In today’s digital age, music streaming services have revolutionized the way we consume and enjoy our favourite tunes. Among the sea of options, Tidal has emerged as a strong contender, promising a superior audio experience and exclusive content from renowned artists. In this Tidal review, we’ll dive deep into what sets this music streaming platform apart and help you determine if it’s worth your hard-earned money.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore Tidal’s key features, including its high-quality audio formats like FLAC, Dolby Atmos, and hi-res audio, as well as its extensive music library and exclusive content. We’ll also take a closer look at the mobile and desktop apps, subscription plans, and device compatibility to give you a comprehensive understanding of what Tidal has to offer.
Service Overview
Tidal is a music streaming service that offers a seamless and immersive listening experience across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, smart speakers, and even smartwatches. With its user-friendly interface and techy design, Tidal makes it easy for users to discover new music, access personalized recommendations, and create collaborative playlists.
One of the standout features of Tidal is its extensive library of exclusive content, which sets it apart from other streaming platforms. Subscribers can enjoy:
- Music videos
- Artist interviews
- Live performances and concert recordings
- Behind-the-scenes footage
- Curated mixes and discovery radio stations
- Podcasts and shows
- Artist-curated content
Tidal’s original programming provides a unique opportunity for fans to enjoy deeper connections with their favourite artists. As of April 2023, Tidal has streamlined its offerings by combining its HiFi Plus and HiFi tiers into a single tier simply called Tidal. This change simplifies the subscription process for users while still providing access to high-quality audio formats and exclusive content.
Audio Quality and Formats
One of the standout features of Tidal is its commitment to delivering superior audio quality. The platform offers a range of streaming options to cater to different preferences and devices:
- Normal: Standard audio quality, suitable for most listeners.
- High: Enhanced audio quality, ideal for those with better audio equipment.
- HiFi: Lossless audio quality at 1411 kbps in FLAC format, providing a more detailed and immersive listening experience.
- Master: Studio-quality music with up to 6.5 times more data compared to standard audio quality, available at 24-bit/96 kHz in FLAC format.
Tidal HiFi Plus subscribers can also enjoy immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos Music and Sony 360 Reality Audio, which create a more spacious and three-dimensional soundscape. These formats are supported on compatible devices, such as select network players from Auralic, Aurender, Bluesound, Linn, Meridian, and NAD.
| Streaming Service | Free Tier | Premium Tier | HiFi Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tidal | N/A | 1411 kbps (FLAC) | 9216 kbps (MQA), Dolby Atmos, Sony 360 |
| Spotify | 160 kbps (Ogg Vorbis) | 320 kbps (Ogg Vorbis) | 1411 kbps (CD-quality lossless) |
| Apple Music | N/A | 256 kbps (AAC) | N/A |
| Amazon Music Unlimited | N/A | 256 kbps (AAC) | 24-bit/44.1-192 kHz (FLAC) |
| Deezer | 128 kbps (MP3) | 320 kbps (MP3) | 1411 kbps (FLAC) |
| Qobuz | N/A | 320 kbps (MP3) | 24-bit/44.1-192 kHz (FLAC) |
| YouTube Music | 128 kbps (AAC) | 256 kbps (AAC) | N/A |
Subscription Plans and Pricing
Tidal offers a streamlined subscription plan called “Individual” for $12.99 per month, which includes access to over 110 million tracks in lossless quality, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos. The Family plan, priced at $19.99 per month, allows up to six family members to enjoy Tidal’s services.
For those eligible, Tidal provides discounts on its plans:
- Students can get a 50% discount, reducing the monthly cost to $5.99 for Hifi and $11.99 for Hifi Plus (requires verification of student status).
It’s important to note that as of April 10, 2024, Tidal is simplifying its subscription structure by merging the HiFi and HiFi Plus tiers into the new “Tidal” tier. Existing customers will be automatically transitioned to this new plan. However, HiFi Plus subscribers who have used the DJ integration feature within the past 90 days will be charged an extra $9 per month unless they adjust their subscription to remove the DJ extension.
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Music Library and Exclusives
Tidal boasts an impressive music library with over 110 million tracks, including exclusive content from renowned artists. The platform offers a vast selection of songs in lossless quality, surpassing many other music streaming services. In addition to its extensive music catalogue, Tidal provides access to more than 450,000 music videos.
