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The Best Music Streaming Service in 2026

Updated

There's no single best service. The right one depends on your phone, your headphones, and who you share a plan with. Here's how the big seven compare in the US.

ServiceOne personMax qualityFree tier
Spotify$12.99Lossless 24-bit/44.1 kHzYes
Apple Music$11.99Hi-res 24-bit/192 kHzNo
YouTube Music$11.99256 kbps AACYes
Tidal$11.99Hi-res 24-bit/192 kHzNo
Qobuz$12.99Hi-res 24-bit/192 kHzNo
Deezer$11.99Lossless 16-bit/44.1 kHzYes
Amazon Music Unlimited$12.99Ultra HD 24-bit/192 kHzLimited

Price calculator

ServiceCheapest firstMonth / yearPandora$10.99 / $131.88Apple Music$11.99 / $143.88YouTube Music$11.99 / $143.88Tidal$11.99 / $143.88Deezer$11.99 / $143.88Spotify$12.99 / $155.88Qobuz$12.99 / $155.88Amazon Music$12.99 / $155.88

Not checked yet: SoundCloud. Left out until we confirm current prices.

US prices, checked Sep 26, 2026. Yearly figure is 12 months at the monthly rate.

Our picks

  • Best overall: Spotify. The best recommendations, podcasts and device support, and lossless is now included (Spotify).
  • Best for iPhone: Apple Music. Hi-res at no extra cost and a built-in transfer from Spotify.
  • Best value: Deezer. The cheapest big-name individual plan, with lossless.
  • Best for audiophiles: Qobuz. Hi-res on every plan and a deep classical catalog.
  • Best if you pay for YouTube: YouTube Music.
  • Best for Prime and Alexa homes: Amazon Music Unlimited.

Try before you switch

Most services offer a free trial. You can copy your playlists across during the trial and keep your old service until you decide.

Pick where your music is now.

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