The music streaming world is dominated by a few giants like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, but two high-quality contenders often overlooked are Deezer and Qobuz. Both platforms offer premium audio quality, extensive music catalogs, and unique features that attract audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
But in 2025, with users demanding better sound quality, music discovery, and compatibility with more devices, which platform - Deezer or Qobuz - is better suited for their personal needs?
This guide takes you through a complete comparison of Deezer vs Qobuz, analyzing audio quality, music libraries, subscription pricing, availability, and user interface. By the end, you'll know exactly which service is the better fit for you.
Part 1. An Overview of Qobuz vs Deezer
Deezer Overview
Founded in 2007 in France, Deezer has become one of the world's leading music streaming services with over 120 million tracks. It's known for its Flow AI-based recommendation system, offering personalized playlists that adapt to listening habits. Deezer supports HiFi lossless audio (FLAC 16-bit/44.1 kHz) and integrates with many third-party apps, including Sonos, Google Home, and Apple CarPlay.
✨ Key Highlights of Deezer:
- Over 120 million tracks
- Deezer Flow AI recommendations
- HiFi tier with FLAC quality
- Broad device compatibility
- Podcasts and live radio channels
Qobuz Overview
Also launched in 2007, Qobuz is another French streaming platform but targets a more audiophile-focused audience. Unlike Deezer, Qobuz emphasizes studio-quality audio (Hi-Res FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz) and digital music purchases. It is often preferred by music enthusiasts who want high-resolution downloads alongside streaming.
✨ Key Highlights of Deezer:
- 100 million tracks available
- Focus on Hi-Res FLAC streaming
- Unique download store for music ownership
- Rich editorial content (artist essays, album reviews)
- Strong appeal to classical and jazz fans
Part 2. Deezer vs Qobuz: Sound Quality
Sound quality is often the key factor that influences audiophiles' choice between Deezer and Qobuz. So, we'd like to show you the differences in sound quality between Deezer and Qobuz.
Deezer offers an excellent streaming experience with a clean user interface and useful features like an in-app equalizer. It supports HiFi lossless audio (FLAC 16-bit/44.1 kHz), which is comparable to CD quality. This makes Deezer a strong choice for casual listeners and DJs who need reliable, high-quality streaming. Its "360 by Deezer" app also provides access to 360 Reality Audio content. For further customization, Deezer's built-in equalizer for Android and iOS allows you to fine-tune the sound to your specific tastes.
View also: How to Use Deezer Equalizer
Qobuz, on the other hand, is a clear leader for pure audio quality. It supports streaming and purchasing music in studio-grade, Hi-Res FLAC quality (up to 24-bit/192 kHz), which goes far beyond standard CD quality. Audiophiles with high-end headphones or DACs will immediately notice the difference. In addition to its superior sound, Qobuz offers a rich editorial experience for true music fans, including digital booklets with artist essays and album reviews. This unique feature enhances the listening experience by providing deeper context and a connection to the music, similar to what you would get with a physical CD or vinyl record.
📝 In Short:
👉 If you want everyday lossless quality, Deezer HiFi (16-bit/44.1 kHz) is enough.
👉 If you want studio-grade Hi-Res audio, Qobuz (24-bit/192 kHz) is the clear winner.
Part 3. Qobuz vs Deezer: Music Library & Genre Focus
When it comes to music availability, both Deezer and Qobuz offer extensive catalogs, but their priorities differ.
Deezer's Music Library and Genre Focus
Deezer has one of the largest catalogs in the industry, boasting over 120 million tracks. Its strength lies in variety and mainstream appeal, making it a direct competitor to services like Spotify and Apple Music.
✨ Key highlights of Deezer's library:
• Broad Appeal: Covers virtually every popular genre, including Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, EDM, Rock, and Indie, along with strong representation in regional and global music.
• Podcasts & Radio: Deezer goes beyond music by including podcasts, live radio, and talk shows, giving users a complete audio entertainment platform.
• AI-Driven Discovery: The Flow feature uses AI to analyze your listening habits and build personalized, genre-spanning playlists, making music discovery effortless.
With its breadth and smart discovery tools, Deezer is an excellent choice for casual listeners, DJs, or anyone wanting a 'one-stop shop' for all kinds of music and audio content.
Qobuz's Music Library and Genre Focus
Qobuz, with its 100 million tracks, focuses less on sheer volume and more on quality and curation. It appeals to audiophiles and serious music lovers who value high-resolution recordings and carefully curated collections.
