Sound Wars: 5 Ways We Tested Qobuz to Other Music Streaming Services

CAYLA MENGES | MOON AUDIO STAFF/
Read Time: Approx. 12 min.

Qobuz: The Hidden Gem of Hi-Res Music Streaming

In today's digital age, it's rare to find someone who doesn't consume music digitally. People listen to their favorite tunes on smartphones, laptops, tablets, HiFi Music Players, and Music Streamers, making digital media consumption the norm. While Apple Music and Spotify may be the most popular choices for consumers, those seeking a superior hi-res music streaming experience should look no further than Qobuz.

We put Qobuz to the test against nine popular music streaming services, judging each of them on audio quality, cost, catalog size, device support, and offline playback. While there were plenty of runner-ups, Qobuz is a hidden gem that caters to discerning audiophiles and music enthusiasts who prioritize audio quality above all else. With a library of over 100 million tracks in lossless CD quality, Qobuz offers an unparalleled selection of music across various genres. It's truly the perfect music streaming platform for someone who loves to discover new artists and untapped subgenres. Qobuz is committed to providing a significant portion of its library in studio master quality (24-bit/192 kHz) — Over 250,000 Hi-Res tracks to be exact. Their extensive music library is just one of the many things that make Qobuz the top music streaming platform, so let's explore deeper and compare it to some heavy-hitting HiFi competitors.

Why Choose Qobuz

In the world of high-resolution music streaming, Qobuz has secured its position as a top player, competing with the likes of TIDAL, Deezer, and Amazon Music Unlimited. Qobuz offers a personalized user experience with a wealth of curated content beyond music. Dive into artist interviews and HiFi product reviews in Qobuz's Magazine or thumb through a collection of curated playlists that suit your current mood. If you're on the hunt for your next new music obsession, Qobuz's extensive album and artist recommendations will keep you engaged and satisfied. And if you’re an audiophile looking for a community beyond Head-Fi, the exclusive Qobuz Club provides a place to connect with like-minded individuals from across the world. Hi-res sound is just the tip of the iceberg — Here are the features that make Qobuz the superior hi-res streaming choice.

Qobuz Monthly Subscriptions

qobuz studio subscription overview

Studio Solo: Starting at $10.83/month for one account

Studio Duo: $14.99/month with two accounts on one subscription

Studio Family: $17.99/month with up to six accounts under one subscription. For less than the price of two subscriptions you get unlimited music streaming for the entire family

qobuz sublime subscription overview

Sublime Solo: Starting at $14.99/month for one account

Sublime Duo: $14.99/month with two accounts on one subscription

Studio Family: $17.99/month with up to six accounts under one subscription. For less than the price of two subscriptions you get unlimited music streaming for the entire family

Sound Quality

Qobuz boasts an incredibly large digital music catalog with over 100 million tracks in lossless CD quality (FLAC 16-bit/44.1kHz) and over 250,000 Hi-Res tracks (24-bit/192kHz). It's hard to beat the clarity, dynamic range, and definition you hear from a Qobuz track and the platform is constantly adding to its vast music catalog as new artists emerge and songs are released.

Q: Can I import my favorite tracks and playlist from another platform?

A: Yes, as a Qobuz subscriber, you can import their favorite songs and playlists from other platforms with the Soundiiz tool.

When I made the switch from Napster to Qobuz I was concerned about losing the hundreds of tracks I saved and custom playlists I created over the years. With the help of Soundiiz I was able to successfully transfer my tracks and playlists with minimal issues. There were a few tracks that were not in Qobuz's catalog so they couldn't be transferred. 

Q: Can you buy music downloads on Qobuz?

A: Yes, Qobuz tracks are available for purchase through the download store.

When you buy music on Qobuz you get to choose the file format that works best for you, and when you're ready to cancel your subscription and move on from Qobuz, your purchased media goes with you! This is a great option for audio professionals who want to use samples or elements from purchased tracks in their work. Owning the music files can provide more flexibility and legal clarity compared to using streamed music. 

Q: Can I listen to music offline with Qobuz?

A: Yes! Users can easily download their favorite tracks and listen at any time, without having to worry about a stable connection.

One of the key advantages of Qobuz's offline listening feature is that it preserves the original audio quality of the downloaded files. You get to choose the file format you wish to download, whether that's a lower quality to save space on your device or high-resolution for ultimate playback.

Personalized User Experience

Qobuz offers a personalized user experience that caters to the unique tastes and preferences of each subscriber. Using advanced algorithms and user data, Qobuz is able to provide tailored recommendations, playlists, and content that evolves with your listening habits.

