In the increasingly crowded world of music streaming services, Qobuz and Tidal stand out as two of the top contenders for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. Both platforms promise high-quality audio, expansive music libraries, and unique features that cater to different listening preferences. But when it comes down to it, Tidal vs Qobuz 2024, which one is the better choice for you? This article will delve into the differences between Tidal and Qobuz, comparing them across several key areas to help you make an informed decision.
Part 1. Qobuz vs Tidal: Overview
Which is better, Tidal or Qobuz? Before we make a Qobuz Tidal comparison, let's first introduce them. We will discuss their developments and outstanding features.
🟢 What is Qobuz
Qobuz is a French-based music streaming service that was founded in 2007. It is one of the oldest online music streaming platforms. Initially, the service was only available in a few overseas markets, including the Netherlands, UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. Now the company is expanding its service to more countries, including the US. Currently, it is available in 24 countries.
On Qobuz, you can enjoy lossless CD-quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz) and Hi-Res audio (up to 24-bit/192 kHz). Qobuz offers different plans, including Studio and Sublime, which have Solo, Duo, and Family options.
See More: Qobuz vs Deezer Review
🟢 What is Tidal
Tidal is an American audio subscription service owned by Jay Z, launched in 2014. On Tidal, you can find music, audiobooks, podcasts, music videos, and more. It is available in over 61 countries around the world, which makes it a great choice for people across the globe. You can get lossless FLAC (up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz) and HiRes FLAC (up to 24-bit/192 kHz) audio.
Now, Tidal has combined its HiFi and HiFi Plus plans. You can see a plan named "TIDAL" now. It includes Individual, Student, and Family. The Military and First Responders plans are cancelled.
See More: Napster vs Tidal Comparison
Is Qobuz better than Tidal? Or is Tidal better than Qobuz? You can see the Qobuz Tidal comparison in the following important aspects.
Part 2. Qobuz vs Tidal: Price Plans
The first round is the Tidal vs Qobuz price comparison. If you plan to enjoy music at a low price, you can read this part. Qobuz and Tidal offer many plans for you.
Qobuz Price
Qobuz has two main subscription plans, Studio for $12.99 per month and Sublime for $14.99 per month (for an annual single payment subscription). They both offer three tiers, including Solo, Duo, and Family. Before subscribing, you can enjoy a one-month free trial.
Qobuz Pricing | Studio | Sublime |
---|---|---|
Solo (1 account) | $12.99/month; $10.83/month (paid annually) | $14.99/month (paid annually) |
Duo (2 accounts) | $17.99/month; $14.99/month (paid annually) | $22.49/month (paid annually) |
Family (6 accounts) | $21.90/month; $17.99/month (paid annually) | $29.16/month (paid annually) |
Tidal Price
Unlike Qobuz, Tidal now offers a subscription plan called "TIDAL". The Tidal HiFi and HiFi Plus plans have been combined into a package. The new Tidal plan costs $10.99 per month. It provides the same functions as the original Tidal HiFi Plus plan but at a lower price. If you want to mix Tidal music on DJ software, you will need to pay an additional $9 per month. Of course, you can also get a free trial of Tidal plans.
See More: Several Ways to Get Tidal Free Trial 6/3/2 Months
Tidal Pricing | Individual | Student | Family | Military | First Responders |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TIDAL |
$10.99/month DJ Extension: $9.00/month |
$4.99/month | $16.99/month | ❌ | ❌ |
💥 Tips: You can use AudFree Tidal Music Converter to download music from Tidal to play without Tidal plans.
📢 Conclusion: In the Qobuz vs Tidal price comparison, Tidal's plans are cheaper than Qobuz's. For its previous HiFi subscribers, it is good news because they can enjoy all features at a cheaper price. And students can get an exclusive and cost-effective offer.
🏆 Winner: Tidal
Part 3. Qobuz vs Tidal: Sound Quality
When it comes to Tidal vs Qobuz sound quality, you should consider two main factors. The bit rate in 'Kbps' represents the number of bits of sound in one second. Another key factor is the audio format, which can be lossless or lossy. Fortunately, both Tidal and Qobuz offer FLAC lossless formats.
Qobuz Audio Quality
Qobuz offers MP3 at 320 Kbps, CD quality at 16-bit/44.1 kHz, and high-resolution audio at 24-bit/up to 192 kHz.
