The best YouTube Music alternatives in 2026
YouTube Music scores 8.0 and ranks #7 in Music & Podcasts. It's not for everyone: skip it if you want hi-res audio or prefer an app that collects less data. Here's every alternative we rank, and exactly where each one is stronger or weaker.
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- Better design +1.2
- Faster +1.0
- Better value +1.0
- More features +0.8
Best for: Music fans who want great recommendations on every device they own
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- More private +3.4
- Better design +1.0
- Faster +0.4
Best for: iPhone and Mac users who want high-quality audio without ads
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- More private +2.6
- Better design +0.8
- Better value +0.8
Best for: Podcast listeners who move between Android, iPhone and a computer
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- More private +3.6
- Better value +0.8
- Better design +0.6
- Fewer features -0.5
Best for: iPhone listeners who want a simple, fast player with great audio tools
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- More private +2.8
- Better value +1.6
- Fewer features -1.4
- Better design +1.0
Best for: Music lovers who often hear a song and want to know what it is
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- More private +2.6
- Better design +0.5
- Worse value -0.4
Best for: Audiophiles with good headphones or hi-fi gear who want hi-res streaming
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- Fewer features -0.7
- Slower -0.5
- Weaker design -0.4
- More private +0.4
Best for: Fans of electronic, hip-hop and underground music, and the artists making it
Still deciding on YouTube Music?Read our full review, pros and cons.