The best Spotify alternatives in 2026
Spotify scores 9.0 and ranks #1 in Music & Podcasts. It's not for everyone: skip it if you want hi-res audio first or dislike ad-driven data collection. Here's every alternative we rank, and exactly where each one is stronger or weaker.
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- More private +2.6
- Worse value -0.8
- Slower -0.6
- Fewer features -0.5
Best for: iPhone and Mac users who want high-quality audio without ads
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- More private +1.8
- Slower -0.8
- Fewer features -0.7
- Weaker design -0.4
Best for: Podcast listeners who move between Android, iPhone and a computer
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- More private +2.8
- Fewer features -1.3
- Slower -0.7
- Weaker design -0.6
Best for: iPhone listeners who want a simple, fast player with great audio tools
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- Fewer features -2.2
- More private +2.0
- Better value +0.6
Best for: Music lovers who often hear a song and want to know what it is
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- More private +1.8
- Worse value -1.4
- Fewer features -1.1
- Slower -1.0
Best for: Audiophiles with good headphones or hi-fi gear who want hi-res streaming
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- Weaker design -1.2
- Slower -1.0
- Worse value -1.0
- Fewer features -0.8
Best for: YouTube Premium subscribers and fans of live versions, covers and remixes
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- Weaker design -1.6
- Fewer features -1.5
- Slower -1.5
- Worse value -1.2
Best for: Fans of electronic, hip-hop and underground music, and the artists making it
Still deciding on Spotify?Read our full review, pros and cons.