The Ultimate Guide to Music Streaming Services in 2024: Find Your Perfect Match

The way we listen to music has evolved dramatically over the years. From vinyl records and cassette tapes to CDs and MP3 downloads, the journey has been transformative. Today, music streaming dominates the scene, offering instant access to millions of songs at our fingertips. With so many platforms available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking lossless audio or a casual listener looking for a vast library, this guide will help you navigate the world of music streaming services and find the perfect fit for your needs.

Why Music Streaming is the Future

Music streaming has revolutionized how we consume music. Gone are the days of purchasing individual albums or tracks. Instead, platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal offer unlimited access to massive libraries for a monthly subscription fee. These services also provide personalized recommendations, curated playlists, and social features, making them the go-to choice for millions worldwide.

However, not all streaming services are created equal. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, from audio quality and pricing to user interface and exclusive features. Let’s dive into the top music streaming services of 2024 and see how they stack up.

Top Music Streaming Services Ranked

9. Deezer

Best For: Audiophiles and users with personal MP3 libraries.
Key Features:
- Over 120 million tracks.
- High-quality audio at 1411kbps.
- Ability to upload and stream personal MP3 files.
Drawbacks:
- Intrusive ads on the free tier.
- Limited music discovery and social features.
- Not available in all countries.
Price: $11.99/month.

Deezer is a solid choice for those who value high-quality audio and have a collection of MP3s they want to integrate. However, its lackluster free tier and limited global availability hold it back.

8. SiriusXM

Best For: Fans of live radio and diverse content.
Key Features:
- Extensive library of music, sports, news, and talk channels.
- Ad-free listening on many channels.
- Accessible via satellite radio for in-car use.
Drawbacks:
- Not an on-demand service; you can’t choose specific songs.
- Expensive at $23.99/month after the free trial.
Price: Free trial available; $23.99/month thereafter.

SiriusXM is ideal for those who enjoy live radio and diverse content but falls short for users seeking on-demand music streaming.

7. Napster

Best For: Supporters of artist-friendly platforms.
Key Features:
- Over 110 million tracks.
- Pays artists higher royalties than most competitors.
Drawbacks:
- No hi-res audio or social integrations.
- Limited regional music libraries.
Price: $10.99/month.

Napster (formerly Rhapsody) is a decent option for those who want to support artists, but its lack of advanced features makes it less appealing compared to competitors.

6. Amazon Music

Best For: Amazon Prime members and Alexa users.
Key Features:
- Included with Amazon Prime subscription.
- Seamless integration with Alexa-enabled devices.
- Access to Audible audiobooks with the Unlimited tier.
Drawbacks:
- Clunky and outdated app interface.
- Poor music discovery algorithms.
Price: Free with Prime; $10.99/month for Unlimited.

Amazon Music is a great perk for Prime members but struggles to compete with more polished platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

5. YouTube Music

Best For: Fans of remixes, covers, and music videos.
Key Features:
- Largest music library, including YouTube content.
- Excellent music discovery algorithms.
- Ability to watch music videos.
Drawbacks:
- No lossless audio option.
- Dated user interface.
Price: $11.99/month; included with YouTube Premium.

YouTube Music is perfect for those who enjoy unique content like remixes and covers but lacks the audio quality and sleek design of its competitors.

4. Apple Music

Best For: Apple ecosystem users and audiophiles.
Key Features:
- Lossless audio and Dolby Atmos support.
- Real-time lyrics and seamless device integration.
- Affordable family plan at $16.99/month for six users.
Drawbacks:
- Mediocre music recommendation engine.
Price: 10.99/month;10.99/month;16.99/month for family plan.

Apple Music is a top choice for Apple users and those seeking high-quality audio, though its recommendations could use improvement.

3. Tidal

Best For: Audiophiles and fans of exclusive content.
Key Features:
- Hi-Res FLAC audio (24-bit/192kHz).
- Dolby Atmos support and exclusive tracks.
- Higher artist payouts.
Drawbacks:
- Expensive at $19.99/month.
- Limited regional music libraries.
Price: $19.99/month.

Tidal is the go-to platform for audiophiles but comes with a premium price tag.

2. Qobuz

Best For: Classical, jazz, and world music enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- CD-quality and hi-res audio (up to 24-bit/192kHz).
- Music store and community features.
- Affordable pricing at $12.99/month.
Drawbacks:
- Limited availability outside Europe and North America.
Price: $12.99/month.

