Top free alternatives to Spotify (and some paid ones)

Spotify is undoubtedly one of the most popular music streaming platforms. It has earned its reputation over the years. It is simple to use and available on almost any modern device (e.g., Windows, Mac, Linux, or mobile apps. It is also available in discontinued operating systems too (e.g. - Windows phone, Blackberry). 

Spotify is available on smart TVs and video game consoles. Spotify has more than 40 million songs and the collection is continuously growing. Spotify offers a lot of cool features like personalized playlists that are customized to user tastes. 

Some other features are artist-based radios, podcasts, social media integration, and collaborative playlists. Thus it is a handy option for music lovers to have different tastes.

There are, however, free alternatives to Spotify out there. The free version of Spotify is limited and new apps are emerging, competing with Spotify for better features and prices.  If you want to check out other music streaming apps out there that are best suited to your needs, this article is for you.

1. Apple Music

Apple Music has a catalog of just over 100 million songs as of now. It is perfect for those who use Apple devices. The app integrates seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Personalized Recommendations: Apple Music learns your taste and recommends music accordingly.

 The app's "For You" section is updated regularly with new suggestions based on your listening habits. If you use Apple devices, you'll like Apple Music because it works smoothly with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac without needing extra apps.

• High-Quality Audio

Apple Music boasts its high-quality audio. Apple Music has lossless audio support which means that it has studio-quality sound.

• A Balanced UI

The user interface of Apple Music is well-balanced.

• No Advertisements

Apple Music doesn't show you any form of external advertising.

• Cross-platform Streaming

Apple Music can stream or share content on your Mac device, Apple TV, or compatible smart TV. 

• Portable

 You can use Apple Music from a USB stick or similar media without prior installation.

• Music store

You can buy music from the Apple Music store.

• Cloud Synchronization

You can synchronize your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, and more) across different devices and to the cloud.

• Dark Mode

Apple Music supports dark mode which is comfortable in low-light conditions.

• Works Offline

You can use Apple Music without an internet connection. You can also follow artists, as well as compare and comment on songs, in Apple Music.

2. Deezer

Deezer is yet another of the amazing free alternatives to Spotify. It has approximately over 70 million songs available. Deezer has a web-based version, Windows, Android, and Mac versions.

• Songcatcher Feature

 It has a feature, songcatcher. It’s like Shazam which you can use to identify the songs you are playing.

• Flow

Deezer has another feature called flow. It creates recommendations created exclusively for you and songs you no longer remember. 

• Free Version

The free version of Deezer is similar to Spotify with less advertising. 

• Access to Radio and Podcasts

It’ll give you access to live radio stations and podcasts.

• User-friendly

It is user-friendly and ideal for beginners.

3.  Amazon Music

Amazon Music has a huge music collection with trending songs and new ones. Here are some of the features available -

• Music Suggestions

Amazon Music suggests music based on your mood, preferences, and suggestions.

• Special Deals

It provides its users with amazing deals.

• Music Discovery

This amazing platform will suggest new songs based on what you like listening to.

• Easy-to-use

Amazon Music can be accessed on any device.

• Free Trial Available

You can get a free trial of Amazon Music.

4. Tidal

Tidal focuses on sound quality and has hi-fi Sound quality on top of the standard options. A major part of its library also supports official videos. Here are some other features of tidal:

• Transfer Your Playlists from Other Platforms.

You can select your playlists from other platforms and transfer them to Tidal. This way you can change your usual music streaming app without losing your favorite songs.

• Access to Exclusive Events

You will have access to artist-only events and be able to purchase tickets to their performances before regular public sales begin.

• Works Offline

Tidal works offline as well as online.

•  Lossless Audio

Listen to over 110M songs in studio quality with FLAC. As an open-source format, every artist can create and deliver high-fidelity music with ease.

• Multiple Sound Quality Options

Tidal has multiple sound quality options-  Low, Max, and High. You can find the songs in FLAC format.

• Huge Collections

You can listen to over 110M songs in studio quality with FLAC format from Tidal. 

• Open-source Format

Tidal has an open-source format so every artist can create and deliver high-fidelity music with ease.

• Personalized Recommendations

You will get personalized recommendations from Tidal. 

• Free Trial

Tidal has a free trial option.

• Dark Mode

Tidal has dark mode available too.

5.  SoundCloud

Soundcloud has an impressive music and audio library. It is perhaps one of the free alternatives to Spotify. There are more than 200 million songs and podcasts on this platform. Some of its features are:

• Music Discovery

Soundcloud is the preferred music streaming platform for new indie artists. So, it is perfect for new and rising artists.

• Community-based

It also works as a music social network, where you may share, like, and comment on entries; highlight parts of songs; build your lists and podcasts; and follow your favorite musicians.  

• Music Library

You can choose your songs from its huge music library. 

• Music Upload 

You can upload your music here. 

• Dark Mode

Soundcloud has dark mode available.

7. Last. FM

Last.FM is a great platform you can get music charts from. The charts are generated every week. You can use this platform as an audio player to listen to music stored in your system. Last. FM has a radio station to discover great music. Every user has a music profile that provides information about what they have listened to. This makes Last. FM is a useful social media tool.

