use approximately 40 MB per minute, depending on the track’s sample rate.
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Older comparisons often mention MQA and 360 Reality Audio. Those references are outdated: TIDAL says both formats have been unavailable in its apps and integrations since July 24, 2024. Dolby Atmos is now its immersive-audio format.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.YouTube Music: the important alternative for rare recordings
YouTube Music is not part of Tom’s Guide’s seven-service ranking, but it is especially relevant for listeners exploring music history. Its catalog includes official releases as well as covers, remixes, live recordings, DJ sets, music videos and user uploads that may never appear in a conventional streaming catalog.
YouTube Music Premium provides ad-free music, background play, audio-only playback and downloads. Downloads remain available for up to 30 days without an internet connection. Podcast creator promotions and some embedded sponsorships can still appear, so Premium does not remove every possible advertisement.
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Best Value
- LED Power Display and 50H Playback: Dual digital LED power display outside of the case is to show the power level for charging case and earbuds. When charging for the case, the LED light will start to flash from 1 to 100. When you put wireless Bluetooth earbuds into the case, then the Bluetooth earbuds will start charging. The 470mAh battery capacity charging case can provide extra 4 times full charging for both earbuds; each earbud can last 6H on a single charge. So, you can enjoy 50H music time in total by using them in turn
- 2026 Upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 and Ultra-Low Latency: S58 Pro wireless earbuds with mics feature the next-generation Bluetooth 5.4 chip. Compared to version 5.3, it offers 30% lower power consumption and 35% stronger signal penetration. Equipped with a high-sensitivity antenna and a Hall switch, wireless Bluetooth headphones auto-pair as soon as you open the charging case, with a stable connection within 15 meters. Whether you're gaming or binge-watching, enjoy smooth, flawlessly synced audio
- Hi-Fi Stereo and 4 ENC Mics: The wireless earbuds feature triple-layer 13mm coil dynamic drivers and a polymer diaphragm, resulting in sufficiently strong bass that naturally connects to the mid and high frequencies, supporting AAC/SBC audio coding technology and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Audio technology. Noise Cancelling Earbuds adopt a 4-mic design and ENC noise cancelling technology that picks up your voice precisely and blocks out 80% background noise, providing a crystal clear call experience
- Smart Touch Control and Wide Compatibility: These wireless Bluetooth earbuds feature a high-precision touch sensor, offering greater accuracy than similar products. A simple tap allows you to control playback/pause, volume, song switching, calls, and voice assistants, minimizing accidental touches. The in-ear running headphones are compatible with most Bluetooth devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops, and connect effortlessly with Android 4.4, iOS 8.0 and above, or Bluetooth 4.0 and above
- Ergonomic and IPX7 Waterproof: Thanks to an ultra-light nano coating, these wireless Bluetooth earbuds are IPX7 waterproof and dustproof—perfect for workouts or outdoor adventures. The ergonomic in-ear design provides a secure, comfortable fit while keeping outside noise out, letting you immerse yourself fully in your music
The free service supports on-demand playback, queuing, repeat and unlimited skipping for songs and music videos. Paid benefits such as ad-free music, background playback and downloads require Premium.
On Android, shuffle downloaded music with Profile picture > Downloads > Downloaded songs > Shuffle all. To cast, open YouTube Music, select the Cast icon, choose a device or group, and start playback. Smart Downloads can automatically save music based on your listening history.
YouTube Music does not offer a lossless or Hi-Res tier. Its advantage is breadth of material, not audiophile-grade delivery.
What lossless audio does—and does not—mean
Lossless audio preserves the data in the source file more faithfully than a lossy format. It does not guarantee that the recording uses a better master, that the original source was excellent, or that the difference will be audible through wireless earbuds.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteHi-Res also describes a ceiling, not a promise that every track is 24-bit/192 kHz. A service selects the highest version actually available for each recording, and may fall back to CD quality or a compressed file. Bluetooth usually compresses the signal, which can remove much of the practical benefit of lossless streaming.
Which service should you choose?
- Choose Apple Music if you want the best balance of catalog size, sound quality, classical music and spatial audio.
- Choose Spotify if discovery, playlists, device support and social features matter more than the highest sample rate.
- Choose Qobuz if you listen through wired equipment and want Hi-Res FLAC, editorial context and DRM-free purchases.
- Choose Amazon Music Unlimited if you are a Prime member or use Alexa throughout your home.
- Choose Deezer if shared playlists and social listening are your priority.
- Choose TIDAL if you want high-resolution audio, visible format information and Dolby Atmos on supported devices.
- Choose YouTube Music if your listening includes obscure live performances, unofficial uploads, remixes and music videos.
- Choose SiriusXM if you prefer curated radio channels and presenter-led programming to on-demand album selection.
FAQ
Which music streaming service has the best sound quality?
Qobuz and TIDAL offer the highest stated Hi-Res FLAC ceiling, up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited also offer high-resolution lossless audio. The result still depends on the master, playback hardware and whether Bluetooth compresses the signal.
Is Spotify lossless now available?
Yes. Spotify Premium lossless has rolled out in more than 50 markets, including the United States, for eligible users and hardware. The maximum documented specification is 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC.
Is TIDAL still using MQA?
No. TIDAL says MQA and 360 Reality Audio have been unavailable in its apps and integrations since July 24, 2024. TIDAL now uses HiRes FLAC and Dolby Atmos for its high-resolution and immersive offerings.
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YouTube Music is usually the strongest option because it combines official releases with covers, user uploads, DJ sets, remixes, live recordings and music videos. The trade-off is that it has no lossless or Hi-Res tier.
The Bottom Line
Apple Music is the best overall choice for most listeners, combining a huge catalog, lossless audio, Dolby Atmos and Apple Music Classical. Spotify is the better pick for discovery and platform flexibility, while Qobuz and TIDAL suit listeners with dedicated audio equipment. For documentary research, archival listening and hard-to-find performances, YouTube Music can be the most useful service despite its lower audio ceiling.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