Qobuz offers unmatched audio quality but is best suited for fans of classical and jazz music.

1. Spotify

Best For: Most users seeking a balanced experience.
Key Features:
- Massive music and podcast library.
- Best-in-class UI and music discovery algorithms.
- Social features and annual Spotify Wrapped.
Drawbacks:
- No lossless audio (yet).
Price: 10.99/month;10.99/month;16.99/month for family plan.

Spotify remains the king of music streaming, offering a perfect blend of features, usability, and affordability.

How We Ranked These Services

To create this ranking, we evaluated each platform based on:

Audio Quality: Lossless, hi-res, and spatial audio options.
Music Library: Size and diversity of available tracks.
Pricing: Subscription costs and value for money.
User Interface: Ease of use and design.
Additional Features: Lyrics, music videos, social integrations, and more.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right music streaming service depends on your priorities. If you value audio quality, Tidal and Qobuz are excellent choices. For seamless integration with your devices, Apple Music and Amazon Music stand out. And if you want a balanced experience with top-notch recommendations, Spotify is the clear winner.

No matter your preference, there’s a streaming service out there that’s perfect for you. So, which one will you choose? Let us know in the comments below!

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Entertainment

Star Wars is back!

by George Mensah 2025-04-28

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Welcome to Installer No. 80—your ultimate guide to the coolest, most Verge-approved tech finds, apps, and entertainment picks. (New here? Welcome aboard! If you missed previous editions, catch up on the Installer homepage.)

This week, I’ve been diving into:
📖 “The Telepathy Tapes” – A mind-bending read on digital consciousness.
👨‍👩‍👧 Extreme parenting in the age of social media – How do you raise kids when the internet is watching?
🎬 “The Men Who Built America” – A gripping docu-series on industrial titans.
🎮 4×3’s full game archive – Retro gaming nostalgia at its finest.
✍️ Easlo Journal – A sleek new writing app for organizing thoughts.
🎧 TikTok Shop impulse-bought headphones – Surprisingly good? Let’s find out.
🔍 Kagi Assistant – A promising alternative to traditional search engines.

Plus: A huge thanks to everyone who shared wallpaper ideas! Your setups are inspiring, and I’ll be showcasing them soon in Screen Share.

Now, let’s jump into this week’s must-see picks—some pricey, some priceless, all worth your attention.

🔥 The Drop: This Week’s Top Picks

🎬 Andor Season 2

The best Star Wars content right now isn’t even close. Season 1 redefined what a Star Wars story could be—gritty, political, and deeply human. Early buzz says Season 2 sticks the landing, delivering another masterclass in sci-fi storytelling.

📱 Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)

Flip phones are back, and Motorola is this close to perfecting them. The new Razr Ultra is sturdier, faster, and less of a compromise—except for that $1,299 price tag. Still, if you’ve been waiting for a foldable that doesn’t feel like a beta product, this might be it.

🎧 “Parker’s Obsessed with This Movie (But She Can’t Find It Anywhere)”

A delightful podcast mystery about a film with an IMDb page… that seemingly doesn’t exist. A fun deep dive into digital obscurity and lost media.

📸 Instagram Edits

Meta’s answer to CapCut, but with AI-powered enhancements. If you edit Reels or Stories, this could be a game-changer. (And yes, it’s another Meta copycat move—but at least they do it well.)

🗣️ Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant

Move over, Siri. Perplexity’s new assistant integrates with Reminders, Calendar, and system apps—something even Apple’s own assistant struggles with. Early tests show it’s way more responsive than most AI helpers.

🎮 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

A rare game that feels like a blockbuster movie—thanks to voice acting from Andy Serkis and a gripping narrative. If you love story-driven RPGs, this is a must-play.

🎒 WaterField Designs Tech Folio Tank Backpack ($419)

For the bag connoisseurs: This laptop-friendly backpack fits even the bulkiest devices, with pockets for everything. It’s a splurge, but if you’re a remote worker who values organization, it’s worth a look.

📷 Insta360 X5 ($550)

If GoPro had a smarter cousin, it’d be Insta360. Their new flagship action cam boasts replaceable lenses and pro-grade stabilization. Underrated brand, overdelivering product.

🕹️ The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Bethesda just shadow-dropped a remaster of this 2005 classic—and fans are losing it. Updated graphics, smoother gameplay, and all the nostalgia.

📱 Screen Share: Inside Jeff Sheldon’s Ultra-Minimalist iPhone Setup

This week, we’re peeking at the home screen of Jeff Sheldon, founder of Ugmonk (the genius behind the Analog productivity system). Jeff’s philosophy? “Less clutter, more focus.”