One of the key features of Qobuz's personalized experience is its 'My Weekly Q' playlist. Every Friday, Qobuz generates a custom-curated selection of tracks based on your favorite genres, artists, and recent listening history. My Weekly Q introduces you to new music that aligns with your tastes, helping you discover hidden gems and expand your musical horizons. Every employee at Moon Audio has a subscription to Qobuz and personally speaking, My Weekly Q has introduced me to so many new artists as well as resurfacing songs I've heard before, loved, but forgotten.

In addition to personalized playlists, Qobuz offers a large collection of curated playlists that you can filter by format, genre, mood, activity, artist, and much more. Whether you're hosting a dinner party and want to set the mood with the perfect Italian-inspired playlist or simply relaxing at home on a rainy day, Qobuz has a curated playlist to suit your needs. One notable playlist category on Qobuz is 'Listening With,' which features playlists curated by well-known artists, producers, and music industry figures. These playlists offer a unique glimpse into the creator's mind, allowing listeners to gain insights into their musical tastes and influences. Not only are you listening to their favorite songs but you also get to read a personal anecdote about the playlist — Be it what songs inspired them, when they listen to these tracks, and so on. It's not often that you get to hear the 'method behind the madness.'

As a Qobuz subscriber, you can create playlists and share them publicly with other Qobuz users as well. We've created a company Qobuz playlist titled 'Moon Audio: Company Favorites 2023,' that's available for all Qobuz subscribers to enjoy.

Moon Audio's Playlist

You can access Qobuz through the browser web player, as well as download the Qobuz app for desktop, mobile, and tablet. Upon launching Qobuz, users will be prompted to the 'Discover' dashboard, which serves as the platform's homepage. There, you will find new releases (handpicked by Qobuz), Qobuz Playlists, Top Albums, Albums of the Week, Trending, Qobuz Essential Discography, and Qobuzissime — An award presented by Qobuz for the release of a first or second album. The selections on the Discover page are constantly changing so you can continue to explore new songs, artists, and albums.

Qobuz Club

A unique perk to subscribers is Qobuz Club, an exclusive community for audiophiles and music lovers. Think of Qobuz Club as Facebook or Reddit for users where they can share opinions and discuss HiFi and music topics in one place. The platform is made up of 'spaces' that users can join, create posts in, comment on others, and share personal playlists. As a member of Qobuz Club, you have access to exclusive events, such as intimate live performances, listening parties, and virtual meet-and-greets with artists. You'll also receive discounts on high-end audio equipment and vinyl records. Qobuz Club bridges the gap between Qobuz experts and users, making it a place where you can participate in discussions with like-minded individuals who all bond over their shared love of music.

Curated Editorial Content

In addition to personalized user content, Qobuz offers a wealth of editorial content curated by Qobuz experts. Coined 'Qobuz Magazine', subscribers can access in-depth articles, interviews, reviews, videos, and much more. These pieces are written by experienced music journalists and industry professionals, providing insights into the history, context, and significance of various artists, albums, and genres.

Within the 'News' section of Qobuz Magazine, you can find articles on the album of the week, artists to watch, annotated listening sessions, and Qobuzissime awards. The 'Videos' section provides a more immersive experience where users can watch in-depth interviews with artists and music creators. Interactive long-form articles called 'Panoramas' serve as comprehensive guides to specific artists, musical genres, periods, or styles. Within a panorama article, readers can find videos, mini-documentaries, and handpicked lists of songs that demonstrate the styles and forms laid out in the article. Lastly, Qobuz Magazine's 'Hi-Fi' section houses all things HiFi product-related. You can find articles on the best audio products of the year, how-to guides, and expert-tested product reviews. Obviously, we're partial to our blogs and in-depth product reviews, but nevertheless, it's a neat feature that you wouldn't traditionally see on a music streaming service.

Qobuz's curated content provides subscribers with a rich, informative, and engaging music experience that goes beyond the tracks and norm of most hi-res streaming services.

Qobuz vs. Popular Music Streaming Services

So how does Qobuz stack up against the competition? We've reviewed and analyzed some of the top HiFi streaming services currently on the market, judging them based on these five parameters:

  1. Audio Quality: Supported file formats
  2. Cost: Subscription plans
  3. Catalog: Number of tracks, genres, and exclusive content offered
  4. Device Support: Compatibility with various audio systems and devices
  5. Offline playback: Ability to download music for offline listening

While Qobuz is our choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts, ultimately the best music streaming service for you will depend on your individual priorities, budget, and listening preferences.