8. YouTube Music

YouTube Music is perhaps one of the best free alternatives to Spotify out there. It has a large collection, an easy UI, a background play feature, and others. Some of YouTube Music’s features are:

• Large Collection

YouTube Music has an extensive music catalog. It has millions of videos and uses the highly intelligent and powerful YouTube search engine. You can just type or say a word that identifies a song or part of the lyrics, and you will almost certainly find it.

• Easy-to-use Interface

It has an easy-to-use interface.

• Different Playlist Options

You can find different playlists according to your mood on its main page.

• Offline Music

YouTube music gives you the option to listen to music or watch videos offline.

• Background Play

You can have YouTube videos in the background and use other applications at the same time.

• Music Discovery and Recommendation

YouTube Music is a great platform for music discovery. It also gives the users song recommendations according to the listener's preferences, history, and interests. It also suggests other music and videos too. 

• Download YouTube Playlist

You can download your playlists.

• Lyrics

You can access and play your favorite song with lyrics on YouTube Music and sing along.

• Internet Radio

YouTube Music has an internet radio. 

• Student Discount

YouTube Music provides student discounts. 

• Lockscreen Widget

 YouTube Music has a lock screen widget for the users. 

• Chromecast Support

YouTube Music supports Chromecast.

8. Jio Saavn

Jio Saavn is one of the free alternatives to Spotify. It is a merger of Saavn and Jio Music, offering a huge selection of music tracks, playlists, and podcasts. Music is recommended according to your tastes, preferences, and other things.

So these are the 8 free alternatives to Spotify for you to consider. Hope you find your preferred music streaming platform on this list.

 Follow zenzlifetech for more articles like this. As always, it’s a pleasure writing to you.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1.   What devices support Spotify?  

Spotify is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, smart TVs, video game consoles, Windows phones, and Blackberry even though the latter two operating systems have since stopped supporting third-party applications.

2.   How many songs does Spotify offer?  

Today there are more than 40 million songs available on Spotify and new songs are being added as and when possible.

3.   What are some unique features of Spotify?  

Spotify offers personalized playlists, artist-based radio, podcasts, social media integration, and collaborative playlists.

4.   What makes Apple Music a good alternative to Spotify?  

Apple Music offers over 100 million songs, high-quality audio with lossless support, seamless integration with Apple devices, no advertisements, and a user-friendly interface.

5.   What is the Songcatcher feature on Deezer?  

   Songcatcher on Deezer is similar to Shazam; it allows users to identify the songs they are listening to.

6.   Does Amazon Music offer personalized recommendations?  

   Yes, Amazon Music provides music suggestions based on your mood, preferences, and listening history.

7.   What is Tidal's main focus?  

 Tidal focuses on sound quality, offering hi-fi sound, multiple quality options including FLAC format, and access to exclusive artist events.

8.   How does SoundCloud cater to new artists?  

SoundCloud is a preferred platform for new indie artists, allowing them to upload their music and interact with a community through likes, comments, and shares. Spotify is one of the free alternatives to Spotify.

9.   What makes YouTube Music a strong competitor to Spotify?  

YouTube Music has a vast catalog, an easy-to-use interface, offline listening, background play, music discovery, and recommendations based on user preferences.

10.   What is Jio Saavn, and how does it serve users?  

Jio Saavn is a merger of Saavn and Jio Music, offering a vast selection of music tracks, playlists, and podcasts with recommendations based on user tastes and preferences.

11. What is the best alternative for Spotify?  

The best free alternatives to Spotify depend on user preferences, but popular options include Apple Music for its seamless integration with Apple devices, high-quality audio, and Tidal for its focus on sound quality and exclusive content.

12.   What is better than Spotify and free?  

Deezer offers a free version with fewer ads compared to Spotify, and YouTube Music also provides a free tier with access to a vast collection of music and videos.

13.   What platform is better than Spotify?  

For audiophiles, Tidal may be considered better due to its high-fidelity sound quality. Apple Music is also preferred by those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

14.   Who is Spotify's main competitor?  

Apple Music is often considered Spotify's main competitor due to its extensive music library, seamless integration with Apple products, and similar features.

15.   Which music player is better than Spotify?  

 Tidal is often praised for its superior sound quality and exclusive artist content, making it a preferred choice for serious music enthusiasts.

16.   Is there anything cheaper than Spotify?  

Some platforms, like Amazon Music Unlimited, offer competitive pricing and special deals, while YouTube Music provides a free tier with ads.

17.   Is there a totally free music app?  

Yes, there are free music apps like YouTube Music and SoundCloud, which offer extensive music libraries without a subscription, though they may include ads.

18.   Is Spotify 100% free?  

Spotify offers a free tier with ads and limited features. For an ad-free experience and additional features, users need to subscribe to a paid plan.

19.   Why is Tidal better than Spotify?  

   Tidal is often considered better than Spotify for its superior sound quality, offering lossless audio and multiple sound quality options, as well as exclusive content and events.

20.   What is the cheapest music app?  

 The cheapest music apps can vary based on promotions and deals, but Amazon Music Unlimited often offers competitive pricing and special deals, making it one of the more affordable options.