When it comes to high-quality music streaming, Qobuz and Tidal are two of the most talked-about platforms. Both offer premium audio quality, expansive music libraries, and unique features, but which one is the better choice for you? In this Tidal vs Qobuz 2025 comparison, we will delve into the differences between Tidal and Qobuz across key categories decide which streaming service best fits your needs. Let's dive in!
Part 1. Qobuz vs Tidal: Overview
Tidal vs Qobuz, which is better? Before diving into a Qobuz Tidal comparison, let's first explore their backgrounds. We'll cover their development history and key 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 26 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. Now, the Studio adds a Student option.
🟢 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 as "TIDAL". The TIDAL plan includes Individual, Student, and Family. The Military and First Responders plans are cancelled.
Is Qobuz better than Tidal? Or is Tidal better than Qobuz? Let's see a detailed Qobuz Tidal comparison in the following parts.
Part 2. Qobuz vs Tidal Price Plans Comparison
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. Both Qobuz and Tidal offer premium plans, but they differ in tie and pricing.
Qobuz Price
Qobuz offers two main subscription plans: Studio and Sublime, each with three tiers - Solo, Duo, and Family. Additionally, Studio includes a Student plan. The individual monthly subscription costs $12.99 for Studio and $14.99 for Sublime. A one-month free trial is available before committing. Opting for an annual single-payment subscription for Studio provides significant savings. Keep in mind that multi-account plans require all users to reside at the same address.
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) |
Student (1 accounts) | $4.99/month | / |
🏷 FYI: Qobuz Offers
Tidal Price
In 2024, Tidal introduced major changes by merging its HiFi and HiFi Plus plans into a single subscription called "TIDAL". This new plan costs $10.99 per month and includes all the features previously offered in the HiFi Plus plan at a lower price. If you want to mix Tidal music on DJ software, an additional $9 per month is required. Tidal also offers a free trial for new subscribers.
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; Add-on DJ Extension: $9.00/month |
$4.99/month | $16.99/month; Add-on DJ Extension: $9.00/month |
❌ | ❌ |
💥 Tips: You can download Tidal songs via AudFree Tidal Music Converter in Part 12 for playback without Tidal plans.
See More: How to Download Music from Tidal
📢 Conclusion: In the Qobuz vs Tidal price comparison, Tidal's plans are more affordable than Qobuz's. This is great news for former Tidal HiFi subscribers, as they now get access to all premium features at a lower cost. Additionally, students can benefit from an exclusive, budget-friendly offer.
🏆 Winner: Tidal
Part 3. Qobuz vs Tidal Sound Quality Comparison
When it comes to Tidal vs Qobuz sound quality, you should consider two main factors: bit rate and audio format. The bit rate in 'Kbps' represents the number of bits of sound in one second. And the audio format 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 320 Kbps low quality, 16-bit/44.1 kHz in lossless FLAC. and up to 24-bit/192 kHz in HiRes FLAC. Besides, you can use the Tidal Dolby Atmos effect.
See More: Tidal HiFi vs Master: Which One Is Better
When talking about Tidal MQA and Tidal 360 Reality Audio, most of people may find that they are thrown away by Tidal.
🔖 It's important to note that a high-quality audio output device is essential for fully experiencing Hi-Res and Hi-Fi audio. Without it, the difference between MP3 files and Hi-Fi audio may be negligible. Additionally, higher-quality sound files take up significantly more storage space than standard MP3 320 Kbps files.
See More: Best Tidal Streamers for Tidal 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. What do you think?
✨ FYR: Reddit: My Tidal vs Qobuz experience
🏆 Winner: Draw
Part 4. Tidal vs Qobuz Music Library Differences
The music library is an important factor when determining whether Tidal or Qobuz is a popular music streaming service. A larger music library can meet the needs of more people, attracting more users. 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, in this Qobuz vs Tidal library comparison, it's clear that Tidal offers a larger collection. If you're looking for a diverse selection of songs, podcasts, audiobooks, and music videos, Tidal is the better choice. However, if you're interested in niche or specialized music genres, Qobuz may be the better option.
🏆 Winner: Draw
Part 5. Qobuz vs Tidal: Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, both Tidal and Qobuz 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. In addition to that, with the amazing Tidal Connect feature, Tidal can be directly connected to some devices, including Yamaha, Naim, etc.
✨ FYI: Tidal Connect Supported-devices
📢 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 or Qobuz music on their unsupported devices, it will be a bit difficult. Thankfully, you can use AudFree apps ( AudFree Tidal Music Converter and AudFree Audio Capture ) to help you. They can transfer music to MP3, FLAC, and other common formats. Then you can freely import the downloaded files to devices that support these formats for listening.
AudFree Audio Capture can download music from Qobuz and Tidal, but it requires a manual pause after each song is recorded.
📢 Conclusion: In this Qobuz Tidal comparison, Tidal wins for its abundant library.
🏆 Winner: Tidal
Part 6. 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 accessible in three formats: a web player, a PC app, and a mobile app. It may take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout and various tabs. The desktop app offers an excellent user interface, while the mobile app features a dark mode and a straightforward design. The mobile app closely resembles the desktop version, with menu buttons placed at the bottom for easy navigation.
Tidal UI
Tidal's UI is user-friendly and simple, featuring a classic boxy layout commonly seen in streaming apps. Both the web player and desktop app have a dark-themed design, which carries over seamlessly to the mobile app. Tidal's desktop app and web player also include a fixed sidebar that organizes all the key sections, making navigation effortless.