One of the standout features of Tidal is its exclusive content, which sets it apart from competitors. Subscribers can enjoy:
- Exclusive albums, such as Jay-Z’s “4:44,” deadmau5’s “Where’s the Drop?”, and Beyoncé’s “Lemonade”
- Exclusive TV shows, movies, documentaries, live concert streams, interviews, and video podcasts
- Tidal X, which hosts exclusive concerts for local subscribers and provides access to presale concert tickets
- Tidal Rising a platform dedicated to promoting up-and-coming artists by providing them with press photos, PR, tour support, and other artist services
When compared to other popular streaming services, Tidal holds its own in terms of library size and exclusive offerings. While Spotify claims to have over 100 million tracks, 5 million podcasts, and 350,000 audiobooks, Tidal offers 100 million tracks and an impressive 650,000 videos. This larger video catalogue, which includes music videos, movies, and documentaries, sets Tidal apart from Spotify’s smaller selection of videos and podcasts.
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Device Compatibility and Integration
Tidal offers extensive device compatibility, allowing users to enjoy their favourite music on a wide range of platforms. The service is available on PC, Mac, web player, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Android TV, Apple CarPlay, Sonos, Bluesound, DTS Play-Fi platforms, Linn, McIntosh, Naim, and Cyrus streaming products, Google Chromecast, and Roon. Additionally, Tidal is compatible with various speakers, devices, and software, including Sonos, Denon HEOS, BlueSound, Yamaha MusicCast, and Plex.
One of the standout features of Tidal is its Tidal Connect functionality, which enables users to wirelessly stream music directly to Tidal Connect-compatible hardware using the native Tidal app. This feature works by connecting two wi-fi devices to the same wireless network – a phone, computer or a tablet with the Tidal app and a Tidal Connect-supporting audio device. Tidal Connect is supported by various brands, including:
- Naim
- KEF
- Cambridge Audio
- Bluesound
- Bang & Olufsen
- NAD
- Moon by Simaudio
- Dali
- McIntosh
- Yamaha
To use Tidal Connect, you need a phone, tablet or computer with the Tidal app installed and a compatible Tidal Connect device. The feature is compatible with:
- Apple devices running iOS 9.0 or later
- Android devices running version 4.1 or later
- Desktop computers and laptops with macOS 10.12 or later
- Windows 7 or later
Tidal also offers voice assistant compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, but Siri support is limited to iPhones and HomePod Mini via AirPlay. The desktop application allows users to check in with artists’ social media channels directly through Tidal’s desktop application, download FLAC files from the Tidal Store, and customize the timing and tempo of a designated song using the track edit feature.
Tidal Review 2024: Summing Up
Tidal has solidified its position as a top-tier music streaming service, offering a combination of high-quality audio, exclusive content, and seamless device integration. Its commitment to delivering lossless audio formats, immersive experiences like Dolby Atmos, and a vast library of music and videos sets it apart from competitors. While the subscription cost may be higher than some alternatives, Tidal’s dedication to providing a superior listening experience and supporting artists makes it a compelling choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Tidal remains at the most innovative, consistently improving its offerings and user experience. Whether you’re a casual listener or a discerning audio connoisseur, Tidal’s impressive features and extensive device compatibility make it a strong contender in the crowded music streaming market. If you prioritize audio quality, exclusive content, and a seamless listening experience, Tidal is undoubtedly worth considering for your music streaming needs.
FAQs
What are the benefits of subscribing to Tidal?
Tidal is considered the top music streaming service for audiophiles due to its superior sound quality options. Moreover, it ensures better compensation for artists compared to many of its major competitors, making it a worthwhile investment for those who value audio quality and artist support.
How does Tidal compare to Spotify?
The comparison between Tidal and Spotify hinges on personal preferences. Tidal stands out with its hi-fi and master-quality sound, catering to audiophiles or those who place a premium on audio fidelity. In contrast, Spotify boasts an extensive music library and is renowned for its ability to curate personalized playlists and offer music discovery features.
What are some potential drawbacks of using Tidal?
Some of the cons of Tidal include its pricing, which is higher than many other music streaming platforms, particularly for plans offering high-quality audio. Additionally, Tidal’s music library, while sizable, may not be as comprehensive as other services in certain genres.
Why should someone consider using Tidal?
Tidal is designed for music enthusiasts seeking a subscription service that offers a vast selection of tens of millions of songs, including exclusive tracks. It also provides an array of podcasts, music videos, live concert footage, and playlists curated by professionals, catering to a wide range of audio and entertainment preferences.