Raspberry Pi is a budget-friendly network streaming tool for many high-fidelity enthusiasts. By combining the single-board computer's low-noise architecture with a high-quality external DAC, you can construct a system capable of rivaling commercial music streamers costing thousands of dollars.
Tidal offers HiRes audio, which attracts audiophiles to listen to music with it. However, streaming Tidal music on Raspberry Pi is not an easy task as now there is no Tidal app for Raspberry Pi. In this article, we will explore different ways to play Tidal on Raspberry Pi with a truly 'bit-perfect' audio playback experience.
Part 1. Compare Methods to Play Tidal on Raspberry Pi
Before learning the methods on how to stream Tidal to Raspberry Pi, you should check the difference between them and choose the way that suits your needs.
| Method | Best For | Difficulty | Audio Quality | Offline Playback | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volumio | Native Tidal Connect | Lowest | High | ❌ | ~$5.85/mo |
| Roon (via DietPi) | Serious Audiophiles | Moderate | Bit-Pefect | ❌ | $14.99/mo (Roon Core) |
| BubbleUPnP | Free phone control | Low | High | ❌ | Free/Low Cost (~$5.99) |
| Offline Local Files | Offline / Permanent music library | Moderate | Hi-Res | ✅ | $89.95/lifetime |
Part 2. How to Stream Tidal to Raspberry Pi via Volumio
Volumio is an open-source music player software designed to run on various devices, including Raspberry Pi 3, 4 or latest models. It provides the highest sound quality possible and the most convenient and easy-to-use approach. Besides, Volumio has integrated with Tidal Connect within its Premium tier, which streams music from the Tidal app to a Tidal Connect-enabled device, such as a Volumio device.
Step 1. Download and install the latest Volumio OS image and flash it to a microSD card via Raspberry Pi Imager.
Step 2. Insert the SD card into your Pi, connect your DAC and power on.
Step 3. Connect to the 'Volumio' WiFi hotspot. Or, if you have connected to your home network, go to http://volumio.local.
Step 4. Go to Volumio Settings > Sources, find the Tidal option and hit the 'Connect' button. Then log in to your Tidal account.
Step 5. On your mobile or tablet, open the Tidal app and choose the track you want to play.
Step 6. On the "Now Playing" page, click on the "device/casting" icon on the screen.
Step 7. Select your Raspberry Pi device from the list of available devices with Tidal Connect written underneath to start streaming.
Step 8. You can control everything directly from the Tidal app, and all the metadata from Tidal is sent to Raspberry Pi.
FYI: How to Set up Volumio for Raspberry Pi
View also: How to Play Tidal on Volumio
Part 3. How to Play Tidal on Raspberry Pi via UPnP/DLNA
BubbleUPnP is a program that acts as a "proxy" for a UPnP renderer. It creates an OpenHome proxy for each of your UPnP renderers, which it uses to send your stream to them. Simply log in to your Tidal account within the BubbleUPnP app (iOS users should use mConnect) to use the application as a remote control. The app streams Hi-Res FLAC audio directly from Tidal's servers to your Raspberry Pi. This process completely bypasses your mobile device's internal audio hardware, thereby ensuring a pristine, bit-perfect streaming experience.
Step 1. Install moOde Audio / Volumio and BubbleUPnP Server (Android) on your Raspberry Pi. For iOS users, you can install mConnect tool. Also, ensure your DAC is configured in the OS audio settings.
Step 2. Once installed, open BubbleUPnP Server, go to the Library or Cloud Services section and choose Tidal. Then log in to your Tidal account.
Step 3. Go to the 'Redenrer' menu to select your Raspberry Pi from the list of available renderers.
Step 4. Browse your Tidal library within the BubbleUPnP or mConnect app and hit play. Then start Raspberry Pi Tidal streaming.
Part 4. How to Connect Tidal to Raspberry Pi via Roon + DietPi
Besides the above methods, you can also use Roon to stream Tidal music on Raspberry Pi. Here is how to do that.
Step 1. Download the DietPi image and flash it to your SD card.
Step 2. Run dietpi-software in the terminal and install RoonBridge by going to Software Optimized > Media Systems.
Step 3. Open your Roon Core on your PC or NAS and go to Settings > Audio to enable your Pi as a 'Roon Ready' or 'Roon Bridge' device.
Step 4. After that, you can connect Tidal to Raspberry Pi to enjoy full Hi-Res FLAC quality.
Part 5. How to Stream Tidal on Raspberry Pi Offline via Local Files
While you can stream Tidal to Raspberry Pi by the methods above, they have limitations. They need consequent network connection and difficult setup. If you want to enjoy Tidal music offline on your Pi, you need to download Tidal tracks as local music files using a tool like AudFree Tidal Music Converter, as Raspberry Pi supports to transfer local files via USB.
This tool can convert Tidal music to MP3, AIFF, FLAC and other common audio formats locally. With advanced technology, AudFree program can decrypt Tidal audios with original quality and ID3 tags kept, which can let you enjoy the better listening experience. In addition, you can personalize the Tidal audio parameters, like Bit Depth, Sample Rate, etc. for Raspberry Pi Tidal streaming.
AudFree Tidal Music Downloader
- Batch convert Tidal music, playlist, podcast, etc.
- Stream Tidal music files to Raspberry Pi
- Preserve original audio quality and all metadata
- Convert at up to 37X faster speed, personalize output settings
How to Download Tidal Music for Raspberry Pi
- Step 1. Add Tidal tracks to AudFree Tidal Music Converter
- Open AudFree Tidal Music Converter and then find the music that you would like to play on Raspberry Pi. Once found the tracks, press on the "+" > "Add to list" icon. Then the tool will load the Tidal music tracks for you.
- Step 2. Set Tidal output format and other parameters
- Hit on the "Menu" button at the top of AudFree main interface, and then choose "Preferences"> "Conversion" option. And you will see the setting window, in which you can set the audio formats and audio quality like Channel, Sample Rate and more for Raspberry Pi. After that, click "OK" to apply all the settings.
- Step 3. Convert Tidal music for Raspberry Pi
- Now, you can click the "Convert" button at the bottom right corner on the "Converting" interface. Then the program will begin to convert Tidal audios for you in a faster speed. Once finished, you could click the "Converted" button to locate and check the converted Tidal music files on your computer. Then you can stream Tidal songs to USB drive and transfer Tidal to Raspberry Pi for listening.
How to Play Tidal on Raspberry Pi Offline
Step 1. Once transfer the converted Tidal music to a USB drive, plug it into your Raspberry Pi.
Step 2. Go to your media player's 'Library' or 'My Music' section, then tap 'Rescan'.
Step 3. After that, your local Tidal music files will appear in your library and play offline.
For users who want to stream music on Raspberry Pi from other music platforms, you can use AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder. It can download and convert music from Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, Deezer, and so on.
Part 6. In Conclusion
Streaming Tidal to your Raspberry Pi is a great way to enjoy high-quality music without breaking the bank.
For convenience, you can choose the Volumio method.
For audiophiles, you should use Roon + DietPi method.
For a free method, using mConnect/BubbleUPnP is your best bet.
For offline playback, try the USB drive solution.
Whether you choose BubbleUPnP, Volumio, Roon or AudFree Tidal Music Downloader, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. We hope this article has helped you find the best way to stream Tidal to your Raspberry Pi. Happy listening!
Staff Editor
