TIDAL
TIDAL is an artist-first, fan-centered music streaming platform with over 180 million songs in HiFi sound quality.
What TIDAL is
TIDAL is an artist-first, fan-centered music streaming platform with over 180 million songs in HiFi sound quality. Its Individual plan includes ad-free and offline listening, personalized mixes, and editorial playlists. Max audio quality offers HiRes FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz; High offers FLAC up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz, and Low reaches 320 kbps. Dolby Atmos is also listed among supported formats. TIDAL has web, desktop, iOS, and Android apps, with HiRes FLAC support across those applications. TIDAL Connect can stream FLAC and Dolby Atmos to supported devices and lets listeners switch playback between devices within the app. Supported-device integrations include Sonos, Bluesound, Roon, Naim, Denon, and Chromecast. DJ integrations include rekordbox, Serato, djay Pro, VirtualDJ, Denon DJ, and DJUCED. Subscribers can access and mix music through DJ partners, with stem separation available through compatible hardware and software. Playlists can be imported from other services. Individual costs $11.99 a month plus applicable taxes; Family is $19.99 a month plus applicable taxes.
Good
- Offers HiRes FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
- Paid plans include ad-free, offline listening.
- Individual includes personalized mixes and editorial playlists.
- Playlists can be imported from other services.
- Lists integrations with several DJ platforms.
Watch out
- There is no free plan.
- Individual costs $11.99 a month plus applicable taxes.
- Family costs $19.99 a month plus applicable taxes.
- Family is limited to up to six members.
Who it suits
TIDAL suits listeners seeking lossless or HiRes FLAC playback, offline listening, or music across supported devices. Its DJ plans are for subscribers using compatible DJ software.
Verdict
TIDAL combines a large music catalogue with lossless, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos formats, plus offline listening on paid plans. Listeners choosing a plan should note the monthly prices and that Family supports up to six individual accounts.
Plans and prices
From TIDAL's own pricing page, checked 2 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $11.99 a month | Made for 1 person · Millions of tracks in lossless, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos · Ad-free, offline listening · Personalized mixes and editorial playlists · $11.99 / month + applicable taxes |
| Individual | Priced on request | 1 person |
| Student | — | Eligible college and U.S. high school students aged 16 or older |
| Student | Priced on request | Eligible college and U.S. high school students aged 16 or older |
| Family | $19.99 a month | For up to 6 members · Lossless, HiRes FLAC, and Dolby Atmos · Ad-free, offline listening · Clean playlists and curated content for kids · Individual account for each member · $19.99 / month + applicable taxes |
| Family | Priced on request | Up to 6 members |
| DJ | $19.99 a month | Requires DJ software · Access to full catalog through compatible DJ software · Stem separation and offline mode via select DJ partners · $19.99 / month + applicable taxes |
| DJ | Priced on request | Requires DJ software |
| DJ Student | — | Eligible students · Requires DJ software |
| DJ Student | Priced on request | Eligible students · Requires DJ software |
The facts
Each one read from TIDAL's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio quality
- Max quality can provide HiRes FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz, High provides FLAC up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz, and Low provides up to 320 kbps.checked 2 Oct 2001
- DJ integrations
- TIDAL lists DJ integrations including rekordbox, Serato, djay Pro, VirtualDJ, Denon DJ, and DJUCED.checked 2 Oct 2001
- DJ use
- The DJ page says subscribers can access and mix TIDAL music through DJ integration partners, with stem separation available through compatible hardware and software.checked 2 Oct 2001
- HiRes support
- HiRes FLAC is supported through TIDAL desktop and web applications and on iOS and Android devices.checked 2 Oct 2001
- Listening
- Paid plans include ad-free, offline listening, and the Individual plan includes personalized mixes and editorial playlists.checked 2 Oct 2001
- Lossless audio
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2001
- Maximum audio quality
- hi-reschecked 21 Sep 2001
- Notable limit
- The Family plan is for up to six members, each with an individual account.checked 2 Oct 2001
- Offline listening
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2001
- Playlist transfer
- TIDAL says users can import playlists from other services.checked 2 Oct 2001
- Privacy
- TIDAL's privacy notice says it processes personal data for accounts, streaming services, its clients and websites, and states that it follows applicable data protection laws and regulations.checked 2 Oct 2001
- Product
- TIDAL describes itself as an artist-first, fan-centered music streaming platform with over 180 million songs in HiFi sound quality.checked 2 Oct 2001
- Support
- TIDAL directs customers to its support pages for answers and customer assistance.checked 2 Oct 2001
- TIDAL Connect
- TIDAL Connect streams FLAC and Dolby Atmos to supported devices, allows switching devices within the app, and keeps playback going during calls.checked 2 Oct 2001
Where it runs
- Device integrations
- The supported-device directory lists integrations including Sonos, Bluesound, Roon, Naim, Denon, and Chromecast.checked 2 Oct 2001
- Devices
- TIDAL offers a web player, desktop apps for macOS 14+ and Windows 10+, and apps for Android and iOS.checked 2 Oct 2001
- Dolby Atmos
- TIDAL plans list Dolby Atmos among supported music formats.checked 2 Oct 2001
- Supported platforms
- web,Windows,macOS,iOS,Android,Apple TV,Android TV,Apple Watch,Chromecast,CarPlay,Android Auto,Amazon Alexachecked 21 Sep 2001
Money
- Family plan
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2001
- Free plan
- Nochecked 21 Sep 2001
- Student plan
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2001
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