Qobuz vs Tidal: Which One is Better for You in 2024
Tidal and Qobuz are two of the best major music streaming platforms with superior audio quality. And therefore, both the services are appealing to music enthusiasts who are fond of high-quality top-notch sound. Yet, there are different other factors that makes a streaming service stand out, such as features and song catalog. This makes the selection process a hassle. Relying on your preferences, you must select pick the service that suffice your needs and is value for money. Fortunately, it is simple to understand which of these music streaming platforms is ideal fit once you know everything they offer. In this article, we will offer an in-depth Qobuz vs Tidal comparison that will give you a head start. Keep reading to know more.
Part 1. Qobuz vs Tidal: Sound Quality
When it comes to Qobuz vs Tidal sound quality, both the services provide 3 audio quality options to users. Qobuz offers CD Quality (16-bit/44,1kHz), MP3 at 320 kbps, and Hi-Res Audio (24-Bit/ up to 192kHz). Similarly, Tidal too provides Lossless Quality at 1411 kbps, AAC Quality at 160 kbps, and High-Res Quality at 2304-9216 kbps.
However, there is a difference here. Tidal supports MQA in their High-Res audio quality option, while Qobuz enables its users to directly stream hi-res music without using MQA. This MQA feature has received many negative and positive reviews when it comes to sound quality. Some users claim that Qobuz sounds more natural while Tidal sounds more manmade. Some has the opposite thoughts.
Part 2. Tidal vs Qobuz: Music Library
Apart from Tidal vs Qobuz audio quality, users must also take the size of music library into consideration. Qobuz states that it has over 100 million tracks in the best quality possible. Amongst the 100 million tracks on Qobuz, over 424,000 of these files are available in Hi-Res sound quality. The service does not provide any other file type, only music.
In contrast, Tidal comes with more than 450,000 videos and over 90 million tracks. The service has an entire section solely dedicated to music videos. Similar to audio tracks, users can also download videos as well. Unlike Qobuz, users can stream audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio files.
Tidal does not have a huge library of Hi-Res tracks like Qobuz, providing only 25,000 titles in its catalog. The few Hi-Ref tracks might be a disadvantage, but that is only likely to impact the music fans. If you wish to keep up with trending podcasts, videos, and audiobooks, then Tidal is for you. If you only care about high-quality tracks, Qobuz is your option.
Part 3. Qobuz versus Tidal: Price and Plans
Speaking of Quobuz vs Tidal price plans, Qobuz provides Qobuz Sublime and Qobuz Studio subscriptions. It comes for a price tag of $15/month and $10.83/month respectively. In addition to this, there are Solo, Duo, and Family plans, offer different streaming audio quality. The table below will give you a brief idea.
Studio | Sublime | |
---|---|---|
Solo (1 account) | $12.99/month Annual: $10.83/month | $15.00/month |
Duo (2 accounts) | $17.99/month Annual: $14.99/month | $22.49/month |
Family (up to 6 accounts) | $21.90/month Annual: $17.99/month | $29.17/month |
Tdis | Tdis | Tdis |
On the other hand, Tidal has a Free plan and also comes with two main paid subscriptions plans—Tidal HiFi and HiFi Plus for a price tag of $9.99/month and $19.99/month respectively. The individual, family, student, and military plans are also provided with different sound quality.
Hi-Fi | Hi-Fi Plus | |
Individual | $9.99/month | $19.99/month |
Student | $4.99/month | $9.99/month |
Family | $14.99/month (for 6 accounts) | $29.99/month (for 6 accounts) |
Military | $5.99/month | $11.99/month |
First Responders | $5.99/month | $11.99/month |
In simple terms, if you just wish to hear to music online, then you could opt for free Tidal plan. Users can enjoy tons of tracks on Tidal without a penny.