✨ Key highlights of Qobuz's library:
• Audiophile Focus: Known for Hi-Res FLAC streaming, Qobuz is especially strong in Classical, Jazz, and Folk - genres that benefit from superior dynamic range and detail.
• Specialized Content: Offers remastered albums, rare releases, alternative versions, and digital booklets (liner notes, reviews, and artist interviews), creating a richer listening experience.
• Independent & Niche Music: Has a strong catalog of independent and non-mainstream artists, often released in studio-grade quality.
For those who value sound fidelity and editorial depth over quantity, Qobuz provides a library designed to satisfy the most discerning ears.
📝 In Short:
👉 Choose Deezer if you want: A massive, all-around music collection with podcasts, radio, and AI-powered discovery. Perfect for casual listeners and those exploring global sounds.
👉 Choose Qobuz if you want: A specialized library focused on Hi-Res audio quality and curated selections in genres like Classical, Jazz, and Folk. Best for audiophiles and purists.
Part 4. Deezer vs Qobuz: Pricing Plans
Pricing is another significant factor in deciding between Deezer and Qobuz, and their plans reflect their different market positions. Deezer aims for a broader, more affordable appeal, while Qobuz's pricing is tailored for audiophiles who prioritize the highest possible sound quality and music ownership.
Deezer Pricing (2025)
Deezer offers several plans, including a free, ad-supported tier, which Qobuz does not. Premium customers can subscribe to Deezer for $11.99 per month, while the family plan costs $19.99/month. There was a 50% reduction at Deezer Student plan in this figure.
• Premium: $11.99/month for ad-free listening with offline downloads and 320 kbps quality. An annual plan is also available for a discounted rate.
View also: How to Get Deezer Premium for Free
• Duo: $15.99/month for two separate accounts. An annual plan is also available.
• Family: $19.99/month for up to six individual profiles. An annual plan is also available.
• Student: $5.99/month, offering a 50% discount.
Note: Qobuz doesn't offer a student plan.
Deezer | Premium Individual | Premium Duo | Premium Family | Premium Student |
---|---|---|---|---|
Month | $11.99 | $15.99 | $19.99 | $5.99 |
Annual | $107.99 | $174.99 | $218.99 | / |
Qobuz Pricing (2025)
Qobuz offers two main categories of plans: Studio and Sublime. All plans provide Hi-Res streaming up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Studio Solo is $129.99 per year (or $10.83 per month) if paid annually or $12.99 per month if paid monthly. Studio Duo costs $179.88 per year (or $14.99 per month) if paid annually or $17.99 per month if paid monthly. While Studio Sublime only has annual plan. A Studio Sublime Solo is $179.99 per year ($14.99/month), a Sublime Duo is $269.89 per year ($22.49/month), a Sublime Family is $349.99 per year ($29.16/month).
There are also family plans for both membership categories that enable up to six people to use the same account at the same time. If paid annually, a Studio Family plan costs $17.99 per month, or $21.90 per month if paid monthly. The monthly cost of a Studio Sublime Family plan, which is only available annually, is $29.16.
Qobuz | Solo | Duo | Family |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | Annual: $129.99 ($10.83/month) Month: $12.99 |
Annual: $179.88 ($14.99/month) Month: $17.99 |
Annual: $215.88 ($17.99/month) Month: $21.90 |
Sublime | Annual: $179.99 ($14.99/month) | Annual: $269.89 ($22.49/month) | Annual: $349.99 ($29.16/month) |
Both services offer a one-month free trial, so you can test them out before committing.
View also: How to Get Deezer Free Trial
📝 In terms of value:
👉 Deezer is the more affordable option, especially with its free and student plans. It offers a great value for casual listening and lossless quality.
👉 Qobuz is more expensive, but it caters to audiophiles by offering superior audio quality and the unique benefit of discounts on Hi-Res music purchases for the Sublime plan, making it a compelling choice for those who want to own their music collection.
Part 5. Qobuz vs Deezer: Availability and Compatibility
Deezer and Qobuz can be accessed through the web or an app on various platforms across smartphones, PCs, smart TVs, smart speakers, CarPlay, and Android Auto. In contrast to most other streaming services, the Qobuz OS app is downloaded directly from the Qobuz website rather than an App Store. Besides, Deezer now is available Available in over 185 countries, including the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America, while Qobuz only supports 26 countries (mainly Europe, U.S., and select regions).
