Tidal vs Apple Music
Both stream hi-res up to 24-bit/192 kHz and Dolby Atmos. Apple Music is the same price for one person and cheaper for families since Tidal's August increase. Tidal is better with hi-fi gear.
- Individual
- $11.99/mo
- Duo
- Not offered
- Family
- $19.99/mo
- Student
- $6.99/mo
- Max quality
- Hi-res FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz
- Lossless
- Yes
- Hi-res
- Yes
- Catalog
- 110M+ tracks
- Free tier
- No, free plan ended in 2024
- Podcasts
- No
- Lyrics
- Yes
- Social
- Limited
- Artist payout
- Pro-rata, higher per-stream rate
- Individual
- $11.99/mo
- Duo
- Not offered
- Family
- $19.99/mo
- Student
- $6.99/mo
- Max quality
- Hi-res lossless up to 24-bit/192 kHz
- Lossless
- Yes
- Hi-res
- Yes
- Catalog
- 100M+ tracks
- Free tier
- No, trial only
- Podcasts
- Limited
- Lyrics
- Yes
- Social
- Shared playlists, friend activity
- Artist payout
- Pro-rata
Price
Both are $11.99 for one person and $19.99 for Family (Tidal, Apple). Neither has a free tier.
Price calculator
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.
Sound quality
On paper they match: lossless and hi-res up to 24-bit/192 kHz, plus Dolby Atmos. Tidal works with more hi-fi streamers through Tidal Connect. On iPhone, Apple Music hi-res needs an external DAC.
Catalog and features
Apple Music is built into iPhone, Mac, Apple TV and HomePod, and has synced lyrics and radio. Tidal has artist videos, a DJ extension, and wider support in hi-fi hardware.
Verdict
Pick Apple Music if you live in Apple's ecosystem. Pick Tidal if you use a network streamer or hi-fi system, or want its DJ features.
Pick where your music is now.