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Qobuz is the audiophiles streamer, filled to the brim with incredible streaming quality and editorial content.
Its more expensive than the competition, but artists are paid more and the service you get remains unparalleled.
It also packs in excellent streaming quality, as well as its own form of Spatial audio.
It wont set you back as much as Qobuz, either; or Spotify for that matter.
Do you want the best audio possible, or do you want more formats to play with?
Do you prefer to learn about your music, or download it?
While both seem to be targeting the same sound-conscious audience, they each have their own pros and cons.
But which is the best of the two?
We’ve tested them extensively to figure out the answer to that very question.
Its the cheaper of the two platforms byone whole dollarper month, with an individual membership costing $11.99.
Tidal also offers a student price, which brings down the price to $5.49 per month.
Otherwise, it’s a full-price individual membership.
Students get special study playlists as well.
The former is the cheaper option, and the latter the more expensive.
Lastly, Qobuz also has a student plan, which comes inlessthan Tidals.
If you want to listen to music while studying, Qobuz is the way to go.
As for which comes out on top here, its going to Tidal but only by a hair.
Tidal is cheaper monthly for most of its plans, which helps it win out here.
There are iPhone, iPad and macOS apps for Apple users, as well as Android and Windows apps.
Both apps have their issues, however.
A quick restart gets rid of the issue, but it’s annoying nonetheless.
Qobuz seems to like fast internet, and Ive had some issues streaming when the internet isveryslow.
Where availability becomes slightly trickier is with the two platforms' wireless protocols.
Both are compatible with AirPlay, and have their own connect options.
Its not the most reliable, however, with some dropouts.
Qobuz Connect is slightly newer, and there are fewer devices that accept the standard.
Tidal focuses more on features like spatial audio and swappable tech support and the like.
Its also trickier than it should be to find devices that support its mixes.
Theres then the usual spate of streaming platform features.
Qobuz, on the other hand, goes for a curation and editorial feature set.
Personally, Im a big fan of this prioritization of editorial.
There are interesting tidbits about everything from mega pop stars to esoteric black metal acts and everything in between.
There are also curated playlists, and up-next queues that now rival those found in Tidal.
Theyre just as good at this point, giving you suggestions based on the rest of your listening habits.
Those sit under the Discover tab.
I like the My Weekly Q playlist.
Thats created based on your listening habits, and Ive discovered some great music through it.
There are interesting tidbits about everything from mega pop stars to esoteric black metal acts and everything in between.
Theres offline listening too, although theres one big bonus in Qobuz that you dont get with Tidal.
The Qobuz store is a great way to buy and keep your music, all in incredibly hi-res formats.
Its a massive bonus for those who like to have copies of their music.
Given the wider appeal of a fancy audio format, this one goes to Tidal.
The bass line in PendulumsSalt in the Woundsfelt more impactful, and classical music recordings felt bigger.
The differences areveryslight, of course, but Qobuz takes the point when it comes to the sound quality.
Thats not to mention the incredible quality of the tracks that you might buy from Qobuz.
Its more expensive to access them, but its something completely lacking from Tidal.
Qobuz vs Tidal: Verdict
This one isextremelyclose.
Tidal wins out in price and features.
Interested in the tech side, and like the idea of spatial audio?
Tidal is the best for you, and likely most people.