Tidal Audio Quality
Tidal offers up to 320Kbps low quality, 16-bit/44.1 kHz in FLAC lossless quality. and up to 24-bit/192 kHz in HiRes FLAC. Besides, Tidal provides lots of Tidal Dolby Atmos audio.
See More: Tidal HiFi vs Master: Which One Is Better
When talking about Tidal MQA, most of people may find that it is thrown away by Tidal. The same situation applies to Tidal 360 Reality Audio.
See More: How to Download Tidal MQA Files
🔖 It's worth mentioning that you need a high-quality audio output device to truly enjoy Hi-Res and Hi-Fi audio files. Otherwise, you may not notice any difference between MP3 audio files and Hi-Fi. Keep in mind that downloading higher-quality sound files requires more storage space compared to standard MP3 320Kbps files.
See More: Best Tidal Streamers for HiFi
Tidal Max vs Qobuz FLAC
It appears that Tidal and Qobuz offer the same high-quality audio, up to 24-bit/192kHz. However, opinions on this matter vary among individuals. Many Reddit users think that Qobuz offers a more analytical experience.
✨ FYI: My Tidal vs Qobuz experience
🏆 Winner: Qobuz
Part 4. Tidal vs Qobuz: User Interface
The Qobuz Tidal comparison in this part is about their UI. For people who want to use an app with a comfortable UI, this part shouldn't be missed.
Qobuz UI
Qobuz is available in three different forms: a web player, a PC app, and a mobile app. You might take a bit of time to get used to the finer intricacies of the various tabs. The Qobuz desktop app offers an exceptional user interface, and the mobile app has a dark mode and a standard interface. The mobile app is similar to the desktop app but with menu buttons at the bottom.
Tidal UI
Tidal's UI is intuitive and straightforward, with a typical boxy layout that is prevalent among streaming apps. The web player and desktop app share identical dark-themed designs, which translates well on the mobile app. Tidal's desktop app and web player feature a stationary sidebar that houses all the important sections, making it easy to navigate the app.
📢 Conclusion: Based on the search results, it seems that Qobuz has a more complex interface, while Tidal has a more modern design.
🏆 Winner: Tidal
Part 5. Tidal vs Qobuz: Music Library
The music library is an important factor to consider when determining whether Tidal or Qobuz is a popular music streaming service. People always use a platform that provides their favorite songs. Let's take a closer look at the Qobuz vs Tidal library review.
The Qobuz library size is more than 100 million, including 60 million CD-quality tracks and 424,000 Hi-Res audio tracks. It's good for enjoying high-resolution music. Additionally, its special feature is the availability of jazz, classical, and less mainstream music content. However, you won't find podcasts, audiobooks, and other types of content on Qobuz.
As for Tidal, it offers over 110 million tracks and 650,000 music videos in its music library. Users can find music in Tidal sections such as Albums, Explore, and more. Moreover, it offers over 25,000 songs in high-resolution quality.
See More: How to Download Tidal Hi-Res Music
So, after showing this Qobuz vs Tidal catalog data, you can easily know that Tidal has a larger library for users. If you want to listen to more types of songs, podcasts, and audiobooks and watch music videos, then you can choose Tidal. If you want to stream Hi-Res tracks or access special music genres, you can go to Qobuz.
🏆 Winner: Draw
Part 6. Qobuz vs Tidal: Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, Tidal and Qobuz both have a lot of options. They have apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and a web player version.
Not only that, but you can also install Qobuz or Tidal on your Apple TV, Roku or other digital devices. Qobuz can be seamlessly streamed on multiple devices while Tidal can't. However, with the amazing Tidal Connect feature, Tidal can be connected to some devices as well.
See More: How to Stream Tidal on Apple TV
📢 : Streaming music services have copyright protection for their music, which only allows users to play music on official apps. So, if you want to play Tidal music on some devices without the Tidal app, it will be a bit difficult. Thankfully, you can use AudFree Tidal Music Converter to transfer Tidal music to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A and M4B with 100% lossless quality. Then you can freely import the converted Tidal music files to any device for listening.
🏆 Winner: Tidal
Part 7. Qobuz versus Tidal: Music Discovery
Both Qobuz and Tidal have their own algorithms to recommend new tracks. This Qobuz Tidal review will show you their differences.
