Top contenders include Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal — which downloadable music streaming app deserves your monthly subscription fee?
Downloads are slowly dying and people are relying on streaming services on their smartphones, tablets and desktops for their daily dose of music. Though there are free apps such as Spotify, it doesn’t hurt to fork a little bit to skip the ads, turn up the volume of your wireless headphones or speakers and listen to your curated playlists offline sans wi-fi. Apps like these are great companions for your daily commute, long flights, working, gymming and of course, playing DJ at parties. Most of them offer similar sets of features, but which one is worth your buck? We’ve done the homework… now the decision is in your hands (or fingers)…
Spotify
The most popular music streaming platform
Is there anyone in the world who hasn’t downloaded the Spotify app? For starters, it’s my go-to app for music on the go — whether I’m on my morning commute to Honeycombers HQ, at the gym or at home in need of a mini rave. Spotify offers curated playlists of all genres and global sounds with a wide variety of tunes from way back when and now. Unsigned under-the-radar artists can also upload their tracks — a great way to expose their sounds to a bigger and global audience.
Price: FREE. However, skip the ads and listen offline with a premium account that costs $9.90/month, $4.99/month for students, $14.98/month for family (up to 6 users)
Bonus: Available on PlayStation Music so you can listen while you game.
Apple Music
Great for Apple fans
An extensive catalogue of tunes loaded with original programmes, concerts and an ace radio station — Beats 1 — as well as the perks of curated playlists and offline modes, Apple Music seems unbeatable. However, unlike Spotify, the only time you get to listen for free is when you opt for the free 3-months trial. Also, it doesn’t come with a web player, so you’ll have to download iTunes regardless. Other than that, it’s spot on.
Price: 3-months free trial. Skip the ads and listen offline with a premium account that costs $9.98/month, $4.98/month for students, $14.98/month for family (up to 6 users)
Bonus: You don’t have to load up on Apple gear; it’s also available for PC and Android users.
Tidal
If you’re all about high-fidelity music
Imagine Tidal as the flashy sister of Spotify and Apple Music. Rapper (and Beyonce’s baby daddy) Jay-Z launched the music streaming platform to provide high-quality audio to its listeners (we’re talking up to CD-level 1,411kbps). Not only do you get a catalogue full of lossless music, but plenty of HD music videos and exclusives ranging from bonus tracks to artist interviews.
Price: 30-days free trial. Then it’s $9.90/month for Tidal Premium (standard sound quality) and $19.80/month for Tidal HiFi (lossless high fidelity sound quality)
Bonus: The only place you can listen to royal couple Beyonce and Jay-Z’s latest releases Lemonade and 4:44.
Deezer
Comes with kids-only profiles for families
Unlike it’s more popular rivals, Deezer allows you to choose the type of streams you prefer, from standard to ultra-high 1,411kbps quality. However, it does share a lot of the same features. The Flow feature curates a personal playlist for you based on your listening history mixed with fresh recommendations and throwback hits. Children can also enjoy HQ beats when you opt for the Deezer Family plan.
Price: 30-days free trial. Then it’s $9.90/month for Premium+ and $14.85/month for Deezer Family plan (up to 6 Premium+ profiles)
Bonus: Oh, and did we mention the built-in lyrics feature?
Amped
All about #supportlocal
If you’re a subscriber of SingTel, you’ll automatically notice the AMPed app appearing on your phone’s home screen. No downloads needed, the app is available on your mobile as long as you are a SingTel user. The app is ace for local and regional music lovers with access to millions of local and international tracks, including exclusive music content — as if you’re a step closer to your favourite stars!
Price: $9.90/month
Bonus: Automatically comes with every SingTel subscription
KKBOX
For Asian pop music lovers
Originated from Taiwan, this music streaming service is big on music across Asia. Genres include Mandopop, K-Pop, J-Tracks, Cantopop and Malay hits amongst other international sounds. Download the app, find common listeners via chat rooms, watch exclusive KKBOX live concerts and play DJ by going ‘on air’ — yes, you can show off your taste in music through the app!
Price: $9.90/month
Bonus: The only place to get your Asian music fix — trust us.
Saavn
Bollywood fans will love this
Can’t get that Bollywood soundtrack out of your head? Saavn is the music streaming must-have for all your favourite Hindi songs. It’s also jam-packed with other regional Indian music that you can easily add to your playlist to listen on the go. It also comes with curated playlists for you to discover new sounds.
Price: 7-day free trial. $9.98/month
Bonus: It’s got its very own Saavn Original shows.