Updated July 21, 2026
The 5 Best Music Streaming of 2026
Every song ever made — but which app plays it best?
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- Stand-out choice for discovery
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for audio quality
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for versions & remixes
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for audiophiles
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for prime value
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
Still deciding? Compare at a glance
A quick side-by-side of every music service we ranked.
| Brand | Score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1Spotify | 9.4 | ~from $9.99/mo | Discovery | Visit Site |
| #2Apple Music | 9.1 | ~from $9.99/mo | Audio quality | Visit Site |
| #3YouTube Music | 8.8 | ~from $9.99/mo | Versions & remixes | Visit Site |
| #4Tidal | 8.6 | ~from $9.99/mo | Audiophiles | Visit Site |
| #5Amazon Music | 8.5 | ~from $8.99/mo | Prime value | Visit Site |
How we rate music streaming
Research
Map the market and shortlist leading brands
Test
Hands-on evaluation across weighted criteria
Score
Standardized 10-point methodology
Update
Re-reviewed as products change
Our editors score every music service on a standardized 10-point scale across four weighted pillars: features & performance (35%), pricing & value (25%), customer experience & support (25%), and trust & reputation (15%). Scores are reviewed and updated as products change. Read our full methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How did Rated.ly choose the best music service?
Our editors evaluated each music service on features, pricing, customer feedback, and overall value, then scored them using our standard 10-point methodology. See our How We Rate page for details.
Which music service is best overall?
Spotify currently earns our top score of 9.4 thanks to its strength in discovery. The right pick for you depends on your priorities — compare the full list above.
Ready to choose your music service?
Spotify is our top-rated pick with a score of 9.4/10 — the strongest all-round choice for most people.
Visit SpotifyDaniel Kovacs
Editor, Money & Auto
Daniel is a consumer-finance writer who has compared hundreds of financial and automotive services. His mission: cut the jargon and show you the true cost of every option.