BRAND

Audio Quality

Cost

Catalog

Device Support

Offline Playback

Hi-Res (24-bit/192kHz) or (24-bit/96kHz)

Lossless FLAC (16-bit/44.1kHz)

MP3 (320kbps)

Qobuz Studio: $10.83/month (available in Solo, Duo, Family plans)

Qobuz Sublime: $14.99/month (available in Solo, Duo, Family plans)

Qobuz Family: $17.99/month with up to 6 accounts

Over 250,000 Hi-Res albums across every genre

Over 100 million tracks in Lossless CD quality

Compatible with Windows, macOS desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Smart TVs; Chromecast; Apple CarPlay; Android Auto

Astell&Kern DAP Music Players, Aurender Music Streamers & Servers, Bluesound Music Streamers & Speakers, Bryston , dCS Network Players, Esoteric N-05XD Headphone Amplifier, USB DAC & Network Player, Naim, iFi Audio

Yes, users can download tracks for offline listening on mobile devices

Lossless Ultra HD (24-bit/192kHz)

Lossless HD (16-bit/44.1kHz)

Individual: $10.99/month

Family: $16.99/month with up to six users

Single Device: $5.99/month

Student: $5.99/month

(Discounted Plan prices for Prime members)

Over 100 million songs in HD quality

Over 7 million songs in Ultra HD quality

Compatible with Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet, Amazon Alexa Echo devices

Bluesound Music Streamers & Speakers

Yes, users can download songs, albums, and playlists for offline listening

Hi-Res Lossless Audio (48kHz-192kHz)

Lossless Audio (Up to 48kHz)

Student: $5.99/month

Individual: $10.99/month

Family: $16.99/month with up to six users

Over 90 million songs and 30,000 playlists with the world's largest classical music catalog

Compatible with all Apple devices; CarPlay; Windows, macOS desktop; Android Mobile/Tablet; Amazon Alexa Echo devices; Google Nest; Smart TVs (Samsung); Playstation & Xbox

Yes, users can download and add up to 10,000 songs to their personal library for offline listening

16-bit FLAC Lossless CD-quality (16-bit/1411kbps)

Free Plan

Premium: $11.99/month

Duo: $15.99/month with up to 2 users

Family: $19.99/month with up to 6 users

Over 120 million songs with expansive categories based on mood, activity, genre

90 million tracks in HiFi streaming quality

Compatible with Windows, macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Xbox; Smart TVs; Amazon Alexa Echo devices; Android Auto, Apple CarPlay; Chromecast; Google

Bluesound Music Streamers & Speakers, Sony DAP Music Players

Yes, users can download songs for offline listening as well as import an existing music collection from another streaming service

AAC

Free Plan

Pandora Plus: $4.99/month

Pandora Premium: $9.99/month

Family, Student, and Military Plans available at a discounted rate

Uncertain

Compatible with Windows, macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Smart TVs; Voice assistants (Alexa, Google); Apple CarPlay

Yes, users with the Pandora Premium Plan can listen offline

Hi-Res Audio (24-bit/192kHz)

MP3, FLAC

Streaming: $10.99/month

Streaming Plus: $14.99/month

200,000 Classical and Jazz Albums

Over 70,000 Digital Booklets

Compatible with Windows, macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet

Bluesound Music Streamers & Speakers

Yes, users can download songs in MP3 and FLAC file format for offline listening

Free Plan:

Automatic (24kbps-128kbps)

Normal (up to 128kbps)

High (up to 160kbps)

Very High (up to 320kbps)

Premium Plan:

Automatic (24kbps-320kbps)

Normal (96kbps)

High (160kbps)

'Very High' Bitrate of approximately 320kbps - Considered 'Lossy'

Free Plan

Premium Individual: $10.99/month

Premium Duo: $14.99/month with up to 2 users

Premium Family: $16.99/month with up to 6 users

Premium Student: $5.99/month

Over 70 million songs

Compatible with Windows, macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto; Playstation & Xbox; Smart TVs

Bluesound Music Streamers & Speakers, dCS Rossini APEX Player, Naim Mu-So Wireless Music System

Yes, users can download up to 10,000 songs each on 5 devices for offline listening

For online streaming: AAC, MP3

On-demand Content: AAC, MP3

Car & App Plans:

Platinum: $23.99/month

Music & Entertainment: $18.99/month

Music Showcase: $13.99/month

App-Only Plan: $9.99/month

No central library catalog. Instead, a curated selection of over 425 channels

SiriusXM App available on Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Windows, mac/macOS Desktop; Smart TVs; Amazon Alexa Echo devices; Google

Uncertain

Max: Hi-Res Lossless Codec FLAC (up to 24-bit/192kHz)

High (up to 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC)

Low (up to 320kbps)