On Qobuz, there is a 'Discover' section that displays playlists across genres and similar albums based on the category you selected when signing up. There's also a 'News' section that discusses recent gossip and other happenings in the music industry.
However, Qobuz's recommendations are only based on high-resolution tracks in various genres and new music releases. This might be a problem for some subscribers who want to have custom playlists of their favorite artists, bands, genres, and more.
Tidal, on the other hand, offers advanced personalized playlists for users based on what they like to listen to. In addition, Tidal also comes with categories like 'Recently Played', 'Mixed For You', 'New Albums Added Since You', and 'Suggestions'. These categories help subscribers discover new music based on their preferences. These algorithmically personalized tracks ensure Tidal subscribers have access to the music content they actually want to hear.
See More: Best Tidal Audiophile Playlists Recommended [2024 Hot]
📢 Conclusion: In this Qobuz Tidal comparison, we should vote for Tidal's more accurate service.
🏆 Winner: Tidal
Part 8. Tidal vs Qobuz: Social Media
If you plan to log in to Tidal or Qobuz, you can use your email address. Besides, Qobuz supports using your Facebook account and Tidal allows you to log in with Facebook, Google, Apple as well as Twitter. This function allows for a streamlined login process and quick synchronization of your profile and social network information. It also makes it easier to share music and recommended albums with friends.
See More: How to Share Tidal to Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories
Additionally, you can find 'Qobuz Club', a subscribers-only social platform, to share their musical likes on Qobuz. Tidal has a 'Tidal Live session'. You can enjoy music and share your opinion with other fans in real-time. It is amazing that you can feel the vibes from anywhere and everywhere.
🏆 Winner: Tidal
Part 9. Qobuz vs Tidal: Artist Payment
In terms of artist payment, Qobuz has been quite secretive about the royalties they pay out. However, there have been articles mentioning figures such as $0.04, claiming that Qobuz gives more back to artists compared to other services. Qobuz also offers the option for artists to sell their music on the platform, which generates more PPL money. During the first lockdown, Qobuz supported artists by donating 100% of all new first-month subscriber revenues to rights holders.
Tidal prides itself on its focus on artist ownership and ensuring fair compensation for artists who share their music. Tidal's Direct-to-artist payment is a monthly scheme where a percentage of your membership fee is given to your most streamed artist of the month. This allows you to have control over which artists benefit from your contribution. However, Tidal recognizes certain plans as discounted, and these plans do not count towards artist payout.
📢 Conclusion: Overall, Qobuz's reputation for paying the highest royalties in the industry gives it a slight edge in this regard.
🏆 Winner: Qobuz
Part 10. Qobuz versus Tidal: Additional Features
Qobuz offers a unique feature called 'Qobuzissime', which is a selection of the best albums across various genres, curated by Qobuz's team of experts. They also offer exclusive editorial content, such as artist interviews and album reviews, as well as high-resolution audio streaming for audiophiles.
Tidal offers a feature called 'Tidal Rising', which highlights emerging artists and promotes their music to a wider audience. If you prioritize high-resolution audio streaming and exclusive live events, Tidal might be a better choice for you. If you value expertly curated music selections and exclusive editorial content, Qobuz could be the better option.
🏆 Winner: Draw
Part 11. Qobuz Tidal Comparison Table
Which is better, Tidal or Qobuz? Both Tidal and Qobuz are good platforms for listening to Hi-Res music, but they also have some differences in terms of pricing, music quality, and more. Check out the quick Tidal vs Qobuz comparison.
