While downloading music may not yet be a practice of the past, music streaming platforms have dramatically increased in popularity. With a seemingly endless list of streaming websites and apps available to the modern music lover, choosing a favorite has become a difficult task. Here are six of the best platforms compared, based on price, quality, and catalog size.
- Songza (songza.com)
Offering an impressive variety of tracks and allowing users to select playlists based on genre, mood, decade or activity (from quiet study sessions to high-paced cardio workouts), Songza provides playlists for every moment of the day.
Monthly price: Free with advertisements, $4 for Club Songza
Audio quality: 256 Kbps
Catalog size: 20 million
- Grooveshark (grooveshark.com)
While available only as website and not as an app, Grooveshark exposes its members to a community of music lovers and countless new tracks.
Monthly price: Free with advertisements, $9 for Grooveshark VIP
Audio quality: Minimum of 128 Kbps
Catalog size: Unknown. Because Grooveshark’s catalog is entirely user-uploaded, the platform could offer an infinite number of tracks.
- Last.fm (last.fm)
In addition to offering a wide range of genres to satisfy even the most unique music tastes, Last.fm analyzes a user’s existing music library and suggests songs accordingly.
Monthly price: Free with advertisements, $3 for subscription
Audio quality: 128 Kbps
Catalog size: 12 million
- Spotify (spotify.com)
Spotify, arguably one of the most widely-recognized streaming platforms, is integrated with Facebook, giving users the ability to check out what their friends are listening to.
Monthly price: Free with advertisements, $10 for Spotify Premium
Audio quality: 320 Kbps
Catalog size: 20 million
- Slacker (slacker.com)
With a clean, sleek design and a variety of customization options, Slacker is an excellent choice for anyone who desires a custom streaming experience, giving the listener the ability to create his or her own radio stations.
Monthly price: Free with advertisements, $4/month for Slacker Radio Plus, $10 for Slacker Premium
Audio quality: 128 Kbps
Catalog size: 13 million
- Rdio (rdio.com)
Despite Rdio’s expansive music library, the site is easy to navigate and understand.
Monthly price: Free with advertisements, $10 for Rdio Unlimited
Audio quality: 192 Kbps
Catalog size: 20 million
Additional streaming platforms to check out:
Pandora, Rhapsody, Music Unlimited, Google Play Music, iTunes Radio