So, if global access is important, Deezer is the better option.
How to Play Qobuz or Deezer Tracks Anywhere Offline
Music from both Qobuz and Deezer can be played on the authorized devices we mentioned earlier, but only as long as you're online. To enjoy music offline, you will need a premium subscription. However, if you would like to listen to your Deezer or Qobuz playlists on other popular players and platforms offline, it's better to use third-party tools.
In this circumstance, AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder is an excellent option. It can download your Qobuz or Deezer playlists in lossless quality and is compatible with nine major streaming platforms, including Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, etc. If you want to enjoy your high-quality music nonstop and on any device, you can follow the steps below to get started.
AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder
- Step 1Configure Qobuz or Deezer Tracks Output Parameters
- After downloading AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder on your PC, launch it. On the main window, click the top-right menu icon, tap 'Preferences' > 'Conversion' to choose a output format (e.g., FLAC or WAV). Then adjust output audio's bitrate, sample rate, etc. Next, go to the 'Output' tab, choose a folder as an export route. Also, you can enable ID3 tag export for better music organization.
- Step 2Add Qobuz or Deezer Tracks to the Conversion List
- Go back to the main screen, click the icon of Deezer or Qobuz, and sign in to your subscription account. And navigate to the tracks, playlists, or albums you wish to download, and tap the bottom-right Green '+' icon to add the songs to the Conversion List.
- Step 3Download Deezer or Qobuz Tracks for Lossless Playback
- After that, press the 'Convert' button at the bottom. At last, click the 'Converted List' to view the converted Qobuz tracks or Deezer playlists, and you can access these tracks directly in the local destination folder.
Besides, for Deezer users, no matter for free or Premium users, AudFree Deezer Music Converter can help you out. It has the ability to download and convert Deezer music, playlists, etc. to Lossless, MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B without compressing the original audio quality. You can also adjust Deezer music output parameters, like audio channel, bit rate and more.
The operation of this tool is similar to the AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1. Tap the Download button above to download and install this tool on your Windows or Mac computer.
Step 2. Open the program and add music to conversion list via the + bubble of AudFree Deezable.
Step 3. Click on the Menu icon at the top bar and choose Preferences. In the new window, tap Conversion and you can start to set Deezer to MP3, FLAC or other audio formats. Besides, you can adjust audio bit rate, sample rate, and more.
Step 4. After setting your preferences, click the Convert button to begin the conversion process. Once finished, you will have local Deezer music files on your computer that you can transfer and listen to Deezer music offline anywhere and anytime.
Part 6. Deezer vs Qobuz: Design and Interface
When comparing the design and user interface, Deezer and Qobuz have adopted distinct approaches to their user experience.
Deezer has recently undergone a significant redesign to create a more modern and intuitive interface. The goal is to make it easier for users to navigate its vast library of audio content. The updated app features more white space, a cleaner layout, and a visually engaging design with dynamic elements. The background color of the new player, for instance, now changes to match the album art of the currently playing track, a detail that enhances the visual experience. The new, lowercase logo and typeface, Mabry Pro, reflect Deezer's goal of a warm, cheerful, and personalized approach to music streaming, aiming to turn casual listeners into passionate music lovers.
View also: How to Use Deezer Dark Mode
Qobuz also has a simple and clean interface, but its design is often described as being more minimalist and functional, resembling a music store rather than a social or discovery-focused streaming platform. While its uncluttered layout is appreciated by some, other users have found that certain features and sections are not clearly displayed, which can make navigation less intuitive. However, for a service that prioritizes audio quality and music journalism, Qobuz's interface effectively serves its core audience of audiophiles and music enthusiasts who value a direct, no-frills approach to finding and enjoying high-fidelity music.
📝 In Short:
👉 Deezer's modern and intuitive interface is ideal for users who prioritize an easy, visually appealing experience with strong music discovery features.
👉 Qobuz's and functional interface is better for audiophiles who value a no-frills approach, but some may find it less user-friendly or intuitive compared to more mainstream platforms.
Part 7. Comparison Table: Qobuz vs Deezer
After looking at sound quality, pricing, libraries, and availability in detail, it helps to see the differences of Deezer vs Qobuz side by side. The following table provides a clear comparison of the key features between Deezer and Qobuz, making it easier to decide which service best suits your listening needs.