📢 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 7. Tidal vs. Qobuz: Music Discovery
Both Qobuz and Tidal have their own algorithms to recommend new tracks. This Tidal Qobuz comparison 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 [Hot]
📢 Conclusion: We should vote for Tidal's more accurate service in this Tidal versus Qobuz comparison.
🏆 Winner: Tidal
Part 8. Tidal vs Qobuz: Social Media
Either Tidal or Qobuz allows you to log in using your email address. However, Qobuz also supports using Facebook login, while Tidal offers additional options including Facebook, Google, Apple, and Twitter. These login options streamline the process and help synchronize your profile with social network information, making it easier to share music and recommend albums to friends.
See More: How to Share Tidal to Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories
Qobuz also features the "Qobuz Club", an exclusive social platform where subscribers can share their musical preferences. On the other hand, Tidal offers "Tidal Live", where you can enjoy music and interact with fellow fans in real-time, allowing you to connect and feel the vibe no matter where you are.
🏆 Winner: Tidal
Part 9. Qobuz vs Tidal: Artist Payment
When it comes to artist payment, Qobuz has been somewhat secretive about the specific royalties it pays, but reports suggest figures like $0.04 per stream, indicating that Qobuz offers a higher payout to artists compared to some other services. Qobuz also allows artists to sell their music directly on the platform, which can generate additional revenue. During the first lockdown, Qobuz supported artists by donating 100% of new first-month subscriber revenues to rights holders.
Tidal, on the other hand, is known for its emphasis on artist ownership and fair compensation. Its Direct-to-Artist payment model allows subscribers to allocate a portion of their membership fee to their most streamed artist of the month. This gives users the ability to directly support their favorite artists. However, Tidal's discounted plans are excluded from artist payouts.
📢 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 and Tidal: Exclusive 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. In Tidal, it is easier to find new tracks.
📢 This is not a Qobuz vs Tidal battle because their features are different. If you prioritize exclusive live events and new tracks, Tidal might be a better choice. If you value expertly curated music selections and exclusive editorial content, Qobuz could be the better option.
Part 11. Qobuz Tidal Comparison Table
Which is better, Tidal or Qobuz? Both Tidal and Qobuz are good platforms for Hi-Res music, but they also have some differences in terms of pricing, music quality, and more. Check out the quick Qobuz Tidal 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 | 100M+ tracks | 110M+ tracks |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS app and web player | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS app and web player |
Availability | Available in 26 countries | Available in more than 61 countries |
Music Discovery | Recommended based on high-resolution tracks | Recommended based on listening habit |
Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ |
Artist Payment | More | Less |
Social Media | Facebook; Qobuz Club | Facebook/Google/Apple/Twitter; Tidal Live session |
Exclusive Features | Qobuzissime | Tidal Connect, Tidal Rising |
Download Option | ✔ | ✔ (only on Mobile) |
Extra Tips: How to Download Tidal Music as Local Files
AudFree Tidal Music Converter can download Tidal music on your computer locally. It supports resetting sample rate, bitrate, channel, and format like Lossless, MP3, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, M4B, and M4A. With this AudFree tool, you can download and save batches of Tidal tracks efficiently at once. Conveniently, it keeps the original ID3 tags of each song so you can classify them in your folder with no effort.
See More: AudFree Tidal Music Converter [Full Review]
Step 1. Download, install, and open the AudFree Tidal Music Converter on your Windows/Mac computer. Then log in to your Tidal web player.
Step 2. Find songs from the built-in Tidal web player and choose the song you want to download. Then click '+ ♫' > 'Add to list' to load songs.
Step 3. Go to the 'menu' icon and then choose 'Preferences' > 'Conversion'. Then you can set the output format and the sample rate, bit rate, etc. Later, click 'OK'.
Step 4. Click 'Convert' at the 'Converting' section to start the conversion process. Once completed, you can find the plain Tidal music files in the 'Converted' window.
Now you can listen to Tidal music offline without Tidal plans. You can also move these well-converted Tidal songs to other devices that don't support Tidal.
Video Guide: This guide will show you how to use this best Tidal music downloader.
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.
Deezer emphasizes music discovery with its 'Flow' feature and extensive editorial recommendations.
Amazon Music provides a wide range of music, including exclusive content for Prime members and integration with Alexa devices for voice control.
See More:
There's no definitive answer to which service is better, as each music streamer has its own unique features. The best choice depends on your priorities. Compare the aspects that matter most to you - whether it's price, audio quality, music library, or artist payment, and choose the service that best fits your needs.
Q3: Does Qobuz Have Something Like Tidal Connect?
A: No. But it seems that Qobuz will release Qobuz Connect soon. Let's look forward to it.
Q4: How Do I Import a Tidal Playlist to Qobuz?
A: To add Tidal music to Qobuz, you can use apps like Soundiiz to do that.
See More: How to Transfer Playlists from Tidal to Qobuz
Q5: Is Qobuz the Best Streaming Service?
A: It depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Q6: Is Tidal Worth It?
A: Tidal uses the TIDAL plan to replace its HiFi and HiFi Plus plans. You can use premium features at a lower price. Additionally, the MQA, which is despised by many people, has also been cancelled. It is worth using.
In Conclusion
The Qobuz vs Tidal comparison continues to evolve as both platforms develop over time. Anyway, we hope this Tidal vs Qobuz review can give you some reference. By the way, AudFree Tidal Music Converter and AudFree Audio Capture are great tools to export Qobuz and Tidal music. Try using them if you plan to enjoy music offline without subscriptions in the future.

Miley Swift
Staff Editor