Part 4. Qobuz vs Tidal: Interface and User Experience
In terms of Tidal versus Qobuz interface and user experience, Tidal is claimed to have a clean aesthetic and a beautiful in appearance, with more focus on accessibility instead of other things. Users will not find getting lost in unnecessary UI elements while trying to find music. In general, Tidal is easily accessible on its desktop, web player, and mobile app. It is also compatible with other devices such as tablets, smartphones, voice assistants, wearable devices, streaming devices, car systems, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Irrespective of how you select to use Tidal, you must have no issues when using it.
Comparing Qobuz’s user interface in this Tidal vs Quobuz battle, users will not be disappointed here. Qobuz aims on clarity and clean design for its users. That is obvious since users do not want to be confused when trying to find a specific function while streaming music. This minimalistic design is great and offers users everything they will need during your music hunts. For extra convenience, users can access Qobuz on different devices such as tablets, smartphones, streaming devices, computers, car systems, smart TVs, voice assistants, wearable devices, and web browsers.
Part 5. Qobuz vs Tidal: Compatibility
When it comes to Qubuz vs Tidal compatibility, they both have a lot of options. They have apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and a web player version.
Apart from this, users can also install these apps on their Roku, Apple TV, or other digital devices. But Tidal has tied hands with more partners in comparison. Plenty of Hi-Fi firms have Tidal. But only a few firms stream to Qobuz, such as Linn and Sony. On the other hand, Qobuz enables users to stream music with Google Chromecast.
Part 6. Which One is Better for You: Qobuz or Tidal?
Which is better? Qobuz or Tidal? Both the music streaming platforms provide exceptional sound quality. A number of audio professionals state that Qobuz stays to be the market leader when it comes to audio quality. But if you are not a professional such as a sound engineer or a musician, then your thoughts might vary.
Tidal seems to be the winner for an average user. Users will not lose their habits if they are used to other services such as Spotify, Apple Music, or Deezer. Tidal offers a huge library of music and access to radio stations and podcasts. The fact that Qobuz only provides music can be an issue for users not interested in only sound quality. This does not mean that Qobuz is a bad option. With its editorial content and personalized advice, Qobuz provides tons of exciting features.
Bonus Tip. Download Tidal Music for Free Offline Playback without Limits
Tidal or Qobuz? Tidal seems to be the preferred choice. However, Tidal paid plans are not fairly cheap. This calls for a tool that can download all the tracks so that you can listen to it anytime and anywhere. HitPaw Video Converter is one such professional Tidal music converter, which can convert and download Tidal music to WAV, MP3, FLAC without compromising on audio quality.
It enables users to convert the Tidal albums, songs, and playlists at speed up to 120X faster than other tools. You can then hear to the downloaded songs offline forever, even without the subscription to the platform. These songs can be transferred to other devices as well. Follow the below steps to know how to use this tool.
.Step 1:Launch HitPaw and select TIDAL Converter on the main page.
Step 2:Open TIDAL on a browser and sign in with your account. Copy the link of the song, playlist, or album.
Step 3:Paste the TIDAL link in the HitPaw search box and tap Analysis option.
Step 4:Once the analysis is done, all songs are listed on the screen.
Step 5:You can select to convert the tracks to FLAC, MP3, WAV, and M4A.
Step 6:Lastly, tap Convert All to begin converting music from Tidal to computer.
Conclusion
With that being said, we just had a deep comparison between Qobuz vs Tidal. To conclude, if you an audiophile and love hi-res music, go for Qobuz. On the other hand, Tidal has more music, videos, and podcasts, and better music discovery features. Also, we had a look at HitPaw Video Converter, which is a great tool to help you listen to Tidal music. The tool enables downloading Tidal music even without a paid subscription and listen to your favorite music anytime, anywhere.
Share this article:
Select the product rating:
Joshua Hill
Editor-in-Chief
I have been working as a freelancer for more than five years. It always impresses me when I find new things and the latest knowledge. I think life is boundless but I know no bounds.
View all ArticlesLeave a Comment
Create your review for HitPaw articles