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The 5 Best Music Streaming apps for 2024
Zoe Williams
Published on October 10, 2023
Welcome to 2024, where streaming your favorite tunes is just as essential as a good pair of headphones or those sleek AirPods. Remember how Pink's "TRUSTFALL" and Olivia Rodrigo's "GUTS" had us all humming last year? Or how Lana Del Rey's "Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd" added a touch of mystery to our playlists? Well, this year's music streaming apps are all set to keep the party going. Whether you're streaming these chart-toppers through your phone in a crowded bus or blasting them on your home speakers for a solo dance party, we've got the scoop on the best apps to keep your playlist fresh and exciting in 2024. Get ready to explore the apps that are music to our ears!
Amazon Music
Streaming services apps
3.4
Amazon Music
Kicking off our list at number 5 is Amazon Music. In 2024, Amazon Music Unlimited continues to be a popular choice for music enthusiasts, now priced at $9.99 per month or $99 per year for Prime members. For those with a broader listening circle, the Family Plan is also available at $16.99 per month or $169 per year. This slight increase from the previous year reflects Amazon's commitment to expanding its content and features, offering an extensive library of songs that cater to a wide range of musical tastes. Despite the price hike, Prime members still enjoy a $1 discount compared to non-Prime subscribers. Amazon Music stands out as a solid option for streaming, providing both quality and variety in its music selection.
SoundCloud
Streaming services apps
4.7
SoundCloud
At number 4, SoundCloud stands out as a unique player in the music streaming world. It's the go-to platform for those who love to delve into the world of techno, house, mixes and discovering up-and-coming artists. Unlike other mainstream apps, SoundCloud has carved out a niche for itself, offering a treasure trove of tracks that you won't find anywhere else. This is where new trends often get their start, and where music lovers go to find the next big thing before it hits the mainstream.
Even without subscribing to SoundCloud Go, the platform offers an immersive experience. Its vast, explorable library is a haven for indie artists and DJs, making it a vibrant community for creators and listeners alike. Here, you can explore an array of genres and subcultures, engage directly with artists and even stumble upon rare tracks that are exclusive to SoundCloud. It's not just a streaming service; it's a thriving musical ecosystem that encourages exploration and supports the growth of new talent.
Pandora
In 2024, Pandora clinches the 3rd spot on our list, captivating users with its smart blend of personalized music and podcast offerings. It's the detail in its curation that truly sets Pandora apart. With the Music Genome Project at its core, Pandora excels in creating playlists that seem to read your mind, introducing you to new music that aligns seamlessly with your preferences. This level of personalization, along with its user-friendly interface, makes it a top choice for those who want their music streaming to feel uniquely theirs.
Pandora's subscription models are equally appealing. The ad-free Pandora Plus is available at $4.99 per month, offering unlimited skips and replays and offline listening for selected stations. Meanwhile, Pandora Premium at $9.99 per month opens up a world of over 40 million tracks, complete with the ability to create and download playlists and listen ad-free. For family listening, their family plan at $14.99 per month covers up to six members, each enjoying full Premium features. All these factors combined - intuitive music discovery, a robust library, affordable pricing and the inclusion of podcasts - make Pandora a standout choice in the crowded field of music streaming in 2024.
YouTube Music
Securing the #2 spot in 2024's top music streaming apps is YouTube Music, which offers more than just an incredible music library. Its standout feature is the integration of ad-free video streaming, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy both audio tracks and music videos without interruptions. YouTube Music Premium's individual plan is priced at $10.99 per month, with an option to save by opting for the $109.99 annual plan. For families, there's a family plan at $16.99, ensuring that everyone in the household can enjoy their own personalized music experience.
But the perks of YouTube Music extend beyond music streaming. A subscription to YouTube Music Premium also includes access to YouTube Premium, which means ad-free video streaming across all of YouTube, not just music videos. This dual benefit of music and video content without ads makes it an attractive option for a wide range of users, from avid music listeners to those who consume a variety of video content on YouTube.
Spotify
Streaming services apps
4.4
Spotify
Taking the top spot in 2024 for music streaming apps is Spotify, a Swedish platform that has transformed into a global marketplace of audio. Spotify's dominance in the audio streaming market is a testament to its expansive music catalog, personalized playlist recommendations and a massive push into the podcast space. This multifaceted approach has allowed Spotify to maintain its position as the most-subscribed streaming service, owning 31% of the market, even as competitors like Amazon Music and Google's YouTube Music make significant gains.
Spotify's strategy isn't just about music; it's about creating a comprehensive audio experience. They've been innovating in the podcast format, introducing features like Music & Talk, which allows creators to include any music track from Spotify's catalog in their shows. Video podcasts and interactive features like Q&A and polls further enhance user engagement. Their commitment to podcasts is evident, with Spotify's investments in exclusive and original podcast content, and the adoption of podcasts has grown significantly. The platform's ability to attract both listeners and creators, along with its successful integration of music and podcasts, underscores why it stands out in the crowded audio streaming landscape.
In addition to its audio content, Spotify has also been recognized for personalizing the user experience. Users receive individualized playlists that update throughout the day based on their listening habits. This level of personalization, along with the ability to integrate with social media platforms for sharing, has contributed significantly to Spotify's rapid growth and popularity. Despite competition from other giants, Spotify continues to dominate the audio streaming market, highlighting its innovation and the value it provides to both listeners and creators
Other Great Services
While the top spots are occupied by the giants of the industry, there are several other music streaming apps that deserve an honorable mention for their unique offerings and niche markets.
Deezer, a global music streaming service, stands out with its high-quality audio and wide range of over 73 million tracks. It's especially popular in Europe and Latin America, offering a personalized experience with its feature "Flow," which uses an algorithm to play a mix of personal favorites and new recommendations tailored to the listener's tastes. Deezer also dives into the world of podcasts, making it a comprehensive audio platform.
Another notable app is Trebel, which has carved a unique niche by allowing users to download music for free legally. This feature particularly appeals to audiences who prefer offline listening without committing to a subscription model. Trebel has gained traction, especially among users who are conscious of data usage or don't have consistent access to the internet.
Lastly, Gaana is a major player in the Indian market, offering an extensive collection of regional and Bollywood music. It's not just a music streaming service; Gaana also features podcasts and shows. Its popularity in India is a testament to its strong localization strategy, which includes curating content that resonates with the regional audience's preferences and cultural nuances.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of the top music streaming services of 2024, it's clear that there's a world of auditory delight waiting for every kind of listener. From Spotify's unbeatable mix of music and podcasts, making it the undisputed leader, to the unique video streaming capabilities of YouTube Music, each service offers something special. Amazon Music and Pandora cater to those seeking vast libraries and personalized experiences, while SoundCloud remains the champion for indie and emerging artists. And let's not forget the honorable mentions like Deezer and Gaana, each with its unique appeal in different global markets. With such a rich variety of options, the perfect soundtrack to your life is just a few clicks away, ready to elevate your listening experience to new heights!
My Personal Recommendation
“As a regular user, SoundCloud holds a special place in my heart. Its bustling community vibe and extensive catalog of live festival sets give it a unique edge. There's something exhilarating about diving into this hub of creativity and discovering tracks that aren't available anywhere else. It's this unparalleled access to live performances and emerging artists that keeps me coming back to SoundCloud time and again.”
Zoe Williams
Verified Reviewer
Writer for since October 2023
Zoe Williams
Verified Reviewer
Writer for Best of Apps since October 10, 2023