Features | Deezer | Qobuz |
---|---|---|
Support Free Trial | Yes, for one month | Yes, for one month |
Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
Subscription Fee | From $10.99/month ($5.99 for Students) | From $12.99/month |
Music Library | Over 120 million tracks | Over 100 million songs |
Audio Quality | Up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz with a bitrate of 1411 kbps | Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz (Hi-Res Audio) |
Paid Features | Offline listening, ad-free, high-fidelity sound, play on demand, and cross-device listening | Hi-Res quality, offline listening, and over 100 million tracks |
Supported Devices | Smartphones, PCs, smart TVs, smart speakers, CarPlay, and Android Auto | Smartphones, PCs, smart TVs, smart speakers, CarPlay, and Android Auto |
Availability | Over 185 countries | Only 26 countries |
Design and UI | Simple and easy to navigate | Less user-friendly or intuitive |
Best for | Casual listeners, global users | Audiophiles, Hi-Res fans |
Part 8. FAQs about Deezer vs Qobuz
Q1: Is Qobuz better than Deezer for sound quality?
A: Yes. Qobuz offers studio-quality streaming up to 24-bit/192 kHz in FLAC, making it one of the best platforms for audiophiles. Deezer, on the other hand, provides HiFi FLAC at 16-bit/44.1 kHz, which is still great but not as high-resolution as Qobuz. If sound fidelity is your priority, Qobuz clearly has the edge.
Q2: Does Deezer or Qobuz have a bigger music library?
A: Deezer has the larger catalog with over 120 million tracks, covering mainstream hits, global artists, and indie releases. Qobuz offers around 100 million tracks, but it focuses more on high-quality releases, classical, and jazz collections. So if you want quantity, Deezer wins; if you want curated quality, Qobuz is a better choice.
Q3: Can I use Deezer or Qobuz for free?
A: Yes, but with limitations. Deezer offers a free plan with ads, lower audio quality, and shuffle-only playback on mobile. Qobuz does not have a free tier, though it provides a free trial for new users. So, if you want a free listening option, Deezer is more flexible.
Q4: Which is better for offline listening, Qobuz or Deezer?
A: Both support offline downloads, but Qobuz allows you to save music in high-resolution formats (FLAC 24-bit/192 kHz) for true audiophile playback. Deezer also supports offline mode, but at CD-quality or MP3, depending on your plan. If storage space isn't an issue, Qobuz provides higher-quality offline listening. Besides, you can download Qobuz or Deezer tracks losslessly with tools like AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder or AudFree Deezable.
Q5: Does Qobuz integrate with more Hi-Fi systems than Deezer?
A: Yes. Qobuz has broader Hi-Fi compatibility, with native support on platforms like Roon, Audirvana, Sonos, and many high-end DAC/amp systems. Deezer also works with Sonos, Google Home, and Alexa, but it is less integrated into specialized Hi-Fi gear compared to Qobuz.
Q6: Which one is better for music discovery, Deezer or Qobuz?
A: Deezer is stronger in this area. It features Flow, a personalized AI-powered playlist that continuously adapts to your taste. Qobuz focuses more on editorial content, curated playlists, and expert recommendations, which appeal to niche listeners but may feel less dynamic. For casual users, Deezer makes discovering new tracks easier.
Q7: Can I use Deezer or Qobuz with DJ software?
A: Deezer has limited compatibility with certain DJ apps like Algoriddim djay and edjing Mix, but its integration is not as widespread as with services like Spotify or Tidal. Qobuz currently offers no official DJ software integration, as its focus is on high-quality playback for listening rather than live mixing. Therefore, if DJ use is a priority, Deezer has a slight advantage. However, you can still use your Qobuz or Deezer playlists with DJ software by first downloading the tracks using a third-party tool like AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder or AudFree Deezable.
Part 9. Which One Should I Choose: Deezer or Qobuz?
The choice ultimately depends on what you value most in a streaming service. Deezer is ideal for listeners who want a massive catalog, affordable pricing, global availability, and smart discovery features like Flow. It's also a good pick for casual users and DJs looking for versatility. On the other hand, Qobuz caters to audiophiles who prioritize Hi-Res audio quality, curated editorial content, and access to downloadable purchases. If you're passionate about classical, jazz, or niche genres and want studio-quality playback, Qobuz is the better investment.
In short, choose Deezer for variety and convenience, or Qobuz for depth and uncompromising sound fidelity.

Nancy Steven
Staff Editor