Qobuz | Tidal | |
---|---|---|
Launch Date | 2007 | 2014 |
Audio Quality | MP3: 320kbps CD: FLAC, 16-bit/44.1kHz Hi-Res: 24-bit/192kHz |
Low: MP3, 320 kbps High: FLAC, 16-bit/44.1kHz Max: HiRes FLAC, 24-bit/192kHz |
Price | Studio: $12.99/month Sublime: $14.99/month |
Individual: $10.99/month Student: $4.99/month Family: $16.99/month |
Music Library | Over 100 million tracks (60 million CD-quality tracks and 424,000 Hi-Res audio tracks) | Over 110 million tracks and 650,000 music videos (25,000 songs in high-resolution quality) |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS app and web player | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS app and web player |
Availability | Available in 24 countries | Available in more than 61 countries |
Music Discovery | Recommends base on high-resolution tracks | More accurate recommendations |
Free Plan | ✘ | ✘ |
Artist Payment | More | Less |
Social Media | Facebook; Qobuz Club | Facebook/Google/Apple/Twitter; Tidal Live session |
Additional Features | Qobuzissime | Tidal Connect, Tidal Rising |
UI | Flexible | Concise |
Extra Tips: How to Download Tidal Music as Local Files
If you want to transfer your Tidal music to other music players including Qobuz, you can get tips here. The tool, AudFree Tidal Music Converter, we recommend above, can download Tidal music on your computer locally. It is a practical Tidal music downloader, supporting reset sample rate, bitrate, channel and format like MP3, FLAC, AAC, WAV, M4B and M4A. With this AudFree tool, you can download and save batches of Tidal tracks at once time efficiently. Conveniently, it keeps the original ID3 tags of each song so you can classify them in your folder with no effort.
AudFree Tidal Music Converter
- Allow to customize output formats for Tidal music
- Convert Tidal music to FLAC, MP3, WAV, M4A, etc.
- Save Tidal audio forever on devices locally
- Keep all metadata for modifying and classifying
Step 1. Download, install, and open the AudFree Tidal Music Converter on your Windows/Mac computer.
Step 2. Drag and drop songs from Tidal to AudFree software. Or you can copy and paste the song's link into the top 'address box' and click '+' to load songs.
Step 3. The default output format is MP3 and it's supported by most devices. If you want to change it, go to the 'menu' icon and then choose 'Preferences' > 'Convert'. Then you can reset it and you also can alter the sample rate, bit rate, and so on.
Step 4. Click 'Convert' at the bottom right to start the conversion process. Once completed, you can find the plain Tidal music files in 'history'.
Video Guide: This guide will show you how to use this best Tidal music downloader.
Now you can listen to Tidal music offline without Tidal plans. You can also move these well-converted Tidal songs to other devices like Qobuz that don't support Tidal for free listening.
FAQs about Tidal and Qobuz
Q1: Which Is Better, Qobuz vs Tidal Classical Music?
A: For the Qobuz vs Tidal classical music comparison, Qobuz is outstanding. Qobuz positions itself as a top choice for classical music streamers, highlighting that 19% of its library consists of classical music. Additionally, almost half of Qobuz's exclusive reviews focus on classical music albums.
Q2: Which Is Better, Tidal vs Qobuz vs Spotify vs Apple Music vs Deezer vs Amazon Music?
A: Qobuz is known for its extensive collection of high-resolution audio, particularly in the classical genre.
Tidal is well-known for its high-fidelity audio quality and is special in its artist-first and fan-centered platform.
Spotify offers a vast library of songs and playlists, personalized recommendations, and collaborative playlists.
Apple Music integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, offering curated playlists and exclusive releases.
See More: Is Apple Music Better Than Spotify
Deezer emphasizes music discovery with its 'Flow' feature and extensive editorial recommendations.
See More: Deezer vs Apple Music 2024 [Full Comparison]
Amazon Music provides a wide range of music, including exclusive content for Prime members and integration with Alexa devices for voice control.
We can't say in general which is better. Each music streamer has their own characteristics. You can compare the areas you care about most and select a better music streaming service.
Q3: Does Qobuz Have Something Like Tidal Connect?
A: It seems that Qobuz will release Qobuz Connect soon. We look forward to it.
Q4: How Do I Import a Tidal Playlist to Qobuz?
A: Use an app like AudFree Tidal Music Converter to export the music first. Then import it to your Qobuz with ease.
Q5: Is Qobuz the Best Streaming Service?
A: It just depends on everyone's criteria.
Q6: Is Tidal Worth It in 2024?
A: Tidal in 2024 use TIDAL plan to replace its HiFi and HiFi Plus plans. You will get a subscription at a lower price. Additionally, the MQA, which is despised by many people, has also been cancelled. We think it is worth it.
In Conclusion
The comparison of Qobuz vs Tidal ultimately changes with their developments. Anyway, we hope this Tidal vs Qobuz 2024 review is helpful to you. By the way, the AudFree Tidal Music Converter is a great tool to help you listen to Tidal music. You can use it to listen to Tidal offline without a plan.
Miley Swift
Staff Editor