MQA

Individual: $10.99/month

Family: $16.99/month with up to 6 users

Student: $4.99/month

110+ million tracks

Compatible with Windows, mac/macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto; Playstation & Xbox; Smart TVs; Chromecast; Amazon Alexa Echo devices

Bluesound Music Streamers & Speakers, dCS Network Players, Esoteric N-05XD Headphone Amplifier, USB DAC & Network Player, iFi Audio, Matrix Audio Music Streamers, Technics SL-G700M2 SACD Player & Network Music Player, Roon

Yes, users with the Individual and Student plan can download songs for offline listening

Audio Quality

Cost

Catalog

Device Support

Offline Playback

Qobuz

Hi-Res (24-bit/192kHz) or (24-bit/96kHz)

Lossless FLAC (16-bit/44.1kHz)

MP3 (320kbps)

Qobuz Studio: $10.83/month (available in Solo, Duo, Family plans)

Qobuz Sublime: $14.99/month (available in Solo, Duo, Family plans)

Qobuz Family: $17.99/month with up to 6 accounts


Over 250,000 Hi-Res albums across every genre

Over 100 million tracks in Lossless CD quality

Compatible with Windows, macOS desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Smart TVs; Chromecast; Apple CarPlay; Android Auto

Astell&Kern DAP Music PlayersAurender Music Streamers & ServersBluesound Music Streamers & SpeakersBryston dCS Network PlayersEsoteric N-05XD Headphone Amplifier, USB DAC & Network PlayerNaimiFi Audio

Yes, users can download tracks for offline listening on mobile devices

Amazon Music Unlimited

Lossless Ultra HD (24-bit/192kHz)

Lossless HD (16-bit/44.1kHz)

Individual: $10.99/month

Family: $16.99/month with up to six users

Single Device: $5.99/month

Student: $5.99/month

(Discounted Plan prices for Prime members)

Over 100 million songs in HD quality

Over 7 million songs in Ultra HD quality

Compatible with Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet, Amazon Alexa Echo devices

Bluesound Music Streamers & Speakers

Yes, users can download songs, albums, and playlists for offline listening

Apple Music

Hi-Res Lossless Audio (48kHz-192kHz)

Lossless Audio (Up to 48kHz)

Student: $5.99/month

Individual: $10.99/month

Family: $16.99/month with up to six users

Over 90 million songs and 30,000 playlists with the world's largest classical music catalog

Compatible with all Apple devices; CarPlay; Windows, macOS desktop; Android Mobile/Tablet; Amazon Alexa Echo devices; Google Nest; Smart TVs (Samsung); Playstation & Xbox

Yes, users can download and add up to 10,000 songs to their personal library for offline listening

Deezer

16-bit FLAC Lossless CD-quality (16-bit/1411kbps)

Free Plan

Premium: $11.99/month

Duo: $15.99/month with up to 2 users

Family: $19.99/month with up to 6 users

Over 120 million songs with expansive categories based on mood, activity, genre

90 million tracks in HiFi streaming quality

Compatible with Windows, macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Xbox; Smart TVs; Amazon Alexa Echo devices; Android Auto, Apple CarPlay; Chromecast; Google

Bluesound Music Streamers & SpeakersSony DAP Music Players

Yes, users can download songs for offline listening as well as import an existing music collection from another streaming service

Pandora

AAC

Free Plan

Pandora Plus: $4.99/month

Pandora Premium: $9.99/month

Family, Student, and Military Plans available at a discounted rate

Uncertain

Compatible with Windows, macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Smart TVs; Voice assistants (Alexa, Google); Apple CarPlay

Yes, users with the Pandora Premium Plan can listen offline

PrestoMusic

Hi-Res Audio (24-bit/192kHz)

MP3, FLAC

Streaming: $10.99/month

Streaming Plus: $14.99/month

200,000 Classical and Jazz Albums

Over 70,000 Digital Booklets

Compatible with Windows, macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet

Bluesound Music Streamers & Speakers

Yes, users can download songs in MP3 and FLAC file format for offline listening

Spotify

Free Plan:

Automatic (24kbps-128kbps)

Normal (up to 128kbps)

High (up to 160kbps)

Very High (up to 320kbps)

Premium Plan:

Automatic (24kbps-320kbps)

Normal (96kbps)

High (160kbps)

'Very High' Bitrate of approximately 320kbps - Considered 'Lossy'

Free Plan

Premium Individual: $10.99/month

Premium Duo: $14.99/month with up to 2 users

Premium Family: $16.99/month with up to 6 users

Premium Student: $5.99/month

Over 70 million songs

Compatible with Windows, macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto; Playstation & Xbox; Smart TVs

