What Are the Biggest and Cheapest Music Streaming Services?

In today’s digital age, music streaming services have become the primary way people consume music. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right platform. In this article, we’ll explore the biggest streaming music services and also determine what is the cheapest music streaming service available. Let’s dive in!

The Biggest Streaming Music Services

When it comes to the biggest streaming music services, a few names consistently top the charts. These platforms have millions of users and vast catalogs of music. Here, we provide a brief overview of some of the industry giants:

Spotify

Spotify is arguably the most well-known music streaming service. With over 450 million active users and a catalog consisting of more than 70 million tracks, Spotify has cemented its position as a leader in the industry. It offers a variety of subscription plans, including free and premium options.

Apple Music

Apple Music has quickly become a major player in the music streaming space. Launched in 2015, Apple Music now boasts over 88 million users. The service is known for its high-quality audio and integration with the Apple ecosystem, making it a favorite among Apple device owners.

Amazon Music

Amazon Music offers a large selection of songs (over 75 million). With around 70 million subscribers, it's one of the fastest-growing music streaming services. Amazon Music is included with Amazon Prime, but also offers additional tiers for those who want access to the full library and higher-quality audio.

Google/YouTube Music

Google transitioned from Google Play Music to YouTube Music, offering users access to a massive library of music videos along with traditional audio tracks. YouTube Music has a reported 50 million subscribers and benefits from integration with other Google services and YouTube itself.

Deezer

Deezer is a global platform with around 16 million users and over 73 million tracks in its library. It offers features like flow (personalized playlists) and integrates well with various devices and services. Deezer is especially popular in Europe and Latin America.

What Is the Cheapest Music Streaming Service?

Now that we've identified the biggest players in the industry, let's shift our focus to cost. Determining the cheapest music streaming service requires examining each platform's subscription options.

Spotify

Spotify offers several subscription plans:

• Free: Ad-supported
• Premium Individual: $9.99/month
• Premium Duo: $12.99/month (for two accounts)
• Premium Family: $14.99/month (up to six accounts)
• Premium Student: $4.99/month (includes Hulu and Showtime)

Apple Music

Apple Music provides different plans:

• Individual: $9.99/month
• Family: $14.99/month (up to six accounts)
• Student: $4.99/month
• Voice Plan: $4.99/month (access via Siri)

Amazon Music

Amazon Music has a tiered pricing model:

• Amazon Music Prime: Included with Amazon Prime membership ($12.99/month or $119/year)
• Amazon Music Unlimited Individual: $9.99/month (or $7.99/month for Prime members)
• Amazon Music Unlimited Family: $14.99/month (up to six accounts)
• Amazon Music HD: $12.99/month (additional $5.00 for Prime members)
• Free Tier: Limited library, ad-supported

YouTube Music

YouTube Music's plans include:

• Free: Ad-supported
• Premium Individual: $9.99/month
• Premium Family: $14.99/month (up to six accounts)
• Student: $4.99/month

Deezer

Deezer offers a variety of plans:

• Free: Ad-supported
• Premium: $9.99/month
• Family: $14.99/month (up to six accounts)
• Student: $4.99/month
• HiFi: $14.99/month (high-quality streams)

Comparing the Prices

Based on the plans listed above, the general pricing structure is similar across major streaming services. Typically, individual subscriptions hover around $9.99/month with family plans available for $14.99/month and student discounts offering services for approximately $4.99/month.

However, the cheapest option depends on your specific needs and circumstances. For instance, if you’re a student, the most affordable service universally comes in at $4.99/month across platforms. But if you're a Prime member, Amazon Music Unlimited offers a reduced rate, potentially making it the cheapest option for Prime subscribers.

How SoundOn Fits In

While SoundOn is not a streaming service, it plays a crucial role in the music distribution ecosystem. For artists looking to build their careers and reach new audiences, SoundOn offers invaluable tools and partnerships. Through SoundOn, artists can distribute their music globally across various DSPs (Digital Streaming Platforms), including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The amplified exposure helps artists grow their fan base and increase their streams.

Moreover, SoundOn provides features tailored for promotion and marketing, ensuring that your music reaches its potential listeners. By utilizing TikTok, SoundOn’s exclusive partners like CapCut, and other digital streaming platforms, artists have a comprehensive support system to bolster their music careers.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a listener trying to find the right music streaming service or an artist aiming to distribute your music, understanding the landscape is key. While major services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music dominate the industry, choosing the cheapest option depends on various factors such as your specific needs and any additional memberships you hold.

For artists, leveraging platforms like SoundOn can provide a strategic edge in maximizing exposure and growing your career. By combining the right streaming service with innovative distribution channels, you can enjoy music both as a fan and a creator in the most effective way possible.