📲 His Setup:

Phone: iPhone 16 Pro
Wallpaper: Pure black (“Busy backgrounds distract from the apps!”)
Lockscreen: A serene shot from Copenhagen

🔝 Top Apps:

✔ Fantastical (for natural-language scheduling: “Lunch with Sarah tomorrow at 1PM”)
✔ MyMind (a private, ad-free Pinterest alternative)
✔ Dropbox Paper (cleaner than Google Docs, with built-in markdown)
✔ Due (widget for quick to-dos, later transferred to Analog Cards)

🎧 Jeff’s Current Obsessions:

The Orchid by Telepathic Instruments (even non-musicians will want this)
Herman Miller’s rebrand case study (design nerd heaven)
Bon Iver’s SABLE, fABLE (on repeat for days)
Limba Trip’s spin art (hypnotically trippy)

💬 Crowdsourced: What the Installer Community Is Loving

Here’s what readers are obsessed with this week:

“OpenCase” – A MagSafe wallet case that actually prevents slips. (“No more lost wallets!” – Mike)
“A Short Hike” – A charming indie game perfect for a relaxing evening. (“Beautiful little experience.” – Fil)
“Tuesday Night Movie Night” – A curated film newsletter recommending one great movie per week. (“Bucking the algorithm!” – Phillip)
“Slow Roads” – A zen driving simulator with no traffic, just vibes. (“Perfect for unwinding.” – Srirudran)
“Lume Weather” – A GPT-powered iOS weather app with a slick UI. (“Needs widgets, though.” – Daniel)

Got a recommendation? Email installer@theverge.com or DM me on Signal (@davidpierce.11)—your pick could be featured next!

🚀 Signing Off: The Ultimate Bar Crawl Algorithm

Ever heard of the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP)? It’s a classic computing puzzle: “What’s the shortest route to hit every spot and return home?”

Well, someone solved it for all 81,998 bars in South Korea (Korea81998). The optimal bar crawl would take just under six months—and yes, there’s no faster way to do it.

For the math nerds, check out this deep-dive talk on solving TSPs. Not light viewing, but fascinating for algorithm lovers.

Entertainment

A new search engine powered by OpenAI is being tested by Netflix

by George Mensah 2025-04-12

Netflix is once again pushing the boundaries of technology by experimenting with a new AI-powered search engine, built in collaboration with OpenAI. As reported by Bloomberg, this innovative feature is designed to dramatically enhance how users find content on the platform, making search more intuitive, personalized, and emotionally intelligent.

A Smarter Way to Search: Beyond Titles and Genres

Currently being piloted on iOS devices in Australia and New Zealand, Netflix’s new search functionality allows subscribers to search using highly specific and nuanced terms — including their current mood or preferences. Instead of being limited to typical filters like genre, actor names, or titles, users can now make much more detailed and natural-language queries.

Imagine typing: “Show me a feel-good comedy for a rainy day” or “Find me an intense drama with a strong female lead” — and getting spot-on recommendations instantly.

According to a Netflix spokesperson, MoMo Zhou, the early beta is part of a broader “learn and listen” phase, aimed at gathering user feedback. Zhou confirmed that the test will gradually expand to the United States in the coming weeks and months, but for now, the feature remains exclusive to iOS, with no immediate plans for Android or other platforms.

Why This Matters: The Future of Streaming Is Personal

This move underscores Netflix’s long-standing commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance user experiences. Speaking on The Verge’s Decoder podcast last year, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters explained the company’s philosophy around AI:

“We’ve used machine learning and AI in our recommendation systems for over 20 years. Our focus is always on how innovation can empower creators to tell better stories and deliver richer experiences to our members.”

By integrating OpenAI’s cutting-edge capabilities into its search engine, Netflix is taking personalization to a whole new level — aiming to not just recommend shows but truly understand the context behind what users want to watch at any given moment.

What’s Next?

OpenAI has yet to comment officially on the partnership. However, it’s clear that this collaboration could mark the beginning of a major shift in how AI tools are integrated into entertainment platforms.

If Netflix’s experiment proves successful, it could set a new standard for content discovery across the streaming industry, making it easier than ever for viewers to find the perfect show or movie — without endlessly scrolling.

For now, the beta is still in its early stages. As Netflix gathers feedback and fine-tunes the system, users can expect more updates and possibly wider access in the near future.

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