Bluesound Music Streamers & SpeakersdCS Rossini APEX PlayerNaim Mu-So Wireless Music System

Yes, users can download up to 10,000 songs each on 5 devices for offline listening

SiriusXM

For online streaming: AAC, MP3

On-demand Content: AAC, MP3

Car & App Plans:

Platinum: $23.99/month

Music & Entertainment: $18.99/month

Music Showcase: $13.99/month

App-Only Plan: $9.99/month

No central library catalog. Instead, a curated selection of over 425 channels

SiriusXM App available on Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Windows, mac/macOS Desktop; Smart TVs; Amazon Alexa Echo devices; Google

Uncertain

TIDAL

Max: Hi-Res Lossless Codec FLAC (up to 24-bit/192kHz)

High (up to 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC)

Low (up to 320kbps)

MQA

Individual: $10.99/month

Family: $16.99/month with up to 6 users

Student: $4.99/month

110+ million tracks

Compatible with Windows, mac/macOS Desktop; Apple iOS, Android Mobile/Tablet; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto; Playstation & Xbox; Smart TVs; Chromecast; Amazon Alexa Echo devices

Bluesound Music Streamers & SpeakersdCS Network Players, Esoteric N-05XD Headphone Amplifier, USB DAC & Network Player, iFi Audio, Matrix Audio Music StreamersTechnics SL-G700M2 SACD Player & Network Music Player, Roon

Yes, users with the Individual and Student plan can download songs for offline listening

A Closer Look at each Music Streaming Service

Qobuz

Amazon Music Unlimited

Apple Music

Deezer

Pandora

PrestoMusic

Spotify

SiriusXM

TIDAL

Qobuz streaming service logo

With a Qobuz subscription you get:

  • 1-month Free Trial Period
  • Capable of 24-bit Hi-Res Lossless Music
  • Over 250,000 Hi-Res albums and over 100 million tracks in Lossless CD quality
  • Exclusive editorial content: Reviews, HiFi product tutorials, buying guides, video interviews, in-depth artist interviews on the Qobuz Magazine
  • Qobuz Club: An exclusive community for audiophiles and music lovers
  • My Weekly Q: Weekly custom-curated selection of tracks based on your favorite genres
  • Curated playlists based on genre, mood, activity, artist, format
  • Ability to download songs for offline listening
  • Track imports from other streaming services
  • Ability to purchase tracks for lifetime ownership

Qobuz Studio subscribers get access to stream and download hi-res music with original editorial content and offline listening.

Qobuz Sublime subscribers get access to stream and download albums in Hi-Res and CD quality with original editorial content, offline listening, and discounts on Hi-Res purchases up to 60%.

The reigning king of hi-res streaming, Qobuz offers the most robust user experience with content dedicated to discerning audiophiles. It has the largest music collection of the streaming services listed with the ability to purchase tracks, download tracks, and listen offline. While it lacks the child-friendly curated content that TIDAL offers, Qobuz is the best service to discover new artists and expand your musical horizon.

Pros: Support for high-resolution audio, vast curated content collection, downloads, purchases and offline listening

Cons: No student plan or child-friendly curated content

Discover the Audiophile's Choice for Hi-Res Audio Streaming

For those seeking the ultimate hi-res music streaming experience, Qobuz is the clear choice. With its uncompromising sound quality, personalized user experience, and curated content, Qobuz stands out in the crowded world of digital music streaming. While TIDAL is the clear runner-up with its curated content for children and a large library of tracks, it falls short of reaching the same sound quality level as Qobuz. If you're a budget-conscious shopper we recommend taking advantage of the free trials offered by these music streaming services so you can experience each platform and then decide.

Audiophiles and music enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on sound quality will be delighted with Qobuz's robust offering of lossless audio and hi-res quality tracks. Qobuz makes it incredibly easy to discover new artists and branch out from your typical listening habits— which can be hard to do on your own. There are very few music streaming platforms that will curate a playlist for you weekly, refreshing the list with an array of new tracks so you never get bored of listening to the same thing. Qobuz's 'My Weekly Q' is truly the hidden gem of this music streaming service.

So whether you're exploring new genres, rediscovering classic albums, or diving into the latest releases from your favorite artists, Qobuz provides a platform that caters to your musical tastes and desires.

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Cayla Menges

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing" - Benjamin Franklin

For Cayla Menges, combining her passion for writing and love for music is the perfect recipe. Cayla uses her love for storytelling and experience as a former newspaper journalist to create content that informs and resonates with music lovers and audiophiles alike. When she's not at Moon Audio, Cayla enjoys bingeing reality TV, knitting, trying her hand at new recipes, traveling and spending time